COMMERCIAL.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails leave the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and. North at 10.20 a.m. 4 p.m.,' and 7.30 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at ro.2oa.ra and 4 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Gera’dine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Terauka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and,Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach. at . ic p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. Sydney J. Dick, Chief Postmaster.

- NOTICE. A travelling Post Office having been estab lished on the Southern line of railway, letters .bearing a late fee of 2d. may be posted at any station in the mail carriage attached to the express train, and they will be included m the mails made up in transit for offices on the mam line and branches.

NEW POSTAL REGULATION. I etters posted within the colony having the ames and addresses of the senders printed on the address side of the envelopes, accompanied by a request that the letters be returned if not claimed within a stated period, will be return ed unopened. Provided, however, such letters shall have remained in the post office te which they may be addressed, at least ten days.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo"). FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1879.

The protection mania seems to have got a strong hold upon some men’s minds re cently, and the strength of the hold seems to be increasing. There is some allowance to be made for a resort to protection when it is apparent that only protection will save our commerce from ruin ; but when, from a selfish or grasping and even cowardly spirit, we seek to drive out all sort of competition from our markets, there is just a danger that the ever patient consumer may feel that the last straw has broken the camel’s back, and the monumental-mounted Patience may do more than smile at grief. It has to be borne in mind that every protective duty, placed upon articles imported into this colony for the colonists’ use, is so much of a loss to the colonist, who has thus to content him self with the normally far higher priced article produced in the colony. A protec tiveduty assumesthateitherin quality or in cost the native article is not so attractive to the customer, and to induce, or rather compel, the use of the native commodity, the imported article is handicapped by a protective duty. This simply means that the consumer has to pay out of his pocket a tax, to help native manufacturers and producers to cultivate their business. This sort of compulsory patriotism is not always pleasant to the man who has to pay/ and though the natural patriotism that is in him may tolerate the encourage ment of native industry at his cost for a certain time and to a certain extent, the limit of endurance may be reached quite suddenly when injudicious politicians or grasping protectionists go too far. We fancy protection is going just a little too far when we find Mr. Moss in the House of Representatives trying to induce Parliament to prevent the carrying of goods along our coasts in other than coast ing vessels. We feel assured that this colony has not yet become so protec uionist as to tolerate the prevention of an English ship —arriving, say at Lyttelton, and dis charging there—taking a cargo of colonial goods to Dunedin, or to Wellington, or to Auckland, whither she may be bound to load up, say with wool or wheat, for her passage home. This point of toleration has not yet been reached- —if it has, then we should say protection has run mad. It was evidently Government’s opinion that protection had run mad in the mind of the propounder of this idea, when it was suggested to him to hold on for a session, and the whole subject would be thought over. Mr. Moss expressed his willingness to hold on, but before he lias seen next session we hope his eyes will have been so far opened a,s to see that it would be better to “ let go ” a notion that cannot fail to meet the opposition of importers and the public, who are all interested in cheap and rapid transit.

C.YC. —The drill of the Ashburton contingent yesterday evening produced a muster of ten troopers, who were put through their evolutions by Trooper Scott in his usual masterly manner. The move ments were not so correctly done as they were at last parade owing to one or two recruits making their first appearance, and a charger here and there refusing to answer the demands of the rider. It is evident that the contingent will be none the worse of being drilled by Trooper Scott more frequently. The Caledonian Sports. —The Racing Club committee lastnight decided to adhere to their resolution respecting the letting of the racecourse to the Caledonian Society. The Racing Club offered the ground for £2O, and the Caledonian Society made an offer of £lolos as rent for the day. The club being of opinion that the sum offered would not pay for the damage likely to be done to the ground and fences, resolved that it should not he used for the purpose unless on the terms originally offered. The Hyde Benefit Concert.— The concert got up by a number of the musical people of Ashburton came off last night in the Town Hall, and the result was a 'full house. It is all the more creditable to the residents that they {mustered so strongly last night, when so many other things have recently made demands upon their giving, and it shows that Mr. Jacobson, fn his original song on the “ Fire,” had caught the true spirit of the people when he sang that no man who acted “ on the square ” in his daily life would want friends in Ashburton when misfortune met him. The programme, which has appeared for the past week in our paper, was gone through with bul little alteration, and in the manner that was expected from the known ability of those whose names were

upon it. With nearly all the amateurs who appeared last night the public are familiar, so that it is unnecessary to say more regarding them than we have done ; but we must mention a song by a very young lady—“ The Dear Little Shamrock,’ sung by Miss Butler in a remarkably clear’ and rich voice, and with the unaffected simplicity that usually characterises ex treme youth. She was loudly encored. We do not mention her with the intention of giving her undue prominence, or special compliment, but simply because it was her first appearance, and a very suc cessful one. The other singers were just as successful, but we have noticed them before on like occasions. We learn that about £3O will be realised from the con cert.

R.M. Court.— At the R.M. Court to day a cattle trespass case was disposed of by a fine of ss. per horse and 7s. costs ; and only one civil case was heard —in which judgment wis confessed. Saunders Bros, were the plaintiffs.

Telegraphic. —A telegraph station has been opened at De Vanchelle's Bay, County of Akaroa. Continental Horses. A cavalry officer at present stationed in garrison at Leipsic has at the l’equest of the editor of the “ Sport Zeitung,” written in that journal some interesting papers on the history of certain famous Hanoverian studs. The passage which would probably attract most attention from Englishmen relates to the celebrated Royal breed of white horses at Harranhausen. It is as follows :—“ Since a breed of white horses is no longer to be found in the Royal stables at Copenhagen, the Harrenhausen stud is now the only one where this special class is regularly produced by breeding. The race originated with the Memsem stud between 1730 and 1740, under King George 11. of England. For stock were selected a fine white stallion, named Agustus, a silver grey English stallion known as Le Barbe Blanc, a light grey brood mare of the riding class, daughter of a brown horse, Ceesar, of Barbary origin, and some other clear grey and pale dun mares. The number was augmented subsequently by some white mares of Danish origin. After several years the wished for result was produced—viz., a pure white offspring. If the white Augustus may be regarded as the founder of the race, it cannot be denied that a succession of white Danish stallions con tributed to the result, and especially one purchased in 1740 named Le Blanc. It was after his arrival that the young pro duce became quite white. For many years all these white horses have coal black eyes. They are in general strongly built, but with elegant shapes, and over the middle size; they have beautiful action, excellent tempers, and great en durance. There are at present thirteen horses in the stud. Neither a horse nor mare is ever sold or given away to strangers. Any anima l with the slightest blemish is killed. ”

Land Tax. The following is Major At kinson’s Land Tax Bill: —“ Notwithstand ing anything in ‘ The Land Tax Act, 1878,’ the land tax in andfor the year com mencing on the first day of January, 1879, shall be deemed to have been payable in one payment on October Ist, 1879, and payment thereof may be enforced accord ingly. All proceedings taken and acts done under the said Act, for the purpose of collecting or otherwise obtaining pay ment of the said tax on the day aforesaid, and all other acts, matters, and things done in connection therewith, or in rela tion thereto, shall be deemed to have beeu and to be good and valid in law to all intents and purposes whatever, and to have been taken and done in strict accor dance with the provisions of the said Act.”

- Dead. —The fine plant of the “Poverty Bay Standard,” recently defunct, comes to the hammer on the 10th December at Gisborne.

The Season. —Frosty weather prevailed recently in the Manawatu district, and did considerable damage, variously estimated at from £2,000 £IO,OOO. Colonial Loans. —The London Times of September 29th, in the money article, says:—“ There seems to be among many of the principal people interested in Colonial securities a fear that the Australian Colonies are seeking to raise too much money. At present the different Legisla tures have sanctioned in all the raising of L 20,000,000, in addition to the present indebtedness, which in some cases is quite large enough. The market for Austra lian bonds has hitherto been a good one, and it would be a great pity if distrust were created by an indiscriminate launch ing of new loans. The works for which most of the authorised borrowing is re quired would undoubtedly help forward materially the different colonies, but, the readiness with which previous appeals have been answered here should not lead our antipodean brethren into the mistake of supposing that all future applications will be as readily responded to if judg ment is not shown in selecting the oppor tunity.”

W r ouked Out. —The once famous mine on the Thames Goldfield, the “ Cale donian,” wrs closed early in the present month, and all hands were discharged. The shares in this mine stood once at £2lO, and the tailings from the battery, during the periods of the richest crush ings, used to bring from £5 to £6 per ton at auction ; one parcel of several hundred tons reached to somewhere about £7. The fabulous amount of gold which came from this mine in its most flourishing days could never be ascertained on account of the wholesale plunder which was carried almost indiscrimminately by the work men.

Colonial Industry. —The Auckland Evening “Star” says:—“A local con temporary was labouring under a misap prehension in stating that the Union Com pany got all the uniforms for its officers from England. The company is having the cloth for the uniforms manufactured at the Mosgiel Woolen Factory, Otago, and they will be made up entirely in the Colony, andof New Zealand material. Only the buttons and braid, which could not be made here, were brought from England in the Rotomahana. The company has thus set a worthy example to others in the encouragement of colonial industry.”

Good Gracious !—An old Swan River settler has asked for a sum of money to be placed on the Western Australian esti mates for the importation of monkeys of all kinds into the forests of that Colony. Applicant undertook their management and settlement until thoroughly acclima tised.

Colonial In dostivY, — Tha Meibourq.e Woollen Cqmpany sold during the past half-year no less than 59,282 yards of tweed, at prices which enabled it to pay a dividend of ten per cent to the share holders.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS,

AUSTRAL IAN.

Adelaide, Nov. 27 New season wheat ss. 4cl. per bushel Sydney, Nov. 27.

At the inquest on the boy shot by his brother at Bowen Bells, the verdict was “ Accidental death.”

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Nov. 28. Mary Ann Dixon has been committed for trial for uttering counterfeit coins. The Licensed Victuallers have arranged an increased scale of prices under the new tariff.

At a meeting of the creditors of the “ Pinafore ” Company, the liabilities were stated at £999. Individual debts —Crain, £4O, Harding, £4O. £3O was secured by a bill of sale 011 the wardrobe to one creditor, and Harding’s life policy was se curity to another for £220. There were no other assets. A trustee was appointed.

AUSTRALIAN.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

( Reuter's Telegrams.) Melbourne, Nov. 27.

The Union Bank of Australia has decided to register under the new Bank Act, with a reserve fund and capital of £3,000,000. Arrived—Arawata.

{Special.) Sydney, Nov. 27. Wheat, 6s. ; new barley, ss. Bcl. Dried fruits are selling very freely.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Nov. 27. The hew bridge at Hamilton, over the Waikato, was opened with great eclat. A deputation of ministers and others, from King’s Institution, to-day held an examination of Maori students. Grahamstown, Nov. 27.

A retorting took place to-day with the return of 771 ounces of gold. This, added to the previous return, makes 2436 ounces. A dividend is announced as payable next Friday, and the books close on Tuesday. Shares sell at 70s. Wellington, Nov. 27. At an inquest to-day, on the body of John Rae, who died suddenly yesterday, a verdict was returned of ‘ c Death from natural causes.”

New Plymouth, Nov. 27.

The Herald’s Carlyle correspondent wires that it is stated that two tribes have left Te Whiti’s... camp at Parihaka, being tired of Waiting any longer for the fulfil ment of his prophecies,»and he is openly denounced as a deceiver.

The schooner Mason is still on the north spit at Waitara, the efforts to haul her off having, at yet, proved unsuccess ful. The cargo is being taken out, and she. will probably be floated shortly. Greymouth, Nov 27.

Mr. Maekay, the new Resident Magis trate, while dismounting from his horse to-night, trod on a stone and twisted his foot right round, breaking, it is supposed, some of the tendons of the foot. It will be some time before he will be able to resume duty. O amaru, Nov. 2/. „

Several sly grog-selling cases were set down for hearing to-day, but owing to the great length of the evidence only one case was heard partly, and adjourned till to-morrow. Another similar case is awaiting judgment. The wet weather has had a very bene ficial effect on the crops, which all over the district are looking well. Dunedin, Nov. 27. A man named M‘Kay, working at Mullocky Gully, was killed by a fall of earth on Monday.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thursday, November 27. In the Council to-day the Marlborough Rivers Union Bill and Southern -Native Districts School Bill passed first reading. The Waitara Harbor Bill and the Registra tion of Electors Bill were read a second time. The Christchurch Drillshed Bill and Qualification of Electors Bill passed a third reading. The Hon. J. N. Wilson moved the re committal of the last Bill so as to get the clause altered to allow all Maori holders of land owned in common to vote, but after a debate his proposal was rejected. Replying to Mr. Miller, The Hon. F. A. Whitaker said five agents were now employed in Great Bri tain—Mr. Holloway at £l5O a year ; Mr. G. M. Reid at £6OO ; Mr. Clayclen, £250 ; Mr. Bathgate, £350; Rev. J. Berry, £3OO. The Council rose at 9.50 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday, Nov. 27. The Marlborough Rivers District Union Bill was read a third time ; and the Voting Act Amendment Bill, No. 2, was passed through Committee before the House rose at 1.20 a.m.

AFTERNOON SITTING.

The House met at 2.30 p. m. notice of motion.

Sir TG. Grey gave notice that on going into Committee of Supply he would move —“'That the finding of the Select Com mittee that he (Sir G. Grey) had not beeu duly elected a member for Christchurch be expunged, as also the finding that the Hon. E. Richardson was duly elected. ” questions. _ Replying to Mr. J. T. Fisher, Mr. Hall said that the subject of making provision on the Supplementary Estimates to provide suitable accommodation for His Excellency when he may please |to

vlsjlt pie largo Gentrea qi population—- Christchurch and Dunedin —was under consideration.

Replying to Mr. Reeves, Mr. Hall said that the extra cost of keeping a staff of operators at the Tele graph Office, Parliament Buildings, would be £230, and that besides the cost, such an arrangement interfered with the work ing of the central office. Replying to Mr. Andrews, Mr. Oliver said that inquiries would be made concerning the men (late unem ployed) now working on the Weka Pass railway—(l.) As to the number of single men employed, and upon whose authority. (2.) As to the rates of pay for day work and for piece work. (3.) As to the style of books kept and mode of booking, especially as to time books. Mr. Wakefield asked whether the Go vernment have any information as to the Agent-General having taken up his resi dence at Falmouth ; whether they con sider he can properly attend to his duties while residing so far from London, and whether they intend to insist, on his abstaining from taking part in politics while retaining his present office. The Hon. J. Hall replied that with regard to the first and second questions, Government had no information on tho subject, but they believed he 1 ad merely gone to reside at Falmouth for a holiday. They had, and would continue to insist, that he took no part in British politics.

Mr. Bowen asked whether Government will make some provision for the mainten ance of existing domains and public gardens. Mr. Hall replied that a vote of £IBOO had been put on the Estimates for the purpose. Mr. Reid asked iE the Government would fulfil the promise made by the late Government, to send Professor Ulrich on a visit to the Rangitoto District, in the County of Westland, in order to report on the silver mines and mineral dis coveries in that locality ? Mr. Oliver said that a report on the subject had already been made by Dr. Heitor, as Professor Ulrich’s time was not at the disposal of the Colony. Mr. Ormond asked whether the system of letting clearing and formation of the line oil the Napier-Manawatu railway in small conti’acts to settlers residing adjacent to the railway Avas intended to be dis pensed with ; also, if the work is to be let in large contracts, whether any pro vision Avill be made whereby the settlers resident in the locality may obtain em ployment on the Avorks ? The Hon. R. Oliver replied that the clearing would be let in small contracts. No provision could be made for the large contracts as desired, but settlers on the ground would have a good chance of getting employed on the contracts. Mr. Bowen asked Avhether the Govern ment was in position to supply the cadet corps throughout the Colony Avith .light rifles, and if not whether they will take steps to do so'without delay. The Hon. J. Hall replied that the matter had been placed before the War Office by the Agent-General. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY. Several resolutions iverc reported from the Committee of Supply, and adopted. BILLS REPORTED. The Special Settlements Bill Avas with draAvn. The District Courts Proceeding Vali dation Bill Avas read a third time and passed. The OneAvliero Grant Empowering In tercolonial Probate Administration, the Leases and Sale of Settled Estates Act Amendment, Imbecile Passengers Act, and the Extension of Sheriff’s Act, 1878, Amendment, were read a second time. PAYMENT OP MEMBERS. The Members of the General Assembly Expenses Bill Avas considered in Com mittee. Sir George Grey moved —“ That the clause providing for the payment of Mem bers in the Upper House b’e expunged,” and in explanation said that he Avas not advising the non-payment of Members of that branch of the Legislature. That being a nominated body, it Avas not right that they should be provided for in the same Act as the elective Chamber.

Mr. M‘Lean opposed the motion, and moved—‘ ‘ That progress be reported. ” The House divided on Mr. M‘Lean’s amendment —Ayes,29 ; Noes, 32. EVENING SITTING. The House re-assembled at 7.30 p. m. The discussion on the motion of Sir George- Grey to strike out the Avords “ Legislative Council,” in clause 2 of the Bill, Avas resumed. In support of the contention that a difference should he made in the amounts paid to Members in the LoAver and those in the Upper House, it Avas argued that the former Avere put to the trouble and expense of a contested election, Avhereas the latter had not such expense to .provide for. Messrs. Gisborne and Reid argued in support of that vieAV of the subject. Mr. Dick thought the defeated candi dates Avere more entitled to be considered than the successful, and if they Avero going to put a sum on the Estimates for themselves, he Avould move—“ That the claims of these gentlemen be also con sidered.” There Avas no argument in fact, that gentlemen in the other House were men of large means. If that argu ment was good, the same thing Avould apply to this House. They had men of means amongst them, and these men would be equally entitled not to receive pay as Members of the Upper House. Sir George Grey, replying to Mr Dick, said that the effect of his proposal Avould be that the elections would be contested by every qualified man in the place. There would be a perfect rush to the hustings Avere candidates to be assured of their ex penses. On the question being put the House divided—Ayes, 41 ; Noes, 28. The amendment of Sir George Grey was accordingly lost. Mr. Lundon then moved —“That the Chairman leave tlie chair.” Tlie House divided—Ayes, 48 ; Noes, 23. LANDS BILL. The Lands Bill Avas then considered in Committee.

Ballooning.— Before the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain, on June 23, Mr. Glaisher stated that during the past year the British and French Governments had been actively engaged in balloon experiments to see how far it was applicable during times of warfare. He thought that the direction in which the development of ballooning would in the future be found to be of great service was for photograph ing different places for war purposes.

Hearts Overworked.

No organ in the body is so liable to be over Avorked as tho heart. When OAffiry other part of the body sleeps, it keeps on its perpetual motion. Every increased effort of action demands from the . heart more force. A man runs to catch a train, and his heart beats audibly. He drinks’ Avine, and the blood rushes through its I’esen’oir faster than ever was intended by nature. His pulse rises after each, course at dinner. A telegram arrives, and his heart knocks at his side. And, when any one of these “excitements” is over, he is conscious of a corresponding depres sion—a sinking or emptiness as it is called. The healthy action of all the members of our frame depends upon the supply of blood received from the central fountain. When the heart’s action is ar rested, the stomach, Avhieh requires from it a large supply of blood, becomes en feebled. The brain, also Avaiting for the blood, is inactive. The heart is a very willing member, but if it be made to fetch and carry incessantly—if it be “ put upon,” as the unselfish member of a family often is it undergoes a disorganisation which is equivalent to its rupture. And this disorganisation begins too often uow a days in the hearts of very young children. Parents know that if their sons are to succeed at any of these competitive examinations which have now become so exigent, high pressure is employed Hence young persons are stimulated to overwork by rewards and punishments. The sight of a clever boy who is being trained for competition is truly a sad one. The pre cocious coached up children are never well. Their mental excitement keeps up a flush which, like the excitement caused by strong drink in older children, looks like health, but has no relation to it ; in a Avoid, the intemperance of education is over straining and. breaking tlieir young hearts. If in the school-room some hearts

are broken from mental strain, in the play ground and in the gymnasium others suc cumb to physical strain. “Itis no ob ject of mine,” says Dr. Richardson, “ to under rate the advantages of physical exercise for the young ; but I can scarcely over-rate the danger of those fierce com petitive exercises which the world in general seems determined to applaud. I had the opportunity once in my life of living near a rower. He was a patient of jnine, suffering from the very form of in duced heart disease of which I am now speaking, and he gave me ample means of studying the conditions of many of those whom he trained both for running and rowing. I found occasion certainly to ad mire the physique to which his trained men Avere brought; the strength of muscle they attained ; the force of their heart; but the admiration Avas qualified by the stem fact of the results. ” But, indeed, it is not by over-work so much as by worry and anxiety that out hearts are dis organised. “ Laborious mental exercise is healthy, unless it be made anxious ■by necessary or unnecessary difficulties. Re gular mental labor is best carried on by introducing into it some variety.” Busi ness and professional men Avear out their hearts by acquiring habits of express-train baste, Avhieh a little attention to method avoul cl render unnecessary.

The Maori Canoe.

We cull the folloAving interesting par ticulars respecting Maori canoes from a paper on the subject by Mr. R. Barstow in the last volume of the “ Transactions of the New Zealand [.lnstitute” :—“ When a tree had been selected, either by an indivi dual rangitira.or a liapu avlio had deter mined to build a war canoe, it Avas first necessary that a sufficient stock of food to supply the Avorkmen employed upon it should be available. If the tree grew in a place distant from the pah, a special culti vation as near as possible to the modus oporandi might be made for the purpose, otherwise a patch of kumara, or other esculent Avas planted and set aside. Then the future canoe had to he draughted ; certain naval architects were the Symons and Reeds of their clay, and Avere fetched from a distance to design a craft Avliich Avas required to possess extra speed, and many a deliberation of the elders took place over the prepared model, ere the shape Avas finally settled. When stone axes and fire Avere the only means of felling the tree, the task of bringing down a totara four or five feet through must have been tedious. The first iron hatchets used Avere those procured from Captain Cook, and those obtained a century ago Avhen Marion’s crew Avere ashore and slaughtered Avhile getting out a spar. Probably it was not until 30 years later that iron axes became sufficiently abundant to supersede those of stone entirely. Some care Avas needed that the tree in falling should not be broken or shaken. An accident of this kind is by no means uncommon, and many fine spars are now lost in this Avay. The destruction of a specially large tree after the labor of felling it must have in deed been a calamity. When an outlying tree of sufficient scantling could be found, it Avas preferred to one forest groAvn, as Bri tish shipwrights consider h edge grown better than plantation oak ; yet in most instances the totara or kauri tree stood in the forest miles from the sea, and so far from cultiva tions that relays of Avomen are needed to carry up provisions for the work people ; a roa J for hauling out by would also need preparing ; secrecy, too, avrs often needed, for a hostile tribe would be only too glad either to attack the pah Aveakened by the absence of many of its men, or to surround and cut off the party while engaged at Avork. At last, howeA T er, incessant labor has felled the tree, cross-cut the log,' and dubbed down the side to someAvhat pear its destined shape, and fire apcl adze have partially hollowed out the hold, dry reAvarewa Avood being used for charring ; the amount of charring done at this stage depending upon the distance to which the canoe has to be hauled and the danger of its splitting on its journey. In peacable times there is a great feast, and all the friendly neighboring tribes contribute bands to haul out, by dint of vines over rollers or skids, the Aveighty mass. The Avotkmen pull together over the sleepers to the songs of the Avomen. It is not always fated to reach the Avater. At the foot of Wairere Hill, in Wangaroa Harbor, of a mighty canoe Avliich had been there lay, some years ago two sides fashioned on the elevated plateau above the bay. Whilst a party of some thirty slaves were engaged in loivering it down the steep hill-side, a vine broke, and the canoe rushed headlong to tho bottom, splitting from end to end. A cry of des pair from the awe-stricken slaves brought the rangitiras to the spot, and instant death Avas the punishment meted out to the unlucky slaves for their neglect or misfortune.

THE OPERA IN ASHBURTON.

- ■ y ;■?> ■ -t™-? —■ : During repairs to the theatre in Christ church, the celebrated R. D’Orsay Ogden

Avill take his talented opera company for a short local tour* and amongst the places

visited will be Ashburton. The company comprise l 24 of the best names in the

colonies, and in their appearance on the Ashburton stage, there is a treat in store for the people of- the county not to be enjoyed once in many years out of the

larger cities of the colony. The piece to be given is the “Doctor of Alcantara,” and Ave quote the folloAving resume of the plot from the Christchurch “Press” : The performance will be given on Monday. •<« Avoek, due notice and full particulars of Avhieh Avill doubtless be. given. ‘ ‘.Carlos, the son of Senpr..Balthazar J g has fallen'in love with Senorita Isabella, ; daughter of Dr. Paracelsus;' In'-' the ■ ft meanAvhile, Isabella lias been betrothed to

a young man, with Avhose name -she has not been made acquainted. Surprised

by her mother in listening to a- serenade .;/, given by Carlos, she confesses her love for him, and refuses to marry the unknown-w ---intended. Carlos contrives to have him 7 f self conveyed into the house in a p. under cover of a present to Inez, the con fidante of Isabella. Carlos, takes ad-

vantage of the absence of everybody to get out of the basket and conceal himself. The Dr. and Inez, in tryingtp hide the basket from the quarrelsome Lucrezia, drop itrin the river, and . afcenvards learn that there Avas a mail in it. Attracted' by the despairing screams of Inez, the night Avatcli appears, led by the alguazil Pom poso, who informs them that - they are under the surveillance of his •■nien as sus picious persons. . After the departure of the night Avatch, tlie Doctor arid Inez are left brooding in fear and dismay over their crime, when Carlo enters, to the*, great . ' terror o£. the Doctor and Inez, who im- : mediately suspect him to be a police spy. “ He discovers himself to them as the son - of, Senor Balthazar, being at the Same time unaware that his lady r love and ;his intended are one and the . same.-. Trans ported with joy, tlie Doctor asks, him toiyg take a glass of Wine with him, aylucli wine, brought by Ineia, proving to be one of the Doctor’s poisonous decoctions, plunges Carlos at once into a deathlike swoon.

The Doctor, believing him , dead, • • and afraid of being detected' in 1 '" this his second imaginary murder, conceals Carlos in a sofa, ,in which > act he is disagreeably surprised’ by tlie’ sudden arrival of Senor Balthazar, Avho comes to conclude the arrangements for che marriage of his son. and Isabella. His ' presence being objectionable to them, they put every obstacle in his Avay, so that at length he. is forced to pass the night on V a sofa, beneath which his son’s body is sri concealed. When he is asleep, the Doctor and Inez, fearful of discovery, enter to remove the body from under Balthazar,. . Avdio awakes, and starts up in fedr. I’* 1 ’* Carlos by this time recovering from the effects of the opiate, contrives to get out of the sofa,

and his father, meeting - with him in the dark, utters a cry of alarm,’ which' terrifies the Doctor and Innez, and also attracts the neighbors. Mutual explanations take place, and Isabella and Carlos prove to have been loving at cross purposes, as they were, from the first, intended for each other by their respective parents. j

REMINISCENCES OF A TOUR TO SOUTHLAND.

[contributed.] When one has been suffering from in disposition and severe debility, medical men say there is nothing like a thorough change of scene, provided there is cient stamina left to endure the fatigue of. '* the journey. After weighing over the unplesantness likely to arise out of a long and wearisome tour from the Christchurch city to Southland by rail, I resolved, after considerable meditation, to make the attempt, being assured that the, result would have a restorative effect. * The first - resolution being surmounted, the neces sary preparations were made, and this venturesome journey commenced. The railway horse left the great city of Canter bury Plains punctually to the time, 8.40 a. m., as advertised in the fairly compiled Smith’s Canterbury Bradshaw guide for railways, steamboats, and coaches. Being armed with the store of information in this creditable production , I made a start. The journey from Christchurch to the capital city of Southland—lnvercargill— is put cPown at 369 miles. The first class return fare for travelling this 738 miles is £6 18s. sd. ; while one can travel over land, by rail, from Sydney to Melbourne, and back (over 990 miles on the railway) for £4. The contrast is apalling never theless true. The progressive people of New Zealand have potent reasons to be proud of their position in many respects j bpt in some they suffer oppression. They can fairly boast of. one fact, namely, hav ing the longest railway from any two given centres, that is opened and running, than in any of the sister colonies. Upon this point Nets* Zealand stands the foremost. But as to the direct profitable returns earned by these lines is a horse quite of another color—despite the unparalleled out rageous high tariff rates imposed. At a time such as at present, when there is a strong political controversy going on, it may be highly interesting to place, upon record a few undeniable facts, with refer ence to the comparative results, frpm the working qf t]}§ pail ways' in the other Australasian Colonies. It may be a seasonable opportunity to make this start ling exhibition of results, with a view of in- , ‘ stigating some of the recently, elected political aspirants to a course of in carrying out a prudent 4 system of pftilr way extension, but upon a cqmnion sense principle. Two objects should be clearly aimed at—developing the rich lands which are now in almost an unproductive state from want of railway communication, and carrying out such additional railway ex tensions upon a reproductive footing as to pay a reasonable interest upon the outlay, with a tariff rate for goods and passengers fully 50 per cent, less than -those now in vogue here. At present . the rates ■ imposed in New Zealand are more than double the tariff scale charges in the other ; colonies; while the cost of the railway lines in Victoria and New South Wales, stand in over £14,000 per mile, and ours only cost £6OOO per mile. Up to the present the people’s representatives, and; the various political advisers have truly merited the charge of gross mismanage- i ment in the matter, and that to a most unrighteous extent.

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. s. d. s. d. Butter, inferior to best l’’ !b I O lo 0 9 Eggs, fr? dozen - I 3 to 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb O 9 to I 0 Bacon, prime smoked, $ lb o 9 to 0 xo Hams in cloth, lb - I 0 to 0 0 Flour in bags, $ iooib 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal, 1? 25R) - 6 0 to 3K Larrl, tif lb - - - O 9 to 0 0



New Advertisements. TO BUILDERS. TENDERS are invited for the EREC TION of a HOTEL at Tinwald, for Mr. Robert Hill. Plans and specifications may be seen at Quill’s Hotel on and after the Ist of De cember, and at Mr. J. L. Flemings Christchurch, on and after December 15tn. Tenders will close at Ashburton on January 31st, 1880. SHEARING will Commence at Shep herd’s Bush, Rangitata, on DEC. 8. Price, 15s. per 100. G93a ■TTTANTED—' TENDERS for CART VY ING 250 BALES WOOL (more or less), from Shepherd’s Bush to Eal ino-. Tenders to be addressed _to the Manager, Shepherd’s Bush, Rangitata, by Ist DECEMBER. G° 4a THE Cheap Advertiser—.the Ashburton Herald with its 20-words tariff. TEACHERS can obtain the MULTI PLICATION TABLES, printed on gummed paper, in any quantity at the Herald Office, East street, near the Railway Station. TO PRINTERS. MACHINE FOR SALE. FOR SALE, at an early date,— One Second-hand Double Demy Tape Printing MACHINE, in thorough working order, with rollers, moulds, &c., complete. We are replacing this machine •by a Double Royal Wharfedale, which necessitates removal of the Double 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 NOTICE TO SHEARERS. SHEARING will commence at Spring field on Monday, Dec. 1. Price 746 a 81 10 °’ GOULD & CAMERON. ’ ASHBURTON CEMETERY. JVTOTICE is hereby given that on and after the. first day of DECEMBER next ensuing the OLD CEMETERY will be CLOSED to all except those who possess vested interests ; and that on the above date the New Cemetery will be declared opened. J. WARD, 731 a Chairman of Cemetery Board. G PICKETING Materials —Bats, Balls, Stumps, Knee Pads, &c., at 11. M. JONES’, Staiionei, Earing Square WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. TENDERS are invited for the follow ing work: — No. 13. Smiths’ road in continuation of South East Town Belt, part re-for mation and metalling about 55 Chains. Particulars can be obtained at the Board’s Office, and Tender’s will be re ■ ceived till 10 a.m. on THURSDAY, DEC. 4, accompanied with a deposit marked cheque, or cash equal to 5 per cent, on the value of the work tendered for. ’ FOOKS & SON, 230—744 a Surveyors to the Board. A CARD. .Tft/r R CATTLIN, IVI SURGEON DENTIST, Is now-at Quill’s Hotel, and will attend patients until further notice. 671 a " ‘ ' ' TINWALD. mO LET.—A SHOP and DWELLING, | fitted with shelves and counters, at remarkably low rent, and is beyond doubt tjie best stand for a good General Store in jfhis large district, embracing all the Long bPfcli 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 ness. OS7a Apply to S. STEPHENS-



New Advertisements. WANTED, by a Single Gentleman, two Furnished Rooms, with or without Board, in a respectable family.— Apply, K. SANDO, 743 a East Street- WANTED KNOWN, the season for transplanting is at hand, and we can supply, after the Ist December, 20,000 Cabbage Plants, 20,000 Broccoli Plants, <fcc.—Apply at the Seed Depot, East Street. 745 a SEALY BROS. WANTED KNOWN, that NEW POTATOES can be had at SAVAGE’S, at THREEPENCE per lb. Early application necessary. 728 a BROWN PAPER, strong, and large sheets, at s|d. per lb. WEEKS AND DIXON, Stationers, East street North (near the Rail wry Station), Ash burton. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, East street, near Railway Station. EULL of Reading Matter is the Herald Every Evening. TENDERS Required for Painting and Glazing Messrs. Spillard and Quinton’s Premises. Tenders to be in by Monday, at 12 o’clock. For particulars, apply to EDMISTON BROS. & GUNDRY, Agents for South British Insurance 747 a Company.