COMMERCIAL.

(by telegraph.) Dunedin* May 21. Prime beef, 225. Gel. to 235. per 1001 b.; mutton, 2cl. per lb.; good sample mill wheat, 3s. lOd. to 4s. per bushel ; fowls wheat, 3s. to 3s. 3d.; oats, per bushel, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d.; malt barley, 3s. lOd. to 4s. 4d. per bushel.; feed, 2s. Gd. to 3s. per bushel; potatoes, L2 10s.; old hay, L 4 per ton \ new oaten hay, L 3 ; chaff, L 3 per ton ; straw, L2 per ton ; bran, L 3 per ton ; pollard, L 4 per ton ; flour, LlO ss. to LlO 10s. per ton, large sacks ; oatmeal, L 9 10s. per ton ; pearl barley, LlB per ton ; onions, 7s. per cwt.; new cheese, 5d per lb.; bacon, rolled, lOd. per lb.; hams, Is. per lb.; sides bacon, lid. per lb.

MATE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, 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 Ohertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p. m. daily. Fr*m 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. Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under: — Monday, May 24. For Northern Ports, per Wellington, at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 25. For . Otago and Australian Colonies, per Rotorua. Wednesday, May 2G. For Australian Colonies, per express train (to connect with the s.s. Rotorua at Port Chalmers), at 7.30 a.m. The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on June 3rd, and will be due in London on July 24th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “ Evening Echo”). SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1880.

“ The Froliques.” —Martin Simoii sen’s Froliques appear at the Town Hall on Wednesday.

Ourselves. —There will he no publica tion of the Herald on Monday next, being Queen’s Birthday.

The R.M. Court, Rakaia.— The Resi dent Magistrate’s Court sittings at South Rakaia will, in future, be held an the second Thursday in. each month at 11 a.m.

In Bankruptcy. —Mr. George Rickard has filed a statement of inability to meet the demands of his creditors. The first meeting of creditors is announced to take place next Thursday, at the District Court house, Ashburton. Single Fares. —A large number of passengers went through by tlie express this morning, the inducements for cheap traveling held out by the railway autho rities for the next few days apparently being appreciated. Queen’s Birthday. —All branches of the Post Office will be closed on Monday next. Mails will, however, be despatched per express trains north and south. Sunday hours will be observed by the Telegraph Department. Elgin School. The master, Mr. Proudlcck, appointed to this school has arrived, and is making arrangements for removing here permanently. The school is expected to he opened on Monday, 21st June. Mr. Proudlock leaves a much larger school at Weedon’s but the master s house at Elgin is very much superior.

Farewell. —Mr. S. J. Zander, who has for about 12 months been connected with the counting-house department of Messrs. Friedlander Bros’, establishment, left by the train this morning with Mrs. Zander andpamily for Mexico. In leaving, Mr. and Mrs. Zander had to part with several near and dear friends, whose esteem they had gained during their brief residence in Ashburton.

Volunteers. —Major-General David son, who is reporting on the Volunteer force of the colony, will inspect the Ash burton Rifle Company on Monday next, at half-past six p. m. It is hoped that our Dca 1 Rifles will muster in full force on this occasion, as much depends on a good report from the Major-General. The band will be in attendance. The Outgoing Mail. —We are in debted to the Postmaster for the following information :—Mails for the United King dom, Ac., via San Francisco, close at the Ashburton Post Office this (Saturday) morning, at nine o’clock, but a supplemen tary mail, closing at five p.m., will be made up for despitch per express train. Late fee letters may be posted in the mail van as usual.

Collision. —On Thursday afternoon there was a slight collision on the Ash burton bridge. On its way over, Mr. John Grigg’s dog-curt had to pass a grain laden dray, from the frame of which the bags were projecting considerably, and narrow ing down the space on the bridge to almost impossible passing room. The con sequence was a collision, the bursting of two bags, and the sowing of seed on any thing but a kindly soil.

Coursing. —The Canterbury Coursing Club held their first meeting for the season at Sheffield on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. The Derby was won by Yaldhurst, and Beaconsfield was runner up. Encore secured the Oaks with Wheel of Fortune as runner up. Both Beaconsfield and Wheel of Fortune were bred by Mr. S. Saunders of this town, two other dogs bred by the same gentle man, Seafield and Ma Belle, dividing fourth money in Derby and Oaks re spectively. Racing Privileges. —The racing pri vileges in connection with the forthcoming Steeplechase meeting, to take place on Saturday next, were submitted to public competition this afternoon, by Mr. Alfred Harrison. There was a large attendance, and the bidding spirited. Subjoined is a list of the prices realised : —Publican’s booth, Ll 7 10s., Mr. J. F. Butler ; con fectioner’s booth, L2 55., Mr. J. S. Savage ; gates, L 23, Mr. James Wilkie ; right of sports, L2, Mr. Jacob Mooar ; cards, LI 11s., Mr. Watts ; horse-yards, LI, Mr. M £ Farlane ; total, L 47 6s. These prices compare favorably with the prices obtained for the Grand National at Christ church for Monday next.

An Aboriginal Giant. —The Woolgar correspondent of the Townsville Ileralcl writes :—“Here is something remarkable. When passing through Chedley Park Station,one of the Messrs Annings related the following : —Between Cambridge Creek and the tableland an aboriginal, has been repeatedly seen among the ridges abound ing in this country who measures in statue about|Bft 6in. He is a well-made and a powerful-looking giant, stout in propor tion. His foot-track measures about lGin to 17in from toe to heel, and his single stride is over sft. This monster black fellow is always well armed, and carries an enormous shield and spear, nullah nullahs, &c. He is invariably accompanied by three white gins, who carry most of his tremendous weapons and procure his food. This story is partly confirmed by a digger who, being in search of his missing horse, happened by accident to stumble across this giants great tracks. These are the facts as I got them. Whether they re quire to be taken cum grano sails I leave others to judge.”

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

C. F. I.

To the Editor.

Sir, —In connection with the London quotations for wheat in yours and other journals, I notice the letters c.f.i., the sig nification of which is unknown to me and several from whom I have heenfdesiring information. Be good enough to give their meaning’in your next issue and oblige

Agricola,

Waterton. Cost, freight, and insurance.—Ed. A. 11.

The Ashburton Cricket Club.

Notwithstanding a large increase in the number of playing members, the season 1879-80 has not been the (most successful enjoyed by the Ashburton Cricket Club. This is probably partially attributable to the inferiority of the ground, and the fact of several prominent members having recently given up'the game ; but we hope that there will be an active interest next season, and that Ashburton playei’3 will acquire the leading reputation they are certainly capable of earning. We give the batting averages for the season, from which it will be seen that Denshire takes first honors, with a well-deserved 14 *1 ; S. Saunders and Amos follow, having had a good deal of luck, and G. Andrews has played well throughout the season. We are unable to give the bowling averages, the records having been imper fectly kept ; but this department has much deteriorated. G. Andrews has done best, and Asliwood and Westenra have occasionally trundled with some effect, but S. Saunders and Field, the mainstays of last season, have been all abroad. The fielding of A. Fooks, Hodder, Buchanan, G. Andrews, Curtis, and some others has been exceptionally good.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Renter's Agency.) The Australian Cricketers. London, May 20.

The Australian cricketers commenced their second match against 18 players of Longsiglit to-day. The English team went in first and scored 118. Spofforth took nine wickecs. The Australians have six wickets down for 2G. The bowling was dead on the wicket. Money, &c., Markets. Three per cent, consols, 99J. Adelaide wheat, per 49Glbs., ex ware house, 525. : leather, llfd. Five per cent. New Zealand Loan, 1889, 106 ; 4J- per cent. New Zealand Loan, 1879-1904, 985.. The total reserve in notes and bull,o/1 in the Bank of England is Li 5,250,000. At the wool sales to-day, 8300 bales were offered, making a total of 241,000 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone cf the sale was lather firm. 40,000 bales have been withdrawn since the opening. The P. and 0. Co. The P. and O. Steam Navigation Co. pays 2 per cent, dividend for the half year. The Hatchet to be Buried. Berlin, May 21. A. Ministerial Bill has been introduced nifu the Lower House of ill 3 German Parliament for the revision of the May Laws. The changes proposed will pro vide for large concessions to the Catholics in Germany, and endeavor to meet the views of the Vatican.

AUSTRALIAN.

{By Cable to Renter's Agency.) Melbourne, May 21

In the Legislative Assembly Sir John O’Shanassey has shown open hostility to the Government.

The Sugar Market. Melbourne, May 22. The market for sugars generally is firmer than it has been for some time past. The Coal Strike. Sydney, May 21. The Lambron miners’ strike is assuming a most threatening aspect, and those out on strike are evincing open hostility to others who have filled their places. The demonstration of miners’ wives against laborers working at Hamilton was committed to-day, when two miners were arrested for assault. Prices.

Tobacco, Is Id ; Patna rice, Ll 9 per ton : Rennessy’s brandy, bulk, quarters, 10s Gd to 11s ; oats, 2s to 2s 3d per 401bs; maize, 2s 5d to 2s lOd per GOlbs ; candles, D. R.J’s 6|d per lb. Sailed. Sailed—Rotomahana, for New Zealand. Flour. Adelaide, May 21. Flour, LlO 5s to LlO 10s per ton; markets dull ; freights, 40s.

NEW ZEALAND.

A Stranded Whale.

Giiahamstown, May 21.

A whale, 85 feet long, went ashore on Wednesday night at the Piako Bank and died. It was brought to town by steamer. The finders expect to make LI 60 from the oil.

The Railway Commission. Auckland, May 21. The Railway Commissioners left to-day for Helensville, to inspect the Kaipara Railway and receive evidence. Compulsory Education.

The Auckland City School Committee have requested the Education Board to appoint a default officer to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Act.

Died at his Post. The barque John Bull has arrived from London. She reports one of her seamen, a Swede, named Pite Ledveron, died of heart disease on the Ist inst., while up in the foretop. A seaman, noticing his strange appearance, went up and found him dead. A Satisfactory Inspection. Colonel Pearce, of Wellington, has in spected “ A ” Battery of the Artillerj-, and expressed himself highly pleased at its efficiency. Missing Steamboats. Wellington, May 21. Some anxiety exists owing to the non arrival of the steamer Patea, which left Patea on Saturday last, and the Mana watu, which left for Wanganui on Mon day. The Harbormaster has telegraphed to the Secretary of the Marine Depart ment, asking that Government steamers be instructed to look out for the missing vessels should they be going to Opunaki. The San Francisco Mails. The City of New York, with the Lou don mails of 22nd April, left San Fran cisco for Auckland on tire 10th inst., being two days late. The Zealandia, with the April colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco on the 18th inst., two days in advance of her time. Anxiety Removed. Wellington May 22. The steamers Manawatu and Patea, about which considerable anxiety existed, owing to their non-arrival, arrived safety at their respective destinations this morn ing, they having sought shelter from the recent westerly gales. Body Recovered. The body of the lad Macintosh, who was drowned in the flood at the Hutt last month, was found on Lowry Bay beach yesterday. At the inquest the virdict was accidentally drowned. A Queer Affair. Timakit, May 22. Considerable surprise has been occa sioned by a notification that Mr. Clulee, of the firm of Woollcombe and Clulee, has just been appointed Property Tax Assessor for the Levels district, to which another well-known resident named John Thomp son was appointed and gazetted originally. Since his appointment Mr. Thompson has applied in vain to the Deputy Assessor to be sworn in, and now, to his surprise, he has been informed that his appointment has been cancelled, the only reason assigned being “public opinion.” The singular affair is by many construed as a political job, and Thompson having given up a permanent situation to fill the ap pointment, intends sueing for his rights. Rape by a Chinaman. Frank Fowler, a Chinaman, was arrested in Temuka yesterday for rape on a girl of weak intellect, aged sixteen. The alleged offence was commited during the tem porary absence from home of the girl’s parents. Accident to a Farmer. James Campbell, farmer, from Pareora, had his head and limbs severely crushed and bruised this morning by a cart that he was driving capsizing on him. A Cunning Thief. Dunedin, May 21. A man named Kybred has been arrested on a charge of impudent robbery. He went on board the steamer Te Anau last evening, representing himself as night watchman, and while the passengere were on deck, stole a quantity of valuable jewellery. The articles were found in his house by the police. And Still Another. Dunedin, May 22. An eight-roomed house in Fourth street was burned down early this morn ing. It was owned by a man named Wilson, and occupied by Mrs. Thomas, a widow. The house was insured for L7OO in the National, and the furniture for LSOO in the South British. Committed for Trial At the Port Chalmers Police Court Henry Kybre:l was committed for trial on the charge of stealing jewellery, valued at LB9, from Mr. Manclleston, a passenger per Te Anau. Foundering of a Schooner. Invercargill, May 22. The ketch Annie, commanded by Captain Tab, foundered last Thursday night on the outer sand spit ; about three quarters of a mile from the Bluti pilot station, when all hands were lost. Up to the present none of the bodies have been picked up. The Kakanui has towed the wreck into Bluff Harbor. Captain Tall leaves'a widow and five children, who reside at Dunedin.

THE QUEEN’S SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

The Lords and Commons Address In Reply.

The Ministerial Programme.

The Eerlin Treaty.

Decisive Action in Africa.

The Irish Policy.

(By Cable.) London, May 20.

The first session of the twenty-second Parliament was formally opened to-day by Royal Commission. The Speech from the Throne was read by the Lord Chan cellor. It states that the relations of Great Britain with all Foreign Powers continue to be of a friendly character. Hope is expressed that in concert with the Great Powers an early and complete fulfilment of the Treaty of Berlin may be promoted, and that effectual reforms in Turkey and equal laws for the Turkish race may be brought about together with the settlement of the question of territorial rights. The strict ful filment of the Treaty of Berlin is deemed essential and necessary in order to avert complications in Eastern Europe. The Right Hon. G. J. Goschen has been de spatched as special ambassador to Con stantinople with the object of bringing about the fulfilment of treaty obligations. Unceasing efforts are being made to pacify Afghanistan; establish the institution, and secure the independence of a Government in thatcountry. Confederation of the South African Colonies will be recommended, and British supremacy in the Transvaal will be maintained. The Act passed by the last Parliament for the preservation of peace in Ireland will not be renewed.

The speech concludes by stating that the principal measures to be introduced by Government during the session will include a Burials Bill, and Bills for the renewal of the Ballot Act, for reform of the same laws, for declaring the liability of employers in cases of accidents to work men, and for the extension of the borough franchise to Ireland.

The House of Lords have voted an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne after a short debate. The House of Commons voted an Address in Reply after a long debate. The amendments of the Irish’members were rejected by a large majority. Mr. Gladstone in his speech explained that Mr. Goschen’s mission to Constantinople was principally in reference to the Greek and Montenegrin questions which were most pressing. It was neces sary to disabuse the Turkish mind that England was specially interested in main taining Turkey, nor did they desire to trespass on Turkish rights in Asia. The condition of affairs in Europe was not critical.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

“I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains. ” —Longfellow.

■ What has happened to the Ashburton guns 1 I begin to think thq Colorado beetle that so recently ate into the very vitals of our financial arrangements is doing his work also in the arms and ammunition of our local shots. I attribute the mischief to the financial squeeze, because I am of opinion thac the weapons have been neglected while more pressing business claims bad to be attended to, and as rust destroys more than labor wears, the fowling pieces have suffered, while the exchequer is not sufficiently healthy to bear the strain the purchase of new guns would lay upon it. Why I write in this strain is because of a little incident that came to my knowledge a few days ago. You will remember a little yarn I told you recently of a very unsuccessful battue that took place. One of the heroes of that battue is the hero of this incident of mine, and it is because I know him to be a shot that I am tempted to think his gun has given out, for I cannot believe either that his ever youthful and lusty figure could become old, his nerves weak, or his eye untrue. So it must be his gun, and the sooner he visits John Orr’s armoury the better. My friend of the battue ; ac cepted an invitation to my other friend’s place at Tawldichon. That’s the name it’s known by at the fireside ; it has anotlier name in the land records of the colony. After a huge amount of preparation—my friend does his business properly when lie sets about it, —the buggy got loaded with the arms, ammunition, accoutrements, and accessories of the chase that always accompany Stire-Eye when he goe3 shoot ing. Out he rattled to Tawldichen, and after the merest trifle of a refection lie went bang at the ducks. His shot bag was plethoric, and his powder horn full. They could stand a shot or two, and they did, for over fifty times that famous old piece emptied itself into the air. But only one solitary feather suffered, and the bird got away. Tired of such an unlucky district, my friend shifted camp, and away up to Coolbrook. But luck was not any more kindly, and said luck swallowed a lot of powder and lead without yielding a single bird. My sure-eyed and steady nerved friend felt his reputation at stake, and he began to think something must be done" He had never returned from shooting before with an empty game bag, and he couldn’t now, so tracing his way back to his host, he asked liberty to shoot something for the lake of seeing if he really had forgot the way. Kind host consented and in three minutes a fine goose had seen the last of the sun. Away went our hero with his goose-laden buggy. As he went he flattered himself that he had some spoil at least to offer to his good lady, and he was somewhat consoled for the disappointment of. shooting for two days and not bagging a single wild wing. Drawing up at the door of his own home, he joyously hailed his good lady, and invited her out to see what had fallen to his gun. She came and when she got round to the back of the buggy she found that the fixings had come undone, the backboard had been hanging loose for miles, and the goose was gone—moral, always secure your game when you have killed it, even if it is only a barn-yard goose.

Asking for a situation is no uncommon thing in these days, and some people get struck up all of a heap 3i when they come to write an application for a vacancy. Some don’t know how much to say of themselves, some can’t find enough, others don’t know what to say—some are modest, some egotistic ; some patronising, and their letters sound as if their penning were an honor to those to whom they are addressed ,; others are fearful lest they be con sidered impertinent, and write in a humble and quiet strain. But most of them are more or less got up with a certain degree of conventionality in their tone, so that when you have read three lines or thereby you know pretty well the rest. A new departure in apply ing for a sit., therefore, is something fresh, and in the belief that the freshness of the following will take with your readers, I give it, just as I surreptitiously obtained it. I may add that the applicant didn’t get the school : L A , Feb. 14th, 1880. The Chairman School Committee, E . Sir, —I have the Honor to apply to you for appointment to the school. I have been teaching in C for four years, my firs! appointment was to the new school at C , and I find that my system of teach ing is acquired more easily by pupils that have never been under any other system or have been taught without system. My pupils were much more ad vanced in two years than districts I know' where schools have been established Twenty years, and perhaps have had Ten or a dozen teachers. If appointed my wife is capable of teaching sewing, and if her acquaintance with the good people of E is only as satisfactory to all as our C experience I shall be quite satis fied. I have the honor to be, &c., is very attractive to me, as I fancy it is called after as Brave a British Admiral as ever walked a quarter-deck—a man whose name was for years a towerofstrengthtoour countrymen on the West Coast of America and of whom many a stirring tale is still told there.”

TV e are told by some classical celebi ity that “ revenge is sweet. ” Whether it was

Homer or Spokeslmve, or Moses, I can’t recall to mind ; all I know is that it is classical. Well, an incident happened the other day which shows what queer forms the ideas of a just revenge takes in some folks’ imaginations. A certain young man of very unassuming manners, and unmilitary legs, had a debt owing to him by another superior individual of impor tant appearance, and particularly military legs and general bearing. This debt, being in fact for services as a “ bum,” were payable forthwith ; but there was no appearance of a disposition to “ part ” on ■the superior individual’s side. The “Bum,” in a mild way expressed his ambition to become an angel, after he had: “shuffled, off this mortal coil ” on this mundane sphere, and his object in becoming one of the Seraphim was original to my notion, : It w r as, as he expressed it, to have the pleasure of flapping out the eyes of his debtor with his wings, if they happened to meet in the “ Sweet bye and bye.” For my own part, I shouldn’t mind being referee in this projected “ Celestial cock fight.” I would, if admitted to the area of the cherubic ring, back the “ Captain ” at 2 to 1 ; but I am informed that neither Ohispa nor bookmakers stand the least chance of paying gate money in that coming event.

“ Dunning ” is a favorite occupation in these hard times ; not that the duns get any particular debts paid, but the occupation gives them an air of business importance, and it is something for a debt collector to say to “ Chispa ” when he meets him'in street, “Look here, Mr. Chispa, if you don’t pay that eighteen shillings, you can look for a summons on Tuesday.” You see, a threat like this, made in the pre sence of a few other tradesmen, gives the “ dun ” an appearance of importance, be sides making it appear to the “ dunnee ” that his credit is bad with other trades men. But a professional “ dun ” was had a week or so ago. He waylaid a cer tain gentleman for a 15s. account with the usual threat, and the only reply made by the debtor was the production of a note book and pencil, and the remark, “Look here, if you ask me for money again I’ll sketch your darned legs.” It is needless to observe that the possessor of the “ legs ” was an absentee o.n the notice to quit.

Sometimes I envy the lot of other people when I feel my own hard, but I didn’t envy the position of genial Alfred Harrison, the auctioneer, last Wednesday at Tinwald. He held a sale at the yards there on that day, and he was interrupted throughout the whole duration of it by a well know citizen of whom I expected better things. The said citizen, let me charitably suppose, was intoxicated, for he w r as most shamefully abusive, and all be cause Mr. Harrison did not feel himself justified in taking the foolish bid of a drunk man. At one time he had his coat off to fight the auctioneer, and at another threatened Mr. Harrison with his own riding whip. Fortunately for the abusive one there was no policeman near, and Mr. Harrison has the patience of Job, or an apprehension that would have been fol lowed by a stinging, punishment would have resulted. This hint may be useful to the police, who might occasionally look over at the \ards on sale dajs. Chispa.

A Big Snake Story.

J. H. Beeson, the well-known Central Branch' contractor, gave the Aitcheson Patriot a pleasant call, and from him we learn the particulars of the most remark able snake story we have heard. In the extension of the Central Branch road from Beloit to Cawker City, the line passes through the town of Glen Elder. A short distance from Glen Elder, on the Solomon River, is a steep rocky bluff, about 55 feet, a large portion of which had to be blasted away to make room for the road bed. A few days, ago, while the excava tion was in progress, a blast of nitro glycerine caps and giant pow'der tore off an unusual large part of the bluff, and down the declivity there came writhing and rolling a bunch of snakes, which Mr. Beeson assures was almost as large as a barrel. They were of different varieties —rattlesnakes predominating—with racer, adders, garters, &c. When first disturbed from their warm bed they were active and dangerous, but eoming out into the severe cold they were killed by the men without much trouble, or covered up in a dump by earth and stone. But this is a very small portion of the story. Every day and every blast since this first, batch appeared has brought another huge bundle of reptiles. Every hour a moving, writh ing lump comes rolling down the hill only to separate at the foot, and what escape the labourer’s pick and shovel crawl off to get oovered up in the dump. Thousands of them have been unearthed and killed, and every blast brings thousands more far rivalling in number the famous snake den of Concordia. Not a single case of snake-bite has yet occurred, notwithstand ing it is many times almost impossible to avoid stepping on them. Mr. Beeson says there are no unusual monsters among them, the great majority being as large round as a man’s wrist, and about three or three and a half feet long. He also says that the farmers for five miles around tell him that this is the regular winter den of these venomous creatures, and that during the fall the snakes in that country when discovered, are headed in the direction of the bluffs, and the only way they can be turned from their course is to kill them. It is said to be oue of the most remarkable sights ever looked upon, and hundreds from the surrounding country visit the quarries to see the snakes.

It has been ascertained, after patient in vestigation, that a courtship averages three tons of coal each. Moonlight, Candlelight, Comet'Ter race, Mud Gully, and No Town are a few suggestive names attached to districts and towns in Westland. “ Buy a trunk, Pat,” said a dealer. “ And what for should I buy a trunk 1” rejoined Pat. “To put your clothes in,” was the reply, <f And go naked!” ex claimed Pat, {< Not a bit iv it.” England raises about two-thirds her entire revenue by taxing spirits and tobacco. A man passing through a gate in the dark ran against a post. “I wish that post was in the lover regions,” was his angry remark. “Better wish it was somewhere else,” said a bystander ; “ you might run against it again.

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1 8



BATTING A VET AGES. t/S a in CJ tp C5 CD 5 b A fc/3 Name. 2 o 3 H Pi a 0 Hg d s § g > <1 Denshire 8 1 x 3 O 55 14' 1 Saunders, S. 6 83 I 49 13-8 Amos 8 81 I 37 ii'S Andrews, G. TO IOX I 27 11 '2 Hodcler... 13 9i I 15 7-5 Buchanan 9 63 O 22 70 Lusk ... 3 21 O 14 7-0 Curtis ... 5 34 O 17 5 6 Whitely 4 22 0 17 5‘5 Ash wood' 4 22 O 17 5’S Grant ... S 22 O 20 4 ’4 Wilkie ... 3 13 O IX 4’3 Westenra 5 21 O 8 4‘2 Groves ... S 20 0 10 4‘° Fooks, E. 7 24 I 7 4"° Shury ... 5 r 5 I 12 37 Marsh ... 6 23 I 7 3 7 Bruce ... 3 9 0 9 3‘° Saunders, E. 4 12 0 12 3-0 Fooks, A. 13 38 0 9 2-9 Andrews, A. 7 20 0 6 2 - 8 Fowler ... 7 16 I 8 2 6 Poyntz ... 5 7 2 7 2- 3 Guy ... 5 9 O 5 i-8 Leitch ... 4 5 O 3 I ‘2 Douglas 6 6 I 4 I‘2 Crisp ... S 4 I 3 I’O Field ... 5 2 I 1 ;4 Moriarty 3 1 O 1 ’3 Broadbelt 3 0 O 0 •0



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.



Eggs, l 1? dozen Hams in cloth,lb Flour in bags, If? ioolb Oatmeal, If? 25ft Lard, U? lb -



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.



Miscellaneous T OST.—A Meerschaum PIPS, rewarded at this office. Finder 478 c Lost— ten young- pigs, just weaned. Anyone giving It. Lan caster their whereabouts will be re warded. Anyone detaining the same after this notice will be prosecuted. 451 c COMFORTABLE BOARD and RESI DENCE, or Two good Rooms in a Private House, can be had by applying in the first instance at Mr. Savage’s Fruit Shop, East street. 483 c CHOOL Requisites and Artist M ite rials. H. M. JONES, Static ier, Baring Souare. 5 W* ANTED KNOWN—That C. Haav kins, The Tinwald, Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805g—417c ANTED—TENDERS for CROP PING 25 acres, adjoining Chertsey Railway Station. Tenders close FRIDAY, May 28th. Specifications on application to 479 c JAS. BORTHWICK. TYTANTED TRADESMEN’S or other W Books or Writing to do by contract or otherwise as evening employment. For particulars of competency and experience, address “ Nib,” Post Office. 484 c HINIQUY’S LECTURES. —Just Ar rived, New Edition H. M. Jones, aring Square. OFFICE and Pocket Diaries for 1880 H. M. Jones, Stationer, Baring Square. CHRISTMAS Number Young Ladies Journal, London Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, Boys’ Standard, &c. Just arrived. H M. Jones, Sta tioner, Baring Square.



Miscellaneous WANTED, at once, a HOUSEMAID, for a Country Hotel. Apply sharp, Herald Registry. WANTED, a General SERVANT. Apply at once to Guardian office or to Mrs. M‘Kellar Wix, St. Leonards, Sea field. 470c-BC5g IT is only a Penny, is to be got every where in Town, along the Railway line, and of Country Agents.. FORMS PRINTED “To Let” and “ For Sale ” —can be obtained at the Herald Office WANTED Known, the “Ashburton Herald” circulates throughout the Provincial District of Canterbury. £IO,OOO rate of interest. Ashburton. jTO LEND, in sums to suit borrowers, at lowest F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, 424c-835g TO LET. QIX-ROOMED COTTAGE, with half acre Garden, East Belt. Apply, 441 c ORR & CO. QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY. TRIP TO SEABEACH, via WAKA NUI. PRICE’S BUS, drawn by five horses, will leave Friedlander’s corner, on MONDAY Morning, at 9.30, carrying passengers to the Beach, returning at 5. .30 p.m. Return tickets, 2s. 6d. each. 485 c ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. A MEETING of MEMBERS will be held at Mr. Anstee’s, on TUES DAY, May 25th, at 8 p.m. Business —Discussion on Mr. Mayo’s paper; Subject —“Window Gardens;” and to receive Report of Sub-commitee appointed to draw up Prize Schedule. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 480 c Hon. Sec. MS LOOK OUT FOR LANCASTER’S CART. FOR CASH. ON AND AFTER MONDAY NEXT. BEEF 2d, 3d, and 4cl, per lb. LEGS MUTTON 3d „ FORE-QUARIERS MUTTON 1-fd ~ HAVING secured the Principal lines of Fat Stock in the Ashburton district, from John Grigg, Esq., and Chalmers Bros., there can be no doubt of the excellent quality of the meat supplied. ALL KINDS OF SMALL GOODS DE LIVERED AS PER ORDER. THE TRADE SUPPLIED AT 20s. PER lOOlbs. 482 c R. LANCASTER,



ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. TENDERS are requested for the fol lowing SUPPLIES, delivered at the Ashburton Railway Station : I.—loo to 200 Casks Cement. 2.—20,000 feet Timber, more or less, Totara and Black Pine, for cul verts and kerbing. Also, for the following WORKS : 3.—Repairs to Immigration Cottage, N. W. Town Belt. 4.—Concrete Channelling and Tim ber Kerbing, cement and timber provided by the Borough Coun cil. Specifications may be seen at the Borough Council Offices, and Tenders, enclosing a guarantee deposit of £5, to be delivered at the Town Clerk’s Office on or before MONDAY, May 31st, at 4 o’clock p. m. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. POORS AND SON, 487c —38 Borough Engineers. WEDNESDAY, MAY 26. UNDER DISTRAINT FOR RENT. OATS AND BARLEY. MR. J. LLOYD CRAWLEY has re ceived instructions to SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, ABOUT 0 000 BUSHELS 0F OATS * Also, Small lot of BARLEY, on the farm lately in the occupation of Ben. Bates. Farm situated near the Westerfield Stables, on the Yaletta road. No Reserve. Sale at 1 o’clock sharp. J. LLOYD CRAWLEY, 486 c Auctioneer. ASHBURTON GAS, COAL, AND COKE COMPANY, LIMITED. An adjourned meeting of shareholders will take place on WEDNESDAY, the 26th inst., at the Library Hall, at 2 p.m., to confirm reso lutions passed at the extraordinary general meeting held on the 26th ultimo. J. WARD, 474 c Secretary. ASHBURTON TOWN HALL COM PANY. TENDERS are invited for LEASING TWO SHOPS in the Town Hall. For particulars apply at the office of the undersigned. Tenders to be sent to the Secretary of the Town Hall Company, not latter than 12 noon on TUESDAY, the 25th inst. The highest or any tender not neces sarily accepted. 462 c C. PERCY COX.