The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1880.

Distress in Ireland. —A special meet ing of the Borough Council is convened by his Worship the Mayor, to be held on Monday.next, at 3 p.m., to consider what means can be adopted towards assisting to relieve the distress in Ireland. Sporting. —A match has been arranged to take place on the racecourse on Satur day evening at 7 o’clock. We have no information as to the horses engaged, but we understand that Messrs. John Carter and Edward Saunders are to be the riders.

Mails. —The mails for the United Kingdom and Australia per Ringarooma close at the Bluff at 4 p.m. on Frida} 7 , the 16th.

Life Assurance. —The Rev. Mr. Turner, of the Mutual Provident . Life Assurance Association, lectures to-night in the Templar Hall, Ashburton. Labor Agency. —The proprietors of the “ Ashburton Herald,” at the request of many farmers and farm laborers, have started a registry for servants that will doubtless be found very useful to both employers and employed for the approach ing harvest. Particulars are given else where. .

The it.M. Court.— Some time ago the several members of the legal profession in Ashburton memorialized the Government in reference to the mal-administration of this Court, and as a result a change, beneficial to a certain extent, was made. The management of the Court, however, is anything but A persons having business to do with it eompain strongly about mal-administration, and the loss which they sustain in consequence. Similar complaints are made in reference to the District Court. The legal profes sion are now taking the matter up, and memorializing the Government with a view to a reform. There is no doubt it is wanted. The truth seems to be that the Government did not Realize the import ance of Ashburton as a judicial centre. We trust the present Ministry wi’J look into the matter, and show that they com prehend the wants of the place in this respect better than tlieir predecessors.

Extensive Sale op Contractors’ Plant, &c. —On Thursday next, January 22, Messrs Matson and Co. will put up for sale, at Tattersall’s, Christchurch, the extensive plant of Messrs Lake and Bead, who have now completed their contract at the Rakaia railway.

Severe Accident.— Yesterday after-, noon, while Hubert, the son of Mr. Edward Cookson, livery stable-keeper, Ashburton, was catching a horse, belong ing to liis father, that had been grazing in liis. paddock, ? the lad received a severe kick in the leg, which fractured the shin bone. He was brought home and surgical aid procured, and we learn is doing as well as can be expected. Rakaia Police. —Constable _ Thoreau, who has been stationed at Rakaia for the past twelve months, being about to be re moved to Timaru, an address, conveying to him the thanks of the residents in the district for the gentlemanly way in which he has conducted himself while on duty there, has been very numerously signed, and will be forwarded to him through the proper channel. Constable Rouse, from Ashburton, relieves Constable Thoreau on Wednesday. Donald Dinnie, the Champion Ath- . lete. —Members of Caledonian societies, and Scotchmen generally, will read the following from “ Bell’s Life,” regarding the great champion athlete of Scotland, Donald Dinnie, which shows that he has not yet decayed to a very great extent • Donald Dinnie, after twenty-six years success in gaining over 4000 money prizes, besides 100 medals, cups, &c., and before retiring from the arena, issues the follow ing challenge to all “ would-be cham pions,” although now a long way short of his best- records, viz. : He will give Ift. start at “ putting stone,” and 3ft. at throwing hammer for from LSO to LIOO a-side, or will, back himself to throw a 161 b. hammer, fair stand, over 130 ft., and a 161 b. stone over 47ft. On Bridge of Allan Athletic Grounds he will put a 161 b. ball over 52ft. He will also throw a L6lb. hammer over 160 ft. if allowed t®' turn round.

TELEGRAPHIC .

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE-

[Age Special A London, Jan. 14. The English Press on the Victorian : Difficulty.

The “ Globe ” suggests a compromise of the political difficulty in Victoria by the Council becoming a revising chamber. It condemns the plebiscite. Sir E. A. Childers. Childers has returned from Canada. The South Australian Loan. The floating of the South _ Australian loan is deferred, owing to a dispute as to the minimum. The Afghan War. Latest news from Afghanistan states that the tribes are menacing. General Roberts telegraphs that a large force.is required to maintain British supremacy/ {Reuter's.) \ Parjs, Jan. 14. M. Gambetta Re-Elected.

Gambetta has been re-elected President of the French Chamber of Deputies by a small majority.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Grahamstown, Jan. 15. The Irish Distress Relief.

The “.Star” opened a subscription list yesterday in aid of the Irish distress. Sir George Grey on the Move.

Sir George Grey visits the Thames after the opening of the Auckland College. Pastor Chiniquy’s Movements.

Pastor Chiniquy is to charter the Roto mahana for himself and his Auckland friends for a visit to the Thames. Another Fire.

A two-roomed cottage, occupied by a miner named Jno. French, his mother, and a young brother, was destroyed by fire last night. When the fire was first seen the house was all in flames, and be fore anything could he saved, the cottage and its contents were burned to cinders. It is believed the fire occurred through a candle being left burning. Wellington, Jan. 15; The Wellington Working Men’s Club. The half-yearly meeting of the Work ing Men’s Club was held last night, when the report and balance-sheet showed a satisfactory result. Colonel Scratchley.

Colonel Scratchley inspects the whole of the Wellington volunteers to-night.

Departure.

The ship Zealandia cleared for London this morning, with cargo valued at L 71,392.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

{Reuter's.)

Adelaide, Jan. 14.

The P. and O. Company’s steamer Indies, with the inward Suez mail, passed Cape Borda. Blenheim, Jan. 14. A girl bathing on the coast near Rock hampton was carried out to sea by a wave. She was, however, rescued by another girl, who swam out to her. Sydney, Jan. 14. Both Houses of Parliament have re sumed after the Christmas recess.

A deputation to-day waited upon the Governor to urge the commutation of death sentence in the case of the bush ranger Rogan. His Excellency promised to submit the matter to the Executive, but held out no hope of commutation.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVI N G I A L.

Auckland, Jan, 14. A man named Hydgon attempted suicide this morning while drunk. With a clasp knife lie sawed at his throat and abdomen, and inflicted several slight cuts on his windpipe, and there aye thirty marks on his belly, but none are likely to be fatal. He was given in charge by two

men, and brought up at the Police Court. The would-be suicide was remanded for eight days. A meeting of the; creditors of Thos; Hood, Masonic Hotel, showed liabilities amounting to L 1210,55. 9d,, assets L9O.

A fire broke out in the house of Jas. Baker, residing at Kihilcihi, which re sulted in ,the total destruction of every thing. Baker, an old man of 70 years, fell asleep with a candle burning by his side. The curtains caught fire, and the house was soon in a blaze. The fire was first discovered by Mrs. Baker, who, after great difficulty, rescued the old man from a horrible death. The house was not insured.

The -open scholarships under the Board of Education have been won by Oliver Nicholson, Arthur M‘oormick, and Arthur Harrington, all of Auckland Col lege and Grammar School. Tauranga, Jan. 14.

The consignment of ova for here was landed at 1 p.m. The box was opened, and the ova found in splendid condition. The weather is very licit. New Plymouth, Jan. 14.

A native named To Tula was burnt to death in liis whare at Waihi last Friday night. The price of grass seed has fallen very considerably since last season. Ten thousand bushels havo been offered and refused at 3d. per lb, It is said that the price for grass seed will be as low as 2|-d. this season.

Waitara, Jan. 14,

ThelHannah Mokau returned from Mokau this morning, bringing 20 tons coal. The steamer went up 22 miles, and anchored in 5 fathoms. Owing to a snag in the river she was unable to proceed further with safety. The coal was brought from a distance of 6 miles in canoes. The coal is immediately alongside the river bank, and vessels could lie alongside and take in their cargoes. The engineer states it is of excellent qualfi- and far superior to the Bay coal. Wellington, Jan. 14.

At the Appeal Court, leave to appeal to the Privy Council was granted in the case of Cleve v. King, but the Court took time to consider the terms, on which appeal should be made. The Mayor has received telegrams stating the distress in Ireland is increasing, and aid is urgently needed. The “ Even ing Post” has opened a subscription list in aid of the Irish distress, and its pro prietors, Messrs. Blundell Bros., have headed the list with L 25, Messrs. Thomp son, Shannon, and Co. giving a similar amount. Other subscriptions are coming in freely. The following telegram has -just been received from London by Dr. Lemon, Superintendent of the. Teifr,graph De partment, from the Chairman of the Sir Rowland Hill Mansion House Committee : —“ The Chairman sends from the Lord Mayor of London to the Mayor of every municipality which can be reached by our system, the following telegram, a response to .which will be tele graphed free. Will you kindly hand the same to the Press Agencies for pub lication, and also a copy to the Mayor of Wellington, asking him if he will com municate with the chief Magistrates of the New Zealand towns upon the sub ject!:—“London, Jan,. Bth.—To-day is the 110th anniversary of the introduction of the Penny Postage system, founded by Sir Rowland Hill. The Mansion House Committee is now formed to commemo rate the event by an international memo rial. Looking at the immense commercial, intellectual, and social advantages derived by the world at large through this reform, might I claim your hearty sympathy ancl support in this movement by placing it before our countrymen.” Greymouth, Jan. 14.

After a two days’ trial the case of Eliza Jane Thompson v. The Australian Mutual Provident Assurance Society came to a conclusion to-day. It was a claim for L2OO, being the amount of policy on the life of plaintiff’s husband. The policy was not delivered, but the life had been accepted, and a receipt given for a half year’s premium. The defence was that the life had been accepted through frau dulent concealment and untruthfulness. The case was tried in the District Court before Judge Weston and a special jury of four. Thirty-seven issues were sub mitted to the jury, who, after four Lours’ deliberation, returned a verdict for the plaintiff for the amount claimed. Notice of appeal was given. Blenheim, Jan. 14. The damage to crops through the past four days’ rain is comparatively slight, but a continuance would have been disas trous in its effects. Nelson, Jan. 4. A young woman named Clara Palmer, a patient in the hospital, attempted to strangle herself yesterday. She has been examined by two medical men to-day, and committed to the Lunatic Asylum. Grave fears are entertained for the harvest, in consequence of the rain, which still continues heavy. Christchurch, Jan. 14. Conolly, a man at work on the tram ways, who was arrested last week on sus picion of being implicated in the riots, was discharged to-day by the R.M., as he succeeded in proving that it was a case of mistaken identity. It rained very heavily this morning and cleared up in the afternoon. No reports of damage to the crops have yet been received, but there is no doubt a great deal of harm must have been caused. O amaru, Jan. 14. The wet and rough weather for the last 24 hours has done no damage to the crops yet. Fine weather is much needed now. There was a sale of Government land at the Court-house to-day of sections in the township of Deborah. The highest price realised was L 54 10s. For the rural sections at Kurrow there was only one bid, at the upset price of L 22 per acre. Dunedin, Jan. 14. The annual session of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago commenced last evening. The Rev. Mr. Watt was appoint ed Mode rator. To-day the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, and the Revs. Fraser and M-Nichol, of Christchurch, were introduced.

DISTRICT COURT.

Thursday, Jan. 15. 1 (Before His Honor Judge Ward.)

On the business of the Court being called on, The Clerk Of the Court 4rew jiis Ejoqor’s attention to a paragraph in this morning’s “Guardian.”

His Honor said lie could not take any notice of the paragraph, as it did not affect the Court.

Mr. O’Reilly disavowed, as far as he was concerned, any connection with the article in question. ' ; . His Honor stopped Mr. O’Reilly £to inform him that the matter \Vtis not before the Court. PETER V. FERGUS. Mr. Gresson for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for defendant. Judgment by consent for amount paid into Court, L3D 11s. De fendant’s costs allowed. PETERS V. FERGUS. Claim LIIS 18s. 9d., for use and occu pation of land as per agreement. Mr. Gresson for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for defendant'.

On the conclusion of plaintiff’s case, Mr. Purnell opened the defence, and pointed out that the plaintiff had waived his claim to the rent.

Mr. Gresson ” objected, on the ground that the defence rvas not included in the plea filed. His Honor upheld the objection. Mi’. Purnell then asked leave to amend his plea, and this was done. After hearing further evidence his Honor gave judgment for plaintiff for amount claimed and costs. PAULING V. iU f KIE.

Claim L 67 10s., balance of commission on a sale of land. Mr. Purnell for plain tiff ; Mr. Thomas for defendant. Mr. Pauling, farmer, deponed.—Before Christmas 1878, M £ Kie came to me and Tasked him what he wanted for his land. He said L 3 10s. per acre. I asked if I got a purchaser, would he give percent, commission. He agreed to do so. There were 1800 acres near the Rangitata. I got a purchaser named James Boyd who is now in possession of the land ; and I applied for my commission, but only got part of it. . Defendant said the charge was too; much,' and I demanded a. cheque but did not get it. About two months after wards I got a cheque for LOO, and I sub sequently took out a summons in the R.M. Court against McKie, and the case was dismissed as that Court had no juris diction.

By Mr. Thomas—At the time the con tract was made I was working on the ad joining land. I think the transaction took place in the latter end of November. I liad nothing to do with striking the bar gain ; all I did was to find a purchaser. When I saw McKie I demanded a cheque, and would have taken a cheque for L9O if it had been paid then and there. I would have taken a post-dated cheque. He told me the bargain was not closed then. I was afraid he was going to leave the country. McKie demurred paying, as he considered 2|- per cent, was too much. Elizabeth Pauling, daughter of plaintiff’, deponed—l was present at a conversation between my father and McKie. The latter said he would sell out if he could get a purchaser. McKie said he would take L 3 10s. an acre, and my father said he thought he could find a purchaser. McKie said he would give a friend 21, per cent. My father asked him if he was jesting, and he said “ no.” By Mr. Thomas—l was helping my father at the fence. I have been two or three years at school. I heard all the conversation. It was in the morning. I have never had any conversation with my father regarding the conversation on that day. I knew I was going to be a witness. I know that per cent, means fid. in the £.

Mr R. W. Boyle, commission-agent, gave evidence that 2-jr per cent, was a fair price to pay for land transactions. By Mr. Thomas—Don’t think 2|- would be a fair charge for a mere introduction. Think LOO a very liberal price to pay for the work done.

Mr. Thomas, for the defence, pointed out that the plaint was for work, labor, and journeys made ; and that had not been borne out in evidence. That given bv both father and daughter was so exactly alike that it was evident the daughter had learnt her lesson like a parrot. Mr. McKie, farmer, sworn—Am a far mer residing at Hororata. Held 1,800 acres at .Rangitata. Pauling occupied land between Mr Cree’s and mine. I had a conversation with him, and told him I would try to sell out in a short time. He said he thought he could find a purchaser. Did not then tell him how much' I wanted for the ..land, that as I did not intend selling just then I would not make any bargain about it. Nothing was said about 21>- per cent. The daughter was about a chain away whilst we were talk ing. The father stood talking to me about 20 minutes. This was in October. Subsequently, about the. end of Novem ber, I had another conversation with Pauling, and told him I intended selling if Icould get L3los anacre,and said afriend of his was a likely purchased, and asked if I would pay a commission if he sold it. He asked 2h per cent, which I said I would not pay, as I did not Employ him to sell but only to introduce the buyer. No agreement was come to as to what I should be paid. I told him if he 'wrote to his friend and the land was sold at the price mentioned for cash I would deal liberally with him. Mr Boyd came up about the 27th. and saw me and about the 18th. February my brother sold the land to him. The purchase was completed on the Ist. April. I saw Pauling in March. He asked me if I was going to allow him anything for his trouble. I asked what he expected, and he replied he would leave it to myself. William Brooks was present at the time. I told him that, had the land been purchased before harvest, I would have given him L9O ; but as the land had not been purchased till after harvest I did not think he was entitled to that amount. I told him if Boyd paid me, and completed the purchase, I would still give him the LOO, and he said he thought that very fair. When the trans action was completed I sent a cheque for the amount.

William Brooks, ploughman, sworn— Recollected Pauling asking McKie what he was going to give him for selling ithe land. McKie asked what he considered he was entitled to, and Pauling said ; he would leave it to McKie, who then replied he would give L9O, and defendant said he was satisfied.

'By Mr; Purnell—l was then in the employ of Mr. M‘Kie. This closed the evidence, and, counsel having addressed the Court, His Honor said the whole case hinged on the credibility of the witne§s§§, and the evidence was entirely pontradictpry op both gjdeg \ hbi h e consulerafi defendant’s, most rpliab.lp, and. Judgment would b,Q for defendant, and costs,

New Zealand Insurance Company’s Half-yearly Meeting.

[By Telegraph.] Auckland, Jan.-14. The 38th half-yearly meeting of shareholders, of the above Company, was held this afternoon—the Hon. James Williamson in the chair. E. J. Pierce, Esq., manager, read the half-yearly re port. The Chairman, in moving the adoption, said : —“ At last meeting a hope was expressed that the half-year, just ended, would prove more profitable than the one which preceded it, but I regret to say . that hope has not been realised. On the contrary our losses have been exceptionally severe. I must, how ever, state that these have not resulted from the acceptance of doubtful risks. On the_ contrary, the losses have been on first class policies. In addition to these exceptionally heavy losses we have of course suffered from the greatly reduced rates of premiums brought about by a competition amongst rival establishments unprecedented in the history of Insurance Companies in these colonies; and not only that, but we have been passing through a period of great depres sion, which has most materially affected our marine insurances. With a revival of trade, which seems now to have set in, and an increase of our imports and exports, we may reasonably look to a more extended business in this direction. Your directors have to report that , the Company has withdrawn from country business in the State of California, which has proved to be of an unpro ductive character. They have also taken precautions to carefully scrutinise all the Company’s risks, to guard against over insurance, which is the result of a low rate of premium, and further, all heavy block 1 risks have been avoided, and a care ful re-distribution has been effected, and I am' warranted in stating that the class of business secured is of a most satis factory description. It is not a pleasing duty which devolves on me on the present occasion, having to announce that your directors cannot recommend a higher dividend for the last half year than at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum. At the date of closing of the books on 30th November the Knowsley Hall, London 1 o Liverpool, had not yet been posted as a missing ship, but your directors deemed it prudent to provide for a moiety of the sum the Com pany has upon that vessel, as one of our re-adjusted losses. We have pleasure in stating that upjto the present date our losses have been much below the average, and if the remainder of the term runs out with a similar immunity your directors anticipate being able to meet you on the termination of the current half-year with a more en couraging report and balance sheet than that which I now beg to propose for adop tion.”

The report and balance sheet were adopted, nem. con. Messrs. Russell, Campbell, and Buddie, the retiring directors were re-elected, and Messrs. Fraser and Laurie; were re-elected auditors. A vote of thanks was accorded the directors and the officers of the Company.

Mr. C. J. Stone thanked the share holders for the vote, saying the motto of the Company had always been safety in the first instance, and profit afterwards, and this motto would be kept in view. There was always an ebb and flood in speculation, caused by the establishment of bogus companies. He was glad to’see a revival in trade, and a prospect of im provement in the. Company’s business in future. The Chairman also acknowledged the vote, which he valued more highly under pre sent circumstances. He referred to the fact that 14 years ago the Company was unable to pay a dividend at all. The directors had always been opposed to the payment of . dividend out of the reserve fund.

The manager, Mr. Pierce, also returned thanks on behalf of himself and the staff, and in doing so referred to the anxiety which they had experienced during the present competition, and the necessity of preventing their agents following the example of other agents in running after risky business.

AMONG THE FARMERS.

(By Our Rambling Reporter.)

I should have finished up my notes of the Westerfield estate some time ago, when 1 noticed the homestead in one of my “day’s journeys from town.” I touched then on almost everything about Mr. Reed’s interesting place except the woolshed, and wool being one of the greatest items of a country’s wealth, I should be ignoring the chief point of interest on a run if I omitted to go some what into details of the woolshed, &c., and its accessories. Mr. Reed’s woolshed is what is called a T shed, after the pat tern of the most approved sheds in Vic toria. The shearers, twelve in all, have got separate pens, inside and out, for their sheep.. When turned off the floor, the sheep pass out through small sliding doors. These doors are light, and have small cast iron rollers under them, which enable the shearer to move them with the slightest touch of the hand. The gratings are formed of narrow hardwood battens, and placed (we were informed) at the only distance apart which will at all times keep them from fouling, and at the same time prevent the sheep’s feet from getting through. The table, wool bins, and press are all neat and compact, and well suited for the requirements of the station, which at present carries 25,000 sheep, and in a year or two, with the aid of English grass, will carry 30,000 with ease.

I called at the shed when it was in full operation, and notwithstanding the appa rent hard work going on,, everyone seemed contented and jolly ; and the wool seemed to fly from the shears to the table, there to be skirted, rolled, and classed, passed to the bins, and thence to the press, with a rapidity truly astonishing to the un initiated. I was informed, however, on good authority that mistakes seldom or never happen, and that Mr. Reed is. com plimented by his London brokers on the correctness with which his wool, when placed op the market, comes up to station specifications. go much for Mr. Reed’s . woolshed, which during shearing time is well worth a visit, if you can persuade the at other times very obliging “ boss” to admit you Rut I suppose the powers that be at Westerfield are just as thankful as other station authorities are to escape from the

tax upon time they can ill spare during shearing by the visits of well-meaning people who like to see novelties, but who have no idea of the hindrance their visits are Jo work. I speak feelingly on this matter,_ for many a time I have wished wandering sight-seers would stay at home, or at least come “in single filesand not in whole battalions,” like misfor tunes. But- this by the way, for I went when the shed was doing its best, and was received with the utmost courtesy and the best grace, though I certainly knew better, and should not have visited at the busiest-time. But the wool trade is not the only one just now flourishing on the Westerfield estate. The farmers on it seem all on the road to fortune this season. The crops are simply grand. Starting with Mr. Poole, on the Hinds, it may be safely said that there is not a better crop than his in the colony ; and as he has a large area—some 1 640 acres—under crop, his harvest will be rather trying. But he is just the man to meet it. His barley, which has straw 6ft. high, with corresponding heads, is. some thing grand to look at. On a windy day it resembles more than anything else the rolling waves of. the ocean. For perse verance, pluck, and good management, Mr. Poole deserves to be placed in the first rank of Canterbury farmers, and the lady who is his helpmeet is not a whit behind in her department. Neither is she afraid to encounter inconveniences which, as a rule, belong to the sterner sex. On so large a holding, something is almost w r eekly required from town, on which occasions Mrs. Poole thinks nothing of driving 15 miles, and back the same day, handling the whip and ribbons in a style that would do credit to some of Cobb and Qo.’s Jehus.

Following up the Hinds, the next farm is held by Mr. Sutherland, of the Ashbur ton Forks. He does not reside at the Hinds —more’s the pity, as he is another farmer of the right sort, and has 'this season 700 acres under crop, not alto gether equalpn quality to Mr. Poole’s, but still very good. * Next in order comes Mr. Steel, a festive young bachelor, who is content to farm on a less extensive scale. This being leap-year he stands •in great danger of being proposed to, especially as he has got such a nice crop. !* Still further up the river is Mr. Brankin’s farm. He is a non-resident too, but that does not seem to affect the crops, which is such as to leave him no reason for regret ting that he is cropping in Westerfield this season. Nearer home, on the Ashburton, Mr. Black has the largest area , under crop, say 700 acres. On that area there 1 is at least three varieties of' soil, and conse quently some variation in the quality of the crops, but on the whole he will have a capital harvest.

The last on the list, being the latest to start farming on the estate, is Mr. Bates, and whether he played into the hands of providence, or providence into his cannot be well ascertained ; but he has managed to grow a magnificent crop to start with, and has secured two reapers and binders to cut it; so he means business. He is also a bachelor whose happiness some fair lady should think of this year of female privilege. Like a good many of his unfor tunate sex, lie is to be seen occasionally sewing his own buttons on.

The Work of the Session.

The statute book of Acts passed by the New Zealand Parliament during the year just closed lies before us, and it is per haps the smallest of any that has yet repre sented a year’s work of our colony’s legisla tors. In it, however, will be found some valuable measures, measures that, if all is to be believed that was said against the “ Liberalism ” of the Government now in power, would never be passed by any Ministry of the present day that does not v . have Sir George Grey, Mr. Macandrew, and Mr. Sheehan as its head and front, or at least the source of its inspiration. But there are laws on the book of statutes passed in 1879 that give the lie to the slanders on the Hall Government so in dustriously published against their “Liberalism” by those who claimed, so. underservedly, to be the great Liberal party. The session was spent in party strife,. and for the frittering away of the public time the Grey Ministry are responsible. They are also responsible for the absence" from the statute book of such Liberal measures as we. miss from it, notwith standing the noisy claim they made to be the only Liberals in the House ; and such Liberal measures as do appear in the volume before us are theie in spite of the strenuous efforts of the “ Liberals ” to keep them out. The compilation of this volume has a peculiar history. The session of which it is the outcome and the record—or rather the two sessions, for the work of the short one that preceded Sir George Grey’s appeal to the country is also given—were notable for many important incidents. The people’s idol of 1878, when three fourths of the populace were ready to accord him that hero-worship which is given lavishly to every idol of the hour, was weighed in the balance and found want ing, and had to give place to the Hon. John Hall, a. man less showy in his oratory, less lavish in his promises, more reliable in regard to their fulfilment, and less given to wild vituperation against those who differ from him. The downfall of Sir George Grey was the breaking up of his party. Once so : strong, and com ing into power at first with only a small < following, the second session of its exis tance saw a strong phalanx of votes at its back. It had a splendid prospect before it, and its talented leader might have closed a brilliant career with a still grander conclusion, and the close of his parliamentary history might have been " almost as sublime as some of the stirring perorations he made in his famous journey round the Colony. But a strange fatality seemed to follow him, and his power and popularity crumbled away as rapidly as they had been acquired. But with the tenacity of purpose for which he is noted he clung gamely to the last hope for office, - and when that was gone, his opposition and obstruction were as bitter-;,as they were foolish and peevish. So equally were parties divided, that only by the defection from Sir George’s party of four of his Auckland supporters was busi ness allowed to proceed. It was that-, defection gave ns the only really Liberal measures we owe to the second session of; 1879.« , . ' , The Hall Government were credited. - with being essentially conservative* and! conservative in the, worst sense for the

Thursday, January 15, 1880/]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



- New Advertisements. LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS !■ AND SERVANTS, T “ i 'i / AT THE “EVENING HERALD” OFFICE. V f - • >. TJIARMERS REQUIRING HANDS Jj can engage men through the “Evening Herald ’’ Registry for 1/- each, prepaid. LABORERS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can engage through the “ Herald ” Registry Office by paying 1/-, SERVANTS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can get them by applying at the “Herald” Registry Office, and paying !/-•. ' ENGAGEMENTS will be POSTED UP every day at 12 noon and 4 p.m., by numbers given to the applicants, who will learfi the address on enquiring. SPECIAL or URGENT WANTS will be inserted in the “ Evening Herald ” in the registry column on payment of Six pence "additional in advance, for each issue. Further Particulars on application at the “EVENING HERALD” REGISTRY OFFICE. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, EAST ST., ASHBURTON. TIT ANTED, those in search of employ- VV ment, to call and either enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of. Is. ■ T ABOURERS requiring work can 1 J secure first opening by applying early at Herald Registry Office, on pay nient of Is. SERVANTS requiring situations, call and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. EMPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance. 11. M. J ONES GR AND DISTRIBUTION op PRIZES will take place on FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, Jan. 16 and 17, in the Building adjoining Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co.’s Auction Mart, Have lock street.



TICKETS ONE SHILLING EACH, to be obtained at the Shop, Baring Square, and other agents. BACH TICKET OBTAINS A PRIZE. Prizes vary in value from £3 3s. to 6d, and include a Great Variety of articles, Useful, Ornamental, and Comical. Handsome Dressed Doll ... £3 3s. ~ Ladies’ Japanese Cabinet 1 5 j, Writing Desk ... 115 ~ Croquet Set ... 110 ~ Album 2 10 1 Concertina 1 0 1 „ 0 10/6 &c., &c., &c. . All tickets must be presented on either of the days of drawing. - Doors open from 11 to 5, and from 7 till 9. 363a—913a TINWALD BOOT AND SHOE SHOP. C. HAWKINS. CH. begs to inform the inhabitants of t Tinwald and surrounding districts that he has taken the Boot and Shoe Shop adjoining Mr. S. Stephens, saddler, and hopes by strict attention to business to obtain a share of public patronage. 742 g 937 a ' TO THE LADIES. Wanted known That mrs. CARSTENS has always on hand trimmings and lining, and dresses made on the shortest notice. ' MRS. CARSTENS, Tancred street, 933 a Ashburton. j! ' NE W ZEALAND WESLE YAN Published Monthly. TUST'ARRIVED, the “New Zealand Wesleyan” for January Price 6d. Sold at the Herald Office, East Street. WEEKS AND DIXON, Agents. THIS EVENING. THE REV, J. G. TURNER, ■ Special Agent of THE AUSTRALIAN MUTUAL PRO VIDENT SOCIETY, WILL DELIVER A L TU R E In the GOOD TEMPLAR HALL, THIS EVENING, at Eight o’clock. Thomas Bullock, Esq., has kindly con sented to take the Chair. The lecture will be “ A Brief Ex planation of the Working and Benefits of .Life Assurance.” mission free, ors open at 7.30. 384g— 941a EACHERS can obtain the MULTI PLICATION TABLES, printed on med paper, in any quantity at the ,ald Office, East street, near the way Station.



New Advertisements. IMPOUNDED.— January 6, 1 Light Bay Gelding, blaze in face, two white hind feet, white spot on nose; January 8, 8 head Horned Cattle, year lings, branded like C on hip, like U on rump ; January 9, 1 Light Bay Gelding, two white hind feet, star on forehead ; 1 Light Bay Gelding, one white hind foot. If not released on or before January 23rd, 25th, and 26th, will be sold to de fray expenses. . / . WILLIAM PRICE,, 943 a Poundkeeper. TO BUILDERS. rnENDERS are invited for the EREC -i- TION of a BILLIARD ROOM. Plans and specifications can be seen at Airs. Butler’s Family Hotel. Tenders will be received up to 7 p.m. on MONDAY, the 19th Jan. 940 a TO BUILDERS. TENDERS are invited for the erection of THREE SHOPS in BRICK in Tancred street, Ashburton. Plans and Specifications may be seen at the resi dence of the undersigned. Tenders will j be received up to 7 p.m. on Thursday, the 15th January. ' : The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. JOHN FOWLER, 904 a Moore' Street, Ashburton. A MEETING of those gentlemen in terested in the formation of a Hor ticultural Society, is hereby convened for THURSDAY, at 8 p.m., in Quill’s Sample Rooms, Saunders’ Buildings. 934 a MR. DAVIDSON’S BOYS’ PRIVATE SCHOOL. THE SCHOOL will REOPEN on TUESDAY, the 20th January, at 9 o’clock. 927 a MONEY TO LEND. WANTED to Lend Five or Six Hundred Pounds on Good Free hold Security. Apply Box 31, P. 0., Ashburton. 923 a IU 1 O IR, 1800. THE PRESS ALMANAC And Diary Can be obtained from the undersigned. Price—One Shilling. WEEKS AND DIXON, Herald ;; Office, Near Railway Station. WANTED, a RESPECTABLE YOUNG MAN who has a know ledge of Bookkeeping. , Salary, LBO for first year, advance according to merit. Apply “ Books,’’Box 42, Ashburton. 944 a "\X7ANTED —A First- class Cook. Apply at once, to Butler’s Family Hotel, Ashburton. 905 a WANTED, a good strong BOY, to Milk, and make himself useful at Westerfield. Apply Herald office. 898 a TXJANTED—A good strong general VV snRVRT SERVANT, accustomed to milk. Apply, Mrs. Macbean Stewart. 928 a



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement ■will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. Orders to -withdraw or replace advertisements must be sent in in writing not later than 9 a. m. each day. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, -as a guarantee of good faith. v . All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.