POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : „ , For Christchurch and North at io. 20., a.m. 4.30 p.m., and S p.m., daily. _ For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4-3° P* m da For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. i ' 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 Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1880.

New Telegraph Station. — A telegraph station has been opened at Dargaville, County of Hobson.

Another Objection. The South Rakaia Road Board are as averse to their rate roll as all the other Boards, and notify their intention of objecting to the whole thing. The County Council’s first experiment at assuming Road Board’s work is not gratifying in the result.

Rev. W. H. Wyatt. — A small balance having come to hand for the Wyatt testi monial fund, a pair of silver bi*acelets has been purchased with the same from Messrs. Coates and Co., of Christchurch, which are very chaste. It is intended to forward the present to Mrs. Wyatt.

Caution to Owners op Dogs. —Mr. Bruce, of Wakanui, had his sheep worried by a strange dog early on the morning of Wednesday last, and on mustering he found twenty-two short, which have not since been found. He had a lamb killed a few days since by another dog, and has discovered the owner.

The Railway Head-quarters. —By the express to-day the railway head-quar ters were removed from Christchurch to Dunedin. The following officers went down :—The Commissioner and his Secre tary, Mr. Badham ; Mr. Rife, Account ant, and staff; Mr Ollivier, Cashier ; Mr. Floyd, Inspector of Telegraphs, his con structor, and a lineman.

Grain Buying.—Mr. C. Percy Cox Ims been appointed the local agent for Messrs. Boyse, Stead, and Co. in the purchase of, ancl advance of moneys on, grain for this season.

Pastor Cuiniquy.—Pastor Chiniquy is advertised to preach in Ashburton on Sunday—in the morning in the Presby terian Church, and in the evening in the Wesleyan. He will also give one of his lectures in the Town Hall on the Monday following. Doubtless both churches will be crowded on Sunday, as well as the hall on Monday. I. O. G. T.— Degree Temple. The monthly meeting of the Unity Degree Temple was held at the Templar Hall last evening. The Temple was opened in the Degree of Fidelity. Five new members were admitted. The bye-laws were con sidered seriatim, and after discussion adopted. The D.S. was instructed to communicate with the Lodges re affilia tion. Now that the Temple is firmly establised it is hoped that the support of all Degree members will be accorded to it.

Bust. —We have received from seve ral quarters most unfavorable accounts of the ravages this pest is affecting amongst the wheat crops. Some parts of the Sea field and Wakanui districts have suffered largely, and the average yield will be con siderably affected. The crop on the Edu cation Beserve, Seafield, about 1000 acres of wheat, the property of Messrs. Saunders Bros., and which several of our corres pondents have referred to us as the best in the district, has suffered to such an extent that we are informed by the pro prietors that they do not anticipate the yield will exceed 15 bushels per acre, or a reduction of fully one half on its appear ance two weeks ago. Important to Farmers.—lt is gratify ing to us to announce to the farmers that every exertion is being made by grain buyers, not only to expedite the shipment of produce, but also to endeavor to find a market in other parts than London. Messrs. Boyse, Stead, and Co. announce that they intend laying on first class vessels as long as there is grain to ship, and to forward it Home to ports of call so as to be finally sent to the best market. They are also prepared to ship wheat home on grower’s acount, making liberal ad vance.

The Cabs. —Although the by-laws are as yet a thing of the future, the Council fully intend making good use of them when they reach that stage of develop ment which will make them available in theß.M. Court, and one direction they will probably assume is the prevention of the cabs being converted into advertising mediums for the demi-monde. The Mayor deserves the thanks of the respect able portion of the community for having the courage of his opinions, and speaking out on the scandal occasioned by the open manner in which the trade is plied.

Sad Case of Drowning. —A most melancholy accident happened at Waikari on Sunday last. About 10 a.m. William Aclifie, a young man in the employ of Mr. John M‘Lean, went to have a bath in one of the pools formed by the Waikari Creek. He was accompanied by a lad of 12 or 13 years. Acliffe undressed and jumped into the water (there"about 12 feet deep), and though professedly a good swimmer, after once rising to the surface of the water, he, without making any attempt to swim, sank and was drowned. The lad raised an alarm which brought a party of eight or ten men to the scene, two of whom im mediately undressed and dived to try and raise the body, bur though they both wrought most untiringly they were not successful, the body not being found till Mr. M‘Lean brought an iron drag, for which he had to go a mile and a half. Deceased came to the colony only six months ago, but during that time he had gained the good will of both his employer and his neighbors.

The New Court house. —Plans of the new Court-house for Ashburton now lie for inspection by contractors at the Ash burton Post Office, where they will be seen up to the 2nd March The plans show a very handsome building, that promises to afford at least a fair amount of accom modation. The Court room will be in the centre of the building, and will provide special accommodation for Bench, Clerk, jury, lawyers, witnesses, and the press, Avith the usual dock and witness box, while a space of 22ft. by 10ft. will be alloAved for the general public. Rooms are also pro vided, as Ave stated some time ago, Avhen Ave gave their dimensions, for the Judge, jury, Magistrate, Registrar of the District Court, laAvyers, clerk, bailiff, and Avit nesses. The police have also a special room, adjoining Avhich are two cells. Con tractors Avill be required by the general conditions to complete the Avork Avithin three months from the date of the accep tance of the tender, under a penalty of LlO per week, and the “period of main tenance ” shall be for one month from and after the date of passing by the Engineer. Tenderers must deposit a cheque for LBO with their tenders, and give a bond for L2OO. Progress payments of 90 per cent for work actually done, and 50 per cent on value of materials, &c., Avill be made as the Engineer may approve. We regret to notice that tenders are called for a Avooden building, and not as Ave hoped for one of brick. Not a Subsidy.—Councillor St. Hill supplied the usual amount of diversion to his felloAV-members at the Borough Council the other day. His first attempt at “ cut ting down expenditure ” Avas in the direc tion of not paying the printer. An account Avas submitted by Messrs Weeks and Dixon for a progress payment on the long-suffering Borough By-kvws, Avhich have been about a year in type, but have not as yet got beyond that leaden stage. The account Avas Avorded, “ To composition and proofs. ” This at once brought the sapient Councillor to his feet, and he strongly protested against the funds of the Borough being Avasted in “ subsidising ” any newspaper by giving the proprietors “compensation.” After delivering him self of an oration on economy in general, and the iniquity of spending the Council’s funds (?) on such extravagance, he Avas sat upon by his Worship’s explanation that “composition” and “compensation” Avere not synonymous terms. At the same time Ave Avould call Councillor St. Hill’s attention to the school master (or committee) being abroad on another point. A certain number of the Council forms a “ quorum ” and not a “ coram ; ” the latter Avord means face to face, and he Avould be a man Avith a tolerable amount of cheek Avho could brass out the talkative St. Hill. Avhose utterances are usually as sonorous and as full of meaning as Burns refrain, “Ego and ago, iram coram dago.”

An Undertaker’s Beason.—Tam Neil was wright and precenter in Edinburgh, and a very droll character in liis way. Being questioned one day by a lady, at whose house he was employed, as to the reason why people of his profession were so exhorbitant in their charges for coffins, he looked very mysterious,' and agreed to give her the necessary information in return for a glass of whisky. The stipu lation being carried out, Tam said, “ Weel, ma’am, is just because they are ne’er brought back to be mended.”

No Followers. A correspondent sends us an indignant letter. He has been accused of following a servant girl through the town on several occasions, and he denies the impeachment in strong terms, adding that things have come to a sorry pass when a man cannot take a walk without being accused of following some “ fair nymph,” desirous of attaining “what a certain class mistake for fame —notoriety. ” He also asks “ Is there really a woman so conceited as to imagine that every man who walks in the same direction must necessarily be following her'?” We are exceedingly sorry for our correspondent. Perhaps he is handsome and a lady killer, and like to admire a pretty face. Let us remind him of a proverb made use of ex tensively in Scotland, which we dare say he will be able to remember as a caution in the future when he gets too near a girl’s track to be safe —“ There’s always some water where the calf is drowned. ’ We have heard very many complaints recently about the conduct of certain well educated larri kins, and we do not wonder much at “even a servant girl” being afraid of “ followers.” A Practical Sympathiser.—At the meeting held at the Town Hall last night one of our most respected residents was absent. If not present in the flesh, he was in the spirit, as the following letter which was read by the Mayor will testify : —“ Feb. 11th, iSBO.—To the Mayor of Ashburton. Dear Sir, —I am very sorry that I cannot attend the meeting at the Hall to night, the time is most awkward for farmers. With regard to any produce contributed by farmers, I will receive it in store and forward to destination free of charge, also, I am trying to persuade the men at each threshing machine to thresh 1000 bushels gratuitously, if farmers will contribute that amount of grain. I shall not venture an opinion whether it would be advisable to sell here or ship. But in all cases be guided by head Committee. I think if something of this kind were well organised there would be a liberal sum to send home. Hoping your meeting will be successful—l am, &c., Joseph Clark.” We do not wish to hold Mr. Clark’s offer up as being something extraordinary, for the reason that whenever any charitable object is being canvassed for, he is usually one of the first who has the subscription list placed before him, with a request to “head the list,” which lie never fails to do when the cause is a good one. In this case we can only remark that Mr. Clark has excelled himself, and his example is one which is worth the while of other machine owners taking a note of. As the late Mayor truly observed, “cash might be scarce, but grain is plentiful,” and we may add that there are plenty of idle Irishmen about just now who would do well to give a day’s work or its equivalent for 6 their unfortunate fellow-countrymen.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Age Special.) The Russian Navy. London. Feb. 11. Bussia lias reduced her navy by 12,000 men. Obituary. Cremio, a French statesman, is dead. The “Morning Post” on Victorian Politics. The “Post” states'the Victorian elec tion is watched with anxiety. The same paper praises the Marquis of Normanby. ( Rente / V.) The Obstructionists. London, Feb. 11. After considerable debating in the House of Commons, Mr. Bedmond’s amendment on the Address censuring the Government for neglect in regard to the distress in Ireland, was negatived by 216, against 66.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Special.) Melbourne, Feb. 12. The Deccan has arrived at the heads.

(Renter's.) The Election Campaign in Victoria. Melbourne, Feb. 12. Mr. Berry addressed the electors of StaAvell last night. In the course of his remarks he severely criticised Mr. Ser vice’s Reform Bill, which Avas ultimately accepted by the Council. Mr. Berry speaks again to-day at Ararat. Election addresses are becoming very numerous.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

I NTERPROVINCIAL.

Assault -with Intent. Auckland, Feb. 12.

The case of Stephen Hughes, charged A\ r ith assault Avith intent to commit rape, is proceeding at the Police Court. The case excites much interest, accused being the sen of respectable people here, and a married man Avith children. Sailed The Ringarooma, for the South. Killed by a Falling Tree. Graham, stoavn, Feb. 12. A man named Michael Sullivan was killed yesterday in the kauri bush. He Avas, with three more, crosscutting a log Avhen, Avithout Avarning, a kauri pine, growing on .a steep hillside Avhero the soil avas broken and rocky, fell, killing Sullivan, Avho was on top of the log, in stantaneously. His mates lay under the log and escaped. An Oil Spring. Gisborne, Feb. 12.

Mr. Clarke, Avho represents the Sydney capitalists, visited the oil spring in this district, and expressed himself much grati fied at che splendid indication of oil. After some days of difficult negotiations, satis factory arrangements have been made Avith all parties, and a company Avill be immediately formed Avith a largo capital to Avork the spring. This is the best

thing that has happened for the district for a long time. Death of a Chief. Paul Rote, an influential chief, died yesterday. A large tangi is being held. The Barmaids. Wellington, Feb. 12. The police have laid informations against the proprietors of the following hotels : —Empire, Barrett’s, Star, Metro politan, and Criterion, for breach of the provisions of the Employment of Females Act, by allowing barmaids to remain in the bar after 11 p. m. The Sumner Deaf and Dumb Institu tion. The prospectus of the Deaf and Dumb Institution established at Sumner, Christ church, has been issued. The charge for board, lodging, and education is fixed at LSO per annum ; but under necessitous circumstances, the Minister of Education will arrange for payment of part of this amount from the public funds. The Cooks Straits Cable. The shore end of the cable at Wanganui was successfully landed yesterday. The steamer then commenced laying the cable to Wakapuaka, which it is expected will be completed to-day. The Drapers Getting Hard Up. Several drapers have intimated their in tention of keeping their shops open until 9 p. m. The Early Closing Association protest against the movement, and are taking measures to prevent it, Wairarapa Races. There is glorious weather for the races, and 1,000 people are on the course. The bookmakers are doing but little business. There is a totalisator on the course, which is in fair swing. A good deal of mystery exists about Lara, but it is believed he is intended to go for the Stakes and Handi cap. For the Produce Stakes, Pahano was first, Flycatcher second, and Volun teer third. Seven started. Later. Wairarapa Stakes—Lara, 1 ; Romeo, 2 ; Tamatea, 3. King Quail also ran. Fire. Dunedin, Feb. 12. By a fire in a cottage at North East Yalley, last night, the Standard office loses Ll2s—the National LSO. Making Sure of Him. A boy aged 10 has been received in gaol to ensure his attendance at next criminal session. The “ Star” calls on the justices to enquire into the matter, and see if other means cannot be devised for ensuring his presence without keeping him a prisoner a couple of months. Sweeps-

Nearly L 17,000 has been collected in Dunedin for racing sweeps.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE

(Reuter's Telegrams.) London, Feb. 9.

The steamer Hankow became useless off the Lizard owing to terrific weather and sea, which caused the loss of her screw, necessitating her being towed to Ply mouth. London, Feb. 10. Diplomatic correspondence has been exchanged between the Foreign Office here and the Executive of Teheran, the result being that England has released Persia from that clause of the existing treaty which binds the latter not to take Herat. The debate in the House of Commons on Mr. Remond’s amendment on the Ad dress, was continued, but again ad journed, owing to the persistent obstruc tion on the part of the members of the Home Rule party. The Liberal party was opposed to the amendment, and both Lord Hartington and Mr. Forster spoke strongly against it. The quantity of wheat now afloat for Great Britain is 1,730,000 quarters. Ade laide wheat, per . 4961 b., ex warehouse, 595.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegram. ) Melbourne, Feb. 11. Racing sweeps liave been declared illegal, and several holders have been fined nominally. Sailed—Albion. ' Sydney, Feb. 10. According to latest news from New Caledonia a terrific cyclone swept over the island' on the 24th, causing almost in calculable damage to property, and leaving a large number of settlers in a state of destitution. The Government, however, promptly took steps to alleviate as much as possible the prevailing misery and dis tress, and voted 100,000 francs. Infor mation has been received of tin; loss of 14 vessels during the cyclone. Owing to the operation of the vend sys tem, in limiting the output of coal, and the inability of steamers to procure the coal they had contracted for, several of Smith’s steamers have been laid up at Newcastle.

The steamship Chimborazo has been ob liged to put back to Plymouth in conse quence of encountering unusually heavy ■weather. She shipped one sea, which washed six life boats overboard, drowning Mr. Boyer, a first-class passenger, and killing Mr. J. R. Jones, a second-class passenger. Messrs. J. C. Alexander, and Donald, first-class passengers, were severely injured, and also Joseph Phelps, J. T. Wrigley, and Alfred Tug well, second class.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

I N T E R PROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Feb. 11.

The Hon. Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Fen ton have induced about 50 natives belong ing to a liapu in the King Country, lately owning allegiance to Tawhiao, to settle on four thousand acres of land at Onewhero, near Tukuti, thereby virtually detaching them from the King party. Tawhaio told them not to accept the Crown grant, or, if they did, to throw it into the river, but they ignored his advice and accepted the grant and plan of the ground from Mr. Whitaker. The land is alienable by lease or sale. It is ex pected that many more natives will follow. . Captain Johnston, of the Marine De partment, Mr. Hamilton, of the Stamp Office, and Mr. Batkin, of the Treasury, are here on official business. It is said there is a difficulty with the accounts of one of the officials at Tauranga. New Plymouth, Feb. 11.

One of the crew of the steamer Waitara had his hand caught in the steam winch, and two fingers completely smashed. 1

Normandy, Feb. 11. There is a rumor here that Titokowaru has given notice to the Constabulary that they are to clear out in three days. The rumor is without the slightest foundation in fact. ' Wellington, Feb. 11. The unemployed immigrants will hold a meeting on Saturday next, to cohsider the best means of alleviating distress among them. They consider they were brought to the colonies under false pretences. Nelson, Feb. 11. Mr. Joseph Davis, who was on a visit to Nelson, has been committed to the Lunatic Asylum. The loss of several members of his family, who •were pas sengers by the illfafed ship Knowsley Hall, is supposed to have preyed on his mind. Mr. Oswald Curtis has accepted a seat on the Royal Commission appointed to investigate as to the public works of the colony.

Blenheim, Feb. 11. The criminal libel case against Mr. Samuel Johnston, of the Marlborough “ Express,” raised by Mr. John Calder, now’residing in Wanganui, has been heard. The libel is based upon a paragraph in the Marlborough “Express,” which stated that Mr. Calder had been given free quarters by a grateful country for two years for experiments in illicit distillation. It came out in evidence that the paragraph was published inadvertently, and that a full apology was afterwards published The Bench ruled that a prima facie case had been made out, and committed the accused to take his trial at Blenheim. His own recognisance of L 25 w;is taken. Christchurch, Feb. 11. At the R. M. Court this morning Michael Murphy, a noted money lender, was committed for trial for obtaining two guineas by false pretences. In paying to a client money he was advancing on a renewal of mortgage, he stated that he had paid H. E. Alport, land agent, the two guineas for valuing the property, and this was proved to bo false. From evi dence it appeared that Murphy charged L2 for the loan of L 8 for three or four days. A constable named Coraslier was fined Is., and 20s. costs, for kicking a man named Blewitt, whom he had arrested for using obscene language. Pastor Chiniquy commenced another series of three lectures to-night at the Odd Fellows Hall. Tijiaru, Feb. 11. The Minister for Public Works arrived from Oamaru this evening. He will be waited on to-morrow by deputations from various public bodies, with reference to the new railway station and other matters of importance. At the R.M. Court this morning a man named Wm. Tait was charged with com mitting indecent assaults on three little girls on the beach last evening. He was remanded till Saturday. Dunedin, Feb. 11. Mr. J. F. Watson to-day received a telegram from Reefton stating that the Welcome Quartz-mining Company’s last return is GoOozs. of gold from 345 tons of stone. Mr. Sydney James to-day received a letter from the Rev. C. M. Meysey Thomp son, Private Secretary to the Governor, stating that his Excellency and Lady Robinson will have much pleasure in ac cepting the invitation to be present at the Dunedin Jockey Club annual meeting. Otago will be strongly represented at the National Rifle Association meeting next month. The. additional entry of Sergeant Webster, City Guards, has been received, and the Dunedin Naval Brigade will be represented by Petty Officer Mor rison and Sub-Lieut. Black. Mr. J. E. Hutchinson has been entered for the honorary members’ matches. The police this afternoon received infor mation that a man with his throat cut was found floating in the bay near Yuaxhall. A small sum of money was found on him, also ? a note-book, which contained the name of Walter Pierce. The racehorses Chancellor, York, Libeller, Billingsgate, and Hippocampus arrived safely by Arawata from Wellington this morning.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

To the Editor. Sir —ln your last evening’s issue you seem to express regret at the smallness of the attendance at the above concert. Now as one of the Ashburton public, I do not possess the same feelings as yourself on the matter, but I am rather inclined to the reverse. When I read the advertisement in your cslumns, the question very naturally arose in my mind, as to who Mr. and Mrs. Florence were that they should lay claim to the. support of the Ashburton public. Were they residents in the place 1 Had they conferred any benefit on the town or district ] Had they benefitted any of its inhabitants or anybody else from a public point of view. With these questions before my mind, I resolved to ask a few persons whom I thought could give me a little information on the matter. I did so, and I was rather surprised to find that they were just as much in the dark on the subject as myself, and so, failing to obtain answers to my questions otherwise than in the negative, I was about to come to the conclusion that it must be some private individual trying to raise the wind. But then I was confronted with the fact that it was to be under the patronage of his Worship the Mayor and Councillors. I thought surely our sage Councillors would not lend themselves as tools to aid such exclusively private intei ests. It, however, appears that such was the case, and it is a poor pitible position for our leading men of the town to bring themselves into, to allow themselves in their public capacity as a corporate body to become patrons of private benefit concerts, which have no public significance whatever. It is much to be regretted that a number of our Councillors could patronise such a benefit concert, and yet, when it came to a question of feeding the hungry thou sands who are now starving in Ireland, and by whom they are appealed to for help, made themselves conspicuous by their absence from the public meeting called for that purpose last night. I think sir, the sooner the public of any place set there faces, and shut their pockets, against such private complimen tary benefits, the better it will be for themselves, the place in which they live, and other objects more deserving of public support. —I am, &c., Observer.

THE IRISH RELIEF FUND.

■Public meeting.

The meeting which has been so anxiously looked for by the sympathisers with the distressed in Ireland was held last night, and at 8 p.m. the audience consisted of nine persons, of whom four were press representatives ; and by about half-past eight the body of the hall held 35 sympathisers, besides those on the platform. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and said the meeting had [been called in consequence of a requisition pre sented to him by several prominent citizens, and he regretted so few had re sponded to the call. It was dishearten ing to speak to so thin a house, and -it was not easy to speak on such an important subject with so small an audience,besides, the question they had met to consider had been well ventilated by the. press. But when a good action had to be done, too much could not be said in favor of the cause that called for it. It behoved the colonists to work hand in hand to assist those who urgently required their help at Home. An article had appeared in the “ Herald ” last night which told a har rowing tale of the distress in Ireland, which should cause all in the district to open their hearts ; and *as people in this colony were, prosperous the should say to themselves “ Let us do what we can for the sufferers in Ireland.” Pastor Chiniquy, a foreigner, has held the Irishmen up as having assisted England in gaining her many victories, and all would agree that they were valuable colonists. He hoped this district would do its best to send help to the suffering ones. " Mr. Bullock said Ashburton until now had been foremost in subscribing to allevi ate distress. He hoped : that on this occasion it would not be backward, and al though there might be shortness of money in this country, there was-never shortness of food. If farmers could not give money, they could give grain, which could be con verted into money. Even if in Ireland they had good crops next year, there would still be the high rents to contend with, and farmers would therefore be in duced to emigrate to this colony. He hoped that the present depression would be the cause of a large number of the Irish farmers becoming colonists. He would move—“ That the present meeting deeply sympathises with the people of Ireland in their present distress, and pledge themselves to use every effort to assist in its relief.” . ; - Mr. O’Reilly, in seconding the resolu tion, said the present distress was such as had not been known since the famine of 1847. The distress had not prevailed so much in Ulster as in other parts ; but when Armagh and Tipperary, the richest counties in Ireland, cried out that they were starving, there could be no doubt of the magnitude of the suffering. The appeal made by the Mayor of Dublin had been nobly responded to. He knew the country, and could picture to himself the people of Ireland dying for want of food. The resolution was carried unani mously. The Mayor then read a letter from Mr. Joseph Clark, regretting his unavoidable absence, and offering to receive grain and store it free of charge, and also promising his aid to secure the threshing of a thou sand bushels gratuitously, and to render any other assistance in his power. (Cheers.) Mr. John Orr said he was not ashamed to say he was an Irishman, and he could say as a colonist the Irishmen were our friends. If we wanted soldiers to fight, or navvies to make our railways, they were found to be the best men for it. .He would propose —“ That an Irish Relief Fund be formed in Ashburton, and any sum raised be sent to the Lord Mayor of Dublin through the Christchurch Com mittee as soon as possible. ” Mr. Joseph Ivess seconded the motion, and said no doubt the busy season of the year had a deal to do with the small , at tendance. A large sum had already been transmitted from New Zealand, and he felt certain that Ashburton would keep up its reputation for liberality. Mr. • Ivess concluded with an appeal to the nieeting for assistance..

His Worship considered that the portion of the resolution referring to remitting the money collected to Christchurch was un fair to Ashburton. This County would no doubt collect a large sum, and he con sidered the people quite able to make as good arrangements as any other, and he would ask the mover to alter that part of the resolution Mr. Ivess said that as no large amount was likely to be collected, and LSO had already been forwarded, it was undesirable to alter it. The last portion of the resolution was ultimately eliminated. Mr. T. R. Hodder proposed—“ That a Committee comprising his Worship the Mayor, the Revs. Paige, Beattie, Keall, and Smith, Messrs. T. Bullock, H. J. Weeks, M. Friedlander, R. Friedlander, J. Orr, A. Orr, J. Ivess, T. Williams, C. Dixon, F. P. O’Reilly, and the mover with power to add to their number, be formed to make arrangements for collect ing subscriptions, &c. ” He had refused to subscribe previously, as he considered the matter should have been better venti lated than it had been at that time ; but he was of opinion now, that Ashburton’s quota to the fund would be worth men tioning. Our feelings of humanity -ought to be stirred up in this cause, and he hoped the Committee would meet with success, and that quickly, earnestly and heartily. Mr. Max. Friedlander seconded the re solution, hoping all would put their shoulders to the wheel in this matter. _ Mr. Shearer made some remarks which, owing to the acoustic properties of the hall, were inaudible at the reporters’ table. His Worship gave the experience of a lady who had only that day returned from a visit to Ireland, and she gave a very sad account of the state of the Old Country. The resolution was carried unani mously. A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, and a subscription list at once opened in the room.

A Vacancy.— Owing to the lamented death of Mr. Reed, it has become neces sary to elect a successor for his seat in the County Council, and it is notified that the nomination for a member for the Upper Ashburton riding will take place on Fri day, the 20th inst., at noon, at the Wes tcrfield schoolhouse, and the poll, if necessaiy, on Tuesday, March 2nd, at-the same place. Three names are mentioned as probable candidates.

Thursday, Pekruarv 12, 18S0.I

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. WANTED IMMEDIATELY A BED-ROOM and SITTING ROOM, with or without Board and atten dance, for a gentleman. Apply to office of C. Percy Oox, East street. 491g-48c SHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. President—-E. G. Wright, Esq., M. H. R. Vice-Presidents —J. E. Trevor, John Grigg, W. C. Walker, and Alfred Saunders, Esqs. Committee—Messrs. H. C. Jacobson, W. H. Collins, G. Smith, J. G. Anstee, J. Sealey W. T. Davidson, J. Orr, H. W. Charlton, J. Sim monds, J. R. Chapman, T. Sealey, J. Coutts. Treasurer- —F. Shury, Esq. Secretary—Stephen E. Poyntz. The First Show of the Society will be held on SATURDAY, MARCH 6th, At the TOWN HALL. Admission up to 1 p.m. 2s 6d. „ After 1 p.m. Is. Competition for prizes open to the Public. N.B.—lt is particularly requested that all those who have articles suitable for competition, or exhibition only, will bring them forward, in order to make this, the first show,' a success. Notice for space must be forwarded to the Secretary on or before March 3rd. Any information with respect to entries, &c., may be obtained from the under signed. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 474 g 33c Secretary.- WAKANUT ROAD BOARD. RATE NOTICE. THE Rate for 1879-80 will be COL LECTED FORTHWITH and not in April as previously notified, and all over due rates for 1878-9 will be sued for at once. Rates to be paid at my residence, Great South Road, next the Gasworks. JAMES WILKIE, 477g-34c Collector. X # A THISTLE LODGE, S.C., C 27. AN EMERGENCY MEETING will be held in the Lodge Room, Saunders’ Buildings, on THURSDAY, 12th inst., at 7.30 p.m., sharp. Business— Urgent. Full attendance requested. By order of the R.W.M. J. E. HYDE HARRIS, 48c-498g ■ Secretary. ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. rnHE ANNUAL GENERAL MEET -1 ING will be held at Quill’s Hotel, on FRIDAY, 20 th February, inst., at 8 o’clock, p.m. Business— To receive Annual Report; Election of Directors and Officers for en suing year. All members requested to attend. J. E. HYDE HARRIS, 47c-499g Hon. Secretary. { WHEAT FREIGHT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE undersigned, having completed their charters ■ for the ensuing grain season, will regularly despatch first class iron ships to various ports in the United Kingdom.



' Several other equally high class iron vessels are also chartered, and will follow. For freight, apply to P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. ; Or to ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 488g* Christchurch. ENGLISH WHEAT SHIPMENTS. THE Undersigned are prepared to ship wheat to London or any other Port i in the United’ Kingdom for farmers or others, making liberal CASH ADVANCES against same on favorable terms. - Farmers placing their Wheat in our „ hands for shipment can rely upon receiving ; PROMPT ACCOUNT SALES. Intending shippers wishing to avail . themselves of the present opportunity of testing the London and other English ' wheat markets, are recommended to make IMMEDIATE APPLICATION for space. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 489g* r .- : -it Christchurch.



New Advertisements. £1 REWARD. LOST— A dark GELDING, 6 years old, 2 white spots on each side of saddle ; white star on forehead, mark like P.R. on rump. Any person returning same, or giving information leading to its recovery, will receive above reward. 51c 501 g A. THIELE. TWO POUNDS REWARD. LOST— One Grey Cob MARE, one Chestnut Heavy Draught do. Have been traced from Ralcaia fifteen miles towards Ashburton. The finder will receive one pound reward per head on bringing them to Mutch and M'Kenzie, Ashburton. JOHN FRASER. 38c Tinwald. FOR SALE. rjIHE undersigned have on SALE 1 Second-Hand, M'CORMICK’S REA PER and BINDER (new this year). 1 Second-Hand, WOOD’S REAPER and BINDER. 1 Second-Hand, SAMUELSON. POYNTZ & CO., 32c Ashburton. MONEY. £SO £lo0 ' £250 ’ £SOO AND £IOOO. These sums are ready for immediate investment, on approved Freehold securi ties at current rates. Apply to THOMAS & BRUGES, Solicitors, 13c CHRISTCHURCH. jpURE MALT VINEGAR ON .SALE. 2s. fid. Per Gallon. WOOD & CO., 45c Ashburton Brewery. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and C).’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a NOTICE. have to request a prompt settle ment of a Large number of over due and long standing accounts, otherwise legal proceedings will be taken to recover same. WEEKS & DIXON. “ Herald and Guardian ” office, Feb. 10th, 1880. 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. Orders to withdraw or replace advertisements must be sent in in writing not later than 9 a. m. each day. 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 addi’essed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.