trict roll being called, it was reported that the Rev. Henry Ellis, of the Rangiora cir cuit, had died during the year. Testimony was borne by the Revs. Messrs. Aidred, Oannell, Armitage, and the chairman, to the sterling Christian character of tlie de ceased, and to. his conscientious devotion to his ministerial work. A letter of con dolence with Mrd. Ellis was ordered to be sent, and instructions given to prepare an obituary notice, for Conference. The names of the ministers were read over, and the usual questions proposed, which in. each case were answered satis factorily. Under the question station do we propose to occupy V’ atten tion was called to Rakaia and Cnertsey, in •the south of the district, and to Amberley in the north. Both the places had occu pied'‘'the attention of previous district meetings, but with the exception of send ing a home missionary to Rakaia for the past six months, it had not been possible to furnish them with a stated ministerial supply. Referring to the Rakaia, the chairman read a report from- the home missionary there, which showed that while church operations had ! been retarded somewhat by the prevailing financial depression good had yet been done. Rev. W. Keall, of the Ashburton cir cuit, under whose supervision the home missionary had been-employed, believed that +hough the financial prespects were at present not of the most encouraging . character* Conference ought to be asked to continue a home missionary in tfie Rakaia district. , ■'Theßev. j. B. Richardson and others expressed themselves in favor of the re commendation, which was carried. ..It was also unanimously resolved to ask Conference ! to appoint a home missionary to Amberley. ' £ ' _ The book committee was re-appointed, with the addition of the superintendent minister : of ' the ’ Leeston circuit. The church building committee was re-ap pointed., •; ■f- '■ t Permission -was given to the Rev. Messrs. Worker, Oannell, Taylor, Keall, Smalleyy ; and Armitage to attend the Conference, to meet in Dunedin in January;lßßo.° * ! An interesting conversation then took JCplabe'on the=Three Kings Training Institu tion at Auckland, and ultimately the •aßevs; Richardson and Beck were appointed to bring up a resolution on •• Tuesday morning- approving of the work done by the Three Kings institution, and commending the claims upon the Church. The next district meeting was appointed to sit in Christchurch on the fourth Wed nesday in November, 1880. The report of -the Maori mission was ordered to be presented by the Rev. Te Kobe on Tuesday, and the meeting then adjourned. ' I—■ .

Wednesday, November 26. -The meeting was opened with the usual devotional services at 10 a. m. \Rev.; J. H. Simmonds, Timaru, took his seat. Secretary, read the record for the ‘previous day. ~ to the financial meeting, to be held on Thursday, the charges likely to be made upon the connexional funds weredestimated." • - ' ; 'i • ■ - >' ■' The Rev. Te Kote, of Raupaki (inter preted by the chairman), then gave an account of his work among the Natives of Canterbury for the year. He' deplored • the fact that although the Maoris had the Gospel preached to them a number of years, they did not seem to him to have laid hold of it as they should have done. He was sorry to say that while his people in former years were numerous, now they are few. It was difficult to give a reason for their declining numbers ; perhaps it was due. to them own folly. In 1863 this island Tiad many-people in it. Then, as he went from village to village, the people under his spiritual charge numbered about 1000. This year the following were the numbers :—Raupaki, 89 ; Taumutu, 28 ; Little River, 78 ; Akaroa, 47 ; Torouka, 74. • The deaths during.the year had been 65, births 16, Altogether, he had now 355 persons under liis charge, consisting of 129 men, 89 women, and 137 children. He had ten communicants being two at Akaroa, and eight at Raupaki. He had paid visits to the above named places during the year. The Rev. W. S. Harper (of Temuka) — Did he understand that the Rev. Te Kote had visited Temuka ? -Thte -Rev. ; Te Kote—Yes ; three times. The Rev W. S. Harper did not remem ber to have seen him there. The Rev. Te Kote-—When the hawk goes a-hunting, it does not see a mouse. (Loud laughter). I will call and Bee Mr. Harper next time I am at Temuka. The Rev. Te Kote resumed his report— At the other places besides Raupaki and Akaroa, no desire was expressed for the administration of the Lord’s Supper. There were four churches, three of them in good condition, one dilapidated. Sunday schools were held in all the churches. The number of Sunday school teachers was seven. The contributions of jjis people had amounted to £l4 13s. 9d., and fiddit-ipn this he had received £SO from the Home Mission Fund. The devotional aspect of the people was, on the whole, satisfactory ; but he would like to see more evidence among them of the fear and love of God. The Rev. W. H. Beck brought up the motion on the training of candidates for , tfig ministry, which he had been instructed to. prepare. Hg ffifiyefi— f£ That in view of the accession pf now on their way from Home to join the Zealand . ministry, this meeting urges upon the Conference the importance of taking ad vantage of this fact to place as many „ young men as possible in the Three Kings Institution, to be trained for the ministry ; and further, that the Conference shall insist upon the enforcement of the law which requires that no student shall be ■withdrawn for circuit work until he has .-•been'atr- least two years in the Institu tion.”

The;-Rev. J. B. Richardson seconded thb riiotion. which was carried after- an animated discussion on the subject. UPlThfi)written sermons of the candidates were read. The. obituary notice of the Rev Henry Ellis waS read by the Rev. W. Cannell, and ordered to be sent on to Conference. The meeting adjourned at 5 p.m.

Thursday, November 26. The morning session opened at 10 * o’clock. The usual devotional services v ••wei e observed.

j n - addition to the ministers in the - -distyict who had been present on the pre

vious clays, the following laymen were present : —Christchurch (Durham street), Messrs. C. W. Turner, and W. Harris Christchurch (Colombo road), Mr. Sltier law. Christchurch (St. Albans), Mr. W. T. Smith. Lytielton Mr. J. W. Smith. Spririgston Mr. J. W. Peryman. Rangi ora, Messrs. J. Thompson and Little. Temuka, Mr. Buxton. Ashburton, Mr. H. M. Jones. Waimate,Mr. G. Manchester. The Chairman reported that the Rangi ora circuit was due to take a second married minister.

Mr. Thompson presented the following resolution, passed at the Rangiora quar terly meeting—“ That as this meeting sees no possibility of supporting a second married minister in this circuit, owing to financial depression, it urges the Confer ence to relieve us of the responsibility to do so at present. ” After some discussion, the request was declined.

It was reported that a gallery had been erected in the Colombo,road (Christchurch) church, at a cost of £560, of -which £360 had been raised. The remaining £2OO was expected to be raised during the forthcom ing yeav. A section of land for the erection of a church had been acquired in Lincoln road. An organ had been erected in the Kaiapoi church, costing £2OO, for which part payment had been made, and the -whole to be raised within two years.

* A lengthy discussion took place res pecting the present depressed financial condition of the Ashburton church pro perties. The Rev, W. Keall made a statement, and asked for an expression of opinion as to what was best to be done under the circumstances. The position was a very grave one, and he had serious doubts as to their ability to retain the property much longer unless something was devised.

Mr. Turner hoped they would not yield to a feeling of panic in this case, as had been the case in other instances in in times of prevalent commercial depres sion. He believed that after next har vest Ashburton and the surrounding dis tricts would be in a prosperous condition, and if arrangements could be made in the meantime, he had no doubt that tlie diffi culties would be removed. Mr. J. W. Smith thought that the circuits in the district should be appealed to for assistance by collections and con tributions, and he had no doubt that a ready response would be made to such an appeal. Expressions of sympathy with the Ash burton Minister and people were made by several of the ministers and laymen, and it was ultimately resolved to leave further discussion till the subject of home mis sions came before the meeting. On a ballot being taken the Rev. J. B. Richardson was elected as district repre sentative to Conference. The Rev. J. B. Richardson was sensible of the honor done him, but felt it incum bent upon him to ask the meeting to re lieve him from the position in which they had placed him. The meeting acceded to Mr. Richard son’s request, and elected the Rev. W. Cannell, who stood next on the list. The afternoon session began at two o’clock, and, after singing and prayer, the accounts of the respective Connexional funds were read. A discussion arose as to the basis of as sessment for the children’s fund, which is at present that of the number of mem bers in each circuit. Theßev. W. H. Beck moved—“ That it be a recommendation to the General Conference that the children’s fund and the education fund be amalgamated under some new name, and that the General Conference be requested to state what amounts towards the fund shall be raised by each Conference, leaving the latter to determine the mode of assessment.”

Mrr Thompson seconded the motion, and it was carried. The Rev. J. B. Richardson read the following returns :—There are in the district 46 churches, 19 preaching places, 15 ministers and probationers, 2 catechists, Sunday school teachers, 419 ; local preachers, 68 ; class leaders, 52 ; full and accredited church members, 1026: on trial for membership, 41 ; communicants 41 ; catechumens, 160 ; deaths, 8 ; Sunday schools, 46; Sunday school scholars, 3953; attendants on public worship, 1,310. The increase of members is 41, of communicants 7, of Sunday school scholars, 335, of adherents 441.

Two home missionaries have been em ployed in the district. The returns gave rise to a lengthy and unusually interesting discussion on the class meeting.

The Rev. J. H. Simmonds asked for information as to the principles upon which the return of members were made. He had deviated from the usual method ifi making the returns fo the Timaru circuit, and reported only those who actually met in class.

The Chairman replied that the superin tendent minister must return such mem bers only as met in class. Rev. J. H. Simmonds expressed his willingness to correct his returns. Mr Buxton regretted the evident indis position there was growing up in the colony to meet in class, and more so because many, like himself, would never have been identified with the Methodist Church if they had not regarded the class meeting as its distinctive feature and privilege. Rev. W. Worker thought it should be made known by the ministers in their circuits that to be a member of the Metho dist Chprch every person must aotually meet in class. He also believed that too much discussion-on the class meeting as a test of membership in the “ New Zealand Wesleyan ’’ and elsewhere had done injury to the class meeting. The Rev. J. H. Simmonds thought it should not be allowed to go forth from this meeting that an intelligent discussion of all questions belonging to their Church, and especially so important a subject as that of class meeting, was not to be allowed; on the contrary, such discus sion, as he conceived; ought by all means to be enoouraged, and was never more necessary than now. The Rev. J. S. Smalley regretted that the statistics did not represent a more gratifying state of progress. Especially did he regret the insufficient supply of class leaders. It was to be deplored that minis ters should in some instances be called upon to act as class leaders, and in one instance he found that the circuit minister did all the class meetings. He found, also, that there was not so general an employ ment of evangelistic services as was desir able. After all, what was most needed throughout the entire Church was a richer baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The Chairman believed that what was desiderated was not any interference with their Church law respecting the class meet ing, but an improvemene in the method of conducting it. He adduced an instance in which a largo and well-attended class was conducted in so varied and interesting a manner as secured a growing interest in its meetings from week to week. Seeing that other Churches were now looking with favor upon the class meeting, it ill became them for one moment to entertain any ideas likely to loosen the hold it had hitherto had upon the members of the Methodist Church.

After further conversation, joined in bj' several ministers and laymen, The Rev. J. B. Richardson moved— “ That as the Rev. J. H. Simmonds had made his circuit members’ returns as fifteen ‘ meeting in class,’ instead of ac cording to the schedule heading of { full and accredited church members that at his own request the returns be referred to him for rectification.” The Rev. W. H. Beck seconded the motion.

After some discussion, in which it was stated that the General Conference had declined to rule on the subject of superin tendents making their member-ship re turns, the motion was lost. The session adjourned at 5 p. m.

EVENING SESSION. The evening session commenced at 7.30. Mr. Turner informed the meeting that the balance-sheet of 'the book concern was in course of preparation, and would be presented bo Conference. He might, however, state that the concern was pay ing ; the assets were more than the liabilities. He had a proposition to lay before the meeting, -nhich had reference to the formation of a limited liability company, with a capital say of £2OOO, and believed there would be no difficulty in floating it. He would move—“ That the book committee be requested to consider what steps can be taken to improve and consolidate the business of the book con cern, to report to conference.”

Mr. Manchester seconded the motion,

The Rev. Messrss Richardson, Smalley, Keall, and Cannell, and Messrs. J. W, Smith, Harris, Peryman, and W. S. Smith supported the motion. The Chairman hoped that if the pro posed alteration in their book concern were made it would not be regarded merely as a local establishment, hut as a colonial one, and accordingly have given to it the support of the whole colony so far as possible. The motion was carried unanimously. The Home Mission accounts were gone through, and it was reported that £727 Bs. Bd. had been raised in the district for the Home Mission funds. Considering the very serious commercial depression of the last twelve months, it was deemed gratifying that the district had been able to raise the above sum. Votes were recommended from this fund for the next year as follows :—Te muka, L 65 ; Ashburton, LIOO ; Amberly, LSO ; Rakaia, LSO.

A communication from the committee appointed by last Conference to consider tlie propriety of forming a connexional loan fund branch of the home mission and church extension fund, was read, recom mending that at present the proposal be not carried out, but that its inauguration take place at the Conference of 1881. It was further recommended that next Con ference appoint some person to collect in formation as to the amount of present debts, rate of interest, and other informa tion deemed necessary, to report to the Conference of 1881. The meeting ap proved the committee’s recomendations. The meeting adjourned at 11.45 p.m. Friday, November 28. The meeting was opened at two o’clock by the usual devotional exercises. Two resolutions, omitted from Thurs days proceedings, were as follows :—l. “ That the Conference he recommended to appoint a Board of Commission in Eng land, to treat with any ministers or others wishing to enter the ministry in New Zealand.” 2. “That the Conference be urged to inaugurate a Sunday school Union for the colony. ” Reports upon the trial sermons preached were presented and discussed. One of the candidates was recommended to the Con ference as a student for the full term in Three Kings Institution ; two were recom mended to give themselves to special study during the year, with the view of present ing them for examination next district meeting ; and one was declined. The Rev. T. Fee, a probationer of three years, was recommended to Conference as a fourth year’s probationer. The Rev. H. Baumber, a fourth year’s probationer, was recommended to be received into full con nection. EVENING SESSION. On re-assembling at 7a. m., after sing ing and prayer, the “ Liverpool Minutes ” were read.

An interesting conversation took place on the pastoral oversight of the - young, in the course of which the Chairman ad vocated the use of such measures as would give each minister the opportunity of per sonal intercourse, at least twice a year, with every child in the Sunday schools, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with their spiritual condition and afford ing them such direct instruction as may be needful.

It was utimately resolved— ‘ 1 1. That the Sabbath school affords a ready and efficient means for securing the pastoral oversight of the young, and that efforts be put forth to bring all our baptised children into our schools. 2. That the ministers, when visiting the schools, shall seek, as far as possible, to have religious conversa tion with the children individually. 3. That in the larger schools, in order to pre vent disturbance of the school routine, the minister shall meet the children by classes in a separate room, 4. That in smaller schools th. 6 ordinary proceedings be sus pended during the minister’s visit. 5. That in those circuits where the time of the minister is much occupied by after noon services, arrangements be made to visit every school in the circuit periodi cally, even if it be necessary to curtail preaching appointments in order to dis charge this important duty.” Votes of thanks were passed to the chairman, the secretarv, the reporters, and the friends who had entertained the members of the district meeting.

The meeting was closed at 10.30 by prayer offered by the chairman.

Lucky. —Recently a lad named Oakes picked up a nugget of gold 44 ounces in weight, exposed by rain in a little river near Braid wood, New South Wales.

THE STORY-TELLER.

Eugene Morton. A Tal# of tke Indian Warfare on the American Frontier. CHAPTER VIII. AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. Wearied and exhausted, Graham crawled forth from the water, and lay down awhile to rest himself upon the soft, velvety carpet of grass. Here, overcome by the terrific strain which his system had undergone, he fell into a deep and lasting sleep. When he awoke, the day had far advanced, and the sun was already past the meridian. After fully awaken ing, and fervently thanking Heaven for his remarkable preservation and escape, he com menced debating with himself upon the best course for him to pursue. He was now alone in the great wilderness, and what step should he next take ? Shouid he endeavor to hunt up his friend Haverland, or should he press on in the pursuit of the object which had led him thus far ?

While these questions were yet unanswered, he mechanically cast his eye up the river, and started as he saw a small canoe coming round a bend quite a distance from him. He had just time to see there were two beings in it, when prudence warned him to make himself invisible. He stepped behind the trunk of a massive king of the forest, and watched wit h eager interest the approach of the approach of the newcomers. The light canoe shot rapidly, over the placid surface of the river, and in a few moments was abreast of him. He saw' that the two occupants were white men, and. he scanned their countenances with deep interest. The stronger of the two was seated in the cen-

ter of the light vessel, and dipped the ashen blade deep into the water at every stroke. The other, seemingly an elder man, was seated in the stern, and while he controlled the actions of the other, scanned either shore with the ex perienced eye of the frontiersman. Graham believed, though he knew, he had been careful, that his presence was suspected, as the canoe, apparently without any' intent of its occupants, sheered off towards the opposite shore. He remained concealed until it was directly abreast of him, when a sudden suspicion flashed over him that one of the men was Haverland, al though it was so long since he had seen him that it was impossible to satisfy himself upon that point without a closer view. However, they were white men, and he determined to risk the probabilities of their being friends. In a subdued voice, without coming into view him self, he called to them. He knew he was heard, for the man at the oars halted a second, and glanced furtively toward the shore ; but at a slight sign fronm the other he again bent to them, and they both continued, as though they suspected no danger. “ Hallo, my friends !” called he, in a louder tone, but still concealing himself. There was no notice, however, taken of him, save he fan cied a quicker propulsion of the boat forward.

He now stepped boldly forward and called, “L)o not be suspicious ; I am a friend.” This brought them to a pause, while the one in the stern spoke. “We are not satisfied of that ; for what business have you here ?” “ 1 might with equal justice put that ques tion to you ?” “If yon choose to give no answer, we can not wait to bandy words with you. Go ahead, Haverland.” “ Hold ! is that Alfred Haverland with you ?’’. “ Suppose it is? What is that to you?”

“He is the man whom, above all others, I wish to see. lam Everard Graham ; and per haps he remembers the name.”

The woodman now turned toward the shore with a stare of wonder. A minute sufficed.

“It’s he, J\ed, sure enough.” With these words he turned tlie canoe to ward shore. A few strokes sen', it up against the bank, and he sprang out and grasped the hand of his young friend. “ Why, Graham, what in the name of the seven wonders has brought you here ? I for got you did promise me a visit somewhere, about this time, but so many other things have transpired, as to make my mind slip altogether. And I can assure you, I had enough to break the heart of any ordinary mortal,” he added,

in a choaking voice. Explanations were then given ; and the won der, gratitude, and apprehension, that followed Graham’s story, may be imagined. before these were given, Haverland introduced his companion, Ned Haldige. “ Seth promised to bring Ina back,” said he, “ but I could not bear to remain idle while he alone was searching for her. This good friend, here, who has had much experience in the border warfare, willingly joined me. I suppose you would like to see the mother ; but if you did, you would see a well-nigh broken hearted one, and I cannot bear to meet her un til I have learned more of our darling daugh ter.”

“And if them cowardly Mohawks don’t rue the day they commenced their infernal work, then Ned Haldige is mightily mistaken !” ex claimed that individual, warmly. “ I don’t know,” smiled Graham, “but that with our present number and present feel ings, we might might make an open attack upon them, especially as we have a friend in the camp.” “No, sir; that’ll-never do !” replied the hunter, with a shake of- the head. “ They never can be overcome in that way. We could have brought a dozen men with us who could have blown the cowards to atoms, but ’twouldn’t do.”

“You then rely whol'y upon stratagem, eh ?” “ Nothing else will do with them critters.” And heaven only knows whether that will,” remarked Haverland, in a desponding tone. „Ah ! don’t give way, Alf, wait till it’s time.”

“ You must pardon my exhibition of weak ness,” said he, recovering himself. “ Though I feel the strength of an army in these limbs of mine, yet 1 have the heart of a father in this bosom, and I can do anything for the recovery of my darling daughter. Oh ! 1 can hear her screams yet, as sh - was torn from us on that night.” Graham and Haldidge remained silent, respecting his deep and moved grief, Soon the father spoke again, and thjs time his voice and manner were changed.

“ But why stand we here idle ? Is there no thing for us to do? Are we remain desponding, when a single effort may save her?” That’s just what I’ve been thinking ever since we stopped here,” replied Haldidge. “ I don’t see any use in waiting, especially when there is use in doing something,” “Let us depart, then. You will accom pany us, of course, Graham ? ” “ Certainly ; but I should like to inquire your intentions?”- asked he, pausing on the bank a ruament, as the others seated them selves.

“I should think you would remember we can have but one intention,” answered Haver land, in a tone of slight rebuke. “That is not exactly what I meant, Of course, I knew your ultimate intention, but I wished to inquire what course you intend to pursue. ” “ Oh that’s it !” replied Haldidge. “I’ve been considerable among the redskins of this region, and know that they can be soonest reached by going some distance further down the river—several miles below this bend and taking the land.” “But my experience tells me you are mis taken this time. Ina’s captors are now at no great distance, and the shortest course to them, you will find, is in a direct line from here,

j across the open prairie, the other side of the : river.”

I ‘‘At any rate, we vvilll cross to the opposite bank ; so step in.” “ Wait a minute. What does that mean ?” As Graham spoke, he pointed quickly up the river. From the position of the two within the boat, they could discern nothing. “ Jump ashore, quick, and pull the boat out of sight. There’s something a-foot, and you musn’t Ire seen,” exclaimed Graham excitedly in ah undertone, as he stooped and grasped the

prow the canoe. The men sprang ashore, and in an instant the vessel was hauled up out of sight, while the diree made themselves invisible, and from their hiding-places eagerly watched the river.

The object which had arrested the attention of Graham, was a second canoe, which was just making its appearance round the bend above, which had just brought his friends to view, This latter one was of about the same size, and could be seen to hold threeor four persons. The dark-tufted heads of the occupants, rising like statues in the boat, showed unmistakably that they were Indians. As it came nearer and nearer, Haldidge whispered there was a fourth person in the stern, and she was a female! Haverland and Graham breathed hard, for a-wild hope filled the heart of each ; but as the canoe came

abreast of them, while they could plainly distinguish the features of the three savages, they could not gain a glimpse of the fourth person. She was covered by an Indian shawl,

and her head was bowed low upon her bosom, as though in deep and painful thought. “ Let us fire and send these three dogs to eternity,” tveispered Graham. Haldidge raised his hand. “ ’Twont do, there may be others about, and if that other one is Ina, it may only be the the means of her destruction. Aif, do you think that is her? ”

“I can’t tell—yes, in truth, ’tislier! Look! she has moved her shawl. Let us rescue her at once ! ” exclaimed the father, rising, and about to start.

“ Hold ! ” imperatively and half angrily commanded Haldidge, “you will spoil all jy your rashness. Don’t you see it is near night ? They are now below us, and we cannot get them in such a range as to insure us each of them. Wait till it is darker, and we will pursue them. I have a plan which I think cannot fail. Just restrain yourself a short time, and I will bring things about in a manner that will surprise them as much as it will, you.” Haverland sank down again beside the others. The night was now fast coming on, and in a few minutes the light, birch canoe was shoved noiselessly into the water, and the three made ready for the race of life and death. CHAPTER IX. THE CHASE The night was even closer at hand than our friends suspected. In the forest, where the withdrawal of the sun was almost simultaneous with darkness, it came without much warning. The gloom was already set.ling over the water, and Haverland instantly shot the canoe from under the out into the stream. There were rowlocks and oars for a second

person, and Graham took up a couple and joined his labours with his friend, while Hal didge took the steering oar. As they passed boldly into the channel, the canoe ahead was just disappearing around a bend below. “ Come, this won’t do ; we musn,t let rhem keep out of our sight,” said Haverland, dip ping his oars deep into the water. A heavy darkness was settling over the river, and our friends noted ' another thing, A thick, peculiar fog, or mist, such as is often seen of summer nights, upon a sheet of water, was already begining to envelop the banks and river. This, as will be evident, while it would

allow the pursuers to approach the Indian canoe much closer than otherwise, still gave the latter a much greater chance of eluding them. Haldidge hardly knew whether to be pleased with this or not. :

“It may help us in the beginning, boys, but we've got to hold on till it is fairly down on us. If the rascals catch a glimpse of us before, they’ll give us the slip as sure as fate. Just lay on your oars a few minutes. We can float down with the current.”

“ I allow it’s the best plan, although I am much in favour of dashing ahead, and ending the matter at once,” remarked Graham, ner vously handling his oars. “ And while I think of it,” pursued Hal didge, “ I don’t see as it would do any hurt to muffle the oars.”

before starting, they had abundantly provi ded themselves with means for this, and in a few moments a quantity of clc'th was forced into the rowlocks, so as to be able to give full sweep to the oars without making enough noise to attract suspicion from the shore, unless an ear was listening more intently than usual. By this time, too, the thick mist mentioned, had enveloped the river in an impenetrable cloud, and they shot boldly into in. The light vessel flew as swiftly and noiselessly as a bird over the water. Haldidge understood every turn and eddy in the stream, and guided the canoe with unerring certainty around the sharp bends, and by the rocks whose black heads now and then shot backward within a few feet of their side.

It this way a mile was passed when he raised his hand as a signal for them to cease efforts for a moment.

“ Listen ?” he uttered.

All did so, and faintly, yet distinctly and distantly, they heard the almost inaudible dip of oars, and the click of the rowlocks. “ Is that above or below ?” asked Haverland, bending his head and intently listening. ‘ ‘ I think we have passed them sure enough, ” replied Graham. The sound certainly appeared to come from ‘above them, and all were constrained to believe that, rowing as swiftly and powerfully as they did, they must have swept by them in the darkness without suspecting their proximity. “Can it be possible? questioned Haldige, wonderingly and doubtingly. (To be Continued.)

THE ASHBURTON HERALD

[Saturday, November 29, 1879,



Boarding Houses. CENTRAL TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Baring Square (Near Town Hall).. RE-OPENINQ of the above commo dious and centrally situated Pri vate and Commercial Hotel. T. BROADBELT, PROPRIETOR, Is prepared to give Superior Accommoda tion to Boarders and the Travelling Public on REASONABLE TERMS. Weekly Board and Lodging ... £1 Weekly Board ... ... ... 14 3 . MEALS AT ALL HOURS. Dinner on Saturday from 11.30. Beds (single), Is. 6d. Private Room for Ladies. 153—624 a WASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. perio. at the Herald Office. Apply early. 590



Auction Sales. ■jyrß. JOHN LLOYD CRAWLEY, i-ti Auctioneer, Stock, Land, and Commission Acknt. Farms, Town and Suburban Sections, for Sale and to Let. J. ! LLOYD CRAWLEY, AUCTIONEER, Offices, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton. 737 a



EDMISTON BROS. & GUN DRY. AGENTS FOR THE SOUTH BRITISH FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF ' NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL ... ...... £1,000,000. { ■.» Insurances effected at the lowest current rates on all kinds of Buildings, Threshing Machines, Crops Growing and in Stack.



TO RUN HOLDERS, FARMERS AND OTHERS. rpHE Undersigned have on Sale : Fencing Wire No. 6 to 10. Standards and Stakes. Seeds— White Clover Red Clover Cow Grass Alsike



Trefoil Lucerne, &c., &c. Rye Grass Seed . Coal and Firewood] Station Stores of Every Description. .We are prepared to allow a very liberal discount for cash. EDMISTON BROS. & GUNDRY. East Street. . ASHBURTON To Let and for Sale.



TO LET, at.a Very Low Rental, TWO SHOPS in East Street; also, one in Burnett Street. T. BULLOCK. rno. LET, at a very low rental —Bakery, together with Dwelling-house and Shop, near the Post Office. 393 a TUOS. BULLOCK. , , , TO L ET, ", ; WITH A PURCHASING CLAUSE, OR FOR SALE, CHEAP, 453.1. ACRES : 453 Which would make a very compact farm, situated at the back of Mr. Digby's. Apply to THOMAS BULLOCK. FOR SALE, A GRAIN STORE at South Ashbur ton. Apply to 2—866 a THOMAS BULLOCK.



FOR SALE, A COMPACT FARM, well-watered, and really first-class land of about 200 acres, situated on Lone-beach Estate For full particulars, apply to 6 THOMAS BULLOCK. FOR SALE, Cheap, or TO LET, with a Purchasing Clause, a FARM, oi 150 Acres, partly improved, and situated about three and a half miles from the Township. Apply to 5 THOMAS BULLOCK. 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, &e., 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 NEW ZEALAND IV'iSLEYAN Published Monthly. . JUST ARRIVED, the “ New Zealand Wesleyan” for November. Price 6d, Sold at the Herald Office, East Street. WEEKS AND DIXON, AGEN'^3. BO you Want the News of the Day Read the Ashburton Herald. HOUSEMAIDS. —The Herald asks a Housemaid for you in 20 wordß for 1/-.. ■ ■ DFHE “ Herald ”is on every Tea Table 1 in Ashburton ~WT ANTED.—The Herald tells your ' Yf Wants in 20 words, for 1/-.



Business Notices. FRUIT, CONFECTIONERY, &c.', &c. NOW OPEN. F. FURNESS BEGS to inform the public of Ash burton that he has just opened a NEW STOCK OF FRUIT AND CONFECTIONERY IN THE SHOP NEXT TO HODDER & CO.’S, Saunders’ New Buildings, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. Oranges, Lemons, j Apples, Dates, Nuts, Almonds, Confectionery, Biscuits, &c., Ac., &c. 678 a BUTCHERS, BAKERS, GENERAL STOREKEEPERS, GRAIN AND SEED MERCHANTS, NORTON FARM, SEAFIELD. JONES AND CO., Norton Farm, Sea field, return thanks to their patrons for the hearty support accorded to them since Norton Farm was opened as a Butchery, Bakery, and General Store, and solicit a continuance of past favors, assuring customers that their interest will always have first consideration at the hands of the advertisers.



Jones and Co. beg to inform their friends and the public in the Seafield and neighboring districts, that their Bread, Meat,-and Store Carts travel the following routes on the days given below : Seafield to Kyle, and Acton—Wednes days. Seafield to Wakanui Homestead, Wako* nui School, and Creek, back by Christie’* Road — Thrsdays. Seafield to North Seafield, Charing Cross, Dundas, Cambridge, returning by Pioneer Road— Fridays. In view of the Harvest, orders for at tendance of the Cart may be left at the Store, Norton Farm, Seafield ; Wakanui School, with Mr. Ginney ; with Mr. Lambie, at Kyle ; and With Mr Brown, Clontarf blacksmith. JONES AND CO., NORTON FARM, Seaeield. Butchers, Bakers, General Store keepers, Grain and seed Merchants. AGENTS FOR THE ASHBURTON HERALD AND GUARDIAN. 679 a



TINWALD.



gHEARER AND GALLOWAY, MILLWRIGHTS, AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL IMPLEMENT MAKERS, Great South Road, Tinwald, Beg to thank the public generally for their very liberal .support during the past twelve months, and to announce that they have now every facility for carrying on their business in all its branches to the entire satisfaction of customers, as a trial will prove. COACHBUILDING. Orders received fcr making or repairing all kinds of conveyances by thoroughly practical workmen, and none but the best materials used. AGRICULTURAL. Implements of all kinds made or re paired. Also, Combines, Engines, Reap ers and Binders, Chaft'cutters, Bruisers, &c. BUILDING. Estimates given for all kinds of Build* ing and general carpentering.



Cocksfoot Grass Seed Threshing Ma chines, for hand or foot, made to order, great saving of labor. SHEARER AND GALLOWAY, Tin wald. 165—641 a j- REAPERS AND BINDERS. THE Undersigned having been a.-- pointed agent for the sale *.£ McCormick’s & w. a. wood’s REAPERS AND BINDERS is now prepared to treat with those who will want them for the coming season. FREDK. PAVITT, 555a—88 East Street, Ashburton. JjINVELOPES,, NOTEPAPER, EN VELOPES, NOTE PAPER.—The cheapest ever offered in Ashburton, at the Herald Office, Wholesale * Stationery Depot, Saunders’ Buildings.



The Stud. THOROUGHBRED ENTIRE COLT Of the Traduceh Blood. To Travel this Season the ASHBURTON AND WAKANUI Districts, See future Advertisements for Particulars. S. H. FOWLER & C 0„ Proprietors, o<Ma— 2o Winslow IT is only a Penny, is to be gfct every where in Town, aiong tbj/.t.auwuy ne, and of the Country Agewt^ rpALE. —The Herald publishes ap»*r- X tion of a readable story evsr SuUU'r day. Read it. ‘ r \