MAIL NOTICES.

fU Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, follows : ' For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. #9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. v For Chertsey liakaia, &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 V'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 am. V..' 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. Fr*m Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a. in. 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. in. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

COMMERCIAL.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

Christchurch Corn Exchange

The following is the Corn Exchange re port for.the week ending Thursday, the 22nd instant : There is no change to report in the state of the market during the week that has elapsed. Feeding grains continue to be in good request, and a small advance in valaes may be said to have been estab lished. Large quantities are passing into v consumption solely on account of the cheapness of the article. The weather for some time past has been all that the farmers could desire. Wheat.—Good sound milling quality continues to be inquired for' but holders appear to be supine. For this class 3s. 9d. to 3s. lOd. per bushel is the market rate. For large lines suitable for shipment a shade over these quotations is obtainable. Second class whoat, 3s. to 3s. 2d.; chick wheat, Is. 9d. to 2s. 4d. ; seed samples, 4s; 3d. to 4s. 6d. per bushel. Q a ts.—-The Btate of the market this week in no way differs from its predeces sor. The demand continues good, but holders are still unwilling to do business at the money offered. For good plump milling samples Is. sd. to Is. 6d. is ob tainable. Feed parcels Is. 3d. to Is. 4d. Discolored and inferior, Is. to Is. 2d. per bushel. - Barley.—The demand for really prime malting has not been abated. This quality is readily saleable at 3s. to 3s. 3d. per? bushel. Second rate quality is plenti ful, and does not command much atten tion. 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d. per bushel is asked, but is not readily saleable at these ?- quotations. Feed samples, Is. 6d. to Is. Bd. per bushel. Potatoes.—Some large shipments to the Sydney market have taken place during the week, in the aggregate 1,370 toms. This large quantity, coupled with the supplies from other producing districts, ' will undoubtedly lower values. As this market is one of our principal customers for the tuber, prices there may be said to _ regulate those here. In view of these facts, it is not likely values will improve ; on the other hand, they are likely to recede, as the farmers here will not move them for less money; 225. 6d. to 255. per ton are the prices of the day, sacks •xtra.

Cheese and Butter—4d. to for the former, 9d.. to 9|d for the latter. Hay .—sos. to 555. per ton, delivered in town.

Carrots.— 20s. per ton

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1880.

Libel. The editor of the Christchurch Star has. laid a criminal information for libel against the four proprietors of the Christchurch Echo.

The Rechabites. —A meeting of the local Tent will be held in the Secretary’s office, Saunders’ Buildings, to-morrow afternoon at five o’clock. Death of a Maori Prisoner. —One of the Maori prisoners at Dunedin, brought down from Taranaki, has died in gaol of consumption. He was ailing be fore his admission. St. Stephen’s Church. —The institu tion of the Rev. A. W. Hands by the Bishop’s Commissioner, is announced to take place next Sunday morning, at St. Stephen’s Church, and the Rev. W. C. Harris will preach at the evening service.

The Waiho “ Bushranging ” Case.— The two individuals who formed what a Timaru contemporary calls the Waimate Kelly gang, were before the R.M. at Wai mate on Thursday. They were the men who presented a revolver at the head of a man, and vowed to blow his brains out if he did not give them food. The two “ desperate men ” were named Wm. Tal bot and Eugene Ford—the former was discharged, the latter committed for trial.

The Oriental Exhibiton. —The Orien tal Exhibition has lost nothing of its at tractiveness, and visitors are as numerous as ever to inspect the wonderful things Messrs. Kaurt and Ali have to show. Last night there was quite a crowd in the upper room of the Town Hall, who were much interested in the exhibition. The collection of stereoscopic views that stands in the middle of the room forms no small attraction, and the urbane orientals are happy to explain them to their guests. To-morrow will be the last day ofMessrs. Kaurt and Ali’s stay, and the school children will be admitted on that day for sixpence each.

The Rifle Corps. —The members of the local Rifle corp* intend making a recogni tion of Color-Sergeant Dolman’s invaluable services as drill instructor, and are raising subscriptions for that purpose. General Davidson, in his report on the corps of the colony, has the following to say of the Ashburton Rifles :—“ These are notin a fit state for inspection. I understand they had only been lately formed. The officers had no uniforms, being recently appointed, and had not received commis sions. Absentees were very numerous, and only a squad of seven or eight files of privates assembled, the rest being made up of band, etc. For the short time they had been at work they did creditably.”

Entertainment at Chertsey. —Last night an entertainment, promoted to raise funds for the Chertsey Library, was given in the Chertsey Schoolroom. _ The Committee had been very energetic in making their arrangements, tickets hav ing be 3ll very largely sold, and talent im ported from Ashburton, Rakaia, Kyle, and other parts of the district. There were between thirty and forty performers available, of one kind or another, and consequently a most varied programme was produced. We will not attempt to particularise the items of the programme which gave every satisfaction to the audi ence, who were very willing to be enter tained. We mention, however, as worthy of particular notice the solos sung by the two ladies who kindly gave their services, and “ Glorious Apollo,” sung by a glee party from Kyle. The accompaniments were played on the piano (lent by Mr. Wallace, of the Chertsey Hotel) by Messrs. Foster, of Seafield, and Gates, of Ashburton, while Mr. Nettleton aided with the violin. The audience was a very numerous one, crowding the schoolroom to the door, and it was matter for surprise to a stranger where such a number of people could be brought from in a small place like Chertsey. Mr. Childs, Chairman of the School Committee, discharged the duties of Chairman, and kindly entertained the visitors at his house at the close of the entertainment, which took place at about eleven o’clock. After the entertainment was over the younger people engaged in dancing, to the inspiring strains of Mr.' Nettleton’s fiddle, and kept up the fun till an early hour. Some Ll 4orLl 5 will be realised for the Library by the enter tainment.

A Brave Lady. —Mrs. Hayes, the wife of the American President, is a woman to be honored. From her entry into the White House she declined to give wine either at her private or public dinners. Mrs. Hayes bore the brunt of public in dignation, and lived it down, still fighting clear of the inebriating cup, and now Washington society has followed the lead, and wine or liquor is no longer en regie at meal time in the American capital.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Markets.

London, July 21,

Consols, 98£. New Zealand Securities have further declined, and are now quoted as follows :—Five per Cent. 10.40 Loan, 103| ; 5 per Cent. 1889 Loan, 103. Ade laide and New Zealand breadstuff’s con tinue quiet and unchanged in price. Aus tralian tallow remains firm at last quota tions. The Hobart Town Loan. The tenders for the Hobart Town Loan of LIOO,OOO at 5 per cent., amounts to four times the sum required, at satisfac tory prices. The Greek Army to be Reorganised, by French Officers. Paris, July 22. A French Military Commission has been appointed to undertake the reor ganisation of the Greek army, and its members will shortly proceed to Athens to commence their duties. Britian and China. Berlin, July 22. It is reported that England intends in creasing the British fleet in the China Seas, which it is believed will be the means of averting war between Russia and China. Calcutta, July 22. A dubar was held to-day, at which it was announced that the British Govern ment would recognise the Auneership of Abdur Rahman a( Candahar.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) The Victorian Speaker. Melbourne, July 22. is,.When Parliament opened to-day, Mr. Lalor, the member for Grant, was elected Speaker on f the motion of the Hon. Graham Berry, seconded by Mr. Gaunson, the member for Ararat. Mr. Berry notified that it had been agreed to adjourn the vote of want of confidence debate until to-morrow. Destruction of the Victoria Theatre, Sydney, by Fire. Sydney, July 23. A fire broke out in the Victoria Theatre in Pitt street, shortly after the perform ance closed last night, and soon gained such hold that all efforts to extinguish it failed, and the building was completely destroyed. Ho lives were lost, and the buildings adjoining the theatre were only slightly injured by the fire.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) A Visitor.

Auckland, July 23.

Mr. Evans, Superintendent of Railways, New South Wales, who recently arrived in Auckland, and visits the South to in spect the tramways, and on private busi ness, took his departure for Wellington last night by the Arawata. It is possible that, should Sir Henry Parkes consent, and Mr. Evans’ time and inclination per mit, Government may avail themselves of his presence to obtain a report from him on the management of our railways. Burglary in "Wellington. Wellington, July 23. Mr. Barnes’ house, Dixon street, was broken into last night. Nothing was ab stracted, as the burglar was discovered. He decamped through the door, but the police having the description of the man arrested to-day a person named Charles Nicholson. His Excellency’s Horses. His Excellency’s two racehorses are to be prepared for November meeting at Christchurch. Stabbed in a Stew. Invercargill, July 23. A young man named James Crowley was stabbed in the region of the heart, while in a suburban brothel. His assail ant, one William Curran, was charged at the Police Court, aiid remanded. A Juvenile Criminal. A boy named Charles Peters, aged ten, charged" with stealing from the Baptist Chapel, has been committed to the In dustrial School.

Twenty-eight Days for Hammering a Publican.

Dunedin, July 23,

William S. Goodison, cattle dealer, has been sentenced to twenty eight days im prisonment, without the option of a fine, for assaulting a publican named Moss, with a loaded whip. Run over by a Tram.

At 9.30 this morning a girl named M’Cutcheon, aged 5Jr, while going to school was run over by a tram-car at South Kensington. Dividing the Spoil. The L3OO reward in connection -with the Athenaeum arson case lias been distri buted as follows :—Rui'tonshaw, L6O ; late Martin’s representatives, LSO ; Abra hams, LSO ; Sykes, L3O ; Mallard, L 45 ; Detective Neill, L 45; Mrs. Coffey, L2O. ■ The reductions in the police force have commenced, Dunedin district is reduced by nine constables. Third class sergeants are reduced to the gra le of .first-class con stables.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

PLOUGHING MATCHES.

To the Editor. Sir, —As ono wlio considers that any thing in an}’’ way tending to foster im provement in the mode of agriculture is a public good, I sincerely hope that the shelving of Mr. Hunt’s question re “ploughing match” at the A. and P. Association’s meeting yesterday will not result in there being no district match this 3'ear. I cannot for a moment agree with Mr. Grigg, that a ploughing match is only an amusement. On the contrary, it excites a spirit of emulation amongst farmers which must of itself be productive of good, and I take it that a yearly match acts as an incentive to our farming youth, and stimulates them to improve upon the general slovenly style of ploughing which is now seen in so many paddocks. I en tirely agree with Mr. Walker that fancy ploughing should be discouraged, and can imagine no better plan for doing so than public matches, under strict regulations as regards the same. What is required is good strong ploughing, well and cleanly cut, solidly packed, and leaving a good seed bed—with sufficient comb to form a good cover for the seed. All this can be done without recourse to “false cut,” which shouidbe mostcertainly discouraged, and is so by all good farmers, because it leaves the ground too hollow at the back of the furrows, and tends to materially dry up and wither the roots of the young grain. In England, ploughing matches are and have been for many years an ac knowledged and beneficial institution. Why does not the same apply here 1 In conclusion, I hope the farmers themselves will organize a ploughing match this sea son, which I doubt not would eventuate in a great success.—l am, &c.,

Agricola.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Friday, July 23

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) malicious injury to property.

Matthew Spencer, Robert Todd, and James Todd were brought up on a charge of malicious injury to property, valued at L2 17s. Mr. O’Reilly appeared for the accused.

Philip Tisch deponed—l am the pro prietor of the Spread Eagle Hotel. On the 21st inst. I came home at half-past one o’clock in the morning, and found the ac cused and James File in the hotel. When I went in the men were sitting quietly by the fire. They asked for a drink. At first I refused, and then one of them said, “ Well throw, old man, as to who pays for them.” We threw for four drinks ; I lost, and then served them with the drinks. I then told them it was time for them to leave, as I was tired and wanted to go to bed. James File tried to per suade the others to leave, and he then left. I then asked Robert Todd to leave, and he also went. Asked James Todd and Matthew Spence to leave, but they declined to go. I said, “ I’m going to bed, and wish you good night.” I then left them in the tap-room. James Todd then went through the house with a candle, looking for me, and saying he wanted a drink. He found me in the dining-room, when I told him to clear out, and I then went into my private room, taking the candle with me. James Todd then struck a match, and went through the rooms, looking for me. Spencer was all the while in the tap-room, sitting quiet, but calling to Todd not to go into the private rooms. I then told Todd if he did not leave I would give him in charge to the police. I put my hand on his shoulder, and persuaded him to leave. He said, “ Don’t push a fellow.” He then went into the tap-room. In a few minutes I heard a scuffle, and on going to the porch, saw Harry Cross on the floor, with James Todd on the top of him, hammering him. Spencer was present. I put Todd and Spencer outside. I then locked the door. They both stripped, and hung their clothes on a post, and challenged anyone in the hotel to come and fight, and used bad language. When no one went out, and they were not allowed to come in, Janies Todd tried to push the door open, and being un able to do so, broke the glas3 of the door. Matthew Spencer then put his hand through the broken pane of glass to un lock the door ; I hit him on the hand, and took tho key out of the door. Spencer asked me for his hat. I did not know Spencer’s hat, but on looking, found Harry Cross’ hat and threw it out through the broken pane of glass. Todd used some bad language about the way I threw the hat out, and said it was not the hat he wanted. On further search, I found an other hat and threw it out also. They then asked for a drink ; I made no re ply, and then Spencer threw a stone through the bar room window with great violence. Both the men then came hack to the tap-room window, and called me foul names. Spencer left Todd, and I then heard tiro more panes of glass being broken. A form was outside, with a case, which the two men took up and threw down violently. Two more panes of glass were then broken. They then ran away. I should have mentioned that James Todd broke in a panol of the bar-room door. Six panes of glass altogether were broken, and the upper glass panel of a dooi\ Three panes were broken by James Todd, one by Spencer, and I believe

Spencer broke the others. Todd broke the glass and wood panels of the door. On the night in question it was very bright. When the men went away it was about three o’clock in the morning. None of the men were drunk. I estimate the damage at L2 17s. The row originated through my refusing to give them drink. I believe that James Todd has been try ing to pick a quarrel with me ever since harvest. He owes me some money, and lam afraid to ask him for it. Did not see Robert Todd break any window. Robert Todd was then discharged, there being no evidence against him. By Mr. O’Reiliy—l was not drunk when I got home that night. I commenced playing Yankee grab with the men, but only had one glass. I lost in the Yankee grab, but did not lose my temper. I did not find out that the men had no money. I could see from the tap-room window all that was taking place outside. It was not cloudy, but was sufficiently light for me to find the hats in the room without a candle.

; Henry Cross corroborated the greater part of the last witness’s evidence, and produced several very ugly-looking missiles which he affirmed had been thrown through the windows of the hotel. Both witness and Tisch were sober, and tlie accused wore sober enough to know what they were about. By Mr. O’Reilly—l had some whisky, but was not drunk.

William File, sworn, said he was a carrier, and was at the Spread Eagle Hotel on the night of the 21st-, in company with the brothers Todd and Matthew Spencer. When Mr. Tisch came home he was rot drunk, but, like the rest of them, another nip would have made him so. By Mr. O’Reilly—When Mr. Tisch came home he used abusive language to Spencer, but afterwards the whole of them were very merry together.

Witness volunteered a statement to the Bench that Cross was very drunk on the niglit of the 21st. If he drank one glass he had ten—in fact, he put away the greater part of a bottle of whisky. After Mr. O’Reilly had addressed the Bench, His Worship said the charge of injury to property had been fully sustained, but, taking certain facts of the case into con sideration, he thought there was no neces sity for a heavy penalty. A fine of ss. would be inflicted on the accused, who would also have to make good the damage which had been sustained by their mis conduct, namely L2 17s. J His Worship said he could not allow the case te pass without cautioning Mr. Tisch that he had rendered himself liable to an action for a breach of the Public House Ordinance, for allowing gambling in his licensed house. remanded. The charge against William Maddon, for obtaining money under false pretences, was further remanded, on the application of Sergeant Felton, in consequence of the continued illness of the accused. haunted by cats. Daniel Ready was charged with the larceny of a spade, valued at 65. , the property of Richard Taylor. Daniel made a statement to the Bench, in which he con fessed to taking the implement, but had appropriated it for one night only, and intended to return it on tlm following morning. He was very drunk at the time, and thought that all the cats in the country were attacking him. Not having that sense of security which his scriptural name sake possessed while in company with more dangerous foes, Daniel whipped up the spade, which he saw lying on a bank, and told his feline adversaries if they did not make tracks he would give them “ the contents of it, your Worship.” He had since returned the defensive weapon. After hearing the evidence, which mainly bore out the statement of the accused, his Worship discharged Daniel, with a re minder that drink was the cause of his being before the Court, and advised him to be more abstemious in future. CIVIL CASES. Grigg v. Forman.—Claim Ll 5. Judg ment confessed. Mi\ Branson applied for costs, as judgment had only been con fessed that morning. Costs allowed, L 3 17s.

Baldwin v. Hodgson.—Claim L3l. Mr. Ireland for plaintiff. Judgment by de fault for amount and costs, L 3 12s.

The Court then arose.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thursday, July 22.

In the Legislative Council, On the motion of the Hon. Captain Fraser all papers re the Patere Block were ordered to be laid on the table.

On the motion of the Hon. D. Menzies a return was ordered of the number of petitions presented, with the total number of signatures, during last two years, ask ing that the Bible may be read in schools. The Hon. Colonel Whitmore gave notice to ask what the Government intend to do re the native disturbance at Napier.

The Hon. Colonel Brett rose to make an apology with reference to some remarks he had made when speaking on the Welling ton Pacing Club Bill. He made a state ment reflecting on a member of the Council, and now statsd that he made a misstatement under a wrong impression, for which he made the fullest apology. The Maori Prisoners Bill was read a second time after a short debate, in which the Hons. Whitaker, - Waterhouse, and Whitmore spoke, but advanced no new arguments.

HOUSE OF KEPKESEN TATI YES.

Thursday, July 22. The House met at 2.30 p.m. P3TITIONS. The Hon E. Richardson presented a petition, signed by 627 employes of the New Zealand Railways, praying that the proposed reduction of wages may be recon sidered. QUESTIONS. Replying to the Hon E. Richardson, . The Hon. R. Oliver said that the Rail way Commissioners of the North and South Island had communicated their views on the proposal for reducing the wages of the railway employees. They recommended than the reductions should be made in certain directions, and the Government would use their best en deavors to have these reductions made so as not to cause the wages to be lower than those paid for similar labor outside the Government service. Replying to Mr. Pitt,

The Hon. T. Dick said that Govern ment proposed taking steps to equalise the salaries of the attendants in lunatic asylums by making reductions in those which are overpaid. Mr. M c Donald asked if the Government were aware that the natives have erected a fence across the main road to Foxton, and what steps they intend taking, also if it was true that Government have agreed to pay the coach proprietor the various sums paid to the natives by him, for allowing the coach and passengers to pass along the main road between Foxton and Wellington. The Hon. J. Bryce said that the road in question was not a mam line of road, but passed over sandhills claimed to be the property of the Maoris. Government had undertaken to refund to the coach driver the amounts levied by the Maoris, and in the meantime steps were being taken to lay off a permanent line of road in another direction. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES BILL. Mr. Stewart asked leave to introduce the Friendly Societies Amendment Bill. Exception was taken to the application on the ground that the order _ paper was already overburdened with private Bills, and that this was a Bill which there was not iho remotest probability of getting passed. The Hon. Major Atkinson while agree ing that there was little probability of the Bill passing this session, thought that it would be unfair to prevent the Bill being introduced. Sir George Grey said that the member for Dunedin was most careful in these matters, and was not at all likely to in troduce A measure needlessly. The Bill, moreover, was very short, and he thought it should be allowed to see the light of day. - The Bill was introduced and read a first time. FIRST READINGS. The following were introduced, and read a first time :—St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (Christchurch) Trustees Incorpora tion Bill (Mr. Stevens), Public Entertain ments Prohibition Bill, Town Districts Bill (Hon. T. Dick.) The Hon. T. Dick said that the object of the latter was to give certain simple powers of local government to towns if of not sufficient populotion to become muni cipalities. BILLS PASSED. In Committee, the Port Molyneux Re serves Leasing Act, 1876, Amendment, and the Public Health Act-, 1876, Amend ment Bill were passed, with amendments. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. FIRE BRIGADES BILL. The House went into Committee on the Eire Brigades Bill. Mr. Speight said he would object to the Bill if it gave power to corporations to strike a separate rate without being em powered to do so by the ratepayers. Far too much rating power was proposed to he given to local bodies in the Bills before the House, and on clause 16 he moved an amendment in accordance with these remarks. The House divided —ayes 32, noes 23, and the clause as printed was passed. Mr. Reid proposed a new clause, exempt ing members of volunteer fire brigades from serving on juries. The Speaker ruled that the proposal could not be entertained in connection with the Bill. It was strictly a question to be dealt with in the Juries Act. The Bill was reported with amend ments. CHARITABLE AID BILL. The House went into Committee on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Endowment Bill. A motion that the words “ million acres ” he struck out as the endowment was lost on a division of 24 to 23, and words as printed were carried. Mr. Murray moved that the word “ pastoral ” be inserted to describe the character of the endowment.

The House divided—Ayes, 8 ; noes, 37. The Bill was reported with amend ments, and at 1.10 the House rose.

Native Affairs.

Wellington, J uly 22,

The Hinemoa leaves this evening for New Plymouth, taking twenty constabu j, ary, under the command of Sub-Inspector tJoleman. The Hinemoa is under orders to bring down the newly-arrested Maori prisoners and convey them to Lyttelton, to be lodged in the gaol at that place. No later intelligence has been received from opposite Parihaka since the last arrests were made. No information has been re ceived by the Government regarding the reported attempt to convey ammunition to Parihaka from the East Coast-. It is not probable that any steps will be taken at present in regard to the Mount Vernon affair.

New Plymouth, July 22.

Ten more natives have been arrested and sent into town from the camp. The natives about Parihaka say that they in tend to continue fencing for ten days, and fully expect to be arrested. On Tuesday, many natives were seen on hillocks over looking the road near the camp, evidently on the look-out to see if the prisoners were taken to town. The natives about Pari haka are continuing their planting, fencing, etc., as usual, and argument is wasted on them, as they say that Christ was crucified and the prophet persecuted, and so it is with them.

The Urenui correspondent of the Herald says that the natives in that district are not cropping so much this season, as they are unsettled, and likely to be so long as Te YVhiti exists.

Testing The Doctor.

The New York World tells a good story of a medical action in a Kentucky Court. A doctor named Roytton had sued a farmer named Peter Bennett for an ac count long over due for attending Ben nett’s wife. The doctor proved his number of visits, their value according to local custom, and his own authority to do medical practice. The counsel for the defence told his client that the physician had made out his case, and as there was nothing wherewith to rebut or offset the claim, the only thing left to do was to pay it. “No,” said Peter; “I hired you to speak to my case, and now speak.” . The lawyer told him there was nothing o say ; he had looked on to see that it t was made out, and it was.

Peter was obstinate, and at last the learned gentleman told him to make a

speech himself, if he thought one could be made.

■ “ I will,” said Peter, and proceeded for with :

“Gentlemen of the jury : You and I is plain farmers, and if we don’t stick to gether these ’ere lawyers and doctors will get the advantage of us. I ain’t no lawyer nor doctor, and I ain’t no objections to them in their proper place ; but they ain’t farmers, gentlemen of the jury. Now, this man Royston was a new doctor, aud I went for him for to come an’ doctor my wife’s sore leg. And he come an’ put some salve truck onto it and some rags, but never did it one bit of good, gentle men of the jury. I don’t believe he i 3 no doctor, no way. There is doctors as is doctors sure enough, but this man don’t earn his money ; and if you send for him, as Mrs. Sarah Atkinson did, for a negro boy as was worth. SI,OOO, he just kills him, and wants pay for it.”

“ I don’t,” thundered the doctor. “ Did you cure him V’ asked Peter, with the slow accents of a judge with the black cap on.

The doctor was silent, and Peter pro ceeded :

“ As I was sayin’, gentlemen of the jury, has we farmers when w r e sell our cotton, got to give vally for the money we ask, and doctors ain’t none to good to be put to the same rule. And I don’t believe this Sam Royston is no doctor, nohow. ” The physician again put in his oar, with, “ Look at my diploma if you think l am no doctor.”

“His diploma!” exclaimed the new fledged orator with great contempt. “His diploma ! Gentlemen, this is a big word for printed sheepskin, and it didn’t make no doctor of the sheep as first wore it, nor does it of the man as now carries it. A good newspaper has more in it, and I p’int out to ye that he ain’t no doctor at all.”

The man of medicine was now in a fury, and screamed out, “ Ask my patients if I am not a doctor ?”

“ I asked my wife,” retorted Peter, “ au’ sho said as how she thought you wasn’t. ”

“Ask my other patients,” said Dr. Royston.

This seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back, for Peter replied with look and tone of unutterable sadness :

“ That is a hard sayin’, gentlemen, of the jury, and one that requires me to die, or to have powers as I’ve hearn tell ceased to be exercised since the Apostles. Does he expect me to bring the Angel Gabriel down to toot his horn before his time, and cry aloud, ‘ Awake, ye dead, and tell this court and jury your opinion of Royston’s practice V Am I to go to the lonely churchyard and rap upon the silent tomb, and say to them as is at last at rest from physic and doctor-bills, ‘Git up here, you, and state if you died a natural death, or was hurried up some by doctors ?’ He says, ask his patients, and, gentlemen of the jury, they are all dead! Where is Mrs. Beazley’s man, Sam ? Go ask the worms in the graveyard where he lies. Mr. Peake’s woman, Sarah, was attended by him, and her funeral was app’inted, and he had the corpse ready. Where is that likely Bill as belonged .to Mr. Mitchell ? Now. in glory an’ expressin’ his opinion of Royston’s doctorin’. Where is that baby girl of Harry Stephens’ ? She are where doctors cease from troublin’, and the infants are at rest. ”

“ Gentlemen of the jury, he has et chicken enough at my house to pay for his salve ; and I furnished the rags, and I don’t suppose he charges for makin’ of her worse, and even he don’t pretend to charge for curin’ of her, and I am humbly thankfull that he never give her’ nothin for her inwards, as he did his other patients, for somethin’ made um all die mighty sudden—” Here the applause made the speaker sit down in great confusion, and in spite of a logical restatement of the case by the counsel on the other side the doctor lost, and Peter Bennett won.

THE STORY-TELLER.

HOW DAN PLAYED THE FOOL. [continued.] “ Widder Brown,” began the leader of the party, as he put his hand on the spy, “ we captured this fool, down the road thar. He acts and talks like a fool, but we want to be sure he isn’t tricking, us. He says he knows you. If you know him that’s all we want. ”

“Missus Brown know Tommy,” chuckled Dan as he boldly entered the house and sat down, and took the family cat on his lap. The widow’s vanity was a hit flattered in the first place that she had been called upon to identify a stranger, and in the next place she would lose prestige if she failed to do so.

“ Mebbe I know him—mebbel do,” she replied as she looked around for her spectacles. . “ Somehow or other I alius know all the fools going, and most of ’em come around here for vittels. Now, then, I’ll look at him.” She put on her spectacles, took the candle in hand, and Dan was scrutinized for a long minute. He looked up into her face and grinned and chuckled, tho’ his heart was in his mouth. •'‘ She don’t know him,” whispered one of the men. . The widow overheard it, and now she was on her mettle. Walking slowly across the room to put down the candle and her spectacles, she turned and said : “ Yes, he’s a fool, and you are bigger, fools for stopping him. ” “Then you know him?” . asked the leader. “ I raythur think so ! His name is Tommy, and he lives somewhere around Fairfax. He’s been hero more’n a dozen times. ” “ Didn’t propose matrimony, did he ? ” asked one of the men. “ No ! ” she snapped, “but if he had he’d have stood a better chance than white men who hide in fence corners to capture niggers ? ” So saying she slammed the door on them and went away. She 3at down by the table and looked across at Dan, and presently mused : “Yes lie’s a fool, and those men had no business hauling him around, no matter whether I knew him or not. I guess he’s hungry and tired and I’ll give him something to eat and send him to bed.” Dan “played the fool” .to perfection, and when he had eaten, the woman had a real motherly interest in him. She guided him up stairs, and showed him the

the ASHBURTON HERALD, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 18S0.



s. d. s. d. Butter, inferior to best $ lb 0 10 to I 1 Eggs, $ dozen Cheese, prime quality, it) I 0 0 6 to to 0 0 0 8 Bacon, prime smoked, $ lb 0 10' to I 0 Hams in cloth, $ lb l 2 to 0 0 Flour in bags, # ioolb 13 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, 25Tb 4 6 to 0 0 Lard, $ lb - 0 7 to 0 0



Amusements. mO WN HALL ASSEMBLY ROOM 1., (Upstairs.) PRESENTS TO EVERY VISITOR. The Greatest Success in New Zealand for the last twelve months. THE ORIENTAL EXHIBITION Now OPEN, will CLOSE on SATURDAY. Admission—One Shilling, and a Present ... to Every Visitor. - Children Gd. on Saturday. KAURT AND ALI, 669 c Proprietors. T 0 W N H A L L. BY SPECIAL DESIRE. THE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB WiU on TUESDAY, JULY 27, Give a LAST PERFORMANCE Of that grand Spectacular Drama, The Lost Ship. Admisssion—Dress Circle, 35.; Front Seats, 25.; Body of Hall, Is. Fresh alterations on the Stage will enable the Performance to conclude by 10.15 p.m. Doors open at 7.30 ; commence at 8 sharp. 691 c



Miscellaneous GOOD PIANO on hire, by the evening. Jones, H. M. Stationery and'Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. A DVERTISEMENTS, inserted under the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. Booked, Is. 6d. will bo charged. 625 c WANTED KNOWN—That 0. Haw 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 COMPOSITION Dolls, China Dolls, Wooden Dolls, Rag Dolls, Toys, China Mugs, Balls, &c. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. w ANTED KNOWN —That Money can be saved by purchasing your Stv monery and Account Books, for cash, at “ Herald” and “ Guardian ” Wbole the “ Herald ” and “ Guardian ’ tale Stationery Depot, Saunders’ Build near Station. A TO LET, TWO-ROOMED COTTAGE in Burnett street. Apply, Ashburton Hotel. PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. A GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c TEACHERS can obtain the MULTI PLICATION TABLES, printed on gummed paper, in any quantity at the Herald Office, East street, near the Railway Station. ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH. THE institution of the Rev. A. W. Hands will take place on SUNDAY MORNING next, by the Bishop’s Com missioner. The Sermon in the EVENING will he Preached by the Rev. W. C. Harris. By order, J. WARD, 690 c Secretary. OPENING OF THE CENTRAL BOARDING-HOUSE, Baring Square. THE Proprietor begs to inform his friends and patrons that he will open the above house by a DANCE, ON FRIDAY EVENING Next, July 23, At 8 o’clock. Tickets, ss. each ; ladies half-price. Refreshments provided. GEORGE WATTS, >Blc Proprietor. V. .R IN BANKRUPTCY. AMEETIN G of the Creditors in the estate of John Stephens, Blacksmith, of Ashburton, is appointed to be held at the offices of the undersigned on WEDNES DAY, the 28th inst., at 11 a.m., to con sider an application for the debtor’s dis charge. FEDK. PAVITT, 68Gc Trustee.