The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1879.

Matt. Notice.— The Penguin, which leaves Lyttelton to morrow night, will take mails for Northern ports. The mail closes at the Christchurch office to-morrow at 7 p.m. Legal Holidays. —The offices of the Ashburton legal gentlemen will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, the show and race days, and on the former day the R.M. Court will not sit.

Sergeant Felton. —We are glad to hear that after some fifteen week’s illness, our much respected head of the police, Sergeant Felton, is so far convalescent that he is able to get about in the house, and contemplates taking a trip to the North Island in a week or so. Many of his friends will no doubt feel glad at his recovery.

Sad Termination to an Opera. —A painful scene recently occurred at the town of Altorf, in Switzerland. As “Lucia’' was being performed at the theatre, a violent thunderstorm burst over the house. The tenor was singing the air in the malediction scene, when Edgardo fell forward, struck down by lightning. He was immediately raised from the ground, and, though alive, was found to be paralysed in every limb. The per formance, of course, was brought to an abrupt termination, the accident leaving a sad impression on the minds of the audience.

Upset. —Aa equestrian who was pur suing his way homeward down Peter street last evening, came suddenly to grief. He had evidently been enjoying himself a short time previously, and this may account for the exuberance of his spirits and his inability to maintain the necessary equilibrium required for keeping his seat in the saddle, and hence, before he had ridden far the rider came in con tact with mother earth. A couple of lookers on volunteered their friendly aid to replace the unfortunate one, but being of an independent disposition, he despised such assistance, and leading his steed away, gave vent to some not very compli mentary remarks on the interference of the intruders. Chinese Dens of Infamy. —The Chinese difficulty in New South Wales appears to exhibit itself more in forms of social de gradation than in any interference with the labor market, if one may judge from the following in the Sydney Telegraph of a late date :—“ The Chinese dens of in famy, in Campbell street, again came under notice yesterday, in a case at the Water Police Court, in which Eliza Carney, or Barnett, was charged with having no lawful visible means of support. The prisoner, a remarkably pretty girl of about 18 years of age, but whose features bore traces of dissipation, had been known by the police to frequent the Chinese quarters for the past three months, and on Mon day night had been found lying in one in an unconscious condition. This led to a warrant being issued for her apprehension, and on Tuesday night she was arrested in a second den, being then under the in fluence of opium. The unfortunate girl was sentenced to three months’ imprison ment with hard labor. The apprehending constable alluded to the places whence the prisoner had been taken as the worst haunts in the city, and appeared desirous that their Worships should make some comments upon them. But no magisterial remarks were made, and it is to be pre sumed that the keepers of them will be , permitted still to ply their evil ways-”

A Useful Clergyman. —A North British journal reports that Mr Howard, the New Connexion minister of Crook, is a man of many accomplishments. He can preach a good sermon, he can lecture on many branches of science in a very able manner and blends amusement with in struction. He is a mesmerist, a phreno logist, and last, but not least, he can cure many diseases without the use of medi cine. Every Thursday afternoon scores of people with crutches, sticks, arms in slings, bad eyes, toothache, headache, &c., wend their way to the chapel vestry, where for two hours Mr Howard practices the healing art. Many surprising cures are mentioned, and people come from such distant places as Newcastle and Sunder land, suffering from all sorts of ailments. It may be stated that Mr Howard is a bitter opponent of spiritualism, so that this science has no credit for the cures he effects.

The Female Impersonator. —This un fortunate and misguided woman (De Lacy Evans), continues to progress towards mental and physical convalescence, and in the course of a few weeks will probably be fit to receive her discharge. The hospital authorities have been exceedingly kind, and from the doctor to the nurse the patient has received the most considerate sympathy and attention. She rises early, dresses in proper womanly costume, which from daily use she is becoming more and more reconciled to wear, and speaks now of her intention to remain in the character of her own sex. Her facial ex pression is becoming more softer ed and feminine, and with her unusually fine head of wavy hair, dressed in the fashion of her true sex, and herself clothed in proper garments, she looks so unmis takably a woman, as to make it a marvel that, for upwards of twenty years, she could have passed for a man. Her pre sent intention is to remain in the garb of her own sex, and to quietly leave for one of the other colonies. As she is wholly without means, she purposes appealing to some liberal-minded gentleman to advance by way of loan, the amount necessary, and which she earnestly avows her fixed intention of repaying. Her expressed desire now is to end her days in peace in the welcome obscurity of the unknown.— Bendigo Independent.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

{Special to the Melbourne Age. ) London, Nov. 12. The Transvaal Boers are defiant. The departure of the dragoons is postponed.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Nov. 14.

Owing to dirty weather the Rotorua did not arrive till daylight. She sails south this afternoon.

The Waikato brings 264 immigrants. One birth and one death occurred on the voyage. There are no complaints, and the immigrants appear a respectable lot. They are composed principally of families.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS

{Age Special.) London, Nov. II

Speaking at the Lord Mayor’s banquet, Lord Beaconsfield declared that the true policy of England -was the development of her Imperial destiny, combined with true regard for the liberties of the people, in calculated by the motto “ Imperium et libertas. ” He condemned the Parnell agi tation as calculated to create social con fusion and ill-feeling, without achieving good results. An insurrection has broken out at Lima.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Special. ) Melbourne, Nov. 13.

Breadstuffs are easier. A Mauritius telegram states that the shipment of sugar to the Colonies generally is very light. Only 350 tons have been shipped to Dune din and Lyttelton. The market is active.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS

Wanganui, Nov. 13. Mr Young, the Judge of the Native Lands Court now sitting at Otaki, died on Wednesday after three days’ illness. O amaru, Nov. 13.

An inquest on the body of O’Brien was held to-day, and resulted in a verdict of “ Accidental death. ”

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

AFTERNOON SITTING.

Thursday, Nov. 13.

The House met at 2.30. new bills.

The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—The Patent Act Amendment (Hon. J. Hall), To Amend The Forest Trees Planting Act, 1871 (Mr Wright). PROOF OF SPEECHES. Mr DeLautour moved—“ That this House concurs in the recommendation of the Reporting Debates Committee, and that in future no proofs of speeches made in either House be sent out from the printing office except to the two Speakers, and members whose speeches are repor ted.” He said that since 1871 it had been customary to send these reports to the Government. The House Committee did not see any necessity for such a practice, so long as members were enabled to cor rect their speeches. The Committee could see no reason why these speeches, with all their inaccuracies, should be given to any one but members for correc tion.

Mr Saunders did not agree with the motion. He thought the speeches should not be revised at all in “ Hansard. These speeches were so greatly altered and im proved that he thought it was a great pity they ■were not sent out to the public

as originally delivered, so that it might be seen what nonsense was talked in the House.

The resolution was put and carried. REGULATION OF .THEATRES.

Mr Dick moved—“ That it is expedient for Government to have power to control theatrical performances and that a Bill should be brought in by Government giving such power.” Government had said they were alive to the importance of the matter ; but lie questioned much if they were, otherwise recent scandals would not have been tolerated. In the South Island it was thought that an Ordinance for this purpose was in force, but it was found that such was not the case. What was aimed at was that powers of this kind should be restored, and that matter should be taken in hand by Go vernment, and not by a private member.

FINANCES OF THE COLONY. The Hon. John Hall moved —“ That a Select Committee, to consist of 14 mem bers, bo appointed to examine into and report upon questions relating to the public accounts, to consist of Major Atkin son, Messrs M‘Lean, Stevens, Wood, Saunders, Dick, Ballance, Hislop, Mont gomery, Moss, Gisborne, Johnston, Sir G. Grey, and the mover.” Mr DeLautour suggested that provision should also be made for a more efficient audit of the accounts of local bodies.

Mr Pyke concurred in this opinion, adding that it was a fact within his own knowledge that County Councils had paid away monies they had no authority to do. and when the accounts came before the auditors they added a note to the effect that while the accounts were correct, the sum or sums had been disbursed in viola tion of the Act under which the body was constituted. There was nothing then for it but to pass the accounts as brought down, unless a ratepayer took upon him self the duty of suing the Council for re covery of the amount illegally disbursed. Mr Turnbull thought that as local bodies raised their own revenue, they were quite sharp enough to look after its proper disbursement. He objected to hamper these bodies with too much out side influence.

Mr Bowen dissented. The policy of Government was to look after the proper disbursement of the funds of friendly and other societies, and he looked upon the step proposed as a very proper one. Mr Speight said it was no uncommon thing for the funds of these institutions to be squandered away in the most unjusti fiable manner. Receptions were got up,

towns decorated, and other extravagancies gone into, which were wholly unjustfiable and illegal and yet the ratepayers were powerless to check the evil. The Hon. W. Gisborne thought that in the case of subsidised bodies, the sugges tion was a proper one. The proper audit ing of the accounts of these bodies was very necessary, not only with the view of seeing that money had been expended, but also with the view of ascertaining that the objects aimed at had been strictly kept in view, and that the expenditure was not carried outside the object for which it was provided. The motion as amended by embodying the suggestion, was put and carried.

COLLINGWOOD ELECTION. Mr Gibbs moved —“ That a copy of a telegram addressed individually to numer ous electors of the Collingwood electorate, and signed ‘ G. Grey,’ and received on the day of the election, be laid before the House. ” Mr Macandrew said it was absurd to ask for productions like this. It was open for Sir G. Grey, or any other person, to send whatever telegram they thought fit, provided they paid for them. The Hon. John Hall concurred, but thought the mover should be allowed to withdraw it.

The motion was put and negatived. “ HANSARD.”

Mr Saunders moved —“ That in the opinion of the House 20 copies of “ Hansard ” should be placed at the dis posal of each member of the House, and that the price at which they be sold to the public should be as low as will cover the cost of paper and extra printing.” The debate elicited the information that “ Hansard ” cost over £SOOO per annum, while the revenue derived from sub scriptions was £lll. The cost for the extra copies would be £4O per week, or at the rate of £23 per issue.

It was moved as an amendment — “That the question be referred to the Debates Reporting Committee,” and on a division the amendment was carried; ayes 39, noes 22. On the motion for adopting the motion as amended, a division took place ; ayes 35, noes 18. The motion as amended was put and carried, and the House ad journed at 5.30.

EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed at 7.30. breach of privilege.

Mr Macandrew called attention to a grave breach of privilege. Copies of tele grams had been laid on the table that day. He wished to know how they had been come by. They could only be got from the Telegraph Department, and that, to his mind, was a violation of the secrecy of the system. He moved—“ That they be withdrawn, and that a Committee be ap pointed to ascertain as to how these copies were come by. ”

The Hon. J. Hall said this was not the first occasion on which copies of telegrams had been produced in accordance with an order of the House, and when it appeared to Government that it was judicious to do so. In support of that contention, he quoted from the records of the House. The telegrams alluded to were not con sidered to be of a private natuf e, or paid for by the sender. The to frank telegrams was not given to ministers to carry on their own private business, but to carry on that of the public. When copies were called for, the late Government did not dispute that they were public pro perty. What they did was to dispute that any such telegrams had been sent. If they looked upon them as private com munications, the time to raise the ques tion was when they were called for. In using the telegraphs to the extent they did during the elections, they were guilty of the abuse of the public confidence. Sir G. Grey contended fliat the mere inspection of a telegram of this kind would show whether they were private or not. If, on inspection, such a telegram mani festly private had been sent without being pre-paid, then the Minister sending it should be called upon to pay for it. The

Government had no right., to maim contents of such a telegram public. If a mistake of this kind was made .it. was a mistake of his Private Secretary. Ho complained that unfair proceedings of this kind had been too common.

Replying to Mr Montgomery, The Hon J. Hall said chat the copies were asked for by Mr Saunders thi'ee weeks ago, and from that day to this nothing had been said about objections thereto.

' The Hon. W. Gisborne argued that, the telegrams in question should have been treated as private telegrams, and as such Government had no order from the House to lay them on the table. All that Go vernment could properly do under the cir cumstances was to have called upon the sender to pay for their ti’ansmission. Mr Stewart contended that the produc tion was outside of the request made. What was asked for was that copies of telegrams sent by the Government should be produced, whereas the replies to these telegrams had also been laid on the table. The Hon. J. Hall said that the tele-

grams in question having been paid for by the public, Government had treated them as public property, and coming within the demand for production. Mr Stewart went on to say that the Premier had told them he had just seen the original of those telegrams in the office. He assumed that to mean, that lie had taken upon himself a roving commis-

mission to look through correspondence passing through the Telegraph office. If that view of the case were carried, there would be an end to secrecy of the system, and violation of obligation taken by of ficers of the department. Mr Saunders scouted the idea that public documents paid for by public monev could be called private documents.

These documents were called for by a member whose election had been pre judged by these telegrams. The doctrine laid down about calling upon the sender to pay for ‘them, was similar to the doctrine that the thief, when found out, should get off with simply paying the value of the property stolen. No gentle man of high principles would have used the wires as had been done by the late Premier, for the purpose for which they were employed. So smart was the leader of the Opposition to get these telegrams out of the way, that he took possession of them and kept them, so that he (Mr Saunders), although he had called for them, had not got an opportunity of seeing them. Mr M‘Lean contended that in 1871 copies of telegrams had been produced on the order of the House, and there was no reason why the same course should not be pursued now. It was necessary for the purity of Government that productions of this kind should be made.

A question here arose as to the produc tion of the papers. The Speaker said that he had impounded the papers, and would not allow them to be perused until it had been decided whether or not they were to be with drawn. Mr Sheehan denied that a similar case occurred in 1871. The House would not have telegrams produced on that occasion. If all telegrams were public propei-ty, why was it that the public had not got possession of the telegram about the new loan ? Mr Wakefield said that when the sub ject wa3 first mooted, the Government of the day got up and stated that the Wliit more-Inglis telegram was the only one sent at public expense. Now, however, it appeared that there were a great many more. Not only had Mr Saunders come to the House with a strong feeling that his election has been interfered with by the then Government, but he (Mr Wakefield) had that feeling as regarded his own elec tion. The great wrong done was that the late Government should have used its in fluence in these elections, and not the few shillings of which the Telegraph revenues were deprived. Calling for the produc tion of these telegrams was the only way they could get at the fact of this inter ference having taken place.

Mr Moss contended that the informa tion was not complete. They ought to have been put in possession of the instruc tions given to the Telegraph Department as to the production of telegrams. Major Atkinson said that Government was prepared to accept the suggestions for the appointment of a Committee. The officers of the Department had simply done their duty and produced the doc u ments they were instructed to do. If there was anything wrong the Commis sioner of Telegraphs was quite prepared to accept the responsibility. In pursuance of what he had already stated, he moved as an amendment—“ That the Committee be instructed to enquire whether the pro duction of these telegrams is contrary to law, and also to ascertain the total number of telegrams sent and received by the late Government in connection with the late election.” The Hon. J. Hall said that the state ment made by Sir George Grey, to the effect that his instructions to his Secre tary were, that all telegrams of this kind should be charged to his private account, he believed to be absolutely correct. He denied, however, it was for a Private Secretary to decide what telegrams should be paid for and what should be franked. Government had acted in this matter under advice.

Sir G. Grey said that having made use of a private telegram, he would take legal advice as to whether or not he could punish him for the act. It was a dis honorable one, of which the Premier ought to be ashamed. Mr J. B. Fisher had no hesitation in stating that the secrecy of the telegraph system had been violated. One of his telegrams had been produced which had not been fairly copied, and as regards the other it would take a large stretch of imagination to say it was on electioneer ing purposes. Mr Macandrew agreed to accept the amendment, and did so on the undei'- standing that the telegrams would be with held pending their disposal by the pro posed Committee. The motion was then put and carried. Tire following were the Committee : Messrs Montgomery, Saunders, Turnbull, Wakefield, Gisborne, Pitt, Bowen, Mac andrew, Sir George Grey. ELECTIVE COUNCIL.

On the second reading of the Elective Council Bill, Sir George Grey said that as things at present stood, men were put into the Council representing large monetary interests. These men influenced the legislation in a variety of ways. They were placed in a position to make

vert the public policy, T'uen as tilings i stood there was no redress for wrongs a- j nominated body might inflict. They i might, remain, in that Chamber all their |' lives, and let them do what they uugnt x>p |

obstruct the general good, they eou.a not be removed. They came back year after year to repeat the wrongs they had al ready inflicted, and there was no re dress. The practice followed here was, that when certain individuals lost their seat in this House, they were called to the other Chamber. They were able to create a great interest which would take years to destroy. He believed tee wnoie colony felt it was monstrous that a number of gentlemen, having no interest or claims, should have such power conferred on them for life, and the general desire was that the

Chamber should be thrown open to Her Majesty's _ subjects. He had thought the subject over, and to bis mind an elective Chamber was the only solution of the difficulty. Wnat he proposed was that both Islands should be looked upon as great elective districts. He proposed that the Council should con sist of 27 members. That number was based on numbers provided by neighbour ing Colonies, and was made up by twelve each for both islands, two Natives for the North and one for the Middle Island. It

would be impossible for a man t.> be elected who did not hold a good position in the estimation of his fellowmen. The House of Representatives would repre sent loccd interests, while the Upper House represented the large interests. The Upper House would be a great power m the country and by that means legislation in accordance with the views of the people

would be secured. The Hon. W. Rolleston said that there was no demand on the part of the country for a change of this kind. Had any such change been required, they would have been sure to have heard something about it. He argued that a constant change had taken place in the constitution of tne Council. The proposal was, in his opinion, a step in the direction of the separation of the two Islands, and therefore he hoped that it would be discouraged. Mr De Latour spoke in support of the motion.

Mr Thomson moved the adjournment of the debate. The House rose at 12.30 a. m.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, Nov. 14. (Before Thos. Bullock, Esq., J.P.) VAGRANT. James Sullivan, on remand, was charged with being found drunk in East street. S. Maddison, master of the Old Men’s Home, stated that Sullivan was a quiet man, except when in drink. ‘ The Bench gave him a lecture, and the prisoner was discharged on the under standing that he was to be on his good be havior for the future, and to abjure beer so long as he remained an inmate of the Home.

Garret Gough and Mary Gough were charged with having no visible means of support. Constable Maroney, deposed that Mr Gough had been about three weeks in Ashburton, and both bore a very bad character in Christchurch.

Constable Beaumont said that they had had twelve months on a charge of vagrancy, and on two other occasions a month and a fortnight respectively. The prisoners did not deny the facts, but stated in defence that it was only for having a drop of drink which they were in the habit of indulging in. The Bench sentenced them to two months with hard labor each, which was objected to as being too much. ASSAULT. George Smith was charged with assault ing a Railway guard in the execution of his duty. McFarlane, Railway guard, stated that prisoner had refused to show his ticket in the train, and on arrival at Ashburton had struck him and knocked him down.

Mr Pilkington, station master, corrobora ted the evidence of the guard as to the assault, which was unprovoked, and very severe, the guard being insensible for some minutes afterwards.

Constable Beaumont deposed that after arresting Smith he had searched him, and his effects consisted of sixpence, a knife, and a pipe, and he had no railway ticket in his possession. Smith said that he was drunk, and had intended to get out at liakaia, and was vexed at finding himself at Ashburton, hence the assault. The Bench fined him £5 or a month’s imprisonment.

A Collegiate Scandal.

The boys of Nelson College—which is always regarded as occupying the premier position among the educational establish ments of New Zealand—seem destined to make themselves famous in more ways than one. A few weeks ago the colony was amused by reading a political mani festo from these young gentlemen, which was as edifying as it was original. More recently, however, a nnmber of young scapegraces at the College have dis tinguished themselves in a manner that is neither original nor edifying. I he story is now generally current, and in many instances has been circulated in a very exaggerated form, so that there can be no harm in stating what we believe to be the real facts of the case. From what we learn, it appears that some sixteen of the boys are concerned in the esclandre, which consists briefly in their having com mitted petty peculations in the shops of various tradesmen in the city. The thefts appear to have been committed in a very sj'stematic manner, some of the boys en tering the shop and engaging the shop keeper in conversation, while other ab stracted articles from the counter or win dow. Indeed it is said that thej' even went so far as to attempt to dispose after wards of the goods so obtained. While every allowance should be made for the pranks of boyhood, promoted rather by a love of fun than by any criminal intention, it was felt that the offence in this case was too serious to be lightly passed over. Ac cordingly six of the ringleaders were promptly expelled, while the others were sentenced to a whipping, the terrors of which were aggravated by the fact that they were not told when it was to be in flicted. The policy of this plan was shown

. _ . ..., .. . . _ j <u •tiro’ boys asked that ’Cu, r uiiguk u:.ve u “ c<> ji blocs * h iwa occ ’’ ’pro ■ that tfc was inflicted' at unco. The affair has naturally caused a good deal of comment, the* more so from the position in society hold by the parents of some of the boys.

The Blind Man’s Duel.

(From the New Orleans Picayune.) It is doubtful if any theatre ever offered such volumes of romantic incidents as the

deck of the old time Mississippi steamer. In the old times, before the railroads tra versed the continent in every direction, and the West was a wilderness, - New Or leans was the Mecca for travellers, and the fleet wave borne palaces of the inland sea carried thousands of pleasure seekers to the south. It was then that life was a carousal, and men and women gave them selves up to the most lavish enjoyments.

Men were as prone to brawls as the sparks to fly upward. Conspicuous among the fierce and rollicking habitues of the steamers was Captain West, a noted duellist. One day he engaged in a contro-, versy with a gentleman with whom lie met on deck, whom he accused of staring at him impertinently. “ Why do you stare at me so intently ?” demanded the , captain. The gentleman made no reply, but quietly walked along the steamboss£>,, deck, and again halted when he met duellist, who, being incensed at the cool manner in which he was treated, accosted the stranger and demanded an end of it. Stepping up to the " stranger he inquired, with suppressed pas sion, “ Can you fight as well as look ? “ Perhaps so, I never tried it. Place me, however, and I will do my best.” The singular conduct of the stranger had by this time attracted universal attention, and whispered conference regarding his re markable appearance agitated the little

groups of persons all over the boat. In a short time, however, she rounded to a landing for wood, and then the parties to the impromptu duel went ashore. The passenger was led off by a negro servant, who seemingly picked his ■ wav. Indeed, from the intense interest he was manifest ing in the encounter, the servant .was ap parently more interested in the matter than his master. But the -time allowed

for preliminaries was brief, and the men; were speedily put in position and pla,ced their hands. The word was given, and two ringing reports flashed out on the air. Captain West fell pierced to the heart. The stranger stood erect, calm and digni fied. His second rushed up to him-: “ Are you hurt, sir?” “No; how is it with my antagonist?” “Can’t you see? you have killed him?” “No, I am un able to see. ” “You can’t see?” No, I am blind.” And be was. The tragedy was a nine days’ wonder, and all sorts of rumours were rife as to the identity of the fatal stranger. But who he was and whither he went was a mystery never solved. The circumstances went to make up an incident in the dark and bloody memories which made famous the olden time.

Steel. —According to the London “ Echo,”. Kang Iron is dying, and King , Steel is preparing to reign. King Steel has invaded the shipbuilders’ yards, the boiler-makers are making a treaty with him, and now he is conquering the bridge builders. The great bridge over the F<*rth is to be built of steel, and a large bridge for a railway in Australia has just been , made in Scotland entirely from steel. The sooner iron-masters recognise the new order of things the better for themselves. A Plucky Explorer. —M. Soleillet, a French explorer, is travelling through Africa in a remarkably primitive fashion. His sole means of transport is a mule of great docility, and his only escort is a man servant. He never carries arms, and adapts himself to the habits and customs of the tribes through which he passes, eats and dresses as they do, and as he speaks the languages of the country he finds no difficulty in keeping on friendly terms with the blacks. He advances very slowly, stopping at every villiage he reaches, and rendering any service he can to the inhabitants.

French Actresses’ Dress. —l wish, writes a Paris correspondent, that some of the critics who raise a rout about Mme. Modjeska and Miss Ward would journey across the water to see how such things are done in artistic Paris, the home par excellence of the highest form of decora tive art. They would find Croizette at the Theatre Francaise, playing in “La Sphinz” in a seal-skin dress that cost £6OO. And what would they say to the gowns of the accomplished Mdle. Bartet in “ Montjoj'- ?” Her first dress in par ticular would throw them into convul sions. It is composed of a real and very fine Indian shawl (one of those that have no plain centre, but are all border—the most expensive style, by the way) cut into a polonaise, and worn over a large over skirt of peacock-green velvet, exactly matching the skirt in shade. Her second dress is of white watered silk, with sleeves and paniers of white foulard trimmed with Valenciennes lace. A scarf drapery of foulard is drawn around the lower part of the skirt, and is knotted in front in a very graceful fashion. These dresses "were both made by Worth.

Adventure with an Octopus. A rather amusing incident was witnessed in the Scarborough Aquarium recently. It appears that the keeper, whilst engaged in cleaning out the tank occupied by the octopedes, was suddenly seized by the leg (fortunately he had sea boots on) by the largest of the octopedes, which fastened four of his tentacles round the leg of the. boot, and with the other four held firmly on to the rocks forming the back of the tank. A struggle took place, during which the man found he could not disen gage himself without killing the animal, and finally hit upon the expedient of slip ping his leg out, leaving the boot in the water and beating a retreat. The hungry octopus stuck to the boot for 20 minutes, when it relinquished its hold.

Any man (says the “ Coney Island News ”) pays too much for his whistle when he has it wet 15 or 20 times a day. Liverpool papers print the story of one William Mayor, a respectable citizen, who passed several years in penal servitude for burglary and an attempt to murder, of which he has been proved to be entirely guiltless. It was a case of mistaken iden tity, and no redress for tie injustice^ haa ever been received. ‘ ’

Friday, KevftMflSß.

THE ASHBUKTOM HERALD



New Advertisements. WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. SENDERS are invited for additional CUTTING at Corbett’s, Wakanui. Plans, &c., can be seen at the Board’s Office, Moore street, and tenders to be in by 10 a. m. on Nov. 19th. FOOKS & SON, Surveyors to the Board. 184 ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. ELECTION OF MAYOR. “ Municipal Corporations Act, 1876,” s,, and the “Regulation of Local Elections Act, 1876.” InEREBY GIVE NOTICE that the ANNUAL ELECTION of MAYOR under the first-mentioned Act, will be held at the Borough Council Chambers, Ashburton, on WEDNESDAY, the 20th day of November, 1879, and the poll, if necessary, will be taken between the hours of 9 a. m. and 6 p.m. of the same cl.„y. NOMINATIONS of Candidates (which must be made in the manner provided in clause 11 of the second-mentioned Act), will take place at noon on TUESDAY, the 18th day of November, 1879, at the office of the Town Clerk, where Nomina tion papers can be obtained, and a deposit of £lO must be left with each nomination paper. Dated this 10th day of November, 1879. CHARLES BRADDELL, Returning Officer. Ashburton Borough Council Chambers. 18—182—666 a



NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. AMBERLEY TO BLUFF. CHRISTCHURCH SPRING RACE MEETING AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S SHOW. ORDINARY Single-fare Tickets will be issued from all Stations to Christ church. on NOV. 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, available for return journey, up to WED NESDAY, NOV. 19. WM. CONYERS, Commissioner of Railways. Commissioner’s Office, Christchurch, Oct. 2oth, 1879. 661 a NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. . NORTH OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION SHOW. OAMARU. 20th and 21st NOVEMBER, 1879. ORDINARY SINGLE FARE TIC KETS issued from Dunedin and Timaru, and all intermediate Stations and Branches, to Oamaru, on 20th and 21st November, will be available for RETURN up till MONDAY, 24th November, (inclusive.) From Christchurch and Stations North of Timaru, Ordinary Single Fare Tickets, issued on the 19th or 20th November, to Oamaru, will be available for Return up to and including 24th November. WM. CONYERS, Commissioner of Railways. Commissioner’s office, Christchurch, Ist Nov., 1879. 663 a ASHBURTON RACING CLUB. MEMBERS are reminded that their SUBSCRIPTIONS are now DUE, and must be paid before the Spring Meeting to entitle to free access to Course and Stand. S. SAUNDERS, Hon. Treas. A.R. Club. 635a—163



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 IT is only a Penny, is to be got every where in Town, along the Railway line, and of the Country Agents. WANTED KNOWN —That Money can be saved by purchasing your Sta tionery and Account Books, for cash, at the “Herald” and “Guardian” Whole sale Stationery Depdt, Saunders’ Build ings, near Station. A CARD. R CATTLIN, SURGEON DENTIST, Will remain in Ashburton to attend patients at Mr Quill’s Hotel, until TUESDAY Afternoon, the 18th instant. 671 a NEW ZEALAND WESLEYAN Published Monthly. JUST ARRIVED, the “New Zealand Wesleyan” for November. Price 6d Sold at the Herald Office, East Street. WEEKS AND DIXON, Agents. H i/- OUSEMAIDS.— The Herald asks a Housemaid for you in 20 words for 'TV'/' ANTED.—The Herald tells your W Wants in 20 words, for 1/-. CRICKETING Materials —Bats, Balls, Stamps, Knee Pads, &c., at \ H. M. JONES’, X . Stationei, Baring Square ‘ANTED KNOWN That Mrs MANHIRE Cuts Out and Fits LADIES’ ROBES for 3s each. Address : Mrs Manhire, North East Belt. 669 a



New Advertisements. WANTED— A Good Sraaat RUNNER. Apply —Herald Office. HOLIDAY. rnHE LEGAL PROFESSION of Ash | burton have determined to CLOSE their OFFCES on TUESDAY, and WED NESDAY, 18th and 19th inst, being the Agricultural and Pastoral. Show, and-Ash burton Race Day. ' " 675a—190 B ald win’s consultation on the ASHBURTON HANDICAP. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19TH. 100 at 10s Each. First Horse Second do Third do Starters (divided) 670 a £25 10 5 10 ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. TENDERS FOR SUPPLY OF DOG COLLARS FOR 1880. riIENDERS are invited for the supply x of 1256 Dog Collars for the ensuing year, and for affixing new badges of registra tion to 244 collars now at the Council’s Office, Ashburton. Tenders endorsed “Tenders for Dog Collars,” will be received at the Council’s Offices, Ashburton, up to 10 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, the 26th instant. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Particulars as to quality, size, &c., and sample collar may be seen at the following places, viz : Council Office, Ashburton. Town Clerk’s Office, Christchurch. Town Clerk’s Office, Timaru. By order, F. MAINWARING, Clerk. Council Office, Ashburton, Nov. 11, 1879. 189-672 a COOKS. —You can advertise for a Cook in 20 words in the Herald for 1/-. A MAN is not wise if he don’t advertise, l\ And Twenty Words cost a Shilling.



MEMORANDA. AUCTION SALES. To-morrow. Acland, Campbell & Co., at their Bazaar, Burnett-street, at 12 o’clock—great sale of Horses. Alfred Harrison, at hi 3 Rooms, Baring Square, at 12 o’clock—Oranges. Messrs Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, at iheir Rooms, East-street, at I'3o o’clock —Fruit, Potatoes, Wheat, &c.