COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, &c.' for the week ending Thursday, March 4th, 1880, as fol lows :

For yesterday’s weekly sale -at the Addington Yards 5031 sheep, 483 head of cattle, and 44 pigs were yarded. The supply of mutton and beef was com paratively small, and prices showed a firmer and advanced rate of 6d to 9d per head on fat sheep, with a ready sale, beef well maintaining last week’s quotations. On account of Messrs Haylock and Co., of Akaroa, we sold a line of 500 prime cross breds at Bs. 6d. to Bs. 9d. per head, ordinary lots at 7s. 6d. to 8s 3d. Fat merinos were well represented, about 800 being penned, and the bulk quitted at from 6s. to 7s. each. The lamb market constituted a small entry. Good lines brought up to 9s. 3d. each, scrubbers being unsaleable at from 4s. to ss.

In store sheep there is little or no alter ation to report. Breeding ewes are ex tensively inquired after, very few being sent forward, and for the small lines of mixed uneven sheep that find their way into the market absurdly high prices are being asked. The quality of the beef to hand was rather below the average, still most lots were quitted at from 18s. to 225. per lOOlbs. as per description. Store cattle are unchanged ; good even well conditioned lines moving off freely, eighteen months to two-year old cattle at from L 3 53. to L 4 per head, two to three year-olds L 4 10s. to L 5 10s. per head. Springers and dairy cows are now ex tensively inquired after, selling freely on Wednesday at an advance of 10s. to LI per head over late ruling rates. The supply of pigs is still very short, and far below requirements, prices con sequently ruling excessively high.

CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the report of the Corn Exchange for the week ending Friday evening, the sth instant : The week that has gone by has not de veloped any new feature which calls for special remark. Business on the whole is quiet. The weather still continues most favorable for harvesting and threshing operations. The great bulk of the grain is finding its way f© Lyttelton for shipment to England. Values remain unchanged. Wheat—Good milling samples are readily saleable at 45., f.o.b. For really very prime and large parcels a shade over that quotation might be obtained. Good chick wheat will command 3s. to 3s. 2d. Oats—Some large sales are reported at Is. 4d. per bushel. As mentioned in last week’s report, a considerable portion of the yield is being sent to London. This will doubtless have a beneficial effect on prices; at present, however, quotations remain as before, Is. 4d. to Is. 6d. per bushel. Barley—The quality of the grain now coming to hand is better than the samples shown at the beginning of the season. Prime malting samples are readily saleable at 3s. 6d. to 3s. Bd. per bushel; inferior qnality is not much sought after and is difficult of sale. The quality of the last mentioned varies so much that a large margin must be given in price, which will range from 2s. 4d. to 3s per bushel.

Grass Seed—Grass seed is not attract ing much attention ; quotations as before, 2s. Gd. to 2s. 9d per bushel. Potatoes—Potatoes rre now beginning to be enquired for, but no sales of im portance have as yet taken place. In the absence of transactions it is difficult to give a quotation. The opening prices will in all probability be between 255. and 30s. per ton. Cheese and Butter —4d. to sd. per lb for the former, and 7d. to Bd. per lb for the latter.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi, will be closed at Christ, church on March 11th, and will be due in London on April 29th. The next mail for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will be closed at Christ church on March 27th, and will be due in London on May 11th.

Notice. —A Post Office has been opened at Winclimore, on the Rakaia-Methven Railway line. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinvvald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temulca, Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbcach, at J. 15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

Peache—Ford.— On March 2nd, 1880, at St. Peter’s Church, Riccarton, Can terbury, by the Rev. J. Chaffers Welsh, assisted by the Rev. Chas. Turrell, Alfred Edward Peache, Esq., Mount Somers. Ashburton, second son of the Rev. Alfred Peache, of Harrogate, Eng land, to Ida Frances, eldest daughter of John Tucker Ford, Esq., of’Barefield, Riccarton, Canterbury, New Zealand.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1880.

New Business. —Messrs. Everett Bros, open to-day in Mr. J. E. Buchannan’s old auction rooms, with a stock of soft goods. The appearance of their windows last night was very attractive, and what between their show of finery and Mr. Alfred Harrison’s eloquence next door, there ought tn be a big crowd in Havelock street to-morrow afternoon. Important to Gas Consumers.— Mr. J. Dolman of this town has, for an experi ment, fitted up one Horne’s patent gas re gulators to the gas meter at Quill’s Hotel. The patentee claims that his invention saves from 25 to 30 per cent, of gas. The regulator at present shows a small saving, having been used for a fortnight, but we refrain from stating any particulars until the month is up, when when are promised full particulars as to its capabilities. An Autumn Show. —The Agricultural and Pastoral Association propose holding a grain, root, and foal show about the end of March or early in April, and it is pro bable that an exhibition of gang ploughs will take place about the same date. The exhibition of cereals, will be in Messrs. Jameson Bro’3 grain store, and the others at some convenient place yet to be de termined on. An Unsafe Bridge. —Attention was called at the last meeting of the Wakanui Road Board by Mr. Hunt to the pre carious condition of the bridge over the Wakanui creek near Saunders’ Mill. The caution was given none too soon, as the planking was broken through this morning and the bridge evidently requires a thorough overhaul.

Dromobe Goods Shed.— Messrs Nelson and Coutts have completed their contract within the specified time, and the build ing is now ready for the architect to pass. This will be good news to farmers having grain in the district, as they will now have a place to store their produce. South Rakaia Road Board. —The South Rakaia Road Board held its usual monthly meeting on Thursday. Present —Messrs. C. N. M‘Kie (Chairman), D. G. Holmes, E. S. Coster, and N. M'Lean. The Clerk’s roport was read and received. Correspondence.—A letter was received from Messrs. Harper, Harper and Scott, solicitors to Mr. F. B. Passmore with re ference to an accident that occurred to Mrs. Passmore while driving on Thomp son’s track. It was resolved to reply that the Board recognise no liability in the matter. From R. Patton, asking for an extension of time for the completion of his contract under the Board. Granted. Mr. W. L. Allen interviewed the Board with reference to fencing gravel reserves and opening the road to Chertsey. It was resolved—“ That Mr. Allen be written to and informed that on looking over the map the Board find that they would not be justified in undertaking the opening of the Road to Chertsey.” The pays-heet was passed and the Board adjourned.

District Court.— ln accordance with a recommendation of His Honor Judge Ward, at the last sittiug of the Disteict Court, we learn that the legal profession of Ashburton intend to take steps to have Ashburton proclaimed a separate district in order to give his Honor jurisdiction in probate and administration, besides many other -advantages in connection with the District Court. Presbyterian Church. —The Rev. B. J. Westbrooke will be formally inducted into his charge of the South Rakaia dis trict, on Thursday, March 18th, at the Town Hall, Rakaia. The edict of the Presbytry to that effect will be delivered to morrow.

Timber Sale. —Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry announce in another column a sale by auction of some 75,000 feet of totara timber of various sizes, a shipment consigned to them from the North..

Thanksgiving. —A thanksgiving ser-

vice will be held at St. Stephens’ to-mor row.

Pleuro— The Auckland farmers are in a very excited state about the outbreak of pleuro pneumonia, and have called a monster meeting for next Monday night.

Public Works in Auckland. —I he Ministry have promised to call at once for tenders for a large number of contracts in the Auckland district, and have also ex pressed their intention of throwing open a large area of land for purchase on the de ferred payment system. The Mails.— The Suez mail steamer Bangalore arrived at King George’s Sound to-day, and has measles on board. The New Zealand January mails via Suez were delivered in London to-day.

More Libel. — We are informed that a criminal information for libel has been laid by the pioneer lawyer of Ashburton against the pioneer journalist. The merits of the case are to be heard at the usual sitting of the R.M. Court on Friday next.

Gold. —Those interested in gold mining will read the following telegram from Grahamstown with interest :—The New Whau Company expect to come upon the Golden Sun lead, which gave the Alburnia

Company such a good dividend, in 12ft. more sinking. They will break down a reef in the winze about the middle of next week. Shares are going up to 275. fid., firm (buyers), in consequence of the excellent indications.

THE NELSON PRIZE FIRING.

Rifle Camp, Brightwater.

March 6,

Match No. 16 just completed. The winning team is the Dunedin City Guards, Blenheim Rifles second, Wellington City Rifles third. Scores :—Dunedin Guards Capt. Wilson, 91 ; Fox, 81 ; Smith, 95 ; Coventry, 100 ; Webster, 95. Total, 4G2. Blenheim—Lieut. Rogers, 95; Griffiths, 88 ; Turner, 97; Hood, 81 ; A. M'Kenzie, 90. j Total, 451. Wellington City Rifles—Lieut. Bal linger, 91 ; Mair, 90 ; W. Ballinger, 88 ; Hale, 87 ; Bannister, BG. Total, 442. Thames Scottish—Fenton, 89 ; Braim, 87 ; Price, 87 ; Weir, 87 ; Cochrane, 80. Total, 441. Victoria Rifles, Auckland Lieut.. Skinner, 87 ; Sergt. Ilaskott, 83 ; Sergt. Taylor, 88 ; Cooper, 87 ; Haslett 89. Total, 434. Spring Creek Rifles—R. Soper, 87 ; A. Sutton, 80 ; F. Sutton, 78 ; F. Soper, 90; Ptagg, 84. Total—427. Taranaki Rifles—Hoskins, 88 ; Hawell, 72 ; R. A. Hooker, 84 ; Okey, 100 ; S. Hooker, 89. Total—423 Riverton Rifles—Achison, 88 ; Winton, 82 ; Lyon 83 ; Gillchrist, 76 ; M‘Kinzie, 93. Total—42l.

Stoke Rifles— Lieut. Paynter, 98 ; Brakhey, 71 ; Sergt. Doidge, 88 ; Thos. Burn, 77 ; Beach, 87. Total—42l.

North Dunedin—Richardson, 89 ; His lop, 87 ; Marshall, 84 ; Miller, B 7 ; Hutch inson, 78. Totaal—4ls.

Nelson Rifles—Only four men fired ; Lieut. Adams, 88 ; Crossman, 97 ; Grey, 88 ; T. Burns, 86. Total—3s7. The 17th match, a similar one for carbines is now on

TELEGRAPHIC .

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE [Reutet V.) Wool and Wheat still Maintains its Price. London, March 4. Three per cent, consols, 97f. The Bank rate remains unchanged. The Bank of England weekly returns show a total reserve in notes and bullion of £16,625,000. Adelaide wheat and flour and Australian tallow remain at last quotations. At the wool sales to-day, 9900 bales were offered. The tone of the sale was firm, and bidding very active. Nihilism not Stamped Out. St. Petersburg, March 4.

Moodesky, the Nihilist who was arrested in connection with the recent attempt on the life ©f General Melikoff, has been tried and found guilty of the offence, and sentenced to death. He will be hanged immediately.

A Nihilist propaganda has been issued, expressing regret at the failure of the ex plosion at the Winter Palace, and stating that further attempts on the life of the Czar will be made unless he abdicates or grants reforms of the Constitution de manded by Nihilists.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE Very Likely. Berlin, March 4. The Emperor of Germany dined to-day at the French Embassy in this city. In the course of conversation with the ambas sador his Majesty expressed most cordial foelings towards France.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Renter's Telegrams.) The New Victorian Government. Melbourne, March 5. Mr. James Service, the new Premier, has intimated that he will adhere to his reform proposals as set forth in his address last month to the electors of Maldon, namely, to maintain intact his former scheme of reform, including joint sitting on the Norwegian plan. It is expected that Mr. Service will address lu’s consti tuents in a few days. The new Ministry has been sworn in by liis Excellency the Governor. Mr. David Elder succeeds Mr. Murray Smith as manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company in this city. A Loss to the Turf. The Hon. J. W. Clarke has resolved upon selling his fine stud of horses, and retiring altogether from the turf.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

I NTERPROVINCi AL.

Miscellaneous from Hawke’s Bay. Napier, March 6. The Premier arrived this morning, and proceeds north this afternoon. The Lincolnshire delegates also arrived by the Arawata, and will stay till Tues day. Mr, Power, Sheep Inspector, retires, and Mr. Canning, of Nelson, takes tem porary charge, pending the appointment of Mr. Pasley from Canterbury. Attempted Suicide. Wellington, March 6.

An elderly man named Henry Ashton was charged at the Police Court this morning with attempting suicide by jump ing off the wharf. He was remanded till Friday. Shock of Earthquake. Oamaru, March 6.

Two severe shocks of earthquake were felt at about half past twelve this morn ing, there only being a few seconds be tween the shocks.

Royal Commissioners on Their Way to Wellington.

Mr. John Reid, one of the members of the Railway Commiss cp, went north to day.

Railway Accident. Dunedin, March G.

A serious accident happened on the Port line yesterday afternoon. Margaret M'Kenzie, aged 14, got into the Oamaru instead of the Port train, and did not find out her mistake until the train had pro ceeded on its journey. Whether she fell or attempted to jump out of the carriage is. not known, hut she was picked up insensible on the line near Burke’s brewery by a woman who was passing. Her skull was found to bo fractured, and she was removed to the hospital as quickly as possible ; no hopes are entertained of her recovery. An Earthquake. A sev ere shock of earthquake was felt a little before one this morning Invercargill Races. Invercargill, March G. Handicap Hurdle Race. —Cotton's Philo, 1 ; Mitchell’s Dandy, 2; Moffatt’s Little Dan, 3. Commercial Handicap. Mason and Vallance’s Tera, 1 ; Goodman’s Chancel lor, 2.

T.J.C. Handicap.—Goodman’s Chancel lor, 1 ; Ray’s Titania, 2. Selling Race.—Smith’s Merrybird, 1 ; Stewart’s Border Lad, 2. Consolation.—Bonne’s Both well, 1.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, March 5. The.captain of an American whale ship at Russell, Bay of Islands, is in a fine fix. Two parties claim the American Consular agency, and both parties produce cre dentials. A Ministerial communication has been received by the Education Board warning them not to anticipate in future Govern ment grants. The Education Board refused to sanc tion the establishment of a cadet corps in connection with the Thames public schools.

At the election of three members of the District Board of Education, Dr. Campbell, and Messrs. Lake and Prince were elected. Mr. David Goldie was defeated. 120 School Committees voted.

There are to be great festivities on Thursday at (Stanley, Waitemata, on Mr. J. C. Firth’s estate, to celebrate the opening of the Upper Thames river navi gation. Two members of the Ministry are expected to be present, also the members for the Thames, Waikato, and Auckland, and the Thames Mayor, as well as a number of Maori chiefs.

Gisborne, March 5.

The case of forgery against E. H. Ward, junr., solicitor for Read’s estate, was resumed this morning. Mr. Brassey, solicitor, emphatically refused to produce the deed of Matawhera, relative to which the forgery is alleged, notwithstanding that legal notice to do so had been served. Mr. Rees produced a certified copy of the deed. Rota Waipawa and Roperata Kaputai gave evidence showing that during Mr. Nesbitt’s life time, as Frauds Commissioner he had refused to certify to the alienation of interest referred to in the accusation upon various grounds, one being that the consideration was contrary to law. The evidence of Captain Tucker, the next witness, showed that for a long time and up to Mr. Nesbitt’s death he had acted as his confidential secretary and in terpreter. The memo, books of 1876, the year in which the deed in question pur ported to bear the signature of the Frauds Commissioner, have no record of the fact that it had been signed by Mr. Nesbitt. Early in 1879, and after Ward had bought the property from Read’s trustees, Captain Tucker saw the deed in Ward’s possession. This was two years after Mr. Nesbitt’s death, and the deed was then without Nesbitt’s signature. It was only some time after the property had been purchased by Ward that the witness learned the deed had been certi fied to by Mi\ Nesbitt. The charges against Ward and Cooper for conspiracy in relation to the oil spring block, and the charge of perjury against the latter were adjourned till March 22. Waitara, March 5.

The Native Commission commenced sit ting this morning. Between sixty and seventy natives were present, amongst tiiem were several of influence, including the brother of the celebrated William King, Mrs. Simeon, and an intelligent looking half-caste has also attended to give evidence. Many natives in this district are staunch believers in Te Whiti, and contribute very liberally, towards his sup port, and are providing food &c., for his monthly meeting at Parihaka. Some na tives present are anxious to have their titles to land investigated individually, but others also interested in the same land, and who reside at Parihaka object to it. The Commission will probably take all evidence to be given here by to-morrow afternoon, and hold one or two sittings at Werini, some few miles from Waitara, The Maoris were loud and cordial in their greeting to Sir W. Fox when he arrived. Wellington, March 5.

The man who was killed by a fall of gravel at Featherston was John Wood field, aged 37. Mr. Dick, M.H.R., the recently ap pointed Colonial Secretary, arrived to-day, and was sworn in. Timaru, March 5. Mr. Mosley, the anti-Chiniquy lecturer, was remanded to Christchurch on a charge of obtaining 3s. from a tailor by false pre tences. At the District Court, Frederick Arthur Sims, formerly a wholesale merchant, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for larceny. The prisoner had sold goods out of bond which lie previously conveyed to the National Bank, and, acting on the advice of his friends, refused to hand the proceeds over to the Bank manager. He received an excellent character from a number of merchants, including the Mayor of Timaru, some of whom had known him thirteen years. William Tait, for indecent assault, received a sentence of twelve months and one flogging in gaol. William Halford, for assaulting his wife, was sentenced to two months, and Duncan Cruiekshank, for fraudulent insolvency, to nine months. Frank Poff, charged with fraudulent insolvency, was acquitted.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

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

A couple of my sporting acquaintances got hit pretty hard over Mata winning the Dunedin Cup ; they laid out their month’s wages on Titania and went broke over the business, and then they laid their heads

together with a view of raising the wind. ! Their ideas in that direction were in- ! genious, and I think original. Each of them owns a buck jumping horse (neither of the animals is marketable, as they have both been to the slaughter yard in Burnett street without fetching a bid), and the owners calmly deliberated on a cold blooded project by which the lives of two much respected heads of departments in Ashburton were to have their limbs en dangered, and their tenderest feelings. outraged. The diabolical plot was as follows :—The two horse owners were to visit the two bank managers separately, and get them into a conversational humor, and sympathise with their long hours and arduous duties, and then offer them the use of a nice quiet horse for a little exer cise, and then get their victims mounted on the buck jumpers, previously trained to go full tear to Seafield, and there the two villians, by previous arrangement, would be in waiting with a trap, in which the managers would bo offered a ride home on the condition that they dis counted a bill for fifty or so, or take the alternative of either riding the buck jumpers back or walking. The con spirators seemed to reckon the discounting would be the least painful busiuess to the bankers. I only write this as a warning to Messrs. R. and S. as to what they may expect from some of their horsey customers. I don’t like cruelty to animals, even where the victim is a bauk manager.

Photography is one of the fine arts, I am told. It sometimes makes the “human face divine” look very pretty on card board, and it sometimes don’t. A week or so ago the school children had a treat, and part of the treat was being set up in rows like animated cabbages, and being done with a camera. Our local man was considered too foggy a nega tive to do the business, and another fog gist was imported from Christchurch to do the job. I inspected some of the “ cartes” yesterday, and at the first look I thought it was a representation of a ten-pin alley, and I turned it upside down, and it then looked like the Ashburton bridge —until a young Chispa said, “ That’s me ! dada and then it dawned upon me that it was a photograph of one of Mr. Stott’s classes. But to call them pictures ! Why, some of the pupils were bald headed, some had no head at all, and one unfortunate small boy had got the point of his nose inserted in his own left ear. But the children seem delighted with them, and the3 r are selling rapidly at Is. each, so I suppose everybody must feel satisfied.

Our Court-house still keeps up its repu tation for burlesque. A week or two ago the Bench decided that the profession were not to laugh in court, no matter what the occasion might be, and I fully ex pected next court day to see the Avails of the Hall of Justice placarded Avith notifi cations in bold print, “ Laughing strictly prohibited. ” Compliments are as yet per missible bctAveen the “ learned friends,” such, for instance, as one legal gentleman referring to another’s contentions as “ gross impudence and ignorance,” and to the gentleman himself as a “silly idiot.” Next Friday is to be a grand field day, and I hear that numerous applications have already been made for front seats to hear the case against Joe for aspersing the professional reputation of one of the limbs. lam always learning something in that court, Avhilst rubbing the AvhiteAvaslx off the Avail with my shoulders. It seems that if Smith summonses me, and employs a lawyer, and then Smith and I seftle the case out of court, that Smith can’t with draAv the case unless he does so through his solicitor, other’wise Smith is guilty of “ fraud at least that is the Avay it ivas put the other day. And another neiv Avrinkle is that Avlien the names of parties to a suit are called, they must noAV stand up and say, “ Here, Sir.” It used to be sufficient to stand up, but as Mr. Guin ness pointedly remarked to a defendant Avlio had stood up, “ Standing up is no thing, Sir ! ans Aver to your name, Sir !” and the defendant Avas of course duly dumfoundered at the rebuke, and felt un comfortable for the next two hours.

If any festive reader of my lucubra tions is on the look out for a scene, I should strongly recommend him to peg out a claim between the Somerset Hotel and Montgomery’s buildings, that is the convincing ground of this great and glorious city. Ido a saunter around that corner sometimes, and often meet my friends on the look out for a gossip in that part of the town. It is, however, very discreditable to Montgomery and Co., or Josh Tucker, or some of their tenants to have their glass smashed in such a reckless manner as they have lately. Last Saturday a dog came through one window and the verandah, and a day or two afterwards a distinguished cavalry officer came through another, but a kind friend, (whose) so obliging when you go to pay for a bag of coal or ask for a sub scription for Chiniquy, happened to catch the lieutenant just as he was on the point of dropping on the glass verandah. There have been many instances in my knowledge, where the Humane Society’s medal lias been awarded for the salvation of lives far less valuable than our com mander of the local horse marines. May he long live to give the battle cry of that Ilk, “Charge Chester charge, On Stanley on,” and Barney will see you through it (i. e), the window.

Since writing the above, a glazier at tempting to mend the broken pane, at 3 p.m. this afternoon finished the business by going throughjhe verandah, and after doing a suspension trick for some time he was quietly landed on the footpath by a Samaritan passing by, and will probably find an outlet for some of his spare panes.

The show of vegetables was a gi’cat sight to-day. I don’t know a petunia from a lobelia, but I was shown a splendid cauliflower, which I was informed by a distinguished horticulturist, was one of the pelargonium breed ; he gave me a long pedigree of the vegetable, and made use of such a string of dog latin on the subject that I requested him to produce the stud book to convince me. His look of horror at the idea of such a literary production having been published, was a sufficient notice for me to leave his com pany, more especially as I saw one of his legs gyrating around in the direction of my body. Anyhow, the flowers were pretty, and I thoughtlessly plucked a specimen and was promptly collared ; I felt it hard too, when inspecting Savage’s peaches that they were only to be looked at, they seemed so luscious and tempting,

that petty larceny on such an occasion ought to be looked upon as a virtue. My next venture was feeling if the grapes were ripe, and then yours truly Avas in continently run out without further notice.

The folloAving is Chispa’s Sum for This Week,

A cutting has to be excai r ated and an embankment formed with a portion of the earth taken out, and the balance goes to spoil. The dimensions are as follows : Base of cutting, 14 feet ; slopes, to 1; depth at start, -6 feet ; at finish, 41 ’22 feet; length, 02 ’55 chains. Embankment on top, 14 feet; slope, li to 1 ; depth at start, 37’90 feet; at end, ’0; length, 42 78 chains. State the number of cube yards in the cutting, the number of cube yards in embankment, and quantity thrown to spoil, if any, and width of cutting and embankment at extreme depths. The prize ivill be aAvarded to the bona fide pupil of any school in the County Avho ivorks the sum out correctly by the shortest method. Prize awarded on Saturday, March 13th. . Chispa.

THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

The first show held under the auspices of the Ashburton Hortictural Society ivas held in the Town Hall to-day. There was some delay in admitting the public, and considerable disappointment ivas ex pressed by many at not being able to gain admittance owing to the judging occupy ing so long a time. From a casual look, our reporter ivas able to have in the morn ing, the affair is a great success. No one could have for a moment imagined that such a variety of vegetables, such a splen did show of fruit or such a beautiful ex hibition of floivers could have been shown in a district in ivhich everyone ha 3 devoted his energies in the direction of raising more profitable produce in the shape of cereals. The principal prize-takers to-day in flowers ivere, in the open class—Messrs. Sealy Bros., Mr. G. T. Smith, and E. G. Wright, Esq. In the Amateur Class, Messrs. S. E. Poyntz, Jacobsen, and Mrs. Mitchell. In fruit and vegetables there ivas a grand shoiv, the most prominent being Messrs. G. T. Smith, Sealy Bros., J. Porter, H. Rooke, E. G. Wright, J. S. Savage, G, St. Hill and others. We will give a full report in our Monday’s issue, the awards having been made too late for a full report

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON— Friday, March 5.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) CIVIL CASES.

C. Braddell v. H. B. Johnstone.-—Claim L 8 16s. 2d. Amount paid into court. Costs allowed, Ll 3s. Poyntz v. Prosper.—Claim L 6 16s. 2d S. E. Poyntz deposed to the "amount being due. The defendant, who was very deaf, after a deal of shouting to make him hear, explained that the claim ivas for stakes delivered, and the dispute between the parties ivas as to ivhether the stakes ivere delivered inside or outside the bush, the value being 9s. per 100 in the bush, or 11s. outside. Defendant swore to the delivery outside the bush. Judgment for L 5 14s. 2d., and costs Ll 11s. A COW CASE. Little v. Duffy.—Claim L2O, for breach of ivarranty in purchase of tivo coivs. Mr. Branson for plaintiff, Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. Robert Little, sworn—l purchased two cows from defendant for Ll 3. The re ceipt produced was signed by Duffy, who delivered them. They ivere sold as being in calf. I have had them ever since. One of them has not calved. I saw the cows in Duffy’s paddock on January Bth, and thought they ivere both springing. I agreed to gii r e him Ll 3 ivhen they ivere delivered at my house at the Hinds. They ivere brought to me on the 10th. I have had to hand feed the coiv, ivhich has not calved. The cost has been about L 4 4s. The other cow gives about four gal lons per day. I don’t think the coiv would fetch more than L 3 noiv.

By Mr. O’Reilly.—My attention was nut drawn to the cow being in milk by Hickey. I tolcl him to tell Duffy I wanted to see him. I can swear the cow was not in calf when delivered to me.

For the defence, William Grow, farmer, Coldstream, deponed to seeing the cows three days previous to Little buying them. They were both in calf, and ought to have calved about a week afterwards.

By Mr. Branson—The cows were in a tussock paddock which had flax in one corner. Cows will sometimes plant their calves in flax. I have a calf in my pad dock which don’t belong to me. It came out of the paddock in which the cows were three days after the cows were sent away, and it was about three or four days old. I did not tell or send word to Little till Feb. Bth.

John Hickey, laborer, deponed to Little having told him to tell Duffy to come and take the cow away, as he thought she had calved. I don’t know much about cows myself.

Rosanna Paget deponed to having seen the cow in question out of Little’s paddock, and being chased about. P. Duffy, the defendant, also gave evi dence.

Counsel having addressed the Bench, his Worship said that from the evidence it was plain to him that the cow had calved previous to the sale, and although she may have been sold in ignorance of the fact, he would give damages for the difference in the present value of the cow, L 3 ; for the extra feed of the cow for eight weeks, Ll 4s. ; loss of milk, Ls—total damages Ll2 45., and costs L2 Bs.

retrt ey eŕege3wt wrwrtrewt

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNK. Alexander Allen was fined ss. for being drunk.

Saturday, March 6, 1880.1

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. ONE POUND REWARD. STRAYED or STOLEN, from Long beach, a bright bay 2 year old heavy draught COLT, exhibited by me at the last Tinwald Show. The above reward will be paid to any person who will give such information as will lead to the recovery of the colt, or the conviction of the offenders if he is stolen. 136 c JOHN GRIGG. £1 REWARD. LOST, between Dr. Stewart’s residence and Montgomery’s store, a DIA MOND HOOP FINGER RING. Any person bringing the same to the Herald Office, will be rewarded. 134 c HORSE FOUND. FOUND, opposite Wakanui Mill, a HORSE, with saddle and bridle. Owner can have same on application to the undersigned, and. paying expenses. TT Moefatt, Wakanui. 583 a EMPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance.



New Advertisements. FOR SALE. mown SECTION No. 306, Burnett § street, on easy terms. Apply to G. M. ROBINSON, 90c* Gare of P. Cunningham and Co. REMOVED TO WAKANUI ROAD, Next to Post Office. D, O S E P H WAR FAMILYBUTCHER, iEGS to inform the Public of Ash burton that he will Open as above on Saturday next, and intends selling for cash at a REDUCTION in PRICES. First-class Beef, 3d. to sd. per lb. First-class Mutton, 2d. to 3d. per lb. Legs, per lb. JOSEPH WARD, 140c* Butcher. NEWS AND MAGAZINE AGENCY, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT. RE-OPENING. M. JONES begs to inform his customers and the public generally that he has re-opened the premises lately occupied by A. Weston and K. San do and Co. for the sale of Newspapers, Magazinse, Stationery, Fancy goods, Toys, &c. English and Colonial papers. Periodicals, &c., by each mail. Licensed to sell Stamps. Lowest prices—Terms cash. Agent for “ Ashburton Guardian,” “Ashburton Herald,’, “Ashburton Mail,” “Lyttelton Times,” “Canterbury Times,” Daily “Press,” “ Weekly Press,” “Otago Witness,” “Australasian,” “Town and County Journal. ” Subscribers to “ Canterbury Times” and “ Weekly Press” can obtain then copies at the above Establishment. *l2lc NEW TAILORING MENT. ESTABLISH CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, AYE opened those premises situated H. 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 Cotter 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 CAUTION. ANY PERSON BATHING in our Mill Race without our written per mission, will be PROSECUTED. 132 c SAUNDERS BROTHERS. WANTED, a good SMART BOY for the shop. Apply Herald and Guardian office. WANTED, a RUNBOY, for the Herald and Guardian. Apply at the office. WESLEYAN CHURCH, Cameron street.—Divine Service will be conducted in the above Church To-morrow Morning and Evening by the Rev. W. Keall. 141 c PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH Wills Street. —Divine Service will be conducted in the above Church to morrow Morning and Evening. The dis course in the evening will have special reference to the death of the late Mrs. Petty. 142 c ANTED, a good General SERVANT for Hotel. Highest wages given. Apply at once to the Herald Registry. 123 c WANTED —A BOY to carry Parcels, Ac. Apply, Everett Bros, and Co., Havelock street. 127 c SLAUGHTER LICENSE. I HEREBY give notice that I intend to apply for a SLAUGHTERING LICENSE for R.S. 23183 for large and small cattle at the Council’s meeting on the 7th day of April next. A. JACKSON, Ealing, March 6, 1880. 150 c ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. INTENTION TO STRIKE A SPECIAL RATE. JYTOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that J3I it is the intention of the County Council to levy a SPECIAL RATE of Is. in the £ for 1880 on that part of the Upper Ashburton Riding, lying between the two branches of the Ashburton river, at a Special Meeting of the Council to be held on the 18th instant ; such Rate to be paid in one instalment on or before the 29th INSTANT. The rate book is open for inspection at the Council offices. By order F. MAINWARING, Clerk. Ashburton, March 5, 1880. 582g—133c V. R. ‘‘j^'OTlCE —The “ Ashburton Herald’, is a Gazette for all notices under the Debtors and Creditors Art? TEACHERS can obtain the MULTI PLICATION TABLES, printed on gummed paper, in any quantity at the Herald Office, East street, near the Railway Station. ALL PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, East street, near Railway Station,



New Advertisements. ASHBURTON GAS, COAL, & COKE COMPANY, LIMITED. FRESH TENDERS are invited for the •OPENING and FILLING IN of 28 chains, more or less, of Trenches for Mains in Tancrecl street, at per chain. To be left at the office of the Secretary not later than 1 o’clock on TUESDAY, the 9tli March. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. By order J. WARD, Secretary. 143c* •



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.



Holloway’s Pills. —A certain cure for Headaches, Bile, Loss of Appetite, and Low ness of Spirit.—These Pills can be taken withr out danger from wet or cold, and require no interruption from business or pleasure. They act mildly on the bowels, strengthen the stomach, and promote a healthy action of the liver, whereby they purify ‘.he blood, cleanse the skin, brace the nerves, and invigorate the whole system. They effect a [truly wonderful change in a debilitated constitution, as they create a healthy appetite, correct indigestion, remove bile, giddiness, headache, and palpita tion of the heart. Plain directions for the use of this medicine, at once so mild and efficacious, are affixed to each box.