COMMERCIAL.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Offi.cc, as follows : For Christchurch and North at io.2o‘a.m. 4.30 p.m-, and 8 p.m., cl lily. For Ciiertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. . . , For Dunedin, Tinwakl Winslow, Hind- - , Coldstream, Rangilata, Orari, Winchester, and Gera'dine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. 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 Longbeach, at .15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-Morrow.

By Mil Alfred Harrison, at his rooms, at 12 o’clock—Pines, apples, cocoatiuts ; at his yards, at 12 o’clock —Horse, cart, harness, pig ; at bis rooms at 1 o’clock —Town section No. 4G7, Havelock street.

By Messrs. Edmiston Bros, .and Gundry —At their rooms, at 1.30, apples, potatoes.

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

We are sorry to chronicle to-day the death of Charles Reed, Esq., of Wester field. The deceased gentleman, as is well known, has been in weak health for a series of years, but only recently did his illness take a serious color. When it became alarming he removed to Christ church for the benefit of medical treat ment, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred yesterday at Malvern House. Mr. Reed has been on the plains for more than 20 years, and no one was better acquainted with their history than was lie, and no one took greater interest in their progress. He was a busy and hard-working public man—too much so, for his health—and in his death the district loses a fast friend. Mr. Reed was a staunch churchman, and a friend of the poor, and his aid was always to be counted upon for any good purpose—no matter in what direction. When he did a good action he never asked the creed or nationality of the man he befriended, and he knew how to value merit for its worth. There are many indeed who will miss the kindly voice and happy smile of Charles Reed.

The String Binder. — The Gammon and Deering string binder has gained first honors in a trial at Oamaru. The War Paint.— The Longbeaeli rate collector is mixing his war paint. We saw him purchase a large stock of law Court stamps. Ratepayers will doubtless be able to put the proper meaning on the oliicial’s intentions.

For Sale.— A gentleman with the very suggestive name of “Barnum” writes from Wellington to the Chrisfchureh Acclima tisation Society, offering for sale a “ Tas manian devil and a Madagascar cat.” The Society isn’t on.

Lost in this Bush. —Two men who have been lost in the bush several miles from Nelson since Monday last have just been found.

Neglectful Householders. —Monday, 15th March, has been fixed by the Board of Education for School Committee elec tions in the following places, where none took place on the proper date :—Ashbur ton Forks, Ashley Bank, Dunsaudel, Gebbie’s Valley, Irwell, Kaipoi Island, Kyle, Little Akaloa, Longbeach, Mount Somers, New Brighton, Port Levy, Rakaia Little, Seafield, Selwyn, South brook, Springston, Stoke, Tinwakl, Wai kuku, Weedon, West Melton, and Wil lowby.

Accident at Alford Forest. —A man was brought to Rakaia on Thursday after noon from Alford Forest who had met with a severe accident. He was driving a dray, when the horses started off, and the reins catching his legs he was thrown down, the ■wheel passing up his right leg and across liis back. He seemed to be suffering great pain, particularly when the stretcher he was lying on was moved. He was taken to Christchurch by the Express.

Vestry Meeting—South Rakaia. —A meeting of the vestry of the parish of South Rakaia uas held in the Road Board office on Thursday afternoon. Present — The Rev. W. H. Elton, incumbent, Chairman ; Messrs. C. N. Mackie, C. A. Hardy, A. Makeig, E. T. Coster, and Wm. Cox. It was resolved that the harvest festival be held on the Ist of April next, the service to be at 4 p.m.; a tea meeting to he held at 5 '3O, and a gift auction at 7 p.m.--the charges to the tea to be, adults 2s. Gd. children Is. It was resolved that the rev. Chairman, Messrs. Mackie, Cox, and Makeig be a Committee to call for tenders and see to the building of two additional rooms to the parsonage. After a lengthy discussion it was decided that the matter of the parish taking over the church at Shenvoood should he placed before the parishioners at the Easter meet ing for an expression of their opinion. The Chairman informed the meeting that lie had great hopes of obtaining a grant of LIOO from the Church Property Trustees for the erection of a school chui’ch at Methven, and also for one at Ohertsey.

The Year 1881. —-The year 1881 will be a mathematical curiosity. From left to right and from right to left it reads the same ; 18 divided by 2 gives 9 as quotient; 81 divided by 9 and 9is the quotient. If 1881 is divided by 209, 9 is the quotient ; if divided by 9 the quotient contains a 9 ; if multiplied by 9 the product contains two 9’s. 1 and 8 are 9; 8 and 1 are 9. If the 18 be placed under the 81 and added, the sum is 99. If the figures be added thus—l, 8,8, I—it1 —it will give 18, two 9’s. Reading from left to right is IS, and reading from right to left is 18, and 18 is two-ninths of 81. By adding, divi ding and multiplying 19, 9 ! s are produced, being one 9 for each year required to com plete the century.

Sir George Grey opened the new Grammar School at Auckland on Thurs day. Sir George referred to the impor tance of the questions which would have to be grappled with, in the coming age by the rising generation, and in this connection lie pointed out the serious responsibilities and duties of manhood against other than the growing tendency to speak slightly of Christianity, to sneer at its cardinal doctrines, and to regard life as a thing of little consequence. In past ages Christianity had withstood with un shaken front the determined assaults of detractors, and was ready with increasing strength to repel all assaults. Sir George will address his constituents at the Thames on Saturday night.

Ashburton Horticultural Society.— The adjourned meeting of members of the above was held in Mr. Anstec’s Boarding House last evening. There was a very good attendance. Mr. H. J. Weeks was called to the chair. The Secretary having read the advertisement calling the meeting, as also the minutes of previous meeting, which were con firmed The Chairman explained the business on which the meeting was con vened. The Secretary was instructed to convey to Mr. E. G. Wright the thanks of the Society for accepting the office of President, and for his annual subscription of L 5 ss. It was resolved—“ That the Auditors for this year bo elected by the Committee.” The rules, as drafted by the sub-Committee, having been read seriatim, were adopted. It was resolved—“ That the Managing Committee be recommended to get 150 copies of the rules and bye laws printed, and to charge sixpence per copy for same.” It was resolved—“ That to foster the interests of the Society and encourage horticulture, it is desirable to hold a show in March next ; and that bye law No. 2, having reference to exhibits, be suspended in its action for three months, to encourage exhibits at the first show.'* Messrs. G. Smith, J. and T. Sealey, Charlton, Jacobson, and J. G. Anstee were appointed a sub-Committee, to arrange prize schedule—three to form a quorum, and further, to make all neces sary arrangements for the holding of the show. The meeting then adjourned sine die. A meeting of the Managing Com mittee was then held —Mr. G. Smith in the chair. It was resolved —“ That the show be held on Saturday, March 6th, at the Town Hall, if procurable on that day.” Messrs. J. Sealey, Collins, and tho Secretary, wore appointed to obtain the use of the hall on the best terms, and make arrangements for advertising at the lowest cost. Mr. Poyntz moved and Mr. Chapman seconded —“That the recom mendation of the general meeting—re printing rules and bye-laws—be adopted ; and Messrs Anstee and Coutts were ap pointed to canvass for advertisements to be printed in connection with tho rules. ” It was agreed to meet again on Tuesday evening, the 10th, at 7,30 p.m.

Rakaia Presbyterian Church. —At a pro re nata meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery lield in St. Andrews Presby terian Church, Christchurch, yesterday, the call to Rev. B. J. Westbrooke from the congregation of Rakaia to bo their pastor was sustained by the Presbytery, and ac cepted by Mr. Westbrooke. The com missioners from Rakaia were Messrs. A. Orr and James Wilkinson, who in sup porting the call said it was a perfectly unanimous one on the part of the people. The induction is to take place on the 18th March, by which time it is expected har vest will be over, and probably a tea meeting will be held on that day to cele brate the event.

Coal Company —A new is announced in Dunedin with a capital of L 15,000, to work the Wallsend colliery at Greymouth.

The Otaki Post Letter Case. —The Stewards of the Wellington Ricing Club have decided not to prosecute the post master at Otaki for ante-dating a letter containing an entry for a race. The horse Commission has been disqualified from running on any racecourse under the Club’s conti 01, and the Secretary was re quested to communicate with the other clubs in the colony, asking them to sus tain their action. Stevens, the trainer of the horse, and Mr. Champion, the owner, are to be disqualified, unless they can give a satisfactory explanation of their action.

The Mount Somers Railway. —Messrs Fraser and Co. have now laid the rails along the whole length of the Mount Somers railway line, and they will pro bably finish 'the ballasting tins week. There will then only rcinaui to be done the trimming and boxing, and these will be completed by the end of the month. The line should thus be ready for the grain traffic which is bound to bo in full swing about that time or early in March. The line would have been finished ere now, but for the want of material —the Govern ment having allowed themselves to run out of fish plates and bolts. The sleepers made use of for the line, the contractors tell us, are of a very superior class, being all of native timber, and procured from Picton, Oxford, and Waimate.

The Accident to the Rotomatiana.— The finding of the Court of Inquiry into the cause of the accident to the Roto mahana by striking on a rock near the Great Barrier Island, on Jan. 1, while on an excursion trip, is as follows : —“ That no wrongful act or default can be attri buted to Captain Underwood in the striking of the Rotomahana on a rock on Jan. 1 last, but at the same time this Court is of opinion that the sending of such a ship as the Rotomah.ina on a plea sure excursion with a large number of passengers, to a port seldom visited by large ships, and further, choosing a channel not even then usually employed, was highly injudicious, and is reprehen sible, and the engagement of a person as pilot who cannot understand a chart is blameable. The Court finds that the con duct of the master and officers, after the accident, was most praiseworthy, there being no confusion nor unnecessary alarm on board after the striking of the steamer.”

Larrikin ism.— One day last week, as the 11 ’25 train from Wanganui was passing one of the crossings near Sc. John’s plat form, the larrikins of that locality opened fire from an improvised battery, discharg ing a perfect shower of missiles at the carriage windows. Among the many and novel projectiles (says the “Rangitikei Advocate ”) were included kerosene, lobster, pickled salmon, raspberry, and currant-jam tins, and other articles of like description too numeiousto mention. As in warfare generally it is difficult to please both sides, the fun in this case was enjoyed by the assailing party, the travellers for whose especial benefit the little war was got up, failing to see the point of the joke when impressed upon their notice at the dangerous end of the line of trajection. Small Birds. —The small English birds imported into Hawke’s Bay have increased so rapidly that they are beginning to cause a good deal of mischief, and no little alarm. A large and splendid crop of rape on Mr. Ormond’s Heretaunga, estate at tracted these birds in thousands, and fully a third of the seed was eaten by them be fore it could be gathered. It has been suggested (says the Napier “ Telegraph ”) that a dozen of each sort of birds—-spar rows, finches, linnets, &c.- —should be shot and opened, with a view to ascertaining whether they feed more upon grain than upon insects. It is possible that cater pillars will do more harm to a field of grain in a few hours than the birds will do in a week, but it would bo as well to dis cover how far the charges against the birds can be borne out by evidence.

The Wantabaugery Bushrangers. Writing of the bushrangers who were exe cuted on Jan. 13, the Sydney correspondent of a southern paper says :—The decision as to their fate was communicated to Scott and Rogan on Christmas Eve. What a mockery the seasonable phrase, “ A Merry Christmas” must have seemed to those un happy creatures during the following day. Scott received the tidings with apparent callousness. He said he had anticipated that such would be their nature. Since then he has evidently been feeling the terrible narrowness of his time—the end coming momentarily nearer—and has been passing bis hours in writing voluminously. He evi dently means to speak to the public after he is dead. But, presumably, there will be an official censorship exercised over these posthumous works. Rogan, on the other hand, appeared smitten with stupefaction when he learned that he was cast for death. This man’s organism would appear to have been of a low order, and his im agination deficient. He liad not, appar ently, realised his position. Hanging, until the sentence became an absolute one, appeared to have only an abstract mean ing for him. But when the sentence was confirmed, and the day (January 20th) definitely fixed, he broke down. A coward in combat, he showed no more moral than lie had displayed physical courage.

Bitten by a Cat — A Horrible Scene. —One of tho pictures of the late French salon represented the fable of the woman who was turned into a cat. She is de picted crawling on all fours, a woman in figure, but a cat in nature, with kindling eye and stealth}’’ movement, toward a mouse in the corner of the room. In the Rue de Montreuil, yesterday, the inhabit ants were witnesses of a scene in which a woman assumed for a short space of time tho attributes of a cat. But the case was different and far more terrible than the one related in the fable. It was the most appalling of all human maladies that took possession of this poor woman. Last August she was bitten by a mad cat, and, although the wound was considered quite healed, suddenly yesterday after noon she was seized with hydrophobia. She uttered a terrible scream, like that of a cat, and threw herself with frightful grimaces, as if to bite, upon a neighbor, who hastened to get away. The mad female pursued her, but fell in the middle of (he street in paroxysms of agony, tear ing out her hair. The crowd looked on petrified with fear and horror. Finally some policemen threw blankets over her, and succeeded in carrying her to the nearest hospital, but she was dead before arriving there. —Corr. “London Daily News.”

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS,

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

( Reuter's.) The South Australian Loan. London, Feb. 4,

Tenders have been received for the new South Australian Four per Cent Loan to the amount of one million and a half. Tenders at L 93 17s. fid. will receive in full ; tenders at L 93 17s. will receive 31 per cent of the allotment. Gordon Bennett Again to the Front. New York, Feb. 4. A separate Irish relief fund has been opened by the New “York Herald,” which subscribes one hundred thousand dollars. Parnell Condemned at Canada. Ottawa, Feb. 4. Public feeling in Canada is very strong against the course pursued by Mr. Parnell, the Home Ruler, and his speeches have been severely criticised by the public press. India and the Relief Fund. Bombay, Feb. 5. An Irish relief subscription fund has been opened here. (Argus Special.) The Queen’s Speech. London, Feb. 5. The Queen’s speech indicates new mea .ur :s regarding land, bankruptcy, the criminal code, lunacy, and an intention to indemnify the Irish Church Fund for Irish re’ief already given. Referring to the Berlin treaty, it states that it was necessary to restore order in Turkey. It expresses a hope that the South African Confederation will prove a success, and that the settlement of terms with the Afghans will result in more friendly rela tions with the people.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Feb. G. The Patetere Block.

Another claimant has appeared to part of the Patetere block of 300,000 acres, in which. Mr. Sheehan is endeavoring to in duce Mr. Bryce to forego a heir in order to acquire it for Messrs. Whitaker, Jack son, Walker, and others, who have formed a large speculative company. Allen O’Neill advanced, some years ago, L 750 to a Native named Okiwi Ngatera, on mortgage. He had a survey made and regularly attested, and registered, docu ments. The claim is for nearly sixty thousand acres. . The speculators offer him half the sum advanced.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's). Sydney, Feb. 5,

The two Hungerfords have been charged with perjury bj'- Mr. Jolly, manager for Mr. Havenpoit Fisher, who recently was cast in L 1.0,000 damages to Hungerford for trespass. {Special.) Melbourne, Feb. 5. Mr. Murray Smith lias resigned the managership of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company Thirty thousand bags of wheat have been exported to London within a fort night.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON— Friday, Feb. G. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) BREACH OF THE LICENSING ACT. Agnore F. Dupuis was charged with having sold one glass of beer on January 3.Lst, he not holding a license to sell fer mented liquors. Sergeant Pratt appeared for the prose cution, and Mr. Branson for defendant. C. C. Hurrcll, clerk of the Licensing Bench gave evidence that accused was not a publican. James McGregor, grocer, in the employ ment of Friedlander Bros., deponed that lie had resided at the boarding-house of the accused for one week, and left on Tuesday last. Was present on the night of the 31st inst. There were three others plesent. We played cards, in a small sitting room, and the game was for four drinks which I paid for. Dupuis supplied the drinks. I had a cigar, one of the others had a glass of beer, and the others had something to drink. I don’t know what it was. I know beer was supplied to one, as I tasted it. I paid Dupuis 2s. The beer was brought from the next room, in which there was a keg of beer. By Mr. Branson —I can’t swear he drew the beer from the cask—l surmise so. I had two cigars, which I called for. No thing was said when I paid as to what the payment was for. I gave Dupuis aLS note, and got L4lßs. in change. I ordered in the beer for person who was supplied with it, and 1 paid for it before the per son for whom whom I ordered it—re turned to the room. The payment was made before the beer was brought in, the other two drinks may have been beer, but I don’t know for certain. Tire man who had the beer bad it after it was paid for. Felix Thomas, clerk—On the 31st inst. was residing at Dupuis’, and slept there. Saw the last -witness there. He and three others were playing a four-handed game of card i. I saw aLS note paid by the last witness, and L 4 18s. given in change. The payment was made for drinks, and the last witness said to one of the players —“ What are you going to drink 'l Your drink is paid for, and you might as well have it.” After it was brought in the last witness drank some of it. I saw the beer drawn in the room beyond the one they were playing in I saw a cask of beer in the room ; and I saw Dupuis go in there and take the beer out. Could not swear lie took it out of the cask. Saw last witness receive the change.

By Mr. Branson—The money was paid after the drinks were brought in, the glass of beer was brought in before the money was paid. I am the informant in this case. I have lit lived at Dupuis for any length of time. I only stayed there one night before, about 8 months ago. I never stopped there a fortnight. I have paid my lodging. I have gone round to the publicans and asked them to support me

in laying informations. I call myself a clerk. I call the position of an informant as honorable as for you to defend a case. I have had cases like this before. I was engaged in this business in Victoria. I get a L 5 note for the business in this case. The Government pay me, and I get ex penses from the publicans. I call myself a public prosecutor. lam not a member of the Civil Service. Mr. Branson said that the evidence showed that as the only drink stated to be sold was a glass of beer, which was brought in after the money whs paid, there could not be shown any intention on the part of defendant to take money for drinks, but for cigars. The evidence of the last wit ness was not to be considered as trust worthy. His occupation, if it could be so called, was an infamous one, and the testimony of the first witness was to the effect that the beer was brought in after the payment, and the goods supplied being two glasses of cordials and two cigars, which accounted for the payment of the 2s. Tlie charge laid was for having sold one glass of beer, and therefore there was no evidence to substantiate the informa tion. Me would ask for a dismissal. The Magistrate said he would take evi dence A. Dupuis, sworn, said—On the night in question I took orders for a glass of ginger wine and lemonade, one of sarsapa rilla and lemonade, and- two cigars, and charged 2s. for it. After giving the change I went back to tlie room, and one of the men said there was another drink wanted, and I gave a glass of beer, but made no charge for it. lam not in the habit of charging for beer. By Sergeant Pratt—l don’t sell cigars for less than Cd. each. Don’t recollect ever selling cigars for less. In the case of any persons playing cards for drinks, I don’t charge for beer as a rule. By the Bench—T o you ever, in case beer is supplied, charge for it?

Witness—l don’t charge for the beer. I count it in the other drinks His Worship said the evidence proved that four persons had played cards for drinks ; and it was shown that there had been tantamount to three drinks brought in, and one subsequently, and it was a question whether this last one was to be reckoned. The time which had elapsed between the payment of the 2s. and the supply of the last drink was of no con sequence, and he considered defendant convicted. Mr. Branson wished his Worship to state whether he found his verdict upon the supply of the four drinks, or for tlie glass of beer. His Worship said he considered the 2s. was paid for four drinks, and as there was another case against defendant he would take it now. C. C. Hurrell repeated his former evi dence. Felix Thomas deponed—l was at Dupuis’ on Monday, Feb. 2nd, at ten minutes past nine. A young man named Tennant was with me, and we went into the back room where Dupuis keeps the drinks. Defen dant was in the room. I saw glasses in the room, and a shelf, and a cask of beer. I called for a cigar, and Tennant called for a glass of beer. I gave Dupuis a two shilling piece, and got a shilling change. By Mr. Branson—l asked the publi cans in town to assist me with travelling expenses to put down sly grog selling. I don’t stay long in any place only as long as I have business on as an informer. Publicans give me what they like. I make no particular charges for profes sional services.

John Tennant laborer deponed—l know last witness. Was in his company on Monday night last in Dupuis’. We went into a little room in the back of the house. There were some men playing cords there. Dupuis was there and sup plied me with a glass of beer. Ihe last witness paid for it. He paid Is. for the b**er ancl 2 cigars. By Mr. Branson—l did not know last witness was an informer. I did not assist in laying the information. I have never gone by any other name thrn Tennant. His Worship considered the case clearly proved In the first case defendant would be fined L2O and Costs. He would refuse to allow costs for a public informer, as be considered Government might find some other means of detecting this kind of thing. In second case the fine would also be L2O and costs. Mr. Branson asked his Worship to state a case in writing on the first verdict, and gave notice of appeal, on the ground that the 2s. was paid for the cigars and cordials and that the whole intention of Dupuis was that the 2s. paid by M‘Gregor had nothing to do with the beer supplied. A CLOSED ACCOUNT. Shepherd v. Frazer.—Claim, - L 25. Charles Shepherd, contractor, sworn, de poned he had received a cheque from Jas. Frazer, which he had presented for pay ment, and had been told by the Bank the account was closed. Judgment for plain tiff with L2 costs. THE TWO “ NEWSMEN. ” Ivess v. Weeks. 3s. paid into Court. Joseph Ivess, sworn, deponed, that the sum of IGs. lOd. was due to him for papers supplied. By Mr. Branson—l charged the firm in the fust case I brought, as I thought both were equally interested, and I subse quently charged Mr. Weeks. The paper was sent for a portion of the .time to Mr. Weeks’ private house, and sometimes to the office. I think it was delivered for about a month at liis house and then to the office. The runner told me that it was Mr. Weeks’ desire to have it taken to the office.

F. Ferryman, commission agent, de poned that he had applied to Mr. Weeks for payment of 12s. for subscription to the “ Mail ” in July last, and Mr. Weeks paid him without giving any notice to dis continue the paper.

Jrs. Hepburn, sunner for the “Mail,” gave evidence as to the delivery of the “ Mail ” at the “ Guardian ” office.

By Mr. Branson—She previous runner gave me instructions to leave it there.

Mr. Ivess then read the notice pub lished' in the “ Mail ” as to discontinuing subscriptions.

By Mr. Branson—l am not sufficiently acquainted with the law to know whether such a notice compels people to pay if they do not give notice. It is a usual kind of notice to pvt in a paper. I stopped Mr. Weeks’ paper for the same reason as Ido “ other ba.l payers.” Mr. Branson for the defence called

11. J. Weeks, sworn—l am a newspaper proprietor. I v as a subscriber to the “Mail.” I pad 12s. for my subscription up to June 30 h, and I received the paper for a few weeks after that date, when its delivery suddenly ceased, and it was not

delivered either at my house or the office until the “Guardian ” started on Septem ber 27th. I gave no orders for it to be left on bur account, and I looked upon it as an exchange paper, it was delivered to the employees of the establishment. I refused to pay this bill because we had an unpaid contra account against Mr. Ivess. By plaintiff—l never gave orders to John Charles Fisher, late newspaper run ner, to change the place of delivery of the paper from my private house to the “Guardian” office. A collector called upon me for payment of an account, and I claimed a contra account. I can swear there was an interval during which the “ Mail” was not received. I did not send ihe “ Guardian ” in exchange as you should have applied for it.

Mr Ivess made an elaborate appeal to the Court for a judgment. , His Worship said it was clear that the paper had been supplied for a certain period. But it appeared that there had recently been a hiatus. The non-delivery bad been for some four or five weeks. Tlie defendant bad, upon the presentalion of the accountf only questioned so far as a contra account was concerned. He would give judgment for the amount claimed, less 3s. paid into Court, and the price of the paper during the period of non-delivery, with costs. •

THE COMET.

The comet which is now so much ex citing colonial astronomers was seen here very distinctly last evening for a short time after dark. If this interesting wan derer should have any great distance to travel before its tail be driven from us, by the repulsive power of the sun’s heat, as it rounds the sun prior to its return into dis tant space, we may expect that the tail will become yet very much brighter, as the tailof a comet generally becomes brighter as it approaches the sun. But we fear that un less we get, very soon, a bright clear hori zon shortly after sunset, we shall not be favored with a sight of the head of this interesting visitor. A telegram from Nel son says it is supposed to be the same comet that was seen for the first time in New Zealand in the year 1843. We quote below a passage from the Re ligious Tract Society’s interesting work “ The Midnight Sky,” by Edwin Dunken, F.R.A.S.

“ Those who witnessed the great comet of 1843 generally agree that it was the finest seen in the present century. Its full brilliancy was not visible in northern latitudes, where its luminous train first attracted attention while the nucleus was below the horizon. The tail was at that time, March 17th, about forty degrees in length, stretching from the horizon over the south-western sky as far as the con stellation Lepus. Great excitement was caused by the sudden apparition of this long train of nebulous light, which at first was taken by some observers as belonging to the zodiacal light, which is generally most visible in tlie west soon after sunset at this time of the year. Throughout the southern hemisphere this comet presented a splendid appearance in the first days of March. Although the nucleus was not of great magnitude, yet it was extremely bright, and distinctly colored ; according to some observers, of a golden hue, similar to that of Venus ; and according to others, it was tinged with red. The disk had a well-defined planetary appear ance, and was estimated to.be about 4500 miles in diameter, or rather more than half the size of the earth. Sir Thomas Maclear, Government Astronomer at the Cape of Good Hope, observes that “of the casual observatory phenomena, the grand comet of March takes precedence ; and few of its kind have been so splendid and im posing.”

THE WELLINGTON RACES.

Wellington, Feb. 5. Wellington Cup, of 400 sovs. ; second horse to receive 30 sovs. from the stakes ; two miles. The winner of any handicap race of the value of 200-sovs., after declaration of weights, to carry 71bs. extra ; of two or more such races, lOlbs. ; of any handicap race of the value of 100 sovs. to carry 51bs. extra ; of two or more such races 81bs. extra. The Hon. W. Robinson’s b h Foul Play, by Traducer —Fancy, syrs., Bst 41b. (R. Derritt) 1 Mr. R. Vallance’s b h Lara, aged, Gst 131 b (Nolan) 2 Mr. J. Powell’s r h Hailstorm, 4yrs., Gst. 1ib.... (Gardiner) 3 Templeton, Chancellor, Hippocampus, Norseman, King Quail, Magnolia, Soukav, Laertes, and Balmoral also ran. Betting : 3to 1 agst. Foul Play, 4to 1 agst. Lava, 5 to 1 agst. Hippocampus, G to 1 agst. Chancellor, G to 1 agst. Templeton, 10 to 1 any others. Mr. Young despatched his field to a somewhat straggling start, Hailstorm im mediately showing prominently, with King Quail and Chancellor as his nearest attendants, the rest being so close to gether that it was impossible to distinguish them. Passing the stand, Hailstorm, forcing the racing at a great pace, still led, Chancellor, King Quail, and Laertes being close up, the favourite, in the centre,, going well, and Templeton bringing up the rear. At the far side, Chancellor dropped back, Templeton and Hippocam pus attempting to close with the leaders. Before entering the straight, Norseman was forced on to a post by Magnolia, and parted with his jockey. Coming up the straight Lara assumed the lead, and looked all over a winner, but Derritt brought Foul Play up on the outside, and coming with a rush, won -cleverly with a bit to spare, by a length, two lengths separating second and third. Time, 3min. 37|sec. A Hack Race, of 10 sov., was won by Mr. R. Ray’s Annie. Flying Stakes Handicap, of 50 sovs., three quarters of a mile. Mr. F. Gentry’s ch c Talent, by Totara, 3yrds , Gst. lllbs ... (Allen) 1 Mr. H. Goodman’s ch h York, 4yrs., 9st. ... ... ... (Watty) 2 Mr. Walters’ Billingsgate, 3yrs., Bst. 131 b (Croft) 3 Balmoral, Ratcatcher, and Mr. Young’s Sailor, also ran. Betting : 2to 1 agst. York; 2 to 1, Billingsgate ; 3 to 1, Ratcatcher ; 4to 1, Talent.

After some fiddling at the post, owing to the fractiousness of Ratcatcher and Balmoral, a tolerable start was effected, Ratcatcher being left at the post. Talent made the running from the start, hotly pursued by York and Billingsgate, who, however, were never able to get on.terms with him, and lie won as he liked by five lengths. Time —1 min. 17^secs,

Friday February d, ißßo.*l

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST. s. d. s. ■ d. Butter, inferior to best $ lb I 0 to 0 6 Eggs, W dozen - 1 4 to I 6 Cheese, prime quality, V? lb o 9 to I 0 Bacon, prime smoked, l? lb 0 10 to I 0 Hams in cloth, lb - I 0 to I 4 Flour in bags, l? ioolb 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal, 251b - 6 0 to 0 0 Lard, I? lb - - - 0 9 to 0 0



New Advertisements. LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AT THE ‘ EVENING HERALD ” OFFICE. EARMERS REQUIRING HANDS 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 learn 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. T "ST ANTED, those in search of employ- W ment, to call and either enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. LABOURERS requiring work can secure first opening by applying early at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. SERVANTS requiring situations, call 5 and get your names entered in the ERALD Registry, Is. EMPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad- NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) ALTERATIONS IN TIME TABLE OF TRAINS. THE following ALTERATIONS in the Time Table for this section will come nto force on the Ist February next : SOUTH LINE.



The 10 - 50 a.m. from Ashburton to Christchurch, and the 11 "50 a.m. from Christchurch to Ashburton WILL BE DISCONTINUED, and a TRAIN will run on SATURDAYS ONLY, leaving Ashburton at 10'50 a. m. and Christchurch at 11‘30 a. m. The 4 - 4 o p.m. train from Christchurch to Ashburton will leave at 4'55 p.m. The 4 25 p.m. express from Ashburton to Christchurch will leave at 5"0 p.m., and will stop at Rakaia. The 4’40 p.m from Ashburton to Christ church will leave at STO p.m. The G'4o p.m. from Christchurch to Hornby WILL BE DISCONTINUED. The 11 '5 a. m. from Ashburton to Timaru, and the 11'30 a.m. from Timaru to Ashburton WILL BE DISCON TINUED, and a train will run on SATURDAYS ONLY, leaving Ashbur ton at 115 a.m. and Timaru at 11'40 a.m. The 11‘0 a.m express from Ashburton to Timaru will stop at Winslow, Orari, and Winch ester. The 2*22 p.m. express from Timaru to Ashburton will leave at 2 ’43 p. m. and will stop at Winchester, Orari, and Winslow. The 3"25 p.m. from Ashburton to Timaru will leave at 4'o p.m., and the 4T5 from Timaru to Ashburton at 4-50 p.m. The name of Lovat station (on the Malvern branch) will be changed to Ayles bury. For alterations on other lines and times at intermediate stations see posters. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager’s Office, Christchurch, Jan. 28, 1880. 992 a PHOTOGRAPHY. ORTRAITS taken in any weather, at MARTIN’S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton. 19c Great Reduction in Prices. /NHINIQUY’S LECTURES.—Just Ar \w/ rived, New Edition. H. M. Jones, Baring Square.



New Advertisements. RANTED, a few TEAMS for about a fortnight, to Cart Grain to Tinwald. Apply to T. BLACK, 18c South Bank, Lower Ashburton. VI T ANTED—To lease or purchase VY DINING ROOMS, centrally situated. Apply by letter, T. T., Post Office, Ashburton. 468a—21c MONEY. £SO £lO0 ’ £SOO AND £IOOO. These sums are ready for immediate investment, on approved Freehold securi ties at current rates. Apply to THOMAS & BRUGES, Solicitors, CHRISTCHURCH. 13c



£1 REWARD. LOST, Yesterday Morning, a BAY GELDING, aged 3 years, with a saddle and bridle on ; was last seen going in the direction of Seafield. Apply to JOSHUA TUCKER, 22c Montgomery and Co.’s lOST, in the Town of Ashburton, a J RIDING SADDLE. Any person returning the same to Messrs. Poyntz & Co. 's. Office will be rewarded. 26c WAKANUI ROAD DISTRICT. rnAKE NOTICE—The WAKANUI j ROAD BOARD intend to OBJECT to the whole of the VALUxATION LIST for the Wakanui Road District, now open for inspection at the Road Board office, Moore street, at the next sitting of the Assessment Court for the said District, upon the ground that the list has not been completed in accordance with the Rating Act, 1876. Dated this 6th day of February, 1880. By order of the Wakanui Road Board, FOOKS & SON, 28c Surveyors, Ac., to the Board. MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &0., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, February 17th, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 42 7g* Agent, Ashburton. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tailored street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, Ac., Ac., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter 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, lie is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s.) CRAIGHEAD A CO. 982 a