MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS. This Evening. Somerset Lodge—School of Instruction at the Lodge Room, 7.30.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1879.

The happy smile on every farmer’s face just now does one good to look at. Not for many seasons has the weather played so steadily into the hands of the husband man as this year it has done from seed time, and, let us hope, up to harvest, in clusively. A stretch of fine sunshine, then a judicious and timely shower. This has been the sort of provision made for us by Providence, and as a result every green thing is greener than ever we have seen it, and the whole croppage of the district is as luxuriant as the most sanguine could well hope. Feed is as abundant and as wholesome as it ever has been seen “ here or hereabout,” and one cannot help wondering at the great change in the ap pearance this year on the face of creation as compared with that of last year. Last November, fierce scorching nor’-westers had dried up everything on the land, and blasted the hopes of the husbandman. This November the country looks as if the cornucopia had been specially emptied for the benefit of the district. The change from the dry barrenness of last year to the laughing abundance of the present is in deed extraordinary, and one that cannot fail to tell in the farmer’s favor when ac counts come to be squared after harvest home. It is never safe to hallo till we are out of the wood, but we cannot help thinking that this season will see our “thistly curse repealed ’’and a grand return gathered. Everywhere the promises are rich, and farmers are hopeful. Let us trust that those hopes will not be blasted and that an ample equivalent will be given this season for the shortcomings and losses of those that have been experienced in the past.

Railway Arrangements for Show and Races. —We learn with pleasure that the Railway authorites have arranged to run the trains between Timaru and Christ church during our Show and Race Days at reduced fares—that is, the double journey can be done for the ordinary single fare. In addition a special train will leave Ashburton at a quarter-past one for TinAvald, on Slioav Day, and will re turn at a quarter to four. The last arrangement will allow everybody an opportunity of seeing the ShoAV at its best without any undue sacrifice of time. The other railway arrangements will doubtless bring a large number of farmers and farm servants from the stations up and down the like, and admit of many old Ashbur tonians coming from Timaru, Christ church, and elsewhere for the holidays.

Beware or Impostors. —We have been requested to caution our readers against a class of men who are constantly endeavor ing to impose on the charitably-disposed in our midst. These men are in the habit of pouring out a most pitiable tale—plead ing in some cases absolute starvation. A gentleman who called on us this morning gave an instance of a loafer who craved monetary assistance from him, and hearing the woeful story, our informant’s heart was touched, and handing over five shillings, told the individual to go and satisfy his hungry appetite. An hour afterwards, having business at one of the local hotels, he found his recent acquaint ance in a state of beastly intoxication, without doubt the result of the generosity and tender-heartedness of our informant. Such pests to society close the hearts of the benevolent against cases of real dis tress. We would recommend the use of the “ cat” as a deterrent to such despicable conduct. The Cattle Show at Tinwald.— The Show promises to be a very good thing. Already 360 entries have been re ceived for the various classes, against a total of2BB last year, and allure not yet in. The horses will this year be an excellent show, both as regards numbers and excel lence. 98 entries are already on the list for the several classes in which exhibits can he shown. We may add, relative to horses, that a class for three-year-old draught geldings was omitted, but entries for it will now be received up to Saturday night. A prize has also been offered for the best single-harness buggy horse, and already three entries are in for it. Sir George’s Election Telegrams.— The interesting telegram regarding the Cheviot election, of which we heard so much some time ago, does not appear to have been the only one of its kind, and now we find the hon. member for Colliiig wood wanting to know, you know, as fol lows ;—“ That a copy of a telegram, ad dressed individually to numerous electors of the Collingwood electorate, and signed ‘ G. Grey,’ and received on the day of the election, be laid before this House. ”

ti. w Riff 4 gentlemen in Ashburton have formed an archery and lawn tennis club, and to morrow afternoon they will hold their first field day on the grounds of Dr. Trevor, Trevorton. •r Caledonian Society. Members of this society are requested to peruse an ad vertisement in another column, intimating that a meeting to arrange for a programme of sports will be held at Quill’s Hotel on Saturday, 15th inst., at Bp. m.

Serious Accident to a Presbyterian Clergyman. —The Rev Mr Patterson, of St. John’s Church, Wellington, while at Kaikoura last week celebrating the open ing of a new Presbyterian church there,' met with a rather serious accident. Mounting a restive horse, the animal threw his head back, hitting the rev gentleman in the eye. Immediately after wards the horse reared and fell, and the rider was thrown violently among some logs. Mr Patterson, in addition to some severe bruises, had his shoulder dislocated. His place in St. John’s is being supplied by his fellow Presbyters. Chertsey Sports. —A public meeting was held on Saturday evening, Bth Nov., at Mr Wallace’s Hotel, Chertsey, for the purpose of making the necessary arrange ments for holding the usual athletic sports in Chertsey on New Year’s Day. Mr W. A. Brown was chairman, and a large num ber of residents of the district were pre sent. The chairman at some length ex plained the object of the meeting. The following resolutions were carried—“ That a general committee be formed from the gentlemen present, with power to add to to their number; and that they elect a working committee to canvass for sub scriptions ; ” also “ that the following be appointed a working committee : Messrs J. Wallace, W. A. Brown, E. Bowley, P. Murphy, J. Wilkinson, and W. Payton.” “That a meeting be held on Saturday, 22nd Nov., when the general committee will be expected to attend and hear the report.” “That the thanks of this meet ing be accorded to Mr Francis, treasurer for last year.” Mr Francis replied in suitable terms. At the request of Mr Francis, Mr Payton was asked to take over the cash on hand. A subscription list was then handed round, when those present came forward very liberally. A vote of thanks to the chairman termina ted the proceedings. Thunderstorm.— Yesterday and to-day we have been blessed with hearty showers of rain that have come most opportunely, but we have not had a rainfall so heavy as that experienced by our neighbors. True, a peal or two of distant thunder was heard here yesterday, blit at Timaru the thunder was of extra ordinary violence, and the rainfall was a perfeci torrent for two solid hours. The agent of the Press Association there sup plies the following account of the state of matters :—“ This morning a thunder storm of extraordinary violence burst over Timaru, causing great damage and loss of property.' Its effects seem to have been concentrated within a radius of three miles of the centre of the town. It broke about half past nine o’clock, and for an hour the Avater came down in volumes. By half past ten many of the lower parts of the town were Hooded to a depth of two feet and a turbid current rushed through some of the principal offices, sweeping out papers and other valuables. At the back of the railway station, on the newly excavated land, a large sheet of water several feet in depth was formed. In the National Mortgage and Agency Company’s store the water rose fully three feet, ruining a large amount of valuable goods. This Company alone es timate their loss at over a thousand pounds. A strong current from the hill behind it swept through the National Bank, and Messrs Tate and Hall’s offices. The water was so deep in parts of the main South road at one time, that it was impossible to cross without wading knee deep. The Gas Works were almost com pletely under water, the pipes being flooded, and it was only by extra ordinary efforts that the mains could be pumped clear to enable gas to be supplied to-night. The lower part of the “ Timaru Herald” office was also under water, while the pressure on the roof of the Grosvenor Hotel was so great, that part of the parapet had to be knocked away to allow the water to escape. As it was, many of the upper rooms were flooded. More or less damage was also caused in many- private houses. The sewers overflowed, and for sonic time it was feared they would burst. By 11.30 a.m. the storm was over, and the sun shining bright and warm. Such an ex traordinary fall of water in an hour and a half can hardly be imagined. The total damage done in town must exceed £2OOO at least. . If it had not been for the hilly nature of the place, which permitted a rapid fall to the water, the result must have been most disastrous.”

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

{Age Special.)

London, Nov. 11. It is established beyond doubt that Yakoob Khan sanctioned the massacre of the Embassy. Yakoob is closely confined pending the decision regarding his punish ment.

The British have entered into winter quarters at Cabul.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter’s Telegrams.) Sydney, Nov. 11. Twenty-six thousand people visited the Exhibition yesterday.

Nov. 12.

The International Military Rifle Match between New South Wales and Queens land was finished to-day. The former was victorious.

Newcastle, Nov. 11.

Arrived—Hero.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Nov. 11. There was a destructive fire at Gibbon’s saw mills, Otaua Creek, last night. Two large stores, with contents, were bi r.it down.

There has been a run on Alburnia Mine shares, which have gone up from 17s to 60s, buyers at latter figure.

WfJpJiii •i^J’f':. 4%; Bha hematite paint too# n£«d> prize at the Auckland Agricultural Show. The International ride match between the English, Scotch, Irish and Colonial team will be.fired on Saturday. Gri yviouth, Nov 11. Air Charles Broad, R.M. and Warden, died at an early hour this morning of con gestion of the lungs, after a short illness.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Wellington, Noa\ 11.

Anieria Patriki, a Maori woman from Wanganui, was riding in a cab 011 Lambton Quay, when the horse took fright at the tramway and bolted, throwing the driver ofi his seat. Mrs Patriki jumped out and fell on her head, fracturing her skull. She died almost immediately. The other Maoris in the cab remained quiet, and the one on the box picked up the reins with the crook of his umbrella and stopped the horse.

The cricket match at Blenheim yester day, between the Bohemian Club (of Wel lington) and a Blenheim team, was Avon by the latter by 28 inns. The Wanganui team beat a Wellington team yesterday by 30 runs.

Hokitika, Nov. 11.

Mr Smyth, avlio is in charge of a survey party down south, has r-••turned from Okarito. He has completed the survey of a race to supply the Mapourika goldfield. This race is calculated to supply 20 heads of Avater and 10 heads in the driest Aveather. Until this race two miles lung is brought in, no Avater will be available for sluicing. There is no doubt that it will be valuable property, as the nearest AA r ater after the right is taken up, is fully ton miles distant. On the field Resdey and party are getting three grains to the dish off a false bottom two or three feet thick. They will have to sink about 20 feet further for the main bottom. All the dirt is being cradled out of Zalas’ claims, as there is no water for slucing, until the race is broiight in. By cradling the party got from tAvo to four dwts per load. The survey party are laying off a township at the rush, and frontages are being eagerly taken up for business sites. Several old residents of Okarito and the neighborhood are returning, a party of them having re cently come from Canterbury. There is every prospect that a goldfield of consider able extent will be opened, but men re quire some little money to give them a start, as provisions are dear. OAMARU,0 AMARU, Nov. 11.

The unfortunate man O’Brien, avlio met with the accident in a Avell yesterday, died at about one o’clock to-day, never having recovered consciousness. An inquest will probably be held. No inquest will be held on the bodies of the two children drowned yesterday. Dunedin, Nov. 11. Mr H. Tewsley has resigned his position as Chairman of the Harbor Board.

SPORTING.

Ashburton Races.

The folloAving weights have been de clared for the District Hurdle Race :

Acceptances must be sent to the Honorary Secretary, Ashburton, on o before 17th instant.

C.J.C. SPRING MEETING.

(from our own correspondent.) The Welcome Stakes, a sweepstakes of 15 sovs each, Avith 200 so added, for two-year olds ; colts and geldings, Bst 51b ; fillies, Bst. Second horse to saA r e bis stake. Four furlongs. Mr H. Prince’s Hilarious 1 Mr C. H. Owen’s Sir George ... ... 2 Mr J. Smith’s Tim Whiffier ... ... 3

CRICKET.

Avon side v. Borough Club. Til 3 match between these two clubs tool: place to-day on the Domain ground. A keen sou’-wester made the game rather disagreeable both to players and specta tors. The Avonside Club went to the wickets first and scored 57. At the time of our reporter leaving the ground (2.30), the Borough Club had run up a score of 28, with one wicket down, (Buchanan) for 11. Fooks and Hodder were making an obstinate defence, but adding little to the score. The following is the score of the Avonside Chib’s first innings : avonside. Cussaek, b Buchanan 8 Taylor, st Buchanan 12 Ford, c and b Ash wood ... ... 7 Hislop, b Ash wood ... ... ... 9 Bucket, c Fowler ... ... ... I Ridley, run out 1 J. Hislop, run out ... ... ... 2 Cotton, b Aslrwood ... ... ... 2 Taine, cG. Andrews, b Asliwood ... 0 Bruce, c Broadbelt, b Ashwood ... 4 Bowley, not out ... ... ... 0 Extras ... ... 10 Total... ... ••• ... 57 As we are going to press we are in formed the Borough obtained 84 runs.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COM MITTEE.

The usual meeting of the Committee was held last night in the schoolroom. Present—Dr. Stewart (Chairman), and Messrs Bradley and St. Hill. A consider able amount of correspondence with the Board of Education was read on matters of minor importance. Regarding surface drainage at the master’s house, on which a letter from the Board had been received, the Secretary was instructed to write to the Board, asking if any report had been given by Mr Cane, and stating that that gentleman had examined the house without giving notice to the Committee who would have preferred to be present when Mr Cane was there.

The master reported a large and regular attendance at school during the past month. The Inspector liad visited and examined the school on the 29th and 30tli ult. On the first day of the Inspector’s visit there were 385 children present, an increase of P n ' the attendance at the

Uw cm <&<s B'|a*> t’hs. drill inspector, Mr Walker, had visited the school, and expressed his satisfaction j at the children’s marked improve ment in drill and gymnastics. Mr Walker had suggested that two of the lads —Reginald Hodder and Henry Burfoot—should be sent to Christ church for the next annual competition in

gymnastics, and had offered to accommo-' date these boys at his own house, free of expense, during their stay. The gymnas tic apparatus of the school has not yet been repaired. The numbers on the roll at present were—boys, 230 ; girls, 234 ; total, 4G4. The report contained a sug gestion made to the inspector that another entrance was wanted for the new room,

and the old porch removed and converted into closets, which the inspector said were required. A set of models for drawing Avas also required. The master asked for liberty to call the school at 9.30 a. m., so that one and a half hour might be given as interval at mid-day.

The Secretary Avas instructed to apprise the second master of the fact that he Avas held responsible for the care of the gymnastic apparatus. It was decided to

give a prize to the best gymnast in the school and to request the master to make this intention of the Committee known to the scholars. Holidays were declared for the local Race and Show Days, but the proposed alteration of the school hours was dis allowed for the present. Mr Bradley for the Visiting Committee reported verbally on the state of the play ground, and on some little repairs that

wanted doing. Some brick and cement work was necessary near the pump. These repairs were sanctioned. The Secretary was instructed to apply to the Board to have the gymnasium painted. It was resolved —“ That the annual public examination of the schools take place on the 17th, 18th, and 19th days of December, prizes to be distributed on the 22nd—the annual treat to he deferred until the Christmas vacation. Subscription lists were handed to the members present, and others ordered to be forwarded to the absent members, and also one to Mr Shury, who has always taken a kindly interest in the school, with a request that he will do the same this year. ” Mr St. Hill was appointed a Visiting Committee for the month, with authority to procure a scythe and billhook for the care-taker.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Tudesay, Nov. 11. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The Hon. J. Hall announced that in the event of the business before the House progressing satisfactorily, the Treasurer would be prepared to bring down his Financial Statement on Monday. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions it was stated that Government would consider the propriety of rendering the services of the Public Analyst more practically useful than at present. The Pullman railway cars lately imported from America, could not pass through the tunnel on the Christchurch- Invercargill line. The cars could be altered but the expense would he very great. The Government agent at New York was responsible for the blunder. He had had sections of the tunnels sent, but had disregarded them. Government were not prepared to say whether he would be held personally responsible. A sura of money would be proposed in the Esti mates for the construction of roads through and opening up Crown lands in districts in which the Counties have not sufficient funds. The report forwarded to the Commissioner of Rail ways re Bay of Islands and other native coal had been given effect to. The coal was largely used, and with a view to en couraging its use, Government had offered a bonus to firemen for its efficient employ ment. Government would bring down a Bill dealing with the establishment of small farm settlements on the deferred payment system by settlers to whom em ployment will for a term be afforded upon public works. A report had been received from an engineer employed by die Rangi tikei County Council, recommending a good practicable route for a railway from Marten or Rangitikei by the Muriinotu plains to Taupo and Auckland. NEW HILLS. Bills were introduced and read a first time—To amend the Otago University Site Exchange Act, 1875 (Mr Macandrew), Land Tax Collection (Major Atkinson), Kumara Educational Reserve (Hon R. Oliver;. QUALIFICATION OF ELECTIOKS HILL. This Bill was further considered in Committee. An amendment to give the residential franchise to females was negatived by 37 to 29. The debate was interrupted by the 5 '3O p.m adjournment.

EVENING SITTING.

The Qualification of Electors Bill was further considered in Committee. Amendments wei'e moved by Mr Seddon and Mr Muaray re the Maori qualification. Mr Moss moved as a further amendment on the same clause, “ That aboriginals, in cluding half-castes, and the male descen dants of half-castes shall not acquire any new rights under this Act, nor shall they be deprived of any rights they had at the beginning of the present session of Parlia ment. ” Govennnent had said that they did not intend to deprive the native race of any rights they enjoyed at present, and he thought this the simplest way of ex pressing their meaning.

(By Telegraph To Day.) The House sat till 12.30 discussing the Qualification of Electors Bill, which was then reported with amendments, and notice given for recommittal on Friday. The Maori franchise caused great dis cussion, and innumerable amendments were proposed. Ultimately Government accepted Mr Murray’s amendment, in lieu of sub section 4, the general effect being to allow Maoris who pay rates to have votes in European electorates.

Windy Wellington. —Last Sunday was as gusty and dusty a day as Wellington has seen for some time, and the sandrifts <9 l the street were very deep.

of Reins buried Alive

An extraordinary case of trance has just been brought to light at Hereford. A girl named Sarah Ann Dob.gin, eleven years of age, who has lived since she was very young with her great-aunt, Mrs Derry, was for some days considered to be dying, and was laid out for dead. Ar rangements were made for the funeral; and shortly before its appointed time a Miss Cooke and a Mrs Bethell came to look at the supposed corpse, and to the amazement and almost horror of both, the covering of the body was observed to be moving. The child was then found to he alive, and medical assistance was at once procured. About three weeks before her supposed death the girl’s condition under went a marked change, and for some time she had not been able to take anything but a very little water passed between her teeth with a teaspoon. Dr. Whitfield and Dr. Smith, who were called in after her revival, had a yolk of a new laid egg beaten up and introduced by means of a syphon. This had an immediate effect on the heart and brain, but it was not long before the stomach returned it. On Fri day morning the patient was in an ab solutely unconscious state, the month wide open, the tongue protruding its full length, the eyes fully open, the oye-balls turned up and rigidly fixed, the right hand raised, and the whole frame in a state of hysterical agitation. The patient has been sensibly affected by the alterations of day and night, sleep coming to her aid as the days have closed, and only leaving her as morning arrived. An experienced nurse, who has been much with the child during the month, had charge of her when she was assumed to have been dead, and arranged the laying out.

Curious Effect of Lighting.

A storm of thunder, short hut sharp, passed over Bimvash, in East Sussex, recently, when a cottage at the common, occupied by Robert Reed, a carpenter, was struck by lightning, and the top of its chimney knocked off’. The fluid entered the living room of the dwelling, lifted a brick from the floor to the coiling, and tore a boot from one of the feet of Reed’s son, leaving the foot marked across as if burned with a hot iron. It also forced a knife from the lad’s hand, and the shock stunned him. Mr Reed’s mother, an aged woman, who was sitting by the fireplace, had a foot struck and sadly scorched, and a babe left lying there, was found by its mother to have been moved to another part of the room and one of its arms lacerated. Mrs Reed, who entered the room at the moment of the shock, had a dish forced out of her hand by the lightning, but herself escaped injury. One of the doors of the cottage and some earthenware were crashed. That the four beings, who at that awful moment were inmates of Robert Reed’s dwelling, should be now living, and the lad able to go to his usual work, are facts that fill one with wonder, and in truth seem hardly credible. The lightning is said also to have entered the house of Mr Hallaway, the Railway Tavern, close by, but to have made its exit without doing any damage.

Blowing Up The Cabul-Gate

The morning star was high in the heavens, and the first red streak of ap proaching morning was on the horizon when the explosion party stepped forward to its duty. In perfect silence, led by the engineer, Durand, they advanced to within one hundred and fifty yards of the works, when a challenge from the walls, a shot, and a shout told that the party was discovered. Instantly the garrison were on the alert, their musketry ran free and quick from the ramparts, and blue lights suddenly glared on the top of the battlements, brilliantly illuminating the approach to the gate. . . . Strange to say, though the ramparts flashed fire from every loophole, the bridge was passed without a shot from the lower works. Without the loss of a man from the heavy fire of the battlements. Durand reached the gate, and having laid the first bag of powder containing the end of the fuse, man after man stepped up, deposited his powder, and retired as they advanced, in single file, edging the foot of the wall, and n."ler the eye and charge of the engi neer -V'acleo.l. . . The sappers having deposited the last of the powder and retired, Durand, aided by Sergt. Robert son, uncoiled the fuse, laying it close to the foot of the scarp ; while the defenders, impatient at the restraint of their loop holes, jumped up on the top of their para pets and poured their fire at the foot of the wall, hurling down also lumps of earth, stones, and bricks, but omitting, fortunately, blue lights. The officer and his sergeant were hit by the missiles ; theirfoi’ce had, however, been broken by striking on the scarped bank on which the wall was built. . . . On igniting the quick match the port-fire did not light, as the engineer was some time blowing at his slow-match and port-fire together before the latter caught and blazed. Even then, however, when laid down on the ground, it went out. The engineer, surprised at this, drew his pistol to flash the fuse ; but finding the piece of port fire in its place, he gave it another trial, and once more blew at the slow-match and port-fire together until the latter again blazed, when having watched it burn steadily - for some moments, the sergeant and himself retired to cover. . . . The assault was one of simple daring, not founded on the supposed ignorance or negligence of the enemy, but with a full anticipation that success, if obtained must be bought with much blood. Keane, however, could thus alone retrieve the errors of a posi tion in which a want of battering guns and provisions had placed him ; and he acted with a decision and resolution suited to the emergency. A grateful country may on such an occasion pour forth its titles and its honors, not making men’s merits the measure of its bounty ; but it will nevertheless, act wisely in remember ing that war lias its principles, and that to hazard, needless of military prudence, soldiers’ lives and a country’s fame upon a gamester’s throw is to court a stern rebuke.—“ The First Afghan War,” Sir Henry Marion Durand.

Recently a large bald eagle made a de scent. upon a young white calf, on the pre mises of Mr Torres, in the Franklin Can yon, about two miles from Martinez, with the evident intention of flying off with it, but on finding it had taken too heavy a contract, relinquished it, and flew away before the observers could get a gun ready for a shot at it.

The Land Act Amendment Bill.

(From the IVclHiigton Post.) The Hon. Mr Rolleston’s Bill to amend the Land Act, 1877, has now been circu lated. It repeals the Crown Land Sales Act, 1877, but validates all former procla mations, orders, warrants, &c. It pro vides that residence on deferred payment sections may' be declared optional if that course should seem advisable. The upset price of land on deferred payment is to he fixed by the Governor ; it is not to be less than 30s per acre for rural lands and £4 10s per acre for suburban sections, and the price may he augmented where the land is of special value. Several small contiguous sections may be grouped toge ther if desirable. In regard to bush land, further clearing and cultivation are to be , ranked among “ substantial improve ments.” Where fencing, buildings, or other improvements, have been made on. land afterwards opened for application on deferred payment, the selector of such land is to pay the assessed value of such improvements. Two or more selectors', may hold an allotment as tenants in common, and are to have tiro same light to transfer as ordinary selectors. It is provided that the Governor may, by pro-, clamation, sot apart any Crown lands con- . tiguous to railway or road lines as village settlements, under the following condi tions : .

1. The total amount of land set apart as village settlements in the colony is not to exceed 200,000 acres. 2. Every village settlement is to he sur veyed and divided into village allotments not exceeding 1 acre each, and' small farm allotments not .exceeding 50 acres each ; or, if the Governor so direct, a village settlement may he divided into village allotments only, or into small farm allot ments only.

3. The Governor may fix a day on which any allotments within a village settlement shall be open for application, and may appoint that any of such allot ments shall be sold for cash immediately on purchase, or on deferred payments sub ject to the conditions of the Act. 4. The price of village allotments is to be not less than £5 per allotment, and of small farm allotments not less than £1 per acre.

5. All applications for land in village settlements are to be made in the same manner as other applications for land. 6. If more persons than one apply for the same allotment on the same day, the right to occupy the allotment is to be de termined by lot amongst the applicants in respect to small farm allotments ; but, in the case of village allotments, they are to he sold by public auction at an upset price of not less than £5 each.

7. Village allotments may be leased, with a purchasing clause at a minimum price of 30s per acre. Provision also is made for blocks of rural land being set apart for special settlements, the conditions being as follows:—1. The total area is not to exceed 100,000 acres in the whole Colony. 2. The minium price is to be £1 per acre. 3. The Governor is to fix the terms of payment. 4. Occupation and permanent improvement of the land to a certain pro portion of its area, to he defined by regu lations, to be a condition necessary to be performed before the issue of a Crown grant. 5. Neither the whole nor any part of any block of land set aside as a special settlement is to continue to be set aside for more than seven years from the proclamation. 6. All lands within any special settlement block, not taken up within seven years, are to be regarded as ordinary Crown lands, and may be thrown open for sale. It is further provided that the Gover nor may enter into contracts with persons or companies for special settlements, and that a rebate in price may he allowed in respect of immigrants introduced by such contractors, provided the immigrants are actually settled on the land and improv ing it. The Governor is to affix the class, price, and terms of sale of urban, subur ban, or rural lands, on immediate pay ment. Holders of pastoral licenses are allowed at the termination of their lease to remove building, fencing, or other im provements made by them while lessees. The above are the main provisions of this important Bill, the general principles of which, while the details may possibly undergo some modification in committee, will probably meet 'with general appro bation as progressive and liberal.

Russia and Grain Exportation.

St. Petersburg, Aug 8.

Reports of the Russian Customs De partment show that the export of grain during May was 1,223,500 chetwerts, less than the corresponding period last year, 1,000,000 of this decrease was in wheat and 200,000 in oats.i' The export of grain for the first five months of the present year was 13,948,579 chetwerts against 18,411,150 chertwerts the corresponding period last year. Three millions chert werts of this decrease was in wheat. The “Times” says: Russian traders are anticipating a large export of grain during the present month, which com bined with the encouragement given by foreign capitalists to a third Oriental loan, has sent up the rouble from 22 J upon Lon don to 249-16. Nothing could show more forcibly the enormous resources of Russia after the fearful havoc by drought,, hail and grasshoppei's ; but, nevertheless, the decrease of grain exports, as com pared with the corresponding months of 1878, to the amount of 3,600,000 bushels, is a terrible falling off for a country pos sessing wheat-growing soil as large as the combined area of France and Austria.

A woman was recently fined in London for creating a nuisance by keeping nine cats in one room.

A Deserted Village. —ln Nevada, midway between Carson and Reno, the traveller sees a decayed and sleepy village, with perhaps a hundred inhabitants. In 1865 that was one of the most bustling camps on the coast. Its population was constantly shifting, but. at any time during the height of its prosperity, it numbered over 3,000. The miners, far mers, prospectors and traders flocked in from all the country round to drink and gamble. Its streels were a scene of con stant bustle and liveliness. Such was Washoe City in the days of its glory. But a few years saw it deserted, and empty, its saloons closed, its faro banks “busted.” To-day the tourist, whose careless eye rests upon its ruins, little di earns of its former magnificence.

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st. lb. Raven ... 11 12 Lonelmnd ... 11 2 J ohnny... 10 10 N. McLean, Handicapper.



Ha*? NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. AMBERLEY TO BLUFF. CH RISTCHURC U 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. 2uth, 1879. 661 a



NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS FOR RACES. NOY. 11, 13, and 14, AND AGRICULTURAL SHOW, NOV. 12. RACE DAYS ONLY. RAILWAY Communication direct to the Course Trains will run from Christchurch to Race-course at short intervals, from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. From Racecourse to Christchurch at short intervals, from 3.45 p.m up to half an hour after the last race. RACE DAYS AND AGRICUTURAL SHOW DAYS. (Lyttelton and Christchurch Line.) Ordinary trains.— A late train each night, leaving Christ church at 11.15 p.m., and Lyttel ton at 11.45 p.m. SOUTHLINES. Malvern and Whitecliffs branches.) Ordinary trains. NORTH LINE AND BRANCHES. Ordinary trains, except the 4‘55 p.m. from Christchurch, will leave at 5’45 p.m., and be 50 minutes late, arriving at all stations. SOUTHBRIDGE BRANCH. Ordinary trains except the 3 50 p.m. will leave at 5T5 p.m. and will be one hour and 25 minutes later at all stations to destination. The race trains will not stop at any intermediate place between Christchurch and Racecourse terminus to pick up and set down passengers. FARES. Christchurch to Racecourse terminus (including admission to course.) First-class carriages 3s 6d ; second-class or seated waggon 2s 6d. Ordinary single fare tickets issued on Nov. 8,10,11, 12,13,14, to Christchurch, will be available to return on any date up to Wednesday, Nov. 19. Ordinary tickets are not available for any of the race trains.



GOODS TRAFFIC WILL BE EN TIRELY SUSPENDED ON WED NESDAY, NOVEMBER 12. Tickets for Racecourse trains will be obtainable at Special Booking offices out side the archway at Christchurch station. Tickets for ordinary trains will be issued at the usual Booicing Offices. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager’s Office, Christchurch, Nov. 4, 1879. 662 a NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. NORTH OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION SHOW. OAMARU. 20th and 21st NOVEMBER, 1879. ORDINARY SINGLE FARE TIC KETS issued from Dunedm and Tiniaru, and all interinediate Stations and Branches, to Oamaru, on 20th and 21st November, will be available for RETURN np 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 Noy., 18 <9. 663 a TO PRINTERS. MACHINE FOR SALE. FOR SALE, about the end of October, 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. “Herald” is published every evening, thus giving every day’s news. This is better than buying a Six penny weekly. early STE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per in. at the Herald Office. . Apply SW) 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, nearStatjoQ.



Hi*'*# BALDWIN’S CONSULTATION on the ASHBURTON . HANDICAP. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19TH. ,100 at 10s Each. 670 a WANTED KNOWN That Mrs MANHIRE Cuts Out and Fits LADIES’ ROBES for 3s each. Address : Mrs Manhike, North East Belt. 6G9a ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SO CIETY. A MEETING of the COMMITTEE appointed to arrange for a Pro gramme of Sports will be held at QUILL’S Hotel on SATURDAY, 15th inst., at 8 o’clock p.m. J. E. H. HARRIS, 668 a Hon. Sec.