COMMERCIAL.

Messrs .1. T. Ford & Co. report on the I've stock market for the week ending Thursday, the 6th instant, as follows : There was a very short supply of sheep sent for ward yesterday at the Addington Market, and as the trade had to provide for a fortnight’s stock, the keenest com petition prevaile.d throughout the whole of the sale, and prices went up beyond the previous week’s from 2s to 2s Gd per head, and lots of the butchers will have to seek outside to carry them through to the 19th.

The yards were crowded with beef and store cattle, and, with very few excep tions, line after line was placed at fair prices, and with much briskness. The quality of some of the beef was very questionable, and it seems a pity but more discretion could be exercised in yarding, as it would facilitate business considerably, and prevent comparative stores to compete in the same class with fat. 3240 sheep, 676 cattle, and 128 pigs were entered on the hooks of the different salesmen. Mutton sold in fleece' at 2|d. per lb, and shorn at from 2d to 2|d per lb. Beef at from 25s to 27s 6d per 1001 b, fat lambs at from 7s 6d to 10s each, porkers from 25s to 45s each ; young fifteen months old cattle brought from 54s to £3 ss; calves from seven months old upwards, from 25s to 35s ; good steers for grazing purposes are in capital demand,' and quitted readily at from £5 10s to £6 10s each.

Our entries for the day were on ac count of the Hon. John Hall, Messrs Haydon, Sutton, Watson, Maddison, F. Tooth, Hartnell, Smith, Grieves,, Wm. Morland, A. D. Allan, Mann, Philpott, Linney, McClelland, Marshall Stavely, Webb, Pannett, Johnson, Osborne, S. Garforth, Hansen, and others, comprising 1210 sheep and 84 head cattle. Mr Tooth’s crossbreds brought 12s 9d each all round, Mr Hartnell’s crossbreds from 11s to 12s each all round ; the Hon. John Hall’s short merino wethers from 8s 6d to 93 each; Mr Maddison’s cross breds went up to 15s each, and his fat lambs to 10s each all round.

In store cattle we quitted a line of heifers on account of Mr T. Sutton at £5 12s 6d each ; also on account of Mr Osborne at £4 5s each. A line of young stock on account of Mr A. D. Allan at from £2 17s to £3 los each ; also on ac count of Mr Pannett at from £5 to £6 15s each.

At our wool and skin sale on Thursday we had the usual weekly attendance, and best butchers crossbreds went up to 4s 8d and 4s 9d each ; best' merino skins up to 4s 6d each ; medium of both classes from 3s 6d to 3s lOd eaclx : rough fat from Ifd to 2f d per lb ; wool in bags and odd lots sold at from s|d per lb. We did not offer our hides, as they are wanted for ship ment, and can be quoted at 3d per lb.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1879.

“ All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. ” So says an adage as old as it is true, and in this spring season of the year, when all nature is putting on holiday attire, it is only natural that humanity too should disport itself and enjoy the well earned recreation it deserves. Wherever the Anglo-Saxon race is collected together, something in the shape of horse, boat, or foot racing is indulged in, and no matter whether the stakes on an event be a couple of thousand pounds or two drinks, the colonial population, as a rule, look upon it as a duty to attend, and absence from sports or races is considered more unusual than non-attendonce at church. Ashbur ton is in no way behind other portions of the British dominions in enjoying holidays, and plenty of them at that. In fact the days set apart for enjoyment are, we think, rather numerous this year. There are the Prince of Wales’ Birthday on the 10th inst., the Show and Races on the 18th, 19th, and 20th, Caledonian Sports on Boxing Day, and Winslow Races, Warter ton Sports, and Rakaia Sports on New Year’s Day—so that the sport-loving public will have quite a choice of places at which to enjoy themselves. That money is available even in these hard times, is evi dent from the prices realised at the sale of privileges yesterday, and although a few growlers exist in the community, who delight in finding fault with the exertions of public spirited bodies, we are glad to find that their narrow-minded ideas are not believed in beyond a very limited section of the public at large. As a matter of fact a very small amount of the money run for at the Racing Club’s meeting is subscribed by the outside public, the owners of horses finding nearly the amount run for themselves, in the shape of entries and nominations; and the sport itself at country meetings has generally less of the betting element about it that obtains at the larger metropolitan races.

Native Coal. —The Rotomahana uses Bay of Islands’ coal, and steam was got up and maintained Avith that fuel, in both of the fast Sydney trips made by the steamer.

Water Power for Organs. The churches in Wellington are to have their organs blown on Sundays by water poAver. Fire Brigade. Lieutenant Joseph Dolman, of the Ashburton Fire Brigade, is determined not to be beaten by any difficulties he meets in making the best use of the means at the command of the corps. Yesterday afternoon, assisted by tAVO or three other enthusiastic members, he again tackled the pipe well in front of Saunders’ Buildings, and being a practical man a Avork of that description, he suc ceeded in overcoming all difficulties, and a gang of men being put on to the engine they succeeded in throwing a jet over the buildings. It is a matter for congratula tion that the perseverance of the Brigade has met with the reAvard it merits.

The Totalisator. The betting ma chine which caused so much anxiety to that speculative class of the community— the bookmakers —appears to have come to an untimely end at the Melbourne races. The bookmakers have all along claimed that the machine, instead of being a fair and square method of betting, was a huge swindle, and could, if licensed on race courses, be, in the hands of a clever and unscrupulous operator, a most successful means of fleecing the public. Telegrams from Melbourne state that several of the licensees of the patent have been arrested. Only a Aveek or so ago the Adelaide Go vernment actually passed a Bill through Parliament legalising the instrument. We imagine they will feel pretty small over their “ Totalisator Act.”

Cricket. —A meeting of the committee of the Ashburton Cricket Association was held at Messrs Saunders Bros. ’ office last evening. Present —Messrs S. Saunders (in the chair), Amos, Poyntz, and Main waring. Mr Poyntz reported that with Mr Wilkie he had waited upon the Domain Board, and had received a promise from the members that they would protect the interests of the Association as far as possible, but could not accede to the re quest for a lease of the ground, or the erection of gates applied for. Mr Main waring proposed and Mr Poyntz seconded, and it was carried —“ That the Secretary be instructed to request the Domain Board to move the present gate from Peter street to West street, about two chains north of junction of Peter and West streets.” Mr Poyntz moved and Mr Amos seconded, and it was carried—“ That the Chairman be authorised to procure a grass-mower for the Association ; cost not to exceed £10.” It was decided to postpone the match against Timaru, on account of the Christchurch show taking place on the same day as that selected by the visiting team.

Comedy and Burlesque Company. Last night the Comedy Company gave the first of their two entertainments in the Town Hall to a full audience. The com pany fully sustained the character they have earned, and the comedy and bur lesque they undertook were remarkably well gone thi-ough—especially the comedy of £IOI,OOO. To-night, Halliday’s serio comic drama, “ The Two Barmaids,” will be given as also last night’s burlesque, “ The Bride of Abydos.”

BnoMoru* Goods SHen.-WflUa following telegram addressed by Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.R. to Messrs Saunders Brothers, has been handed to us for publication : “ Wellington, Nov. 6.—Amount for Dro moi’ii goods shed included in Conyers' revised estimates ; therefore do not think further petition requisite.”

Special Train on Show Day. —On Wednesday, 12th November, ti allow the residents along the line of the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks an opportunity of spend ing a day at Christchurch Show, the directors of the railway have decided to run a special train from the fur'hest point of their line completed to the Rakaia junction. The train will start at an early hour in the morning and reach Rakaia in time to catch the first morning train north ; and will return again after the ar rival of the last train in the evening. The thoughtfulness of the directors in the mat ter will not be without its one value in the eyes of those whom it is intended to benefit.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

New Plymouth, Nov. 7. A boat going out of the Waitara river this morning, with gear to launch the Hannah Mokau, capsized, and four out of seven of the crexv on board of her were drowned. The casualty occurred on the Waitara bar, and the names of the men drowned are, Ben. Gollop, Harry Tate, Fred. Archer, and George Turnell. The last two were lately seamen of the schooner Nelson. The names of those saved are —Charles Somerville, Austin Dugdale, and William Paton. Mr Holmes and son, the head of the party, fortunately -went overland yesterday, and thus had a lucky escape. The boat has been completely destroyed. Wellington, Nov. 7.

Further enquiry into the Taratahi out rage points to the belief that the injuries were self-inflicted while the man was suf fering from religious mania.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

(Argus Special.)

London, Nov. 4.

It will probably be arranged that the Australian and Brindisi papers and letters will be carried at Southampton rates. The Austrian Squadron is ordered to Salonica.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Special.) Melbourne, Nov. 6. Government have undertaken the per manent survey of the first 100 miles of the North-western Canal. Government have agreed to reserve 100 square miles of the country on the banks of the Murray, to enable a private Com pany to form a Temperance Agricultural Settlement.

The Government propose to pass Esti mates, deal with the Reform Bill, and then go to the country Sydney, Nov. 6.

In the Sunday school assault case, the Magistrate stated that since last hearing of the case he had received letters from a rev. gentleman intended to influence his decision.

Adelaide, Nov. 6. Red rust is feared if the hot weather continues.

The following appeared in our second edition yesterday : [Special.) Sydney, Nov. 6.

The hank at Moe, Gippsland, has been stuck up by two bushrangers who were masked. The manager successfully re sisted them, but he was much knocked about. The robbers were not captured, and fled to the bush. The Government diver, diving in the river Belfast, Avas grabbed by an octopus. It Avas fully tAventy minutes before he could be released, and lie Avas then in a much exhausted state.

(Reuter's ) Sydney, Nov. 6.

Arrived—Rotorua. Brisbane, Nov. 6. Parliament is further prorogued to 23rd December.

Melbourne, Nov. 1

The Bank of Australasia at Moe was stuck-up last night by two men masked. They Avere successfully resisted, and although fired at, escaped to the bush. The police are in active pursuit. In the A ssembly last night, the Hon. Graham Berry stated he desired a dissolu tion, and Avould appeal to the country im mediately after dealing with the Reform measures noAv before Parliament.

Sailed—AraAvata, yesterday, with the Suez mail.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Dunedin, Nov. G,

A Naseby telegram in the “ Otago Daily Times,” states that Holderson’s claim, at Hyde, resumed washing on Friday, with the result of 120ozs for one day’s work ! Port Chalmers, Nov. 6.

The floating dock at Port Chalmers was unmoored to-day and taken to Dunedin, after a ten years’ stay in the Port. It is anticipated that an increase of business will result from the shift.

SPORTING.

V.R.C. SPRING MEETING.

(By Cable.)

Melbourne, Nov. 6.

There was a very good attendance at the above races to-day. The following is the result of the different events : The Oaks Stakes, a sweepstakes of 25 sovs each, h ft, with 300 added. For three year-old fillies, Bst 101 b. The second horse to receive 50 sovs out of the stake. One mile and a halff Petrea ... 1 Rivalry ... 2 Nelly 3 Time—2mins 421,-sec.

£|t?R’D»G Handicap, a sweepstake of 7 sovs each, h ft, with 150 added. For three year olds and upwards. One mile and a quarter. Levant ... ... ... 1 The Flying Stakes, a sAveepstakes of 5 sovs each, Avith 100 added. For two year-olds and upwards. Weight for age. Three quarters of a mile. Remembrance ... ... 1 Royal Park Stakes, a sAveepstakes of 6 sovs each, h ft, 150 added- For three-year-olds and upAvards. Weight for age. Tavo miles. First King 1

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday, November 6,

AFTERNOON SITTING The House met at 2.30. female franchise.

Colones Trimble gave notice that he would move —“ That Avomen of the age of 21, Avhose names are entered on the Rate payers’ Roll should be placed on the Electoral Roll.” QUESTIONS. In reply to questions, it AA r as stated that a portion of the first instalment of the Land Tax only had been collected, and as the time had expired, fresh legislation Avould be necessary for enabling the collection of the remainder. Five hundred acres of reserves had been gazetted as an endoAV ment of the Borough of Kumara, and no further reservation could be made under the Act. Govercment Avould consider means for providing townships, Avith less householders than required by the Muni cipal Act, AA'ith governing bodies. Govern ment did not intend to give effect to the recommendations made by the Agent- General for altering his designation to that of Resident Minister. Goxermnent had under consideration a proposal to place a sum on the Estimates for police station and R.M. Court at Lyttelton. Govern ment did not propose to appoint a Minister of Mines Avith an independent portfolio.

THE PRISONER AVOKGAN. The adjourned debate was resumed on the question that the Speaker issue his warrant for the production before the Native Affairs Committee, of Worgan, a prisoner in the Wanganui Gaol. The Hon J. Hall said that Government still maintained that further information should have heed given before the motion was made.

Mr Moss said it would be the duty of the Committee to resign if interfered Avith by the Government or the House. Mr Speight thought Government should have been prepared to make the question a Ministerial one.

Mr Hamlin, Chairman of the Commit tee, gave particulars of the action taken by the Committee and other information relative thci eto. Mr Moorhouse understood that the Speaker’s warrant would he Avorthless under the circumstances.

Mr Ormond argued that the matter Avas one which ought to have been dealt Avith by a IaAV court. He questioned the bona fides of the case ; the petitioner Davie was a man of indifferent character. He moved as an amendment —“ That a warrant should not be issued at present, that the Com mittee report on the bona fides of petition, and be instructed to confine the inquiry so as to ascertain Avhether the petitioner is or is not in a position to defray the expense of prosecuting his claim in a court of law. ” Mr De Lautour said he had investigated the affairs professionally and could satisfy the House of the bona fides of the peti tion. He contended the Speaker had power to issue his A\ r arrant for the purpose, and if it could be shoAvn he had not, no time should be lost in getting the power conferred on him.

Mr Adams spoke against the impolicy of summoning Avitnesses from a distance at the expense of the colony, unless two thirds of the Committee cencurred in the proposal. The Hon J. Hall said he looked upon the reasons given as sufficient to Avarrant Government in acquiescing in the applica tion. The bona fides of the petitioner having been questioned, it Avould neces sary to inquire into that point. If the re sult Avas satisfactory, he could see no reasons Avhy the application should not be granted. The debate Avas interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment.

EVENING SITTING.

The debate A\ r as resumed at 7.30 p.m., by Mr Turnbull, Avho stated that Govern ment would vote for the motion. Mr M'Lean said this Avas a case ten years oid old, and it ought to have been tried by a Special Committee, and not left to the disposal of the Native Affairs Com mitte. He would, hoivever, support the motion.

Mr Macandrew said that if the amend ment Avere carried, the effect would be to shelve the Avhole proceeding.

Mr Dick said the action of certain mem bers would have the effect of taking the work off the hands of the Committee, which, considering that the Committee was appointed by the House to do the work, was unfair. He would support the motion.

Mr Sutton said he had no idea until that evening that such a charge could be made against him. The real purpose was to get the balance of a sum of £17,500. He wished the matter to be fairly and fully investigated. On a division the amendment was lost by 44 to 21. Ayes, 21.—Messrs Atkinson, B ain, Beetliam, Driver, Gibbs Hall, Hurst house, Mason, McLean [teller) Oliver, Ormond (teller), Rolleston, Russell, Sey mour, Stevens, Studholme, Trimble, Whitaker, Willis, Wright. Noes, 44 —Messrs Adams, Allwright, Andrews, Ballanee, Baron, Bryce, De Lautour (teller), Dick, Finn, Fulton, George, Gisborne, Hamlin (teller), Harris, Hislop, Hurst, Hutchison, Ireland, Kelly, Lundon, Macandrew, M‘Donald, Montgomery, Moorhouse, Moss, Murray, Pyke, Reeves, Reid, Seddon, Shanks, Sheehan, Sheppard, Speight, Swanson, Tainui, Tawhai, Te Wheoro, Thomson, Tole, Tamoana, Turnbull, Wallis. holiday making. The Hon. John Hall announced that for the convenience of members desirous of visiting the Christchuh Pastoral Show, the Hinemoa would leave Wellington to

| morrow evening, after this House was over, returning from Lyttelton on Tues day night, but there would be no ad journment of the House. ('.By Telegraph To-Day.) The Wanakau Recreation, Christchurch Drill Shed Reserve, and New River Pilot Station Reserve Bills were read a third time, and passed. The Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Bill was considered in Committee, and progress was reported. The situation of Onehunga Water Re serve Rill was passed.

The Licensing Act Further Amend ment Bill was considered in Committee, and progress was reported.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, 7th November. (Before Mr F. Guiness, R.M.) FURIOUS RIDING. William Lindsay and James Tindall ivere charged with furious riding in East street on Saturday evening last. They were fined £1 each and costs. CIVIL CASES. Smith v. Corsbie.—£l4 for wages. Mr Purnell appeared for defendant. Plaintiff deponed to having been cook for defendant at 25s a week. Defendant, who is manager of Alford Station, told him after sometime to go fencing but he refused to leave the kitchen. The R.M. here remarked that the sum mons had been addressed to Mr Crosbie. Wituess continued—He had not re ceived any money. Cross examined by Mr Purnell—Gave Mr Crosbie notice on Monday night and left on the following Thursday. Was em ployed on July 21st at £1 a week as “ rouse-about. ” Was engaged as a general station hand, and worked four weeks as such ; then went on as cook. Mr Corsbie said he would give him 255. a week then. Witness worked 8 weeks as cook. Two different accounts were here read out to witness, showing various discre ancies. In one case that plaintiff claimed £ll 5s 3d, and in the other £l4.

Witness admitted having received goods to the amount of £4 14s 9d from Mitchell and Turner. Admitted having received 15s worth of stores. Asked Mr Corsbie for payment when leaving, but never gave him a bill. Knew that £6 5s 6d was paid into Court as payment in full last week, and .was willing to take that as payment in full.

Lewis Corsbie, Manager Alford Station, engaged Smith at 20s per week as station hand. Did not promise him any advance in his wages when he put him on as cook The men complained of plaintiff being dirty, and when witness said so to him he gave a weeks notice. After some conver sation with him he used some strong lan guage, and left at once. Would have paid him if he had asked. When he sued wit ness a week ago, witness paid the amount due into Court.

Cross-examined by plaintiff—You did not ask me for wages and I would not tell you to go to the devil. Judgment for £5 10s 3d, without costs. Weeks and Dixon v. Harris. Mr Harris applied for a nonsuit on the ground that no date was attached to the summons. Granted.

In the case of the same plaintiffs v. Harris and Ireland, Mr Harris claimed a nonsuit on the ground that neither the plaintiffs or defendants were described sufficiently to disclose any averment of partnership. His Worship considered it to be a pity that the plaint contained technical errors, which rendered the summons of no avail. The objections were trifling and frivolous, but being legal, plaintiffs must be non suited. (Left sitting.)

The Borrowing Powers of New Zealand.

The London “ Times” prints in its city article the subjoined complaint about the borrowing propensities of most of the colonies, and adds the remark that this complaint is only too well founded : 30th August, 1870. Sir, —It is discouraging to holders of Colonial Bonds to see the apparently reck less fashion in which the Australian and New Zealand Governments apply for and obtain fresh borrowing powers. It is only three or four months since New South Wales raised a large loan here (some £3,000,000, I think, though I have not the figures at hand), and in a recent tele gram it was stated that yet another £7,000,000 had been authorised ; while New Zealand, already too deeply in debt, follows suit with £5,000,000 more ; and South Australia, I understand, will again be in the market towards the close of the year. The result is the New South Wales Four per Cents, which in May last were worth 1011, are now under 97, or, allowing for the accrued interest in each case, a fall of over 3i per cent. I am aware that some of the rise was due to the glowing accounts of New South Wales finance circulating prior to the issue of the last loan. But we have since heard that the revenue for the year is £50,000 under the estimates, and for many reasons it seems to me that present holders and intending future subscribers have some right to know to what extent this system is to be carried, or otherwise we are likely to see history repeating itself, in a series of disasters similar to those caused by the superabundance of foreign loans a few years since.

I am, sir, Your obedient servant, Prudentia

What is a Small Farm?

(From the San Francisco Bulletin.)

In some of the older States twenty acres is sometimes called a small farm ; and on such small areas a family might be sup ported. The question is frequently raised, “What is a small farm in California'?” The answer in a general way is that IGO acres is a small farm, and 80 acres a very small one, if the one point is kept in view of the capacity of such a farm to support a family. Smaller tracts might do it if devoted to some specialty, an orchard or a market garden, for instance. Aside from such specialties it will require a larger area of land to support a family in comfort here than in the Atlantic States. The greater number of these small tracts will be cultivated without irrigation, especially where the rainfall is sufficient

to produce a crop. There will, tlihi’eforop' be no succession of crops in a given year. The hay and the grain will be cut in their season. There will be little or no after math. The one crop of fruit will be .gathered, and so of all other products. The twenty-acre farm, in the hands of an old-fashioned farmer, will turn out to be something of a delusion. Some account must be taken of climate, of the capacity of the land to produce, proximity to markets and the prices which the surplus produce will bring. The ten and twenty acre farms appear very well on paper. As surburban tracts they may be very desir able. But when a man goes into the country with his family to live by agricul ture, he needs more room if he is not to devote his energies .to a few specialties. He will find the 160 acre tract small enough when he comes to segregate fields for pasture, forestry, orchards, grain and so on. Relatively, it might be said that the average farm of this size is something like a 40-acre farm in some of the Atlan tic States. The ten and twenty-acre farms sketched on paper are very pretty : de voted to market gardening they are some times very profitable, But for the sale of garden truck to any advantage one must live near the city or large town. Now, most of the farms for sale are too remote for such purposes. A twenty-acre tract devoted to gardening w'ould supply a small country towm. A small farm in California is one with a sufficient area to support a moderate-sized family in comfort, with the possibility of laying up a little money ; and that at present is about as much as can be done in this State on a turn of 160 acres. Still it must he said that this need not always be true in this State, and the course of events is towards smaller average farms than those of 160 acres. Where water for irrigation can be pro cured the best of our lands will bear as minute a subdivision as any land in the world, and will nevertheless support a family in comfort. So long, however, as wheat-growing is our chief occupation and source of revenue, 160 acres will not be called a large farm. But, as our popu lation increases, new industries and pro ducts will become naturalized among us, and we may confidently expect that men will live here, as in other places, on very small tracts of land.

It happens, in many cases, that twenty acres of good land near a market is worth, so far as the ease and comfort of living is concerned, more than a whole section further off. An emigrant who has not means enough to purchase the 160 acres which makes a small wheat farm, need not despair, but let him buy what he can afford, cultivate it in corn, vegetables and fruits, raise all the water he can by means of a windmill or horse-power, and so toil upward by degrees. We have seen a success made on ten acres, even when the produce had to be shipped forty miles to a market. It is better, though, that a man should, if possible, struggle through, and, for his children’s sake, win a larger tract, say the typical 160 acres of which we have spoken.

Encouragement of Mutton Eating.

The Chicago “Live Stock Journal ” thinks that mutton is too much neglected as an article of food, saying : Americans are not mutton eaters to any such degree as they are beef and pork eaters. There is often good demand for mutton or lamb, but it is a comparatively limited one. At the great live stock markets, as Chicago, where there are receipts of thousands of cattle and hogs, there are but hundreds of sheep. In many a village meat market, mutton is rarely to be fouud. There has been gain in this direction ; mutton is eaten more commonly than was the case a few years ago ; there is an increasing ap preciation of good quality in the flesh of sheep, as there has been in the flesh of the ox. But the best interest of American sheep rearing would be much advanced if the mass of the people could be induced to become habitual mutton eaters, as they noware beef and pork consumers. Reliance upon wool as the only source of profit in sheep rearing is to become a thing of the past in all the older settled portions of the country. No rapid change of habit in such matters is to be expected ; but the sheep growers can help—first, by having sheep of good quality with which to supply whatever demand exists : by themselves practicing what they preach, and by en couraging the butchers in the neighboring town or village to keep mutton in their shops and call attention of their customers to it. The export demand for American sheep is very encouraging. In 1879, the United States and Canadas shipped 84,000 sheep to Great Britain, almost as large a number as was that of the cattle exported. Since the restrictions placed on the exportation of live fat cattle to Great Britain, the number of sheep sent over is much greater than that of cattle. Thus the arrivals at Liverpool, the first week in May, were, 370 cattle, 2368 sheep and 1050 pigs. The same week, 1529 carcases of mutton were landed at Liverpool.

Butter Making in Fresno County.

From the Fiesno Expositor. It is but a short time ago, less than eight years, when very nearly all the butter used in Fresno county was brought in kegs from Chicago, and retailed at from four to six bits per pound. It was poor at best, and was generally reduced to oil. It was then thought to be impossible to make butter on the plains in summer, and those having cows usually settled in the mountains during the summer menths to engage in butter and cheese making. But with the population came the necessity for a change, and by a little effort it was found that good butter could be made anywhere in the county in sum mer, and as a consequence there is always home-made butter in market, sweet and fresh, and selling at from fifteen to thirty cents a pound, according to the season. It is brought to market as solid and nice as one could wish, and is easily kept so by keeping it covered with wet cloths. Last Friday, when the thermometer marked in the coolest places over 100 degrees in the shade, parties brought butter to town in an open wagon, from a distance of 16

Jmlds'UtiqTit was as cool and hard aa one would desire. With a suitable dairy house, such as the Washington Colony people propose to put up, and tlxe abun dant yielding fields of alfalfa, there is no reason why a large amount of first-class butter should not be shipped from here to San Francisco for sale.

The Fire at Serajevo.

The latest accounts of the disaster at Serajevo, which occurred on the 9th Aug , represents that 700 houses, exclusive of side houses and shops, have been burned down. The rich Servians are leaving the town with their families for the country. To provide room for the homeless the militia have left their quarters, which ars now filled with the poor panic-stricken sufferers. Two explosions followed the outbreak of the fire, supposed to be of spirit casks. One man was killed. The house which first caught, as well as those in its neighborhood, was very favorable to the spreading of the flames, having felt the intense heat of the two preceding months. A high wind was blowing during the time the fire lasted. One hour after the fire started three gunshots from the Gastello called the attention of the inhabi tants to their imminent danger. Mean while all the ten streets of the Roman Catholic quarter were on fire, including the Roman Catholic Church, the nuns’ school, and the German school. The fire advanced to the bridge and street known as Tscliumurija, and reached a mosque filled with State prolusions. On other sides the fire was half an hour later— namely, half past six—before reaching the Latin Bridge and Franz Joseph street, which it immediately swept over, proceed ing thence to Tschlihan and the Great Bazaar. It was only at this juncture that the inhabitants gained an idea of the terrible danger which threatened the whole city. The hastened to their dwell ings, crying, “ Sauve qui peut. ” The soldiers were all this time working inde fatigably, but it was found impossble to limit the range of the fire. The commer cial quarters called Tschrscliiga, then began to burn, and at 8 p.m. Serajevo was one great furnace, extending from Miljas karivier to Ferhadia street, and from the Great Servian Church to the Begova Mosque. The engines and water supply were totally in adequate to the occasion. The Spanish quarter, with all its wood houses, was set on fire ; also Tsclunaltusha street, with the officers’ hospital, the German Consulate, and the Turkish Bath, at 10 p.m. the fire stood at Careva Bridge. From time to time the explodings of car tridges and sharp detonations were heard, but nothing interrupted the gallantry with ■which the soldiers worked. At midnight the fire reached the Italian Consulate, near Mountainsloles, where it was stopped, but on the other side it went on to Tsch ernerlanira and Lugawina streets. At 3 o’clock in the morning the commercial quarter could not yet be passed being still partly burning and partly glowing after the expiring flames. The Great Bazaar, in these portions not made of wood, had resisted the flames, as well as the Great Mosque Begovadshamija. Two other mosques were, however, burned. The storm having ceased and the mill-rivulet being led into the streets the fire was limited and more easily extinguished. The next day there were only some little outbreaks, and the chief danger had been overcome, but the interior of Serajevo, which was its most interesting part, exists no more. The danger threatening the Mijaska, on the left bank of which the State buildings ai’e situated, was averted by the cessation of the storm. The relief committee is doing its work energetically, and its quick help is certainly wanted.

The Lay of the Hunted Pig.

{From the Scouring of the White Horse.) “ Vathers, mothers, mothers’ sons ! You as loves yer little wuns ! Happy pegs among the stubble, Listen to a tale of trouble ; Listen, pegs, in yeard and stye, How the Barkshire cliaps zard I.

“ I wur barn at Kingstone-Lisle, Wher I vrolicked var a while, As vine a peg as e’er was zeen (One of a litter of thirteen) Till some chaps wi’ cussed spite Aimed ov I to make a zite, And to have a • bit o’ van’, Took I up to Uffington.

“Up, vorights the Castle mound They did set I on the ground ; Then a thousand chaps, or nigh, Punned and hollered arter I Ther, then, I, till I wur blowed, Punned and hollered all I knowed, When, so zure as pegs is pegs, Eight chaps ketched I by the legs, Two to each—’tis truth I tell ee— Dree more clasped I round the belly ! Under all they fellers lyin’— Pegs ! —I thought as I wur dyin’.

‘ But the Squire (I thenks I zee un), Varmer Whitfield ridin’ wi’ un, Fot I out o’ all thusk caddie, Stretched athurt the varmer’s zaddle— Bless ’em, pegs in yeard and stye, Them two vrends as stuck to I.

“ Barkshire men, from Hill and Yale, All as ever hears this tale, If to spwoort you be inclined, Plaze to bear this here in mind— Pegs beant made no race to win, Be zhart o’ wind, and tight o’ skin, Dwont ’ee hunt ’em, but instead At backswyrd break each other’s yead Cheezes down the manger rowl— Or try and dim the greasy powl.

“ Pigs in stubble, yeard, and stye, May you be never zard like I, Nor may wi’ greasy ears and tail, By men, and bwoys drough White Horse Vale.”

Five young men were playing poker at Asheville, N.C. One was detected hiding an extra card in his breast pocket. The dirk of another was instantly driven, through the card and into the cheat’* heart.

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New Advertisements. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. "VrOTICE is hereby given that the |\ Council Offices will be CLOSED on the following days, being gazetted holi days, viz : —loth and 12tli instant and Ist day of December, whole holidays ; 11th, 13th, and 14th instant, half holidays from the hour of noon on each day. By order, F. W. MAINWARING, Clerk. Ashburton, Nov. 7, 1879. 657 a ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND ORDIN ARY MEETINGS. "VTOTICE is hereby given that the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council will take place on WEDNESDAY, the 26th instant, commencing at 11 a.m., and the Annual Meeting, in accordance with the provisions of the Counties Act, 1876, on the same day, commencing at noon, By order, F. MAINWARING, Clerk. Ashburton, Nov. 7, 1879. 658 a Y. R. IN BANKRUPTCY. In the District Court of Christchurch. Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, The Debtors and Creditors Act 1876 Amendment Act, 1878, and of the bankruptcy of RICHARD MORGAN, of Mount Somers, storekeeper, a debtor. THIS is TO NOTIFY that Richard Morgan, of Mount Somers, storekeeper, has this day filed a statement that be is un able to meet his engagements with his credi tors. The Fir it Meeting of creditors to be held at the- District Court-house, Ashburton, on Wednesday, the 12th day of November, 1879, at II o’clock in the forenoon. Dated this 6th day of November, 1879. C. CAVENDISH lIURRELL, Clerk of the Court. Branson and Purnell. Solicitors for the Debtor. 656 a



V. R. PUBLIC NOTICE. Licensing Act 1873, and Licensing Act, 1873, Amendment Act, 1874. "OTICE is hereby given that in pur suance of the above Acts the QUARTERLY MEETING of the LICENSING COMMISSIONERS for the districts of Ashburton and Mount Somers will b ’ held on TUESDAY, the second day. of December next, at the hour of 12 o’clock, noon, in the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Ashburton, for the purpose of considering applications under the said Acts. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL. Clerk to the Licensing Court. Resident Magistrate’s Court, Ashburton, 31st October, 1879. 650a—170



RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT, ASHBURTON. CjASES set down for HEARING at the ’ Resident Magistrate’s Court for Friday, the 14th inst,, are AD JOURNED to the following TUESDAY. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, ggs a Clerk to Bench,



Wow Ad-tfert'tisbtuaHts, RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT, SOUTH KARAT A. CASES set down for HEARING at the Resident Magistrate’s Court for Thursday, 13th instant, are AD JOURNED to the following, THURS DAY. By order, — C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, 654 a Clerk to Bench. IT is only a Penny, is to be got every where in Town, along the Railway ine, and of the Country Agents. CONCERTINAS, German Accordians, Violins, etc Concertinas, 20 keys, from 10/6. H. M. JONE-S, Stationer. SEWING Machines and other Requi sites. H. M. JONES, Stationer, Etc., Baring Square. 473°'