POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails at the Ashburton Post Office close 15 follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. (. p.ra., and 7.30 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m. daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m., and 4 p.m. daily.

For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine,at 10.20 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m. and 3 p.m daily.^ For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, every Monday and Thursday, at 7.30 p.m.

The next mail for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will close at Ashburton on Fri day, 28th inst., and will be due in London on the 15th of April. The next mails for the United Kingdom via Brindisi and Southampton will close at Ash burton on the nth of March. The mail via Brindisi will be due in London on the sth °f May, and that via Southampton on the 12th of May. ; W. St. G. Douglas, 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 in the mails made up in transit for offices on the main line and branches.

Sydney J. Dick, Chief Postmaster.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser. (With which is incorporated the “ Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1879.

The published accounts of the Kai tangata explosion given by newspaper correspondents, and the evidence al ready led before the coroner who held the inquest on the deceased men, show an exceedingly ugly state of affairs in the every day work of the mine. It is an old saying that the fool locks the stable door after the horse has been stolen, but he would be a greater fool, who, having lost one horse, but had still others in the stable, continued to leave the door open for the thief's en-, trance; and now that the Kaitangata fire-damp has exploded, and dealt out death and bereavement wholesale, it becomes a duty of the colony to de mand inquiry, and protection by law of the recurrence of a similar disaster. It has 'been said that the over-legislation of Great Britain presses upon the liberty of the subject, and interferes with the rights of capital, but if the liberty of the subject and the rights of capital de mand that forty men should be suffo cated as a sacrifice to the sacredness of that liberty and those rights, then slavery, which cares for the lives of its bondmen, is preferable to liberty. The so-called over-legislation of our mother country is careful of the lives of its miners. It demands that every light used in a coal-pit shall be enclosed in a safety lamp; that such lamp shall be locked at the pit mouth by the master key of the manager, and the miner opens that lamp underground at the peril of three months’ imprisonment, and he risks a similar punishment if he enters the descending cage without the bolt of his lamp secured ; fiery work ings not in use for the output of coal are built up, and ventilated through openings by means of a gauze screen, wide enough in the mesh to permit a passage of atmospheric air in current, but too close for the deadly firedamp to 'penetrate through it, and over all is chalked in glaring letters the warning placard “ Fire !” The foolhardy man who, without authority, lifts that screen for any purpose whatever, can also be punished with imprisonment. The provisions of the Mines Regulation Act are stringent throughout, but their stringency has saved many a life that might otherwise have been lost. With precautions like these duly observed, the chance of disaster is reduced to the lowest minimum in man’s power, and

though accidents do occur, and will probably always occur at intervals in fiery mines, still, proper precautions have wonderfully reduced their fre quency. What is the case in New Zealand’? Miners worked in the Kaitangata mine knowing full well that inflammable gas was about,, for on occasions it had been so manifest that men had stopped workings ; yet their only light was a naked one, from a tallow lamp. Only one Davy lamp is spoken of as being used in the mine, and that was in the possession of the man whose duty it was to examine the workings every morning, and test with the Davy lamp for the presence of gas. Bars of wood placed across the mouth of the old workings where fire-damp was known to accumulate, were all that was considered necessary to protect them from the en trance of a naked flame, and how in efficacious these bars were is proved by the disaster. A mine manager is a man of great responsibility, as are also the firemen entrusted with the duty of testing for gas, and they ought there fore to be men chosen because of quali fications possessed for the duties re quired of them. Of Hodge, the manager of the Kaitangata mine, no thing derogatory of his ability has yet been said, except one thing, and that one weakness slew him along with his men—he appointed his eccentric bro ther to the deputy management of the mine. This deputy manager the men looked upon as scarcely right in his head, yet he held a position of trust in the mine, and could at any time his fancy so led him, penetrate the old and dangerous workings, lighting his way with a tallow lamp. He had enjoyed immunity from danger for a time, in these venturesome rambles, but, as the sequel showed, he entered the workings l once too often, and death met him where the rescuers found his difigured body. The colony has suffered severe loss by the deaths following this explosion, but their sacrifice, their almost martyr dom, will bear fruit, for the heart of the colony has been stirred to its depths by this catastrophe, and the result will be that Parliament in its next session will legislate with a view to the safety of life in the coal mines within its jurisdiction.

Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting.— The weekly meeting of Sunday School teachers usually held in the Y.M.C.A. room will to-night be held in Messrs. Fooks’ office.

Victoria House. Messrs. Hooper, Aitken & Co. opened their new premises, Havelock Street, Ashburton, this morn ing. It presents a very striking appear ance from the street, and we should say is a peculiarly difficult shop for ladies to pass. The cost has been over £2OOO, the two front shops, one of which is devoted to drapery, and the other to grocery, cover a space of ground 66ft. bys6ft. Both these compartments are handsomely and conveniently fitted, and, the proprietors state, contain almost every description of goods. A handsome show-room, a room for the ladies to try on, boots, two offices, a produce store, and other depart ments adjoin, and at the back is a ware house and tailors’ room 45ft. by 18ft. The patent folding shutters are light and strong and quite a feature to Ashburton. A very handsome verandah will run along the front of the building, but this is not yet erected. Well lighted, lofty, elegantly furnished and pleasantly situated, Messrs Hooper & Aitken’s store will no doubt be much frequented, and we sincerely hope its enterprising owners will reap a rich reward.

Registration Forms. —Time is drawing on and the period during which claims to vote can be registered will soon run out. We remind those who have not yet registered, that forms may be had at the office of this paper free of charge. The Express. —Last night the express from the South was an hour late in arriv ing at Ashburton. It was detained through the arrangements for the railway employees’ picnic at Hampden. Ckertsey. —Things are not at all at a standstill in this little township. It is forging ahead in the direction of improve ment, and is being steadily added to in the matter of buildings. The new school room has just been completed, as also the master’s house adjoining, and, the school master having been recently appointed, we may expect the opening of the build ing shortly for the work of education.— Messrs A. R. Markham and Co., have taken over the general store of Messrs Orr and Co,, and of course settle down with the good wishes of the community.— Business is at present brisk. Most of the farmers have finished reaping, and the usual stir is manifested at the railway station when the grain season is on, large quantities of corn being daily brought in for rail carriage to market, and for ship ment. Threshing machines are to be seen at work in every direction, and as these are ( the only sure borometers for telling the' yield of the crop we are able to say from their indications that in some parts, the return of grain will be very good indeed, but in others the yield will be exceptionally low. The recent winds did some damage to the standing crops that were full ripe, and of course consider able loss in some instances resulted.—A new telegraph station is to be opened at Chertsey Railway Station, and for a fort night, we hear, that instruments have been lying there waiting to be fixed. — Complaints are made about the postal service, as by the box being cleared only once a day delay sometimes attends des patch of letters.-—Messrs M'Lean and Winter are about to open a branch for the sale of stock, etc., which will -doubtless not be without convenience for farmers and others. —The country round about is rapidly coming under cultivation, and settlers are not ignorant of the advantages of tree planting, for here and there good plantations are being dotted down.

Thx3 Grain Season,— The railway autho rities are beginning to feel even their

largely-increased facilities for grain car riage somewhat lieayily taxed by the present demand, and on Tuesday special ; grain trains were run on the Malvern: and Southbridge Branches to clear accumula tions of grain. . Alporh Forest School Committee.— Messrs. Cliapman, Macfarlane, Porter, M £ Rae, Olson, Morgan, and Wood are the new Committee for the Alford Forest School, and Mr. Macfarlane is Chairman. A Yinery Destroyed in Christchurch. —Mr. Boot’s, vinery in Cambridge Ter race was last night entered by some thief who coveted grapes.' Evidently finding the bunches more difficult to remove from the stem cane than he expected, he tore up the canes themselves, and destroyed' the vines. One “ golden champion ” vine has been a great sufferer, the clusters on which Mr. Boot was preserving for exhibition at the forthcoming flower show. The police are on the track of the offender. The Railway Employees’ Picnic at Hampden yesterday was a great success. It is estimated that over 2000 persons were on the ground hailing from Dunedin, Palmerston, and Oamaru. Games ancl sports of all kinds were provided, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed them selves. Guthrie and Larnach’s Company.— The report of this company for the past nine months shows a net profit of £24,033 upon a paid-up capital of £206,542. £16,175 of the profits will be devoted to dividend and bonus payments at the rate of 12|- per cent., £7,000 to the reserve fund (thus raised to £12,000), and £867 carried forward. Dividends will be pay able on 3rd March at all the Company’s branches. Over 1,000 hands are now in the Company’s employ. Arrival op the Boyne.— The ship Boyne arrived at Lyttelton yesterday. She brings 403 souls, of whom 95 are single women, 120 single men, 47 families (including 82 children). There were two deaths on the voyage, both of, children, and four Births, and the general health of the immigrants was good. During the passage Dr. Reed had a strange case to deal with, being that of one of the single women who attempted to starve herself. For a longtime she refused to take any thing but water, and Dr. Reed, finding that she was suffering from no malady, was compelled to supply her with food by force. She got over her queer freak after a time, and is now quite right again.

A Faulty Valuation Roll. “The Lyell Argus” never minces matters in criticison, to wit :—“ We have examined the Valuation Roll for Lyell Riding, and we could not well imagine a greater botch. What the compiler could have been think ing about we cannot imagine. We recommend every ratepayer to examine it as a curiosity, < it is worth examining. The Valuer has managed to disfranchise half the inhabitants of the Riding, and the funniest part of it is that he has disfranchised most of those miserable sinners who perfer roast beef or cake to spuds. Duffy ! it won’t do, and if you have tried that game with the other Ridings you will come to grief. If you were not sworn to do -your duty, well, you ought to have been. The liberty of the s.ubject is a delicate thing to play with.”

A Clever little passage at the expense of a member of the Belgian legation is current in Washington. A young attache recently reached there fresh from London, his last station, and greatly vexed over what he was pleased to call his exile. “At all events,” he was in the habit of saying, and his remark came to be widely quoted, “I shall speak no English in Washington'. ! I learned it in London, and I don’t intend to spoil my accent.” Time passed. The attache was at a re ception. Some friend of his asked a bright young American Avoman to permit him to present the attache to her. “ Oh, dear no,” was the reply, and it has travelled over Washington ; “ I could not think of such a thing. I learned my French in Paris, and it Avould ruin my ac cent to talk with a Belgian.”

The North Island Natives. —“ The Hawke’s Bay Herald’s ” Wairoa corres pondent telegraphs on Wednesday as folloAvs :—“ Te Kooti has \A r afned' the natives at Onepoto, Lake Waikamona, not to eat or sleep in their settlements for a month, or they Avill be destroyed by pesti lence. The natives have in consequence left their kiangas in a body, and are camped out on the banks of the Waikare haki awaiting orders. At present there are only five men and a sergeant stationed at Onepoto. It certainly seems like tempt ing Providence to leave an important post in the heart of the Uriwera country where Te Kooti’s Avord is laiv, so weakly gar risoned.”

A Split in the Cabinet. —There is a serious split in the Cabinet over Mr. Luckie’s appointment. It was decided in Cabinet to offer him the appointment, and Sir George Grey did not approve, but A\ r as in a minority of one. He, however, did not at the time express himself very strongly, and in due course the appoint ment was offered to and accepted by Mr. Luckie. Then Sir George Grey, as Premier, claimed the right to veto the ap pointment altogether. Tavo or three stormy scenes have taken place on the subject in the Cabinet Avithin the past day or two. Sir George Grey is supported now by Mr. Sheehan but all the other Ministers are against him. The Colony’s Armament. —Six guns for harbor defences, three of seven tons and three 64-pounders, and the material for a drill-shed are on board the ship Lorraine for Wellington, noAV daily ex pected from England. The heavy ord nance for the defence of the port of Dune din, has been shipped by the Benares, AA r hich sailed from London on December 15. Three are seven-ton guns and three 64-pounders converted. Strangers coming to reside in Ashburton ire often at a loss to know which is the best Establishment to visit for the purchase of Drapery, Clothing, and House-furnishing Iron mongery, and General Stores. Orr & Co. Dffer special advantages to the public that can be met with noivliere else in Ashburton. They keep at all times the largest and best-assorted Stock of every class of Goods, imported direct from the leading manufacturers at home, Avhich beintr bought entirely upon cash terms, they are enabled to ofier goods of such sterling value as cannot be equalled by any other house in the trade. Every article in stock is marked at the lowest price, from Avhich no abatement is made so that the most inexperienced buy their goods at the same puces as the best judges.—Advt

TELEGRAPHIC.

AUSTRALIAN.

[By Submarine Cable.] Melbourne, Feb. 2G.

The s.s. Ringarooma with the Marquis of Norm an by,, arrived at Hobart Town last- night, and is expected here about 4 o’clock. The inauguration of the Go vernor will take place immediately on his arrival. Ministers have left in the steamer Victoria to meet the Ringarooma. Sydney, Feb. 26.

Noumea news states that the last im portant insurgent chief who surrendered with his inferiors, has been sent to the Isle of Pines. The rebels are surrender ing by hundreds in all quarters.

The Executive Commissioners of the Exhibition have invited the Ministry to meet Governor Robinson at a farewell banquet on March 10. Sailed : Wakatipu.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

Sydney, Thursday. Four bushrangers have been captured near the border. One policeman was shot through the back.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Thursday. The Mayor has telegraphed to the Mayor of Dunedin expressing sympathy with those bereaved by the Kaitangata catastrophe, and offering hearty co-opera tion in raising, relief funds. A new Lodge of National Independent Odd Fellows has been opened at New market.

A Regatta Club has been formed at Ponsonby.

Wellington, Thursday, It is stated that the Government do not intend to bring the Regulation of Mines Act of last session into force, but propose introducing a new measure on the subject next session.

The mate of the steamer Patea has been washed overboard. His name is not given in the telegram received. He leaves a wife and three children.

The Maketu correspondent of The New Zealander ” telegraphs yesterday as follows :—“ Mr. Goldsmith, Mr. Young (Crown Agent), and Mr. Warbrick and party cut the line on one side of the boun dary of the Te Pateu reserve and part of the river frontage. This morning early, the same party began to chain the line and take the bearings. A number of women, instigated by Mahi Te Rangakiratu, Rota, Rangitoro, and other native assessors of the other tribes, tried to take the chain, but the prompt action' of the Pakehas and a number of women, who came to assist the survey party, completely stopped —after a severe struggle—the endeavour to delay the survey, and Mr. Goldsmith proceeded with his work without further violence. The survey, it is hoped, will now proceed. The chief Mahi and party returned to Maketu with the news of their own defeat.

In the foot-ball case, where damages were claimed from a player who, while running, knocked down a boy and broke his leg, the Magistrate held that defen dant was at the time engaged in a lawful game, and the boy was guilty of contri buting negligence by placing himself in a dangerous position. Judgment was ac cordingly given for defendant with costs.

DUNEDIN RACES. Dunedin, Thursday. The weather to-day has been fine for the races. It was cloudy in the morning, but now there is plenty of sunshine, and a fine cool atmosphere. There is a large at tendance on the grounds, probably 1000. The grand stand is almost crowded, and the events created great excitement. Much dis appointment was caused in the morning by the scratching of Titania. She was favo rite for the Cup, and a rumor lias risen that that race had been bought for Chan cellor. Dunedin Cup— Sinking Fund and Mata a dead heat ; Templeton third. Time, 3min. 57sec.

NINETEENTH CENTURY NOVELS.

From The Chat mg Cross Magazine.

Hoav very few books of the present day can be placed in youthful hands'? They mostly treat of indelicate subjects, lioav ever veiled in highly-coloured language ; they are spiced Avith double entendres, and seasoned Avith inuendo; full of descriptions of fast life, of the habits, customs, manners, dresses, jewellery, carriages, horses, and homes of question able members of society ; of the entertain ments they give, the society they affect, the money they spend, the fashions they set, their friends, and their friends’ friends—this is all part of the present day novelist’s stock-in-trade. It is almost impossible to take up a novel without finding some mention of the class demi monde, and the lives they led. The heroes of fiction, too, now, how intensely absurd they are ! What wonderful creations those stalwart Guardsmen, Avith vast frames, cleanly-cut features, handsome as those of Adonis or Antinous, and usually compared to the one or the other, answer ing to such soubriquets as “ Baby,” “Curly,” “Infant,” “Pet.”—men crible with debt, fascinating yet cruel, with the strength and coaiseness of a bargee united to the polish and refinement of a finished gentleman. These Avorthies, too, are depicted Avith an astonishing taste for man-millinery, evinced by Avearing seed pearl trimmed dressing-gowns, and having their rooms furnished as luxuriously as the boudoir of a duchess. These are the men people are expected in these days to read about Avith interest! The most astonish ing part of all being that the public do read such trash, and, in many instances, believe that the description giA T en in novels of such men and women are real. It would be amusing, were it not shocking and revolting, to think that people Avrite, and read, such pernicious nonsense ; our pity for those avlio read, and are enter tained, by such books is only equalled by our disgust and contempt for those Avho write them. Worse than all is the fact that our lady novelists persistently— of course there are many honourable exceptions—choose risque subjects, and descant on such topics Avith a minuteness of detail Avhich is surprising. Many books noAV written by women are not fit for indiscriminate reading—a sure test they cannot be read out loud in the home circle. Why ? Because of this fashionable following of the tastes of the day, which causes such a flood of refined immoral Avriting to emanate from pens Avhich should be used in raising, instead of lmvering, the public mind.

SUICIDE.

(From the Echo.)

How far is the popular verdict, “Suicide during temporary insanity,” a correct one ? Nobody need fear any wish on our part to recur to the old stakes and cross road method of burial ;, but is it not a fact that the prevalence of totally incor rect ideas about the motives of suicides has led, in the'majority of cases, to the adoption of a formula which is altogether untrue, and, physiologically considered, absurd % Ancient history—sacred and profane—certainly lends no countenance to the idea that suicide is per se an evi-- deuce of insanity. Saul and Samson - were not mad ; nor was Achitopel, who in mortification at the neglect of his counsel by Absalom, deliberately went home and hanged himself; nor Eleazar tlie Maccabee, who, endeavouring to kill the Syrian tyrant of his nation, fell crushed beneath the elephant which bore him in battle ; neither was Judas Iscariot. Demosthenes, Thucydides, Mark Antony, . Cleopatra, Cato, Seneca, and Brutus were not mad when they deliberately chose to terminate their lives' rather than endure the ills which severally threatened them. Zeno and Epicurus—each a characteristic representative of hostile schools of thought —laid it down that suicide was infinitely preferable to the endurance of a great pain or disgrace ; only Pythagoras opposed it and censured its baseness and cowardice. Pliny not only asserts the right of a man to end his life when it pleases him, but actually thanks the Diety who has given mortals the power thus to end their sufferings. Yalerius, Maximus, and ASlian, writing in the first and third centuries, gave instances of public pro vision being made by certain communities whereby those tired of life might decently obtain euthanasia. By some Eastern races at the present day suicide is held in estimation as a perfectly legitimate method of departing from this world. The “happy despatch” formerly in vogue in Japan is too well known to need more than mention. In India, under British rule, suicide is more or less practised. Surely all the widows who have deliberately ended . their lives on their husbands’ funeral pyres were not mad ? Let anyone read what Buckle, in his “History of Civilisation” has to say on the subject, or consult the opinions—still more to the point—which Yan Oettengen, one of the greatest German authorities on vital statistics, gathers from the vast array of facts and figures he lias collated. He maintains that suicide, so far from being an evidence of insanity, is one of the strongest proofs of the individual will : that the possibility of taking one’s life is evidence that a man is his own master ; that notwithstanding the love of life, the tendency to suicide remains, and the number of suicides in Europe has increased during the past few years from three to five per cent,, while the increase of popula tion is less than two per cent. ; that the bad deed itself is to be regarded as the ripe fruit which is shaken from the tree by the storms of social life ; and that, while myriads have the germ or tendency to suicide in tkeir hearts, it is only developed by circumstances, frequently altogether beyond the control of the victim. Dr* De Boismont declares that since the beginning of the present century no fewer than 100,000 Frenchmen have committed suicide and he asserts that less than one third of the number can with any show of reason be said to have died insane. At one time the suicidal mania broke out so strongly in the army of the First Napoleon that it threatened to decimate his forces, and was only checked by the strong personal appeal of the Emperor to the courage of his troops. A body of men could hardly all go mad together. Calm reflection on the circumstances of suicides which have come within our knowledge fails in any one of them to suggest mad ness as the cause or excuse ; and we are greatly mistaken if the experience of others is not similar. Of course the real reason for general adoption of the verdict “ Temporary insanity,” is to wish to spare the deceased and his friends unnecessary disgrace and pain. Could not this ba " effected in future by a simple verdict of “ suicide” ? It is as well to be truthful even when .we are obliged to confess our selves ignorant, no matter if superstition■ >* has to suffer for it.

A NEW ILLUMINATED BUOY.

(FROM THE DUNDEE ADVERTISER.)

A model buoy filled Avith gas has been moored in; the River Tay close to the Chequer Buoy. In the evenings it attracted great attention from the pas sengers by the Tay Ferries, the brilliancy of the light being greatly admired. The gas is admitted to a burner by a patent regulator, so that, although there is a great force of gas—namely, eight atmos pheres—Avithin the buoy, the flame will be continually maintained at the ordinary pressure of a gas jet. The flame is surrounded by a square lantern, within Avhich there is a dioptric apparatus to intensify the light. This buoy has already proved its efficiency out at sea, where the light has been clearly seen at a distance of four and a-half miles. The Engineer of

the Trinity House, London, has expressed his complete satisfaction Avith the new buoy, and is now constructing tAvo buoys, each, of which Avill burn tAvo jets, of gas continuously for six months ; and Pintsch’s Patent Lighting Company, are sanguine that they can supply a floating. light which will burn continuously for a year Avithout any attention. The new system is on its trial, and the results of the present experiment, in which the buoy is intended to burn for four weeks, will no doubt be regarded with great interest. The success of such a system Avould clearly effect a revolution in the lighting of our coasts, and, Avhile saving great outlay in the construction of fixed lights -in exposed situations, Avould also save many a storm tossed sailor from a Avatery grave, and guide him securely to his desired haven. This is a further application of Pintsch’s already Avell knoAvn system of lighting raihvay carriages by compressed oil gas, a peculiar recommenda tion of Avhich is that it does not lose in efficiency by being kept even for years.

The Suspicious Affair at the Timaku Cemetery. —As yet no clue has been obtained as to the identity of the infants buried by stealth over-night in the Timaru Cemetery.

'fjIUKSDAY, PISfinUARY 3?,

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



s. d. Butter, inferior to best $ lb I 0 to I 2 Egg's. $ dozen 1 6 to 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, ty lb o 10 to 0 0 Bacon, prime smoked, lb 0 10 to 0 0 Hams in cloth, lb I 0 to 0 0 Flour in bags, ioolb 12 6 to 14 0 Oatmeal, 251b 7 0 to 0 0 Lard, $ lb - 0 9 to 0 0



Drapery. GREAT ANNUAL SALE AT ORE AND CO.’S FOR ONE MONTH, COMMENCING FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH. In order to make room for large ship ments now landing ex ee Mennock ” and ce Orthes,” we will sell the balance of our Summer Stock at SWEEPING REDUCTIONS.



A Case of Girls’ Straw Hats will be sold at 3d. eacli. One Case of Ladies’ Trimmed Hats will be sold at 55., Bs., and 10s. Dress Goods at 6d., Bd., rod., and is. per yard, worth 6d. per yard more. French Merinos at unusually low prices. One Case of Prints will be sold at jd. , worth 9d. per yard. Fine, White, Long Cloth, at 4L, S&, and 6d. per yard. Brown Holland at Bd., iod., and is. ; much under usual prices. One Lot of Ladies’ Summer Skirts at half price. One Lot of Remnants of Dress Goods at half price. Splendid Flannel (our own importing) at Is. 2d., is. 4d., is. 6d., is. Bd., and 2s. Kaiapoi Flannel, at is. 4d. to is. 6d. per yard; Summer Finish. BOOTS AND SHOES. In this Department we have reduced all classes of Ladies’ and Gents’ Boots and Shoes. We hold a very large stock of these goods in all varieties, and different MAKERS’ GOODS. HOSIERY. Ladies’ Gloves and Stockings. Ladies’ Kid Gloves fo all shades. Ladies’ Balbriggan Hose. Ladies’ Merino Hose. Ladies’ Ulster Cloaks in great variety. Ladies’ New Jackets, beautifully trimmed. Ladies’ Stays, all colors. . DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT. Dresses made to order in the best style, and a splendid fit. Ladies’ Riding Habits made to order. Wedding and Mourning orders made up in the shortest possible time. CLOTHING. We pay particular attention to this department, in which will be found the best assorted stock in Ashburton. Colonial Clothing of all descriptions. Boy’s Clothing in great variety. Gent’s Overcoats in various shapes. Gent’s Waterproof Coats. Gent’s Suits of the best Colonial manufacture. Gent’s Ties and Scarfs. Gent’s Braces. Gent’s White and Oxford Shirts. Gent’s Crimean Shirts, etc. AGENT FOR THE SINGER AND HOUSEHOLD SEWING MACHINES. ORE AND CO., IMPORTERS, WHOLESALE & RETAIL DRAPERS & IRONMONGERS.



General Storekeepers, T. R. HODDER & C 0 .5 JgEG to inform the Inhabitants of Ashburton and Surrounding Districts that they intend OPENING THEIR NEW AND EXTENSIVE PREMISES IN SAUNDERS BROS.’ BUILDINGS, ON SATURDAY, MARCH ist, With a Large and Carefully-selected Stock, in the following Distinct De partments : GENERAL DRAPERY, MILLINERY AND SHOW ROOM, BOYS’, YOUTHS’, & MEN’S CLOTHING, TAILORING DEPARTMENT under the CHARGE OF A FIRST*CLASS CUTTER FROM MELBOURNE), BOOTS, SHOES, AND MENS’ HATS, GROCERY & PROVISION WAREHOUSE CROCKERY, GLASSWARE, & FANCY GOODS. IRONMONGERY of Every Description. T. R. H. & Co., in respectfully soliciting a share of the business in the rapidly-increasing district of Ashburton, intimate that they can offer many advantages, having had extensive busi ness experience in every branch, being DIRECT IMPORTERS, and well established in the Home, American, and Colonial Markets, and having purchased largely from an over stocked market, especially in Cotton Goods, which will be Sold much under ordinary List Prices. They have se cured COMPETENT HANDS for each Department, and with these Superior Facilities for carrying on busi ness, they trust to give their customers the UTMOST SATISFACTION. WOOL, GRAIN, & DAIRY PRODUCE BOUGHT FOR CASH, AND TAKEN IN ACCOUNT.



Indents received for every description of Agricultural Machinery, or any other commission promptly attended to by their LONDON AGENTS. T. R. HODDER & Go., WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GENERAL MERCHANTS.



NOTICE. Advertisements for the Ashburton Herald must be sent in not later than 2 p.m. for the Country Edition, and 3 p.m. for the Town Edition, with the number of insertions written plainly on the copy, other wise they will be inserted till countermanded, and charged accordingly. Notice to discontinue Advertisements must be left at the Office in writing, before 12 noon, and alterations the day previous. Subscriptions : In Advance. If Booked. Quarterly — s. d. s. d. Delivered in town ... 6' o 6 6 „ country ... So 8 6 Posted ... ... 8 0 8 6 Special Notice. Hooper, ajtken and co. are prepared to make CASH ADVANCES ON GRAIN, OR OTHER PRODUCE Placed in their hands for sale in the Home Markets. *390