MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a. m., and sp. m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a.m. and 5 p. m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangit&ta, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.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, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p. m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on May 6th, and will be due in London on June 26th.

SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Randell. —On 22nd April, 1880, the wife of Mr. A. Rail dell, gardener, Moore street, of a daughter. 762g-372c

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1880. THE RAILWAY COMMISSION.

If the Ashburton district is forgotten in the report of the Railway Commission, it will not be because tlie district’s repre sentative men failed to impress our wants upon the. Royal Commissioners. For fully two hours on Saturday afternoon a deputat ion was closeted with the members of the Commission, and all the grievances Ashburton has against the railway were exhaustively stated, and the most effective remedies suggested. John Grigg, Esq., introduced the deputation, ’ and went

into the business in hand without any parley. Ho pointed out the disadvantages under which the town and district labor from the insufficient station accommodation at Ashburton, and was not sparing of its other demerits that have been so long patent to the residents’ eyes. He drew attention to the miserable waiting-room for ladies, its proximity to the adjoining erections, and the very bad position these occupied, and also their dis agreeable condition. He referred to the limited siding room, remarking upon the fact that a great number of trains were at the station at one time, causing a traffic and a crowd for -whose requirements the place was far from adequate. In this connection he touched upon an accident that occurred some time ago, when two trains shunting at the station came into collision. Then the dangerous crossings were placed before the Commission, and particularly the fact that at one especially a large store obstructed tlio view of foot passengers, and not infrequently a train was absolutely at the crossing before the pedestrian was aware of it, simply because the view of the line was shut out for a considerable distance. For another crossing, nearer the station, a pile of coal according to its size was an equally successful obstruction, and several narrow escapes had taken place ; but more particularly were the children pas sing and re-passing to school endangered. He urged that the fencing of the line was a very needful thing for the safety of the lieges. Regarding the Ashburton Bridge lie made a very practical suggestion — namely, that the gates should be trans ferred from the bridge itself to the en trance to the approaches. This would prevent much awkwardness that occurs at present. A man, driving say a dray loaded with wood, gets up the approach almost to the gate. A train is due, and by the bard and fast regulations of the bridge tlie gates are shut and lie cannot enter upon the structure. He lias no choice but to either stand where he is until the train passes, or “ back ” down, for turning is impossible. The danger of standing upon such a narrow approach, where turning is impossible, while a train is passing within four or five feet of a perhaps young horse, strange to loco motives, is apparent, and could be altogether avoided if the gates were removed to tlie bottom of the ap proaches. Then it was shown that the grain merchants were wholly at the mercy of the railway, as no provision was made for taking tally of the sacks received, and grain lost in transit must be borne by the sender. One merchant had offered to pay the wages of a clerk to do this tallying if the railway would supply the officer, but tlie authorities declined, and things remain as they were. The cost of the Canterbury line, as compared with southern lines, was referred to, and the injustice of a uniform rate being charged over the costly lines and the inexpensive ones. A suggestion was made that, during the slack season, when the rolling stock was not in much demand, a low tariff should be charged for such bulky goods as potatoes, chaff, etc., which would possibly be an inducement to working men to grow patches of root crops, while it might also give an impetus to chaff-cutting. For chaff a market existed on the West Coast, but it was supplied from Melbourne at a lower rate than it could be supplied for here, owing to the costliness of carriage. Evidence was given before the Commission on all these subjects as well as upon matters connected with the Mount Somers rail way. Oil the latter, we fancy a good case was made out for the extension of the line to the coal pit mouth, which would reduce the price of coal in this township to £1 per ton. The value of tlie stone quarry was also dwelt upon, and tlie reduction that would take place upon its product were the cost of carriage reduced by the introduction of a railway line. The mode of conveying grain was also commented upon. Grain trucks were despatched in the season with no covering whatever, and in the event of rain, damage resulted to the grain. As many as seventy grain laden trucks had been one day seen that were wholly unprotected from the rain that was falling. This evil was all the greater that grain was now shipped direct from the trucks and not previously stored, so that there was no opportunity for counteracting the bad effects of wet, be fore the wheat was sent on board, and as a consequence a bad sample was sure to be sent Home. Mr. F. B. Passmore ap peared before the Commission and gave information regarding the Metliven and Bakaia railway, urging its further exten sion to join the proposed route of the Ox ford and Temuka line, which extension would bring within railway reach a very large circuit of agricultural land. The Commission promised to give every con sideration to the recommendations of the deputation.

Sporting.— We understand that the race between Messrs Groves and Mont gomery, reference to which was made in our columns last week, has been arranged, and will be run next Saturday week 011 the racecourse. The distance is to be one mile, and tlie stakes L 5.

The Railway Commission. —The Rail way Commissioners arrived in Ashburton per special train on Saturday afternoon at half-past two. After luncheon in the Somerset they sat for two hours in tlie County Chambers, hearing evidence on railway matters in the district, and then proceeded to Christchurch in the evening. Criminal Returns.— During the half year ended 31st March there were 178 persons guilty of offences reported to the police at Aslicurton. Of these there were 16S arrested, seven committed for trial, 145 summarily dealt with, and sixteen discharged. There were only two females included in the above numbers. There was an increase of forty-eight during tlie last quarter, the increase being principally in drunkenness. The number of arrests for that offence during the quarter ended 31st December was twenty-seven, while there were fifty-five arrested during the last quarter.

As Others See Us. —A member of the Malvern Independent staff lias been on a holiday down South. Under the heading of “Rambling Notes” he gives a descrip tion of his journey, and thus speaks of the Ashburton printing establishments : “ Finding myself in front of the Guardian office I entered, and found the commer cial, composing, editorial, and machine departments to be in tlie best possible order, while plenty of room and ventilation is afforded to each. Externally, the build ing has a far more reapectable appearance than the Christchurch newspaper offices. The Mail claims the same share of notice. ”

The Elgin School. —Owing to’severe and dangerous illness in the family of Mr. South, recently appointed to the Elgin schoolmastership, the school will not be opened for perhaps a fortnight. The opening day was fixed for Monday, 26th instant, but the unfortunate illness of Mr. South’s family will necessitate delay.

Entertainment. —To those who wish to spend an enjoyable evening, combining the interesting with the instructive ele ment, we would advise them to drop in at the Primitive Methodist Church this even ing at eight o’clock. Panoramic views, with vocal and instrumental music, is part of the programme ; and we have no doubt, if the weather is favorable, the promoters will receive the cordial patronage of the amusement-loving public. Ashburton Gas Company. —A special general meeting of the Ashburton Gas Company shareholders was hold in the Library Hall this day. The business for which the shareholders were called to gether was to adopt or otherwise the articles of association of the company. There was delay in commencing business, owing to the dilatoriness of the share holders in attending, but ultimately the requisite 15 shareholders provided for by the Act were scraped together, and the business proceeded. Mr. Bullock presided, and after twitting the share holders about the apathy displayed, he stated that a number of the outside share holders were out of the province, while others had- difficulty in attend ing. There were some sixty-nine share holders altogether, some sixteen ox whom were local shareholders. The articles of association having been held as read, Rule 28 altered to read “ that no business be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of eight or more shareholders be present at the commence ment of the business.” Rule 33|was also amended, reducing the number of share-

holders who can demand a poll at a gene ral meeting from five to four. With these amendments tlie articles were adopted. The election of auditors was then pro ceeded with, and Messrs. Zoucli and Jamieson were elected, at a remuneration of two guineas per annum.

Inquest. —At the inquest on the old man Duffey, who was killed at Addington station on Friday, the jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental death.” The Recent Accident at the Rakaia— Dr. Trevor has received from the Commis sioner of Railways, a letter stating that the jury’s recommendations, added as a rider to their verdict, in the case of Clarke, who was recently killed near Rakaia, have been submitted to the Minister for Justice. The New Court House. —From a tele gram from our Wellington correspondent, wo learn that the Government have ac cepted tenders for a wooden building for the Court House, they having been strongly urged not to incur the delay which would be incurred by calling for alternate tenders. The Taranaki Iron Sand. —Ten tons of Taranaki iron sand are to be sent to Eskbank Iron Works, New South Wales, where the sand will be tested. The moving spirit in the matter is Mr. Wil liams, the Eskbank proprietor who is at present on a visit to New Zealand.

The Civil Service Commission. —The Civil Service Commissioners have arrived in Wellington. Messrs. Kelly and Doug las go to Auckland via Taranaki, and Messrs. Saunders and Pharazyn via Na pier. They stop at Napier and Taranaki, and after a visit to Auckland they proceed to Nelson and Blenheim. Burglary in Wellington. —The Wel lington Hotel was broken into early on Sunday morning, and about L4O in notes and gold abstracted. An entrance was effected through a window about 12 feet from the ground by means of a ladder. The police have no clue to tlie offender. Fire in Christchurch. — By a fire, which occurred on Sunday in Christchurch, the premises of Mr. Richard Walker, bootmaker, Tuam street, were destroyed, as also several other buildings belonging to him, but rented by tenants, of whom his sister-in-law was one. By the energy of the fire brigade the fire was confined to Mr. Walker’s own property, and the tenants’ furniture was saved, but the houses were destroyed. Mr. Walker was from home when the fire started, and his wife was in her sister’s house, so that it has not been found out how the fire originated. There was an insurance of L 270 on the property destroyed.

A Physician’s Mistake.- —Dr. Clemen - ceau, the eminent Parisian physician, is also a member of the French Legislature. He is a brisk and busy man, keenly cog nizant of the fact that “time is money,” and tlie other day, while lie was in atten dance at the Montmarte consulting-room, two men simultaneously solicited an inter view with him for the purpose of taking his advise. One of them was admitted to his presence, and when asked “ what was the matter with him,” complained of a pain in his chest; whereupon he was ordered to take off his shirt, and Dr. Clemenceau subjected him to a careful examination. Before the Doctor, how ever, sat down to write his prescription, lie rang his bell and ordered his servant to show the other patient into the consulting room. As the latter entered the doorway, Dr. Clemenceau, without looking up from the desk at which lie was writing, said to him, “ Just undress yourself, too, if you will be so good. We shall save time by your doing so.” Without a moment’s hesitation the second visitor proceeded to take off his clothes, and by the time the Doctor had finished writing his receipt, taken his fee and dismissed the preceding patient, was stripped to the waist ready for inspection. Turning toward him the Doctor observed, “ You are also suffering from pain in the chest, are you not ?” “ Well, no, Doctor,” the man replied, “ I have called upon you to beg that you will recommend me to the Government for a place in the Post Office.” —London Tele graph.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT

(by telegraph.)

The Civil Service Commission.

'Wellington, April 26.

The Civil Service Commission met twice on Saturday, when they examined Messrs. Lawson and Ashcroft, and then decided that, in order to get the necessary evi dence taken before the House sits the Commission should divide into two parties,

the Chairman and Mr. Pharazyn .taking the East, and Sir 11. Douglas and Mr. Kelly the West Coast of the North Island; the whole Commission meeting again in Auckland, after which, the Chairman and Sir Robt. Douglas will probably take Nelson and Blenheim. The New Courthouse.

Tenders have been acceptedjfor a wooden Courthouse, the Government having been strongly urged not to incur the delay of calling for alternate tenders.

Totalisator-Keepers In Trouble.

[By Telegraph.]

Auckland, April 24,

The circumstances under which the seizure yesterday of two totalisators and the men connected with their working was effected ai e stated to be as follows : During the afternoon the police were in formed of great swindling in connection with one of these machines. They were in formed that in St. George’s Handicap four tickets had been taken and four numbers registered on the totalisator, and that when the four people who put their money on King Quail came to the totalia tor for a settlement, they found that the numbers had been altered to 14. Messrs. Richard and Corbett offered them each one-fourteenth instead of one-fourth of the uett proceeds. The four speculators, backed up an indignant public, refused to have it, and there was a great row. The stewards were called, and the police sent for. As Inspector Partly was seen ap proaching, the proprietor of the totalisator offered to pay the four men their fourths and proper share of the pool, which was L 53. By the alteration to 14 from 4, it left the institution a nice sum of L3B over and above the commission they were en titled to. Inspector Pardy, Sergeant Mason, Detective Jeffrey, and others of the force] surrounded the totalisator, and Felton the clerk, with Richards and Cor bett, were at once arrested, together with the instruments, tickets, stamps, and ap pendages. There Avas also a bag of money seized, and amid a great tumult they were incarcerated in the lock-up. After the selling race another totalisator storm arose. Mr. Adams Avas alleged to have added two to his numbers. The police made another raid, and took possession of the instrument and its manager, aylio Avas unassisted. He was marched off amaid a storm of yells. The offenders Avere brought up at the Police Court to-day, and remanded.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

To the Editor,. Sin, —I have received the last annual report of the Ashburton Building Society, but as the value of the investment shares are given in totals Avithout any particulars as to the number in each of the ten issues, I cannot make up the A T alue of those I hold. Can you afford me any informa tion I—l1 —I am, &c., Investor. [Through the courtesy of the Secretary Ave are enabled to furnish our correspon dent Avith the net values of the Building Society’s shares ; they are as folloAVS : Ist issue, L 23 15s. lOd.; 2nd do., LlB 3s. 4d.; 3rd do., Ll 5 13s. 35.; 4th do., Ll 3 7s. 4d ; sth do., Lll 35.; 6th do., L 5 Os. Id.; 7th, Bth, 9th, and 10th issues have had no interest on profits yet added to them and remain at their subscribed value.]

Co-operation Among Farmers.

It is only when we are young and vigor ous (remarks “ A Farmer,” in the Oamaru Evening Mail) that we can expect to make the best of our golden hours, and reap such a return for our labor that when the time comes that we can work no longer we are at least above the necessity of so doing. Are our farmers doing this ? Are they securing for their heavy labor and anxious hours the full reward that they are entitled to ? Do they not, by selling their grain in the way they do, lose what to them would make the differ ence between a bare subsistence and an actual profit '? It is apparent that they do not realise the utmost profit that they should. It is clearly in their power to secure to themselves the actual profit made out of their produce, and yet year by year they go on neglecting the proverb “ That Providence helps those who help themselves.” Why they should longer continue to do so is inexplicable, unless they believe more in the fatally mistaken saying that “ What is everybody’s busi ness is nobody’s business. ” Surely there cannot exist any disturbing element which would prevent the formation of a farmer’s co-operative grain exporting company. I certainly know of none. The bulk of our farmers, from the very nature of their avocation, are sturdy, intelligent, hard working men, quite as capable of under standing and dealing with any practicable subject as any other body of men in the world, and yet year by year they have been going going on selling in the nearest mar-

ket, though they knew full well that it was not the best market. I now suggest that such of our farmers who desire to see this question properly discussed should send in their names and addresses to me, at your office, when I shall call a meeting in Oamaru, by circular and otherwise. When gathered together, the farmers can appoint a chairman and at once discuss, first the necessity for, and then the method of working out this important subject. In a multitude of counsel their is wisdom, so that without doubt a ready solution of all difficulties will be arrived at, and the far mers of Oamaru, happily united for their common weal, will at once take their stand, as a body of men who spare no legitimate means to secure the highest re turns for their labor. As the prosperity of our port and city depends entirely upon the prosperity of our farmers, every right minded citizen will rejoice to see them combining for their common good, and from one and pill most hearty good wishes will attend the formation of a Farmers’ Co-operative Grain Exporting Company, whose successful career must beneficially influence the future prospects of the port, city, and district.

The Hind Legs.— Scene : Printing office. Boy applying for a situation. Boy —“Are you needin’ a boy?” Manager —“ Yes ; what have you been accustomed to work ac V 1 Boy —“ Am in the Gaiety at nichts.” Manager—“ Are you one of the fairies ?” Boy—“ No ;am the liin’ legs o’ Ali Baba’s donkey !” (The donkey is at once set to work.) —The Glasgow Bailie,

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Reuter's Agency.)

The New Ministry—Mr. Gladstone to be Premier and Chancellor of the Exchequer. London, April 23. The Marquis of Hartington and Earl Granville had an audience of Her Majesty the . Queen to-day in regard to the formation of a new Ministry. The Marquis of Hartington, after an audience with the Queen, returned to London and had an interview Avith Earl Granville and the Right Hon. W. E. Glad stone. He returns to Windsor to-day, Avhen it is expected that he Avill decline the task of forming a neAV Ministry. The English Money, Wheat, Wool, and Tallow Markets. The total quantity of Avheat afloat for Great Britain is 179,000 quarters, being 120,00 quarters less than last Aveek. Australian tallow is dull and declining. At the avool sales to-day 109,000 bales Avere offered ; a firm and active demand is main tained. April 24. Mr. Gladstone has been summoned by the Queen, and has been appointed Frst Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He has accepted the task of forming a neAY Ministry. It is probable that Earl Granville Avill accept office as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Consols have advanced to 99 ; New Zea land securities unchanged ; Australian and NeAV Zealand breadstufis remain as at last quotations. At to-day’s avool auction 1,170 bales Avere offered, making a total 52,200 cata logued since the opening. A firm and active demand Avas again shown at the sale.

The War in Afghanistan. Calcutta, April 31.

Intelligence has been received of the resumption of hostilities in Afghanistan. A severe attack Avas made upon General SteAvart’s force on the 19th instant, in the vicinity of Gliuznee, by 1500 Afghans. A serious conflict ensued and resulted in the defeat of the enemy Avith heavy loss. The British loss is unknown. General Stewart’s vanguard entered Ghuznee on the 20th.

NEW ZEALAND.

Native Affairs.

Auckland, April 26,

Te Ngakau, the famous secretary and adviser of TaAVahio, has come to Auckland on a visit. He intervieAvs Mr. Bryce to morroAV. Te Ngakau has not been in Auckland since the Waikato war. Rewi intends sending doAvn a representative to see Mr. Bryce, as he is too feeble to come liimself. Mr. Bryce intended to visit Waikato, but Avill not be able, as he leaves for Wellington about Wednesday. Diabolical Attempt to Burn Down the Napier Public Offices- Napier, April 26.

A diabolical attempt was made this morning to burn down the Corporation Offices. On the messenger going to the offices at 9 o’clock he found a fire smoulder ing in the Rate Collector’s office, and a large hole burnt in the floor. He found the floor had been sprinkled with kero sene, but the cocoanut matting had only smouldered, preventing the fire spreading to the wall. It is not known at present how it was done, but the police have a clue. It is fortunate the attempt was discovered, for if the building had caught, the Post and Telegraph Offices, close by, would nob have been saved. Several buildings on the other side of the road would have caught also, and in the build ings—which are occupied by the Educa tion Board, County Council, Corporation, Stamp, and Property and Land Tax De partments many valuable documents would have been lost. The man, after committing the deed, coolly washed his hands in the Town Clerk’s lavatory. Mr. Oliver, Minister of Public Works, arrived in Napier by the Penguin this morning. Sir Dillon Bell at Hav/era. Hawera, April 26. Sir Dillon Bell arrived here on Satur day, and proceeded to Oeo, accompanied by Mr. Parris. Yesterday they inspected the survey lines of reserves, and visited Titokowaru and other chiefs, by whom they were well received. The natives generally are very friendly, and no opposition is offered to any one of the works now progressing on the plains. Sir Dillon Bell and party returned here last night, and proceeded to New Plymouth to day. The Dunedin Murder Case. Dunedin, April 26. In the case of Butler, the Minister tor Justice telegraphs stating he is of opinion, after careful consideration, that under existing circumstances it would be advis able to enter a nolle prosequi, reserving right to prefer a fresh indictment at next sittings of the Court, should fresh evi dence render that step advisable.

Watering Horses.

The Berlin Militar Zeitung prints an interesting paper on the watering of horses, a subject, the writer remarks, to which too little attention is given by officers in command of mounted troops, and on which very erroneous ideas are entertained by many. The practice of allowing horses to drink only once a day, and then in the evening—a custom which is advocated by many because it is in vogue among the Arabs—is strongly re prehended by the German writer, who points out that while in Europe the horse’s ration consists almost exclusively of corn and hay, the Arab gives his horse dates, a variety of plants, and even milk. Fed as they are in European armies, horses should, the writer maintains, be given water three times a day, and they should be allowed each time to drink as much as they like. On the march, also, horses should be allowed to drink whenever cir cumstances permit. Formerly men on the march were strictly forbidden to drink ; but now, on the contrary, espe cially when forced marches have to be made in hot weather, care is taken that they shall be able to obtain water, as it is now recognised that the body must be compensated for the moisture it loses in profuse perspiration. As with the man, so with the horse.

Aristocratic Scandals.

What a delightful scandal in high life the following paragraph—quoted from one of the first of English “ society ” journals —would furnish a text for, if the “ true imvardness ” of the facts could be made public. The journal in question is re vieAA r ing the latest edition of the “ Snobs’ Bible,” Burke’s Peerage, and complains that “ no mention is made of the divorce of Colonel Charles Norton, the heir-pre sumptive to the peerage of Grantley, from his Avife ; of that lady’s subsequent mar riage to Lord Grantley, the present holder of that peerage ; or of the birth of a daughter to his Lordship within a day or two after his wedding. Yet these events took place early last NoA r ember, and the preface to this Peerage is dated Bbh De cember, 1879. Great guns ! What a bonanza certain of our dailies would have found in this if Nob Hill, instead of the British Peerage, had possessed such an awkAvard family “ situation. ” Talking of “ Peerages,” however, it seems that a new compiler of that sort of literature, one Forster, has arisen, Avho is likely to cause a sensation, from the fact that he—accord ing to another “ society ” journal—“ dis cards the polite fictions current in genea logy, and seems to take a positive delight in dragging the skeleton out of the cup board. A baronet who married on the sth June, 1872, has the following comment attached to the birth of his son and heir :— ‘ Registered 9th September, 1872, as having been born on the pre ceding sth June : ’ whilst the daughter of an eminent judge, who married a rela tion of the Duke of Devonshire, has the Avord daughter in inverted commas, to call attention to the fact that her father is described on another page as unmarried.” —American Paper.

Pins That Preserved A Man’s Reason

In the slioav Avindow of one of the lead ing jeAvellers of Vienna is exposed to vieAv a brooch, magnificently studded with gems, in the middle of Avhose chasing is enclosed the most singular of centres—• four common, old, bent, and corroded pins. The brooch is the property of the Countess Lavetskofy. The pins have a history, of course. Several years ago Count Robert Lavetskofy Ava 3 arrested at WarsaAV for an alleged insult to the Rus sian Government. The real author of the insult, Avhich consisted of some careless Avords spoken at a social gathering, Avas his Avife. He accepted the accusation, however, and was sent to prison. In one of the lightless dungeons in which the Czar is so fond of confining his Polish subjects the unfortunate martyr for. his Avife’s loose tongue spent six years. He had only one amusement. After he had been searched and thrown into a cell he had found in his coat four pins. These he pulled out and threw on the floor . then in the darkness he hunted for them Having found them, perhaps after hours and days, he scattered them again. And so the game went on for six Aveary years. “ But for them,” he Avrites in his memoirs, “ I Avould have gone mad. They have provided me with a purpose. So long as I had them to search for I had something to do. When the decree for my liberation as an exile was brought to me the gaoler found me on my knees hunting for one Avhich liad escaped me for two days. They saved my Avife’s husband from lunacy. My wife, therefore, could not desire a prouder ornament.”

American Sheep.

A r ezu York Weekly- Tribune,

Since 1809 our improvement in the sheep that produce clothing (fine) Wool has been very great. Then 9h per cent, of unwashed wool to the live §weight of the animal was the standard; in 1864 the best recorded yield was 21 per cent, and the heaviest fleece 27 pounds. Three rams bred since 1873 in Vermont have yielded fleeces averaging 27.3 per cent, of un washed wool, while the average weight of fleeces was 34-J pounds. The fineness of the fibre equalled that of the Saxon super electa. Breeders of Australia and South America are importing these animals to improve their flocks. The Secretary of the National Wool-Growers’ Association has lately taken 200 of our sheep to Japan for the Government of that country. We have made equal progress in the production of long combing wool, or mutton-sheep husbandry. In 1860 a very little long-combing wool was raised in Kentucky and Maryland, but the proprietors of our worsted-mills had to go away from home, chiefly to Canada, for 2,500,000 to 3,500,000 pounds annually, the impression then being general that these wools could not be grown in this country. Now Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maine and other States are producing, it is estimated, 10,000,C00 pounds annually—equal in quality to the best English wool. Wool yielded by cross-bred Merino and mutton sheep is held by the manufacturer to be of great value, producing a combing wool that gives softness and cloth-like character to our fabrics not found in those abroad, as admitted by the best London and Paris tailors.

We are now raising good mutton and supplying a rapidly increasing market. In 1839, on the great market day before Christmas, 400 sheep fully stocked the market at Brighton, near Boston, Mass. Last year 272,000 sheep and lambs were slaughtered at the Brighton Abbatoir, 200,000 of them coming from Kentucky. This wonderful advance in the production of mutton and wool in the last twenty years has grown out of the war and a pro* tective tariff'.

Monday, April 26, 1880.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be . addressed to The Editor.



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST,



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New Advertisements. "YTTANTED, a strong BOY, accustomed VV to liorses, and to be generally useful. Apply Herald Office. 6S6g-253c WANTED —Washing to take home by a first class Laundress. Apply Mrs.. Anderson, East Town Belt, near VV'akanui Hoad. 371 c WANTED, a steady LAD, to make himself useful about a Farm. A good boy would get 10s. per week and keep. Apply at once, 1 1 Herald and Guardian ” Registry office. 369 c PIGEONS. —For Sale, a few pair choice Antwerps, and one pair Nuns. 370 c J. 0. BELL. CASH RECEIPTS, in Books of 100 each, on SALE at the “Heraldand Guardian ” office. 368 c SERVANTS requiring situations, call and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. MONEY TO LEND.—Several sums of money ready for investment at current rates. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tancred street, Ashburton. 2G3c-684g O LET—A TWO-ROOMED COT TAGE on the East Town Belt. Rent Bs. per week. Apply, D. M‘KENZIE, 323 c Ashburton Hotel. JUST ARRIVED Young Ladies’ Journal, London Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, Boys of England, Boys’ Standard, Our Girls’ Own Paper, &c., &c. H. M. JONES, Stationer, 360 c East Street and Baring Square. ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. JVTOTICE is hereby given that all J3I Borough RATES NOT PAID by Ist MAY next, will be sued for imme diately after that date. By order, CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. Borough Council Office, 6th April, 1880. 33-290c-705g WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. TENDERS are invited for the following Works : No. 18. Beach Road, Forming to full width from Finger Post to Wakanui School, about 200 Chains. No. 19. Beach Road, Metalling above, 15 yards to the chain. No. 20. Suburban Roads near South East Belt, Metalling about 50 chains. No. 21. Additions and Repairs to eight immigrants’ cottages in district. No. 22. Leadley andßutterick’sDrain, Making three concrete falls. Specifications, etc., can be seen at the Board’s office, Moore street, where tenders will be received till 10 a.m. on THURS DAY, MAY 6th, addressed to the Chair man, endorsed with IN o. of contract, and accompanied with 5 per cent, (marked cheque) on the value of the work tendered for. FOOKS & SON, 757g-365c Surveyors’ to the Board.



NOTICE. ALL DOGS found TRESPASSING on Section No. 1120 will be SHOT without respect to Owner. 373 c R. &T. ROBSON.



rjl OWHHALL, ASH BURTOK WEDNESDAY, 2STH APRIL-. ONCE MORE ! ! ASHORE & AFLOAT. FOR THE LAST TIME ! Prices of Admission —Front seats, 2s ; back seats, Is. 6d. ; gallery, Is. 354c-771g



THIS EVENING. AN Entertainment Consisting of PANORAMIC VIEWS WITH DESCRIPTIVE ADDRESSES Interspersed with VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, Will be given in THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. THIS (MONDAY) EVENING, At 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 '3O. Admission—Front seats, 2s. ; bock seats, Is. For particulars, see large Posters. 358c-77‘2g



Ashburton steeplechase MEETING. SATURDAY, MAY 29th, 1880. List op Officers : President : Mr. E. G. Wright. Vice-President : Mr. W. C. Walker. Stewards : Mr. Hay T. Smith Mr. John Carter Mr. L. E. Corsbie Mr. R. Friedlander Mr. J. Hunt Mr. E. Saunders Mr. A. McLean | Mr. E. S. Coster Ross Judge : Mr. M. Stilt. Starter : Mr. John Carter. Clerk of the Course : Mr. E. Saunders. Clerk of the Scales : Mr. E. F. Wright. Hon. Secretary : Mr. J. Wilkie. Hon. Treasurer : Mr. Ci. C. Fooks. llandicapper : Mr. H. P. Lance. FIRST RACE TO START AT 12.30 P.M. 1. Ashburton Handicap Steeplechase, of 40 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each for acceptors ; over about 3 miles of fair hunting country ; nomination 2 sovs. 2. District Handicap, of 20 sovs., added to a sweep of 2 sovs. for acceptors ; 2 miles ; nomination 1 sov., for district horses only. 3. The Wakanui Stakes, of 20 sovs.; weight for age ; open to all horses ; 2 miles ; entrance 1 sov. 4. Farmers’ Steeplechase, of 15 sovs.; about 1-i miles ; weight for age ; en trance 1 sov.; for district horses only. 5. Hack Steeplechase, of 5 sovs. ; 1 mile ; catch weights; entrance 1 sov.; for district horses only. Rules and Regulations : The N.Z. Grand National Rules strictly adhered to, except where specified. District horses shall mean horses owned in the County of Ashburton, both owner and horse being respectively resident in and owned previous to March Ist, 1880, and any horse which has been entered by a non-resident for other races since that date will be disqualified. The decision of the Stewards on all dis puted points shall be final. No protest will be received unless 2 sovs. be deposited, which shall he forfeited if the protest be considered frivolous. Nominations for the Handicaps to be sent to the Secretary at Quill’s Hotel not later than 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 20th. Weights will be declared on Tuesday, May 25th. Acceptances on night of general entry, Wednesday, May 26th, at 8 p.m. All entries to state age, color, and name of the horse, and the colors of the rider. JAMES WILKIE, Hon. Sec. Ashburton Steeplechases.



Howto Kill Insects. —Mr. Lazardi, a French scientific agriculturalist, has, the Farmer says, discovered that soils in fested with wire-worms, grubs, ants, and other insects, may be completely freed from these pests by simply sewing them with buckwheat, allowing it to grow until it flowers, and then ploughing or digging it in as green manure. The manner in which the buckwheat accomplishes its work of destruction is not a little singular. Its leaves are spongy, and it decomposes very quickly after being dug into the ground. In the course of decomposition it gives out much gas, and this gas asphyxiates all insects in the ground. The variety known as Tartary buckwheat is found to be the best for the purpose ; and as M. Lazardi states that he has now prac tically proved the success of his recipe by several years’ experience, English agricul turists may try the remedy with every hope of finding it effectual.”