COMMERCIAL

Messrs. J.. T. Ford & 00. report on the live stock market for the week ending Friday, April 10th, as follows : There was an average supply of sheep, cattle and pigs at the Addington market on Monday last, and prices ruled much the same as on a previous week. Beef 20s. per 1001 b, and mutton 2d. per lb. Store sheep moved off freely for stubble and turnip purposes, two-tooth cross breds bringing from 6s. 9d. to 7s. 3d. each ; merino ewes from 3s. 6d. to 4s. 3d. each, according to condition, quality; and when shorn. Half-bred lambs are bring ing from ss. Gd. to 6s. 6d. each, spring ing heifers from LG 10s. to L 8 10s. each, and quiet good sound dairy cows on the point of calving are selling LlO 10s to Ll 4 each. Weaners are bringing from 235. to 25s each. Cattle from eighteen months to two years are bringing from L2 15s. to L 3 10s. each. Our entries were on ac count of Messrs. H. Overton, S. Garforth Evans, Steel, Codling, R. L. Higgins, Marcroft, Rudd, and others. We quitted Mr. Overton’s crossbreds at from 11s. Gd. to 11s 9d. each, topping the market for price and quality. Mr. Higgins’ cross breds brought from 7s. 9d. to Bs. each. Mr. Marcroft’s line bringing 9s. each, all being equal to our quotation of 2d. per lb. At Winchester on Tuesday last we sold on account of C. W. Tancred, Esq. , his stud flock of Leicester sheed, and suc ceeded in quitting them at satisfactory prices. Privately during the?jweek, we have placed several lines of store sheep at current rates, and on Friday we held a clearing sale at Glendore on account of J. H. R. Aitken, Esq. There was a numer ous attendance, and the stock and imple ments sold remarkably well. We have also sold the Glendore Estate. At our wocl and skin sale on Thursday we had the usual attendance of the trade, and sold cross bred skins up to 4s. 3d. each ; medium quality from 3s. to 3s. Gd. Twelve bales of merino wool brought up to Bd. and B|d per lb ; twelve bales of crossbred at Bid. per lb ; and nine bales at 8| per lb.

At the usual sitting of the Waste Lands Board on Thursday, April 15th, sales were made as follows :—Ashley, 258 acres 1 rood 31 perches ; Ashburton, 250 acres; Geraldine, 46 acres 2 roods 32 perches ; Selwyn, 1440 acres; Waimate, 9 acres. Total, 2,954 acres 31 perches, producing L 5,928 ss. 9d. Refunds on amount of former purchases were made amounting to L 877.

MAIL 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 Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9,'a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. '

— ——j - 1 ——7 —> ■ n ? jLXTTrcnyj" 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 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 San Francisco will be closed at Christ church on April 24, and will be due in London on June 8. 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.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the "Evening Echo”). MONDAY, APRIL 19, 1880.

The Masonic Ball. —The members of the ball committee of the Somerset Lodge are requested to meet at Shearman’s Hotel to-morrow night. Pupil Teachers’ Examinations. —The returns are published of the examinations of pupil teachers held at the Normal School, Christchurch, on the 16th, 17th, and 18th March. From these returns we find that the two teachers from Ashburton made a very creditable appearance, and that both passed. The following are the returns of marks gained :—First year’s student —Eva Henderson, 306 marks out of a possible 600 ; second year’s student— Kate McDonnell, 402 marks out of v maximum of 600.

Retrenchment. —The Public Works Committee ef the Wellington City Coun cil recommend that when the present sup ply of cartridges is exhausted the firing of the time gun be discontinued. A. & P. Association. —On Saturday a special meeting of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held, at which Mr. C. P. Cox presided. Mr Jameson, the Secretary, said the president had written to say that on con sulting the Act he found last election was illegal, and that a fresh election of of ficers and committee would require to be held. Mi\ Joseph Hunt moved—“ That a special general meeting of the Associa tion be held on the 4th May for the pur pose of electing officers and committee for the ensuing year. A vote of thanks was also recorded to Dr. Irving for his lecture on bees delivered in Ashburton last week. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting separated.

The “ Hawera and Normanby Star.” —We are in receipt of the first number of this journal, issued by Messrs. Galvin and Innes, two practical men hailing from Wel lington. The business public of Hawera are evidently in earnest in their support to the pioneer journal if we are to judge from the satisfactory appearance of the advertising columns. The “Star” in tends to adopt a perfectly independent course as regards politics, but wall support/ the present Ministry so long as they con - tinue the same line of conduct as the have hitherto done: The success or failure of a newspaper in Hawera, as in every other place, will depend on the support ac corded by the public, and from what we know of the proprietors, we are confident that no effort will be spared on their part to win this support. .The Winchmore-Methven Drainage. —On Saturday evening a special meeting of the Drainage Committee of the Ash burton County Council was held, when a large number offenders were opened for the drainage works between Winchmore and Methven. The successful tenderers were :—For No. 1 section—Cooper Bros., L 204 Bs. 9d.; for No. 2 section—Arthur Devery, L 254 os. 5d.; No. 3 section— John Boyle, L 221 2s. Id.; No. 4 section — Devery and Prunty, L2lO 17s. Gd.; No. 5 section —C. Shepherd, L 217 4s. 4d.; No. 6 section—J. Boyle, L 217 10s. The work will comprise some fifteen miles of flood water drains, with embankments where necessary, and the construction of fords at the various road crossings ; and as the above figures show the whole will be com pleted at a cost of L 1,325 133. Id. The low figures at which the various sections have been contracted for are indicative of the absence at the present time of work for horse flesh, and the readiness with which “ good marks” [can obtain labor at a cheap rate.

Presentation to Mrs. Paige. —On Sunday afternoon the Sunday scholars of St. Stephens gave very gratifying expres sion to their affection for Mrs. Paige, and the’ 'value they set,upon the many kind services she had performed for the Sunday school, in which she has been an assiduous and enthusiastic worker ever since its commencement. The young people thought they could net allow her to go away with out some recognition of her labors in their interest, and accordingly they presented her with a magnificent epergne, as also a short address expressive of the loss they felt they were suffering in her removal, and their keen apprec;«^**-- v ' c "' , U m,/ SII —odi«j presentation was made in the parsonage by the members of Mrs. Paige’s own class, and the address bore the signatures of them all. Mrs. Paige thanked the children in a few words, as many as her feelings would permit her to use. It is always a difficult thing to break time-cemented affectionate associa tions, and just at this time, when Mr. and Mrs. Paige are saying farewell to the scene of their past labors, this spontane ous offering of the children’s love was pecularly affecting.

Sir W. Fox and the Bulls Electors.

[by TELEGRAPH. I Bulls, April 16.

Sir William Fox addressed the electors at Bulls la3t night. He avowed himself a warm supporter of the present Ministry. He attacked the Liberal party, and said they followed the democracy of France, while the Constitutionalist party, with which he was connected, followed the American democracy. Speaking of native affairs, he said there was no probability of another disturbance. On being asked if he would accept office if elected, he said that he did not desire office, and only in extreme circumstances would accept it. A vote of thanks f@r the address, and for coming forward as a candidate was moved. Thirty voted in favor and none against it. About 150 persons were present. It is not yet known definitely whether Mr. McLean will come forward to contest the seat.

The Lynch Family Bellringers.

One of the most pleasing entertainments of its kind was given in the Town Hall on Saturday evening last by tlie above per formers. The audience was not a large one, but their frequent plaudits testified to the excellence of the various items sub mitted to them. After the pianoforte overture from “ II Traviata” in the first part of the programme, the Bellringers played on the hand bells “The 'Druid’s March,” from “ Norma,” and the “White Cockade ” (Scotch) in such a manner as to elicit loud applause. Mr. Santley, who was in capital voice, sang that pretty ballad, which is so full of melody, “ Rocked in the cradle of the deep,” in a very careful and pleasing manner. The Bellringers then gave that pathetic air “ Come home father” in a very telling manner. The wonderful manipulation of the seemingly innumei’able number of bells being worked with an ease and grace pei’- fectly astonishing, showing what perfection must have been obtained by the perform ers to enable them to play with such skill the subdued passages of this plaintive air. The ballad, “ The sea is England’s glory,” was given by Mr. Santly in a very telling manner. The amusing duet, “ The quack doctors,” was amusingly rendered by Messrs. R. and W. Lynch. The Silver Lake varsoviana and the “ Soldier’s joy,” hornpipe, were also nicely played by the Bellringers. Mr. Charles Lyndhurst in troduced his merry folks, Mr. Snow, Little Tom, and Black George, and the audience were kept highly amused with the life-long songs and sayings of this witty trio, under the ventriloquist’s art. The first part of the programme concluded

■with the Messrs. H. R. and W. Lynch, in their Chinese song and dance, “Ching, Ching, Chow.” In the second part the Bellringers were very successful in the “ Chimes, Changes, and Joybells,” “ The Elfin Waltz,” and the duet between Messrs. H. and R. Lynch, “ Home, sweet home.” The comical duet, “My father’s farmyard,” caused some laughter in the grotesque manner in which it was ren dered. The double hornpipe danced by Messrs. Lyrch arid C. Lyndhurst was well executed ; they received a recall. The performance concluded with a laugh able farce, entitled, “ Mr. Johnson in want of a Coachman.” The company intend playing again to-night, with an entire change of programme.

Cricket.

The following are-the detailed scores in the match—Ashburton v. Mount Somers —played on the latter’s ground on Thurs day innings. Eyton, b Flood ..." .... . ••• I llodder, c sub, b Chapman ... 5 Ede, b Hood ... ... ... .o Amos, c Ilood, b Chapman ... 6 Anderson, b Chapman ... ... 6 Curtis, c Chapman, b Hood ... 8 Price, lbw, b Chapman ... ... 2 • Marsh, run out ... ... 2 St-rangman, not out ...; - 3 ... Martin, b Chapman ... ... ---7- Gran-t, b Chapman ... ... o Extras. ... ... l 6 Total ... ... ... 56 Second Innings. Ilodder, bTaylor... ... ... 5 Eyton, b Hood .. ' ~ ... ... 4 Strangman, b Chapmair... ... o Martin, b Chapman ... ... o Curtis, b Chapman 17 Marsh, not out ... ... ... 2 Amos, not out ... ... ... 5 Total ... ... ... 33 MOUNT SOMERS—First innings. D. Potts, b Grant •> ... ... 5 G. Potts, st. Anderson, b Grant o Cookson, c Amos, b Amos ... 15 Lovell, hit wicket, b Amos ... 4 Polhill, c Anderson, b Grant ... o Taylor, c Eylon, b Ecle ... ... 6 Tomlinson, not out ... O W. Hood, b. Grant 1 Falkner c Grant, b Grant ... 5 Chapman, run out ... ... 2 Peach, b Ede ... ... ... 1 Extras ... ... ... 6 Total ... ... ... 45 Second Innings. Tomlinson, b Grant ... ... 38 Lovell, st Anderson, b Grant ... 1 Taylor, b Amos ... ... ... 2 Chapman, lbw, b Grant ... ... 4 Cookson, b Anderson ... ... 4 G. Potts, b Eyton ... ... 9 Hood, b Marsh ... ... ... 4 Polhill, st Anderson, b Grant ... 2 Peach, b Amos ... ... ... 8 Falkner, c Anderson, b Grant ... o B. Potts, not out ... 38 Extras ... ... ... 9 Total ... 119

Direct Steam Service.

The indefatigable Mr. Macandrew in 1778 did his best to establish steam com munication direct between the Old Country and this colony, ■ and wished it done under Government auspices. He .!.« - c l-t. Li... 11. -j. 1.. W the session, and members, -wishing to be home to prepare for the enjoyment of a merry Christmas, were mot in a mood to finish up an already too lengthy session by debating what might have been an endless question. Besides, the establishment of direct communication was a subject in volving a large outlay of money, with no assurance that a commensurate benefit would follow. But during the recess Mr. Macandrew, who had evidently taken the matter to heart, set about making the experiment, and before Parliament again met the Stadt Haarlem, steamer, had come and gone. Her voyage was not the greatest financial suc cess possible, even though she did bring a large cargo of immigrants, and consequently she is the last steamer that has visited the colony direct from Europe. But we learn from recent telegrams that the Stadt Haarlem experiment is not to be the final one, and that before all hope leaves us of ever seeing a direct line of steamers plying between our shores and those of the land we have left, we are to be treated to a visit from one of the boats of Messrs. Money Wigram, and Co. It was this company who ran the splendid line of steamers between London and Melbourne before the Orient Company entered into competition with them, and it is their intention, now that to a certain extent their Australian trade has been crippled, to measure the bounds of possi bility of a payable trade between New Zealand and England. The first steamer is to start some time this month, if she has not already left, and should the venture meet with fair encouragement, a direct line of steamers will continue on the passage, the fine fleet of Messrs. Money Wigram and Co., being available for the service. Should the venture prove suc cessful, the Company, it is said, purpose re linquishing the Melbourne trade, and devot ing their attention to New Zealand. Their fleet of steamers comprise some splendid vessels, and considering the large passenger trade that has tins year'been done from Lyttelton,- per sailing vessel, and the contributions of voyayers by the Orient line that New Zealand gives, there is a good prospect that, if freight is forth coming in keeping, the cabins of Money Wigram's steamers will be in demand. It is to be hoped the venture will be a suc cessful one, and that at last a steam line will be established between this colony and Home.

Native Affairs.

By Telegraph,

Hawera, April 19. The Parihaka meeting is over, but nothing important has transpired. The Maoi’is still have faith in Te Whiti. As the Constabulary camps have not been advanced fer some time the natives believe that Te Whiti has mesmerised the Govern ment, and that they fear to advance into Te Whiti’s territory. Judging from the rate at which the road work is progressing —about two chains per diem—allowing 50 percent, off for wet weather, it will take five years and seven months to complete the thirty miles gap between the Con stabulary camps ; but the men are said to be usefully employed clearing a breadth of country on each side of the road for the benefit of future settlers or Maoris.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTR ALI AN .

The Stamp Duties Bill. Sydney, April 19,

At an open-air meeting on Saturday night, at which 1,800 persons were present, resolutions were passed endorsing the action of the Legislative Council in amending the Stamp Duties Bill. An Insolvent Confectioner.

Compagnoni, a well-known confectioner and one of the largest, caterers for the supply of refreshments at the Exhibition, has become insolvent.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL

A Chemist Poisoned

Grahamstown, April 19.

A young chemist named Melton, a son of the late Mayor of Parnell, was found dead in his bed this morning, having evi dently been dead twenty-four hours. It is supposed he was poisoned by laudanum, but whether taken intentionally or other wise is not known. - o More Fires. _ . There have been three alarms of fire here since Saturday afternoon ; two were false, and the third was given last night, caused by the burning of four cottages in Mackay street. Wellington Spring Meeting. Wellington, April 19. The stewards of the Wellington Racing Club contemplate holding a spring meet ing at the end of November, but nothing can be definitely settled until the annual meeting, which is to be held shortly. Additions to the Ranks of the Unemployed. A number of men have arrived from the country, seeking employment. The Sunday Traffic. It is stated that the police made another raid on the hotels yesterday, and have laid informations against five publicans for Sunday traffic.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE

(Rente'/s.) The Empress Eugine Visits the Scene of Her Son’s Death. London, April 15. According to the news from Cape Town, the Empress Eugene has arrived. The "Wheat Market. April 16. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,910,000 quarters. Ade laide wheat has declined Is., and to-day is quoted at 575. per 4961b5. ex warehouse. Adelaide flour has also declined Is., and now stands at 40s. 6d. per 2801bs. ex warehouse. The market for Adelaide wheat and flour is dull. Australian tallow has advanced 6d. per cwt. ; best beef being worth 325. 6d., and best mutton 345. 6d. New Zealand wheat is quoted at 475. to 475. 6d. per 4961b5. ex warehouse. Deatliofthe Claimant’s Champion. Dr. Kenealy, M.P. for Stoke, and counsel for the pseudo Sir Roger Tich borne in the great trial, died to-day. The Oamaru Waterworks Loan. Subscriptions have been opened for the balance of the Oamaru Waterworks Loan to the amount of L89,00G. The German Army. Berlin, April 18. The Bill which was introduced by the Minister of Justice on the 22nd of January, increasing the German army by 60,000 men, has been passed. The Australian Cricketers. Suez, April 16. The Orient Company’s s.s. Garonne, homeward bound, has arrived here. The Australian cricketers are passengers. London, April 15. The elections are nearly concluded, and tlie returns so far show that 340 Liberals and 235 Conservatives have been elected, thus leaving: a majority of 105 for the Liberal party. Sixty-three Home Rulers, including twenty-five followers of Mi-. Parnell, have been returned. For the boroughs fifty-seven seats have been gained to the Liberals, and in the coun ties they have gained forty-seven seats, which formerly were held by Conserva tives. The Home Rule party has gained several seats.

Arrived—Calypso, from Port Chalmers; Zealandia, from Wellington ; Waimea, from Napier.

Madrid, April 14. Francisco Otero, who was found guilty of attempting the life of King Alplionso on 30th December last was executed to day.

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, April 15. Mr. Hungerford, has resigned his seat' in the Assembly, -j - The Exhibition closes oh Tuesday, which has been proclaimed a public holiday. Messrs/"' Cohen Bros, have called a meeting of their creditors. Their liabili ties are set down at L 38,000, and assets at L 40,000.

Melbourne, April 15. Considerable anxiety is felt concerning the ship Iron Dulce, now 116 days out. She left London on December 21st. Sugar market firm.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, April 16. Knorp’s survey party are still at work beyond Helensville, trying to discover the best route for the North Auckland Rail way.

At the Supreme Court sessions Isaac Wilson, of the Ohinemutu Hotel, charged with shooting with intent to kill certain natives, was acquitted. Alexander Camp bell and John Farmer, for forcible entry, another phase of the Ohinemutu riots, was also acquitted.

Napier, April 16. A woman named Wilson was found by the roadside near Hastings in a very help less state. She was conveyed to Mr. William’s woolshed, and a doctor was sent for, who delivered her of twins. It turns out her husband is a carpenter unable to get work, and has been wander ing about the country in a state of desfci

tution. The woman is rapidly recovering strength, and Mr. Williams is paying all expenses. Nelson, April 16. At the Magistrate’s Court this after noon, \V. Carter Webb, late local manager for the New Zealand Insurance Company, was charged on remand with embezzling L 6 17s. belonging to his em ployers. After some evidence accused admitted the charge, and Avas sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor.

Wellington, April 16.

It is stated that some natives at Petone have dug trenches in the road leading to Gear’s slaughter yard. It is believed the latter intends taking legal proceedings against the offenders. The railway returns for the four weeks ending March 6 are—Receipts, L 60,306 18s. 7d. ; expenditure, L 42,980 11s. 7d.

THE DUNEDIN MURDER.

Acquittal of Butler.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, April 17.

The trial of Butler, for murder, was continued at the Supreme Court to-day. The Court wap packed. The prisoner, who did not call any witnesses, at once entered upon his defence, and spoke for six hours in a clear, firm voice, oc casionally pausing to consult his notes. He criticised the evidence closely, and contended that nothing had been brought forward the Crown to connect him with the murder. He explained his at tempt to escape from Dunedin by the fact that he believed that the police were going to arrest him for burglary, and that he was under police sur veilance. On the night of the murder he affirmed that he was more than half drunk and away from the scene of it. The Judge’s summoning up was in favor of the prisoner. The jury retired shortly after 6 p.m. At five minutes past nine they returned a verdict of “Hot guilty.” The prisoner displayed no emotion, and. said nothing. The Court was packed, and there was an immense crowd outside, which hooted on hearing the verdict, and also hooted the prisoner. No mention was made of a nolle prosequi in the other cases, and the prisoner will be proceeded against on the charge of murdering Dewar’s wife.

MOUNT SOMERS ASSESSMENT COURT.

(per pigeon post.)

Mount Somers, April 19, 12 noon

Mr. Guinness held the Assessment Court here to-day. Mr. Walker, chair man of the Road Board, objected to the roll prepared by Mr. Leach, as he had not complied with the sth clause of the Rating Act, which provides for a declaration by the valuer.

The Judge ruled that the objection was fatal, and the roll was thrown out. Mr. Wentworth Cookson is to be paid LSO for compiling new roll. Mr. Leach, the valuer, admitted in Court that he had not seen several of the sections he had rated, and could not swear that they were in the district. There were a largejnum-. to-.. ofoUjociiuiisyand aTair attendance of ratepayers. Raining hard.

A Scene in Court.

The frequent passages at arms which occur between members of the bar in our local court sometimes tends to lower the legal dignitaries in question in the eyes of the public ; but from the following para, graph, clipped from a Wellington journal, it will be seen that both lawyers and wit nesses—even if the witness is a bank manager—in the Empire City sometimes conduct themselves in such a way as to require to be “ sat upon” by the presiding magistrate : During the hearing of the case of Hunt v. Tolhurst at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, a very lively scene took place. Mr. Tolhurst was being examined by Mr. Edwards, who appeared as solicitor for the plaintiff. Both gentlemen began mildly, but as the examination proceeded they waxed warmer and warmer, until both, arrived at a state of heat. Mr. Edwards not being satisfied with Mr. Tolhurst’s answers, persisted in reiterating the ques tions again and again, accompanying his repetitions with some uncomplimentary allusions to Mr. Tolhurst’s powers of in telligence. The bank manager resented this, and on Mr. Edwards asking a ques tion which was more pointed than perti nent, gave vent to a contemptuous excla mation of impatience, which sounded something like the word “ fool.” At any rate, Mr. Edwards understood it so, and retorted with great warmth. How the wordy war would have ended, had the dis putants been left to themselves, it is im possible to say ; but at this stage Mr. Mansford interfered, and administered a

severe rebuke. He said during his career a 3 a magistrate he had generally been able to keep witnesses, solicitors, and others who appeared before him within bounds, and that on the few occasions when he had not been able to do so, he had found it the best plan to adjourn the court. If the gentlemen who were forgetting them selves in the present case did not proceed more quietly he should feel obliged to postpone the case. This had the effect of bringing the two gentlemen to order, and the case went on smoothly afterwards. A similar threat held out sometimes to our local lawyers might prove efficacious in making cases less lengthy and more agreeable to all parties. We recommend the antidote to Mr. Guinness.

A Clergyman’s Remarks on the Pre vailing Depression.

The Rev. J. U. Davis recently delivered a lecture at Dunedin on “ Out of Work,” in which he showed the large number of persons out of work in that city. In concluding his remarks he referred to the fact that the monthly accounts of the merchants are rising rapidly in proportion to their turn over. He added : —“ This is very signifi cant ; it shows that the retailers are allow ing more and more credit to their cus tomers ; and unless the bankers show grace, and the merchants show pity, the mercy and generosity of the storekeepers to the poor—a mercy and generosity that always show in bad times—will meet the melancholy and undeserved requital of insolvency. I have found nothing in my enquiries more suggestive of the obstinacy of the present distress than this increased indebtedness of the storekeepers, unless it be the alacrity with which so many of our impoverished neighbors accepted a bare sustenance at Hind on and Mullocky Gully. All could not do that; men ac customed to light muscular 'work and dapper duties Avould shrink from it and be useless for it. It takes twelve months to make a good navvy out of a farm laborer ; it would take more to transform a draper or a clerk into a bad navvy. Yet these abound in our streets. There is no defining their numbers. Poor devils! Their name is “Legion,’ for they are many. These are only specimens. They are not exhaustive statements, but as specimens they are fairly and painfully suggestive. There is yet another consideration or two. The building societies could unfold a tale most harrowing when you read between the lines of dry figures. The presence of febrile diseases must be ascribed in a measure to diminished food and anxious worry as well as heat and drought. Even servants’ wages are gone down, and girls have more difficulty in getting places, so that help from this side is less available, and, to crown all, the very cautious esti mates made by the Government proves to have been excessive by a quarter of a million for the year. ” '

A Deplorable Couple.

No more shocking example of the state of degradation to which drink can reduce the “human form divine” could be imagined than that presented by two wretched creatures who oocupied the pri soners’ dock at the Resident Magistrate’s Court in. Wellington on a recent occasion. Although designated by different names on the sheet, they have been living together as man and wife.. The police arrested the woman on the previous even ing, and as the man expressed it in Court, he went to the station to look after his “ missus,” and the police ran him in, too. It was difficult to say which of the two was the more wretched looking object. The man, although still in the prime of life, was so palsied that he could scarcely lift his hand to take off his hat on enter ing the Court; his eyes resembled holes burnt in a blanket, and in all the lina ments of his face vice and disease showed their horrid indications. The woman was about the same age, but might easily have been taken for fifty. Her face was pale and haggard, and streaked with dirt, while her bleared eyes blinked with weak ness. Her hair hung down her back and over her face and eyes in unkempt masses, which were exposed rather than concealed by a tawdry cheap hat, that appeared to have been “ pitched” on to her head. The clothes of this parody on a woman were in character. Her dress hung about her in such rags that she .had to hold it against her bosom to conceal her nakedness. Other garments she might possibly have had on, but the glimpses afforded by the movements of the trembling hands were painfully suggestive that her undercloth ing was of the scantiest. The strangest feature in connection with thiß pitiful pair Avas the apparent affection of the man for the woman. Bad as he was, the man was evidently in full possession of his faculties, but the excesses of the woman seemed to have reduced her to the condi tion of mental as well as bodily prostra tion. The man Avatclied her carefully, and kissed her twice while sitting in Court ; he also supported her tottering steps in entering and leaving the Court, and the extraordinary appearance of the pair as they passed arm in arm down Featherston street caused quite a commotion. The spectacle Avas one which the ancient Spar tans Avould havo regarded as a most edi fying one for their children. It certainly Avas an eloquent sermon.

The Strathleven Meat Shipment.

('From the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co.’s Circular, of 26th Feb., 1880. y The Strathleven, s., from Sydney and Melbourne, arrived in London on the 31st January. In addition to her ordinary cargo, she brought a quantity, say about 35 tons, of mutton and beef in carcase and in joints, frozen in a specially con structed chamber in the vessel, re frigerated by the process known as the “ Bell-Coleman. ” By this process it is understood that the natural air is with drawn from the chamber, washed, dried arid cooled, and returned at low tempera ture, wherein the meat freezes without the aid of chemicals of any kind. On inspec tion of the meat while the vessel lay in dock, and while still subject to the action of intense cold, it was found to be in a perfectly sound state, frozen quite hard, and covered with an artificial rime. The beef, in quarters, was less attractive than the mutton, some of the former having been handled roughly at the time of ship ment, and presenting in consequence an unsightly appearance. The latter con sisted principally of whole sheep, and looked much better.

So far as the initial experiment of safely transporting meat from Australia .by this method is concerned, it must be said to have succeeded. It is proved beyond doubt that meat can be brought to this country in a sound and sweet condition, and it remains to be seen whether, being landed here, it can be put on the markets and sold satisfactorily. In the first in stance it is probable, judging from what has been observed of the present ship ment, that in the interval which neces sarily elapses between the time of arrival and consumption the increased tempera ture to which the meat becomes exposed may have a prejudicial effect upon it, rendering R soft and flabby, and liable to early decomposition. Such of the joints as we have seen since their sale at Smith field gave strong indications of these defects, and had lost, in a great degree, the fresh, healthy appearance exhibited

Monday, April 19, i£Bq]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.



s. d. Butter, inferior to best R» 010 to Eggs, $ dozen * * I 6 to Cheese, prime quality, l?Ib o 7 to Bacon, prime smoked, flb o o to Hams in cloth, lb - o o to Flour in bags, ioolb 14 6 to Oatmeal, $ 25ft . 5 0 t° Lard, slb - - - o 9 to . d. 1 o o o o 10 o o O O O O o o o o



New Advertisements. 'TXT ANTED, a strong BOY, accustomed W to horses, and to be generally useful; 5 ® 1 Apply Hekald Office. 666g~253c "\T7ANTED —A good general SER V YANT for the country. Apply at once, “ Herald” and “Guardian” Offices. 328 c WANTED A HORSE CLOTH MAKER. Apply to office of this paper.- 333 c "ONEY TO LEND.—Several sums of money ready for investment at current rates. E. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tancred street, Ashburton. 263e-684a T OST—Last week, between Ashburton I J and Rakaia, a Gold LOCKET. Einder will be rewarded on leaving same at this office. 320 c TENDERS. mo BE LET BY TENDER, the EEED- J- ING off 50 ACRES of SPLENDID TURNIPS, situated on Mr. William Liddle’s farm, Hinds, the Turnips to be fed off by the Ist JULY next. H. MOFFAT, Wakanui Mills, Jo4c-724a Ashburton.



TO LET—A: TWO-ROOMED COT TAGE on the East Town Belt. Apply, D. M‘KENZIE, 323 c Ashburton Hotel. THE BALL COMMITTEE of the Somerset Lodge will meet TO-MOR ROW (TUESDAY) at 7.30 p.m., at Bro. Shearman’s Hotel, when all members are requested to be present to settle accounts. W. H. ZOUCH, 337 c Hon. Sec. ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL AMD PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. GENERAL MEETING. A GENERAL MEETING of Members will be held at Shearman’s Hotel on TUESDAY 4th May, at 3 o’clock. Business : To elect a Committee and Auditors in accordance with the provisions of the “Agricultural and Pastoral Societys’ Act,” and to receive the report of Sub-Committee appointed for the purpose of obtaining plans and estimates for the erection of yards. GEORGE JAMESON, 334 c Secretary.



Entire Change of Programme. LAST NIGHT ! LAST NIGHT ! LAST NIGHT ! Lnych Family, BELLRINGERS ! BELLRINGERS ! BELLRINGERS ! And ENGLISH COMBINATION TROUPE ENGLISH COMBINATION TROUPE ENGLISH COMBINATION TROUPE Reserved seats, 35.; second, 2s. Door open at 7.30 ; overture at 8. HARRY LYNCH, 335 c Manager.



HALLO! HALLO! QUILL AGAIN. REDUCTION IN PRICES. BOTTLED WINES & SPIRITS. T. QU~ILL, SEEING the necessity of a Wholesale Bottling, Wine, and Spirit Store in Ashburton, has determined to supply that want, and therefore begs to submit the following list of Prices, every article guaranteed to be of the best and purest description. PRICE LIST. Brandy Flasks, 2s. and 4s. per flask. Fine Old Port, per Bottle, ss, and 6s. Superior Dry Martell, (old Sherry) ss. & 6s. Very old Scotch Whisky, per Bcttle ss. Fine old Irish Whisky, per Bottle, ss. 5 Superior old Jamaca Rum, per Bottle, ss. Hennessey's Brandy, per Bottle, 6s. Superior Square Gin (J.D.K.Z.), per Bottle, 6s. Superior Old Tom (Swain Booth’s), per Bottle, ss. All other brands equally Reduced. QUILL’S assorted Dozen of the best Wines and Spirits for £3 10s., (containing 3 Bottles Brandy, 2 Whisky, 2 Port, 2 Sherry, 2 Rum, 1 Old Tom), ready packed and forwarded to any part of the County on the shortest notice. One trial will prove to Quill’s customers the quality of his taps. COMMENCING MONDAY, 26th APRIL. Open from 7a. m to 6 p.m. during winter months. Note Address— T. QUILL’S, WHOLESALE BOTTLING STORES, Commercial Hotel, (Near Railway Station), Ashburton. 336 c



RESBYTERIAN CHURCH. THE ANNUAL SOIREE In connection with, the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Will be held in the T O W N H ALL ON TUESDAY (TO-MORROW) EVENING. Tea on the tables at 6p. m. • Several ministers and others are ex pected to address the meeting. Music by the choir will be rendered at intervals during the evening.



Holloway’s Pills.—lt is difficult to de termine what is the more trying to health, intense cold or excessive heat, though every body knows that sudden transitions from the one to the other teem with disease, which may in most instances be staved off by an early resort to these purifying, regulating, and strengthening Pills. This well known and highly esteemed medicine affords a safe and easy remedy for almost every constitutional wrong which climates, changes, or dietetic errors can engender’ and effectually removes any Weakness self-indulgent habits may have induced. In all conditions of the system bordering on discease indicated by apathy, listlessless, and restlessness, Holloway’s Pills will prove espicially serviceable in begetting a vivacity appreciated by both sound and sick.