THE STORY-TELLER.

COURTING UNDER DIFFICULTIES

’Twas a beautiful day in July. The golden sun was shilling brightly, and the little English sparrows hopped merrily from limb to limb, and tried their very best to tell the pedestrians how happy they were. Among the many handsome ladies and gentlemen who were promenading one of Brooklyn’s most fashionable streets on iljis fine summer day, was one gentleman, who immediately attracted attention. He was a tall, handsome young man, attired in accordance with fashion’s strict and capricious demand. This gentleman was Mr. George Sinclair, cashier of the bank. He stopped, finally, before a large, handsome mansion in C Street, and rapidly ascended the marble steps. His summons was immediately answered by a gaily dressed colored servant, who conducted him to the parlor, and announced to the beautiful young that Mr. lady sitting at the open window Sinclair had arrived.

Let us digress a moment, and describe the fresh glowing beauty of Alice Som merville, the only child of the rich banker, Ezra Sommerville. She was about twenty years of age, and possessed a superb figure. Her blooming face glowed with animation and health, and the blushing roses of her cheek formed a pleasing contrast to the lily whiteness of her neck and brow. Her great blue eyes shone with far more brightness than stars; her long, waving hair rippled far below the shapely waist, and shone like threads of purest gold ; her white even teeth and delicately chiselled lips outvied pearls and rubies. Fairer than the fairest'her beau tiful face outvied the houri poet’s dream.

George had been waiting on Alice for a long time, and rumour hinted that they were engaged ; but, as usual, rumour was mistaken. George loved Miss Sommer ville with his whole heart, but, like many others, he found difficulty in saying so. On this beautiful summer afternoon he resolved to declare his love and know his fate. So, after a few commonplace remarks, he took the lady’s little hand in his own, and said, “ Miss Sommerville — Alice—l love you! I have loved you since I first beheld your face. I have often desired to tell you so, but have been too diffident. Now hear my vow; I swear that I love you better than ” “ Oysters ! oysters !” shouted a fish pedlar, as he rattled by in his rickety vehicle.

George was very much put out by this sudden interruption, and Alice dropped her head upon his shoulder to conceal the smiles whch rippled over her face and beamed from her laughing eyes. But our hero was determined, and continued. “ I love you better than my very exis tence ! You are the idol of my soul ! When I look upon your pearly cheek I think of ” “ Coals ! coals ! ” roared a stout Irish man, with an immense kettle on his head, as he ambled past the house. George bit his lip, but bravely con tinued.

“ I think of the pure glistening snow. Your dear voice never fails to touch a responsive chord in my heart, and when you are singing that beautiful ballad, commencing ” “ Umbrellas to mend 1 ” inquired a a lame man, as he gazed up at his open window.

George ground his teeth together and resumed.

“ When you are singing ‘ Ever of thee I’m fondly dreaming,’ it seems as if an angel voice was whispering love to my soul. Oh, darling, say that my love is reciprocated ? Your slightest w r ish shall be my law. I will dress you in ” “Rags ! rags ! ” insinuated a red-headed boy, as he pushed his waggon by the house.

This last interruption was too much for the gravity of the lady, and she laughed heartily. George wiped the moisure from his brow, and in an undertone invoked dire maledictions upon the head of the offending junkman. But he was deter mined to have it over at all hazards, so he went on.

“I meant te say, dear Alice, before that infer—l beg your pardon, I mean that brawling ragman interrupted me, that I would dress you like a qeen. Don’t refuse me ? Say that you will be my wife.” Alice who really loved the handsome young man, looked into his eyes, and as she smoothed his raven hair, said, “ George, if I were sure that you really meant what you have been telling me, I should be tempted to give my consent. ” “ Oh Alice,” cried the ardent wooer, in a reproachful tone, “can you doubt my love ? I swear by “Wood! wood !” suggested across-eyed colored man in a cream-colored coat, as he paused in front of the mansion.;. “ I swear by all my hopes., that I have only spoken that which my heart and soul prompted me to. Do you believe me Alice ? ”

“ Yes, George,” she ’murmured, “ I do believe you.” “ Oh, thank you ! thank you ” efied the now delighted lover. “ And. now, dar ling, that you have consented, let us talk about the blissful future. I will buy a cottage, and you can have a little garden, and spend your time- in cultivating delici ously perfumed——” “ Onions ! onions ! ” hinted a thin female with an old shawl over her head as she shuffled down the street.

“ Oh confound the pedlars ! ” pettishly exclaimed George. seems as - if..the entire fraternity had resolved to perambu late this street to-day. I meant to. say that you could tend the flowers- while I was absent. I have quite a sum of money, and I intend going into business for my self. I think I shall try ”, “Matches and shoe-laces!” suggested a small boy with a remarkably big voice.

This comical interuption was too much for human nature, and George arose and paced the floor excitedly, while Alice nearly strangled herself in attempting to suppress her emotion. “Alice” said George with a woebegone expression, “for Heaven’s sake take me into the hall, in the kitchen, cellar—any where but this room ! The hawkers will drive me mad if I remain here much longer.” Alice consented, and led the way to the back parlor. While they were going, Geoi-ge remarked, “ I could not tell you half my plans in that room, Alice. My mind is confused, and my language seems to be all

“ Dust—dust! ” declared a shrill voice from without.

George struck his forehead savagely and said something, but fortunately the slam ming of the door rendered it unintelli gible to Alice. Once removed from the cause of his trouble, George soon regained his good humor; and succeeded so well with his wooing that when, about two hours after, he took his departure, he did so as the prospective husband of the handsome heiress, Alice Somerville. -■ Not long after this, George and Alice were married. George’s description of his love was not in the least overdrawn, as his only thought was to make the life of his young wife happy. Our hero’s aversion to street criers has never been removed, and he always regards them with an unsympathetic scoul. And now, when Alice wishes to tease him a little, she merely remarks something about “ matches and shoe laces. ”

A Hideous Story.

A New York paper tells this hideous story : In Oswego, the negro, Dan Searles known as “ Black Dan, was executed by officers of the law. Previous to dying, he had sold his body for the sum of 15d015., the money to go to his father. No one seems to have thought it -worth while to cry out against this proceeding. The doctors w'ho bought the body went to the execution in company with the father of the condemned negro, and watched all the proceedings with the keenest interest. No sooner had the body been pronounced dead than the doctors, whose property it then became, rushed forward to take pos session, while yet warm. But the father then stepped between them and the body of his son, and said it w r as his property, it should not leave his hands until the 15dols. were paid. An unseemly wrangle then took place, nobody seeming to think it worth wdiile to interfere. At length the doctors paid the money to his father, and he went off with utter unconcern. The doctors having entered in possession, cut off the head, sawed open the skull, took out the brain, and that day plastered bills all over the town announcing that the head would be exhibited and an anatomi cal lecture delivered upon it. The citizens of Oswego, quite as shameless as these doctors, crowded the hall, and the lecture proved so successful that they announced they w'ould take the skull over the State with them, and exhibit it in the same way. |

IHE ASHBURTON HERALD.

I Monday, May 3, 1880.



Stack Fire.— On Thursday morning early six stacks of wheat, belonging to the Bank of New South Wales, were totally destroyed by fire. The wheat was grown in one of the paddocks lately occupied by Mr. J. J. Loe, at Leeston, but now held by the Bank of New South Wales, and was the product of 42 acres, estimated +o yield 40 bushels to the acre. The fire was discovered shortly after 4 a.m. The whole six stacks were then in flames, and there ismo doubt must have been the act of an incendiary. The stacks were insured in the Norwich Union for L 250, but this will not cover the loss. Holloway’s Ointment and Pills. Rheumatic Pains, Tic-Doloreaux.—These dis eases are unfortunately very prevalent in this country, and are frequently most distressing, sometimes for years baffling all medical skill to alleviate the sufferings of the victim. Inno case have Holloway’s Ointment and Pills failed to produce a cure'. The Ointment produces a peculiar and soothing influence over the nerves and muscles, relaxing spasms and subduing pain. The attack soon becomes milder and the intervals between the paroxysms longer; until they cease altogether. The Pills restore the body from a weak and debilitated condition to a state of health and strength. Persons bedridden for months with rheumatic pains and dwellings, after using the Ointment have been cured in an incredible short period.— Advt.



Business Notices. BEST NEWCASTLE COALS LAMBTON COLLIERY. 50s. 1 A PER CENT. DISCOUNT for CASH. SPRINGFIELD COALS 40s. PER TON. 10 Per Cent. • Discount for Cash. To be delivered in my yard. Acconnts to be paid monthly. C. PERCY COX. 359 C *773 G NEWS AND MAGAZINE AGENCY. STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT. RE-OPENING. HM. JONES begs to inform bis , customers and the public generally that he has re-opened part of the premises lately occupied by A. Weston and K. Sando 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,” “AshburtonHerald,“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 their oopies at the above Establishment. *l2lc



Edmuston, Gundry, & Co. TUESDAY, 4th MAY. GREAT CLEARING SALE. BANKRUPT ESTATES AT THE ASHBURTON YARDS. IN THE ESTATE OF RISELY BROS., AND D. EVANS, AND UNDER BILL OF SALE ME JAMES GARDINER, Messrs edmiston, gundry AND CO. have received instruc tions from the Trustees in the above Estates TO SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, AT THE ASHBURTON SALEYARDS, ON TUESDAY, 4th MAY, The Whole of the FARMING STOCK, AND IMPLEMENTS, Comprising— -12 good DRAUGHT HORSES 3 good HACKS 1 X 6-HORSE WAGGON 4 FARM DRAYS 4 REAPERS and BINDERS, By Osborne, Wood, and McCormick 6 S. and D. FURROW PLOUGHS 1 HORSE POWER and CHAFF CUTTER 2 CAMBRIDGE ROLLERS 1 Reid & Gray TILTER, quite new HARROWS IRON TANKS SADDLE and BRIDLES, HARNESS SACKS, &c., &c. Also, At the same Time and Place, THE EQUITY OF REDEMPTION OF THAT WELL KNOWN FARM, OF 197 ACRES, 197 Now in the occupation of MESSRS. RISELY BROS. This Property is situate on the FAR-FAMED WAKANUI ESTATE With good roads, and contiguous to Ashburton. As the present mortgage will be allowed to remain on the property it pre sents an eligible opportunity to small# capitalists. Also same date. IN TPIE ESTATE OF EDWIN WATKINS WITHOUT RESERVE. ASHBURTON SALEYARDS, ON TUESDAY, THE 4th MAY, The whole of his Farming Stock AND IMPLEMENTS, Comprising— -9 good Draught Horses 6 Unbroken Draught Colts and Fillies 30 head of Cattle 600 Sheep. IMPLEMENTS.. 2 McCormick’s Reapers and Binders 1 Samuelson’s Reaper 2 D.F. Ploughs 2 New Farm Drays 2 Spring Traps (one quite new) 1 Cambridge Roller Sets Harrows Harness, &C., (tc., (i/C. WITHOUT RESERVE. Also, THE EQUITY OF REDEMPTION of a well-finished 4-roomed COTTAGE and SECTION OF LAND, containing one acre, at the corner of N.E. Belt. This property is without doubt one of the best in Ashburton at the present time in tlie market for an hotel site, being at the corner of the East Belt and the roads leading to the townships of Fairfield, Seafield, and Wakanui. Sale at 12 o’clock. EDMISTON, GUNDRY, & CO., 802g-408c Auctioneers.



Edmiston, Gundry & Co. FOR SALE, BY PRIVATE TREATY. THE undersigned have for sale by Private Treaty, the following Pro perties : R.S. 28216, 7,8, 9, containing 686 acres, which will be sold in farms of 100 acres and upwards. This property is within 4 miles of Ashburton township, is very good land, and will be sold on very reasonable terms, viz, 10s. per acre cash and the balance at a low rate of interest on a term of years. 210 ACRES on Gould and Cameron’s run. This property is partly fenced with gorse fences. 128 ACRES at Chertsey, all securely fenced, and is at present sown with turnips. This property will be sold at a low price on easy terms. 125 ACRES at Greenstreet, securely fenced with live fences, and sub divided, and a permanent stream of water, 285 ACRES at Greenstreet, to be sold or let om a purchasing clause in one or more blocks. This is excellent land, and laid down in English grass, and well watered with creeks. This would make a capital farm, and will be sold on very liberal terms. 210 ACRES close to the township of Ashburton, with good dwell ing-house, stable, granary, &c. This property will be let for a term of years at a low rent. 500 ACRES at Orari, in one or more blocks. 150 ACRES at Tinv aid. A capital farm, being all fenced and ready for cropping. There are three creeks running through this pro perty. 150 ACRES at Ashton. A well com pact farm, together with house, stables, &c. Price very low. 800 ACRES at Mount Possession. 1500 ACRES near the spread Eagle Hotel. T.S. No 879, Ashburton. T.S. 301, 302, Burnett-street, Ash burton. T.S. 247, Kermode Street, Aslibur ton. T.S. 182, 183, opposite Church, Tinwald, a bargain, &c. EDMISTON, GUNDRY, & CO., Auctioneers and Estate Agents. Agents for the gOUTH BRITISH FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY. Capital £1,000,000. Risks taken on all kinds of Property, Growing Crops, Grain in Stack, Thresh ing Machines, &c. EDMISTON, GUNDRY, & CO., East Street. Business Notices. FINE ARTS. ART UNION. A SPLENDID Collection of OIL PAINTINGS and Water Color DRAWINGS, by Mr. Clarke, of Rakaia, are to be disposed of bj r Art Union. The pictures are on view at the shop next to Mr. Street’s, Saddler, Rakaia. Tickets, 10s each, can be obtained at Mr. Street’s Saddler, Rakaia, and of THOS. A. GATES, Picture Frame Maker. 48c-770g Ashburton. PATRONISED BY ALL CLASSES. THE GREATEST DISCOVERY OF THE AGE. ninee’s TRADE j j\j"] MARK. PURE EXTRACT of KEROSINE WILL NQTi'IGNITE IF ’LAMP IS UPSET. Burns in any Kerosine Lamp ; gives a brighter light, lasts longer, is free from smell and free from danger. Sold by all respectable grocers and storekeepers throughout the colony. The next time you . want Oil for your Lamp try a tin of “ Niner’s Extract.’ Sold in pints, quarts, half-gallon and one-gallon tins. Wholesale and Retail Agents for the Ashburton District— O R R AND CO., Ashburton and Rakaia. 316c-735g JUST ARRIVED —Young Ladies’ Journal., London Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, Boys of England, Boys’ Standard, Our Girls’ Own Paper, &c., &c. H. M. JONES, Stationer, 360 c East Street and Baring Square. THE “ Herald ” is published everj evening, thus giving every day’s news. This is better than buying a Six penny weekly.



Public Notices. NOTICE. WESTERFIELD MILL. TO FARMERS, BAKERS, & OTHERS. f|IHE Westerfield Mill is now in full work, and the public can be supplied with FIRST-CLASS FLOUR on most reason able terms. Every attention will be given to Public Gristing, and farmers from a distance can have grist done immediately after de livery. Apply to the Miller, HENRY BOWERS. Grain stored on liberal terms. 389c-79Gg m Ashburton steeplechase MEETING. SATURDAY, MAY 29th, 1880. List of Officers : President : E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R. Vice-President : W. C. Walker, Esq. Stewards : Mr. Hay T. Smith Mr. John Carter Mr. JL. E. Corsbie Mr. R. Friedlander Mr. Neil M‘Lean Mr. J. Hunt Mr. E. Saunders Mr. A. McLean Mr. E. S. Coster Dr. Ross Judge : Mr. M. Stitt. Starter : Mr. John Carter. Clerk of the Course : Mr. E. Saunders. Clerk of the Scales : Mr. E. F. Wright. Hon. Secretary : Mr. J. Wilkie. Hon. Treasurer : Mr. C. C. Fooks. Handicafper : Mr. H. P. Lance. FIRST RACE TO START AT 12.30 P.M. 1. Ashburton Handicap Steeplechase, of 40 sovs., added to a, sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each for acceptors ; over about 3 miles of fair hunting country ; nomination 2 sovs. 2. District Handicap of 20 sovs., added to a sweep of 2 sovs. for acceptors ; 2 miles ; nomination 1 sov., for district horses only. 3. The Waicanui Stakes, of 20 sovs.; weight for age ; open to all horses ; 2 miles ; entrance 1 sov. 4. Farmers’ Steepechase, of 15 sovs.; about 11 miles ; weight for age ; en trance 1 sov.; for district horses only. 5. Hack Steeplechase, of 5 sovs.; 1 mile ; catch weights ; entrance 1 sov.; for district horses only. Rules and Regulations : The N.Z. Grand National Rules strictly adhered to, except where specified. A district horse shall mean a horse commonly resident in the County since March Ist, 1880, and the bona fide pro perty of the owner ; and “ owner ” shall mean a person or persons commonly resi dent in the County of Ashburton not less than six months previous to this meeting. The decision of the Stewards on all dis puted points shall be final. No protest will be received unless 2 sovs. be deposited, which shall be forfeited if the protest be considered frivolous. Nominations for the Handicaps to be sent to the Secretary at Quill’s Hotel not later than 9 p. m. on Thursday, May 20th. Weights will be declared on Tuesday, May 25th. Acceptances on night of general entry, Wednesday, May 26th, at 8 p.m. All entries to state age, color, and name of the horse, and the colors of the rider. JAMES WILKIE, Hon. Sec. 791 g Ashburton Steeplechases. T. JBullock. THE undersigned has the following PROPERTIES to LET with a pur chasing clause, or FOR SALE on liberal terms of payment— Tj ACRES good WHEAT LAND, JLtlv all ploughed and ready for cross ploughing for wheat ; situated about three miles from the township. ACRES, near the above ; also good WHEAT LAND, ploughed once and ready for cross-ploughing. ACRES, partly improved, near Wins tdr'J low. This will be sold very cheap, and on very liberal terms. TOWN PROPERTIES. V7ALUABLE BUSINESS SITE in Bur » nett Street, being T.S. 177, next the “ Mail” office. PART of T.S. 139, Peter Street. This will be sold cheap, and on liberal terms. TO Railway Employes, Mechanics, and Others. —FOR SALE, cheap, Lot 78, situated on East Town Belt. Terms, £5 cash ; balance by monthly or quarterly payments. T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE, Cheap, Dwelling-house of 7 rooms, situated on the East Belt, near the Parsonage—For particulars apply to T. Bullock. 206 c mHE “ Herald ” is on every Tea Table 1 in Ashburton DO you Want the News of the Day 1 Read the Ashburton Herald, IT is only a Penny, is to be got every where in Town, along the Railway i ine, and of Country Agents.



Business Notices. FURNITURE ! FURNITURE ! ! Made to Order by /CHARLES jg RADER, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, FURNITURE DEALER, &C. Chests of Drawers, 3ft. Gin. x 3ft. Gin., with five drawers, Price 70s. Scotch Chest of Drawers, with six drawers, Price £5 10s. Kitchen Cupboard, from 30s. Do. with Dresser, from 40s. Venetian and other Blinds, Curtain Poles, Oxford and other Picture Frames made to order. Furniture repaired and renovated. GREAT SOUTH ROAD, TINWALD, Beyond Clark’s Grain Stores. For Sale, a Light Waggon, nearly new, in good order, Price £22. A good chance for anyone requiring a useful conveyance cheap. 346c-774g HALLO! H4LLO! QUILL AGAIN. REDUCTION IN PRICES. BOTTLED WINES & SPIRITS. T. QUILL, SEEING the necessity of a Wholesale Bottling, Wine, and Spirit Store in Ashburton, has determined to supply that want, and therefore begs to submit the following list of Prices, every article guaranteed to be of the best and purest description. PRICE LIST. .Brandy Flasks, 2s. and 4s. per flask. Fine Old Port, per Bottle, 6s. and 6s. Superior old Dry Montelado, (old Sherry) Very old Scotch Whisky, per Bcttle ss. Fine old Irish Whisky, per Bottle, ss. Superior old Jamaca Rum, per Bottle, ss. Fine old Martelle’s Dark Brandy, per Bottle, ss. Hennessey’s Brandy, per Bottle, 6s. Superior Square Gin (J.D.K.Z.), per Bottle, 6s. Superior Old Tom (Swain Booth’s), per Bottle, ss. All other brands equally Reduced. QUILL’S Assorted Dozen of Best Wines and Spirits for £3 10s, containing— -3 bottles Brandy 2 ~ Port 2 ~ Rum 2 bottles Whisky 2 ~ Sherry 1 ~ Old Tom (Ready packed, and forwarded to any part of the County on the shortest notice.) One trial will prove to Quill’s customers the quality of his taps. COMMENCING MONDAY, 26th APRIL. Open from 7 a. m to 6 p.m. during winter months. Note Address— T. QUILL’S, WHOLESALE BOTTLING STORES, Commercial Hotel, (Near Railway Station), Ashburton. 751 g DON’T! PLEASE! DON'Tj! STOP! DO STOP! "i TOP before you give your next order for a Suit of Clothes. rF you want Style, Fit, and Quality, [_ try the Undersigned. 3 EAD the following, then call and iri -3j spect the Goods. (YARDS READY TO CUT. UST ARRIVED —The best Stock of Winter Cloths to be got for money. 4 UPERIOR in quality to anything ever 3 yet shown in Ashburton. ( SAMPLES TO SELECT FROM amprising the following : German Cloths, plain and fancy, the most fashionable Beaver Cloths, suitable for Winter Scotch Tweeds, assorted Mosgiel ~ ~ Kaiapoi ~ ~ West of England Cloths Bedford Cords Irish Frieze, &iCt , &c., &c. 70 CALL and inspect this Splendid Assort ment before you order. MOTTO: Small Profits and Quick Returns. Terms—Cash. TYLE and Finish second to none. JgCONOMY £1 Is. Cash for a Pair of Trousers £3 15s. Cash for a Tweed Suit. The Address is— G. J. F. LUBLOW, THE TAILORING DEPOT, Triangle, Ashburton, Between Post Office and Baldwin’s Central Hotel. 782g-380c Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, East street, near Railway Station, fTIHE PER NY made the postal system I of England a success. So has it made the Herald. Everybody buys the Herald.



Business Notices. Dissolution OF Partnership. o ORE AND CO., to announce that they intend to DISSOLVE PARTNERSHIP on Ist SEPTEMBER They will therefore, on Saturday, May Ist, offer the whole of their superior stock, amounting to over £20,000 worth of DRAPERY, IRONMONGERY, AND GROCERIES* AT COST PRICE. The reductions in price extends to every Department in our Business, And we trust our Customers will pay PROMPT CASH DURING SALE. All Goods will be marked in plain figures with Red Ink. jf 1 ■ . f All outstanding accounts must be paid at once so that partnership accounts may be adjusted. t k k ORR & CO., ASHBURTON & RAKAIA April 24th, 1880. P.S.—A Large Shipment of Drapery Goods just opened up ex Pallala. Guns! Guns l Guns! POWDER. SHOT. GAPS. ORR AND CO. HAVE now on hand a very fine assortment of BREECHLOADING DOUBLE AND SINGLE-BARREL GUNS, And as these have been imported direct from the manufacturers, we are prepared to Sell at the mosHßeasonablelfPrices — From £2 10s to|£2s. ORR AND CO*