COMMERCIAL.

[by telegraph.]

Sydney, April 3.

Patna rice, LlB to Ll 9, dull; New Zea land wheat, 43. lOd.; New Zealand eats, 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d.; candles, Bd.. to B|d. Christchurch, April 2.

Mr N oswortliy offered aquantity of young stock for sale to-day, but biddings were slow, and after one or two animals had been sold, reserves were put on the res t, and they were not disposed of. The customs revenue collected at the Port of Lyttelton last quarter, was L 45,934 14s. lid.—some L 14,000 less than in the same quarter last year.

Dunedin, April 2.

Prime.beef, 225. Gd, per 1001 bs ; mut ton, 2£cL to 2id. Wheat, 4s. to 4s. 2d. ; fowls’ wheat, 3s. to 3s. 3d. ; oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 5d..; barley, 4s. to 4s. Gd. ; feed, 2s. Gd. to 3s. ; potatoes, L 3 to L 3 ss. ; old hay, L 4 ; new oaten hay, L 3 ss. ; chaff, L 3 ss. ; 3traw, L2 ; bran, L 4 ; pol lard, L 5 ; flour, large sacks, Lll to Lll 10s. ; oatmeal, LlO ; pearl barley, L 2 2; onions, 7s. ; new cheese, 2d. to Gd. ; bacon, rolled, lOd. ; hams, Is; sides bacon, lid.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Offices for the following places (subject to the necessary alterations) as under : Monday, April 5. Por Otago and Australia, per Ringa rooma.

The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi will be closed at Christ church on April 7th, and will be due in London on May 27th. The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco will be closed at Christ church on April 24, and will bo due in London on June 8.

SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster,

For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Kangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, 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 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AMUSEMENTS, This Eyenjng. “Ashore and Afloat,” by the Ashburton Amateur Dramatic Company, at the Town Hall, at 8 o’clock.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo"). SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 1880.

Mount Somers Railway. —We under stand that this line will be open for traffic in a few days.

The Pulpit. —The pulpit of the Primi tive Methodist Church, Wills street, will be occupied to-morrow by the Rev. J. Clover, of Christchurch, morning and evening.

Musical. —The St. Stephen’s Church choir held a meeting last evening, and after some routine business, adjourned until Wednesday next. Clerical. —The Rev. Mr. Hands, who has recently arrived from the Old Country, has been appointed to the charge of the Ashburton parish, vice. Rev. W. E. Paige, resigned. Henry Irving. —Henry Irving, the great Shakesperian actor, has a first cousin in Ashburton, in the wife of a genial and well-known contractor.

The Christchurch Tramway. —During Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week, the Easter Review and race days, the Christchurch tramway carried 7,500 passengers.

The -Grain Trade. —For the first four days of the present week, 56,393 bags of grain were carried on the Christchurch section and branches. On Thursday night the bags accumulated at the various stations amounted to 29,349. The Volunteer Larrikins. —The dis graceful conduct of the Southern Volun teers which took place in Mrs. Furness’ shop on Good Friday, is not going to be allowed to blow- over so quietly as some people have been led to suppose. Two officers of the Port Chalmers Brigade arrived in Ashburton yesterday morning, the object of their visit being to thoroughly sift the matter.

Gas Lit. —Last night the Town Hall was lit for the first time with gas, ancl we must compliment Mr. Hardley, the fitter, on the excellence of his work. The body of the hall is lighted by a single sunlight, beautifully enamalled, and gilt, and the light it sheds is abundant ancl mellow. Its substitution for the old kerosene abomina tions is a great relief to the audience as well as a marked addition to the appear ance of the hall. The stage .is very effec tively illuminated by two ranges of sus pended lights, that may be used singly or together at will, while a course of lifteen jets run along the front of the stage by way of foot-lights. The gas had a very cheery effect last night, and aided the per formance of “ Ashore and Afloat ” not a little. Proposed Hew Railway Arrange ments. —We understand that very im portant re-arrangements of the railway trains’ arrivals and departures will shortly take place, and that something very like the following time-table will take the place of that now in use. The first train will leave Ashburton at a quarter to seven (instead of at ten minutes past six as at present), and reach Christchurch about ten o’clock. A second train| will arrive in Ashburton at 9.25 a. m. from Timaru (which place it will leave at a quarter to seven in the morning), and it will leave Ashburton at twenty minutes before ten, reaching Christchurch at about a quarter past twelve. The'present pas senger arrangements for the goods 11.10 train will be discontinued, but a mixed train at another hour in the afternoon will be substituted, by which passengers can reach Rakaia or Rolleston, and transfer to the express, which will leave Ashburton soon after five. The mixed train will stop at all stations this side of Rolleston. From Christchurch an ordinary Malvern train will leave before the express, and stop at all stations up to Rolleston junc tion, where passengers by it for the South will wait for the express. The express will leave Cliristch urch at 8.25 a. m., stop ping nowhere till it reaches Rolleston. From Rolleston, south, it will stop at all stations to Ashburton. Another train will leave Christchurch at two o’clock, reaching Ashburton about five, and leave for Timaru immediately after the express has arrived here, and arriving at Timaru, its final destination, at 7.45. A third train will leave Christchurch about 4.40 p.m., reaching Ashburton about eight. The new arrangements will enable passen gers from Timaru to make the double journey tc Christchurch in one day, and will be an incalculable benefit to Ashbur ton, from whence to Christchurch and back the journey will be done in eight hours with time for business in the city.

Attempted Suicide at Rakaia. —A man named Henry Ward, a laborer, who had been taken on a few days ago with a contracting party camped below Acton station, Rakaia, was brought up to Ash burton by the 10.30 train this morning on a stretcher, in charge of Constable Rowse. We learn from the constable that the man had acted rather strangely last night at the camp, and had made a small cut on his throat sufficient to bring blood, but not otherwise of any consequence. This morning, Mr. Leach, the foroman at the camp, sent Ward in a dray to Rakaia, in charge of a young man named O’Connor, to be given in charge to the police. On arriving at Rakaia O’Connor left the dray outside M'Namara’s Hotel and went for the con stable, who shortly arrived and took charge of the man. On raising him from the bed of the dray, it was found that the unfortunate man had made another attempt on his life, unknown to the driver, while on the road, by severely cutting his thrort light across, severing the wind pipe. A quantity of blood was found under him in the dray, as he was lying face downwards. The constable questioned Ward about his action, who replied he had been in very low spirits, and had no friends or money. He had not been drinking. On arriving in Ashburton, the unfortunate man was conveyed to Dr. Ross, who attended to the wound. His windpipe is.completely severed, but; it is possible he "may recover. He is now at the Old Mens’ Home.

“ Afloat and Ashore. ’’—This drama, which has been in caieful and diligent preparation by our local dramatic club for many weeks past, was produced last night to as well-filled a house as we have seen in ishburton since the prosperous times of 18 months ago. Like all new machinery set a-going for the first time, there was a little stiffness observable,'and here and there the too audible prompter’s voice evidenced either faulty memory, or a failure on the part of one or two of the performers to be completely letter perfect; but, taking the thing as a whole, it was fairly well performed. There were one or two hitches —there always are some in a first production, no matter who plays—but these will disappear to-morrow night, without doubt. We have no criticism to offer of any of the individual performers, being thoroughly satisfied that they did their best, and that best will become better with more experience. If we are to say anything in praise of any individuals, we must certainly compliment the. ladies who assumed the parts of Cicely Chips and Ruth Ringrose. Cicely was very happy in her particularly sprightly part, and her companion made a very modest and effective Ruth. The heroes of the piece—Hal Oakford and Newton Barnard —got through their parts very well in deed, and Joshua Boynton scored a point or two with his droll “ Dear, dear.” But perhaps the most popular of the whole was Billy Billberry, who was extrava gantly amusing. Abd Ali, a fine looking Arab, with a splendid figure, acted his part as well as he looked it, while Capt. Crofton, who assumed his character at a night’s notice, was very effective. Abel Ringrose, Ralph Oakford, Omar Pasha, Mirza, Casouba, and Ben Kelson, were all represented as well as we expected them to be, and that was very fairly, while the clodhop pers, etc., were as numerous and as stolid as clodhoppers usually are. The piece depends mostly on scenery for its effect, and the company are exceedingly fortunate in having Mr. C. Bourke amongst their number. While the piece was in preparation he spent every spare hour he had in painting scenes, and his facile brush turned up trumps last night, for the his work atoned for any faults that might have been apparent in the performers. . Taking the repre sentation all round, it went very well, and we must compliment the amateurs on attempting and getting through on the first night so well with a piece of such a weighty character as “Ashore and Afloat. ” To-night the drama will be again given, and we doubt not they will have an at tendance that will amply reward their efforts.

Christchurch Com Exchange.

The following is the report of the Christchurch Corn Exchange for the week ending Friday evening, the 2nd in stant :

The last week having been given over to holiday-making, business in the grain trade has been almost entirely suspended. The exceptionally fine weather which has characterised the season throughout still continues. Large quantities of grain con tinue to come forward.

Wheat.—Wheat is hardly so firm as the preceding week, notwithstanding that recent English advices report the market steady. Millers have supplied their wants and are now fastidious as to samples and quality. For good milling quality 3s. lid. to 4s. is obtainable. Chick wheat is in good supply, with the demand fairly good. The quality of the samples coming to hand are so various that a good margin must be allowed, 2s. 6d. to 3s. per bushel being the extremes. Barley.—The remarks in last week’s re port bearing on this cereal must bo again repeated, very few samples of really prime malting putting in an appearance. Any parcels of such coming forward are eagerly taken at top prices. Large quantities of second rate to inferior are offering, which are difficult of sale at even a very low figure, the price of oats being detrimental to this class of barley. Prime malting will command 3s. 9d. to 4s. ; second rate to inferior, 2s. to 2s. 9d. per bushel. Oats. —The price has given way, but not to any appreciable extent. Buyers are not quite so eager. To counterbal ance this, however, holders are equally unwilling to part, and prices must again be repeated at I*. 4d. to Is. 6d. per bushel.

Grass Seed.—A few inquiries are being made for small lots, but the demand does not exist which will at all affect values, 2s. 6d. to 2s. 9d. per bushel being the highest prices obtainable. Potatoes. —The trade has not yet set in and prices still remain in an uncertain state. The quality this season as a rule is good, but the yield is by no means what it tvas anticipated. This is being pretty generally the case. Sales are reported as ranging from 30s. to 40s. per ton, sacks extra.

Cheese and Butter.—4id. to sd. for the former, 6£d. to 7d. for the latter,

CHISPA’S LETTER.

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

A correspondent of the Christchurch “Press,” who hides his identity under the nom de plume of “ H.8.F.,” has recently been painting an Utopia, the realisation of which would gladden the hearts of some of my friends in whose substratum matter predominates over mind. He has it that ere we can approach the Millennium, chimney-pot hats and trousers and the such must be conspicuous by their ab sence, and men must adopt the well known and airy classical attire which is aptly represented by a cipher, and must no longer tax and deterioate his physical endowments to acquire mental proficiency, but in the and not very delicate costume above indicated sit down before his beautifully executod statues of Achilles and Lares and Penates, and by close association with these models, through the agency of his vision, mould his im perfect form into the likeness of these great standards. This result would be very gratifying, but as the necessary con templation of Art is to be accomplished under the homoeopathic protection of a solitary umbrella, and that a small one, the prudery of our nineteenth century is likely to long delay the realisation of this visionary picture. And, worse still, it is contended that matrimony should no longer be a matter of ratural selection, but an insurance of the survival of the fittest. The eligibility of each unencumbered young man is to be annually assessed and publicly recorded by a duly qualified medical and athletic assessor, and “a re spectable girl would disgrace herself and her family, would commit a mesalliance,” who allied herself with the holder of a low-class certificate. The youth aspiring to hymeneal felicity may be a Solon, a Solomon, a Nestor, or a second David in those mental attributes which our shallow minds Dave learnt to reverence, but un less a correctly chiselled nasal protuber ance and herculean limbs indicate the worth within, his love, if directed to a “ respectable’, girl, must go unrequited. Imagine such a dialogue as this (charac teristic of their sex, the youth quotes, the maiden is original) : Youth —Nothing in the world is single, Everything by law divine In each other’s nature mingle, Why not I with thine? Maiden —Because, my love, your number’s low, Your nose is flattened at the sides, In your legs there is bow, And many flagrant faults besides.

I don’t know whether the Easter review is regarded as a success by military authori ties. Mars did not smile at my birth, and ball-istics are not my pet hobby, and although I was an unapplauding spectator of the military evolutions which a section of the southern volunteers executed against the shop of a local confectioner, I cannot from that movement pronounce an authorittaive opinion on the efficacy of the Bashi-Bazouk section of our national forces. They undoubtedly appear pro ficient in the art of sacking, and even this may occasionally be a virtue in a soldier. While on the matter of sacking, I cannot refrain repeating a story which many of my readers will recognise as the oft re peated anecdote of a professional gentle man of military antecedents, who recently in our midst ministered to the relief of the ills to which equine flesh is heir. “ Yes,” he would say, “ I was frightened once; but never risked another such shock to my nervous sensibilities. You know as much about the Maori war as I do, although you were never there. What with unmouthable Maori names, and being absent on sick leave half my time, I can never remember a single place rightly. But never mind, it was somewhere, and we had done a very fair morning’s work, ejecting a few Maori 'women and a patriar chial looking pig from a village, and the majority of our men had abandoned them selves to appropriation, and I joined them. I couldn’t find anything worth lifting for a time; you seldom could in those beastly pahs ; but at last I crawled into a hut on my hands and knees, the door being too low to admit of any other mode of entrance. It was pitchy dark, but after a time my raptorial eyes became accustomed to the light, and my gaze alighted on two saddles and a blanket. I went for the lot with filibus tering alacrity, when, oh horror ! I viewed for the first time a sight which made my hair stand on end, driving my hat off like greased lightning, and my blood felt like as if it had been milk suddenly dashed with fifty per cent of vinegar. There, in the opposite corner, were two Maoris leaning against the wall, each with a musket by his side. I hadn’t got so much as a toothpick with which to assist my civilized superiority, and only a very threadbare pair of pantaloons to cover my retreat. I saw no alternative, so I made a rush for it, struck out right and left, and both men went down -without a sigli, and I found that they were two bodies that had been dead for some hours, and someone had planted them in an upright position, for what reason I could never imagine. I need hardly say that I scrambled out of the hut as fast as my trembling limbs would carry me, and from that day to this I have never been tempted by thoughts of plunder.

Since my last I have fought and bled for my country, doing the regulation six days’ training ; and a particularly good time w r e all had of it. The fighting was, of course, against an imaginary enemy, and therefore not dangerous to the attack ing party, who consequently performed heroic feats of valour, whilst the bleeding was, I regret to state, very considerable, and the wounds were in all cases in the direction—fix., the finances of the army. Christchurch will not regret having been made a garrison town of, and would, I reckon, like to have perennial Easter En campment. There was a great variety of uniforms —from the dashing cavalryman to the hybrid between a Jack Tar and a beach comber ; some being guady in the extreme, especially the Christchurch City Guards. Most of the Artillery looked very neat, and were all as nearly as pos sible alike, whilst one company in a dead black suit, with no light colors to relieve its somebreness obtained the sobriquet of the “Death Watch.” Most of the In vercargill and far away South men affected a light grey suit, and wcie popularly known as the “ Dandy Grey Russet.” It wasn’t all play at the encampment, and and those who went to it with the idea that they were merely on a visit to Christ church to show their manly forms and fine clothes were proportionately disap

pointed when they found, as the Cavalry did that their duties commenced at h past 6 in the morning, and did not end till half past eight at night, with precious few and short intervals between , and they were called upon more than once during the not “ silent midnight hour ” to do patrol duty. There seemed to be a plethora of officers, epecially from the fsouth — averaging, I should think, about one officer to privates. In fact, I rubbed all the band off one side of my cap owing to the terrible amount of saluting I had to do. As you newspaper men say, “ the resources of the hotels and lodging houses were stretched to their utmost limits.” and on the whole the force Appeared to be satisfied with their tucker. Two instances came under my notice where the Irish stew and dry hash cuisine was not ap preciated by the boarders, as a company showed their opinion of the purveyor one morning by holding a funeral service over the viands provided for them. The funeral was conducted with military honors, the band (a German concertina), then the Sergt-major with a fish barrow containing the remains, then the company four deep with arms reversed, marching at the regulation pace, and chanting the “ Dead March in Saul.” As the corthge wended its way down High street all were visibly affected, the boarding house pro prietor showing his grief in a very demon strative manner. It is currently reported that he had so much affection for the remains that he subsequently acted the part of a resurectionist, and the same edibles did duty in a curry for tea that night. The games on the Saturday were the most interesting of the meeting, especially the head , and post practice of the cavalry, the dismounting of the guns by fthe artillery, and the bayonet exercise of the infantry, the two latter latter being equal to the work of regular troops. The cavalry exercise was considerably marred by tlie line of gallop ing being directly in the fire of a flaring sunshine. Monday’s review was of course the sight of the meeting, and it may be many years before Christchurch has such a crowd on the course. With the excep tion of the naval brigade everyone con ducted himself in a most respectable manner, but this larrikin corps seem to consider their special mission to be the destruction of anything inoffensive that comes in their way. Having been dismissed for a few minutes’ recreation, they at once gave vent to their exuberant spirits by wrecking sundry property in front of the Grand Stand, and continued their depredations until put to flight by the advent of the left troop of cavalry.

Chispa,

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

{Renter's.) JULIUS VOOEL BEATEN At Falmouth. London, April 1. The election for Falmouth too place to day. Sir Julius Yogel was a candidate, but was rejected. The Brindisi Mail. The homeward mails via Brindisi, which left New Zealand in February, were de livered to-day. The Bank Reserve. The Bank of England’s weekly returns show the total reserve in notes and bullion to be L 16,600,000, being over LI ,000,000 less than last week.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Renter's Telegrams.) The Chimborazo.

Adelaide, April 3. The Co. ’s steamship Chimborazo arrived to-day from Plymouth. The Qmeo Changed Hands. Melbourne, April 3. Messrs. McMeckan, Blackwood and Co. have sold the steamship Omeo to Messrs. Nipper and Lee, of Melbourne and Syd ney. The Victorian Revenue. The revenue for the last quarter amounted to L 1,250,000 being an increase of LIIO,OOO compared with last year’s revenue. Excise duties, land tax, and railways show increase, but Customs revenue has decreased.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INT ER P RQV I NO IA L. The Leg Movement Auckland, April 3. Young Scott is walking well in the 112 mile feat. Over 700 people paid at the doors. He did the first 28 miles in five hours. Homeward Bound. Cleared—Loch Urr, for London, with a cargo valued at L 32,957. Local Industries. The Chamber of Commerce is inviting suggestions from the local manufacturers for the Commission on Local Industries. Long Holidays. There 'were several complaints to the Board of Education to-day from the School Committees regarding the length of the holidays. The Board replied that the holidays were appointed from Wellington. Dismissed. Wellington, April 3. The charge of indecent assault against Bowden, the bailiff, v r as dismissed, as the prosecutrix did not appear. Legs Again.

Boyd, who started on the 112 mile feat last night at 8.30, completed 71 mile 3 at 11.15 this morning. He is not likely to finish mor e than 100 miles. Lost in the Bush.

A man named Douglas, who has been lost in the bush near Woodville for 11 days, and has subsisted on berries, has turned up. He states he saw the foot prints of a boy and man, whom he met on the road, and fears are entertained that they are also lost in the bush, as they have not since been heard of.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

The General Election—Liberals in the Majority.

London, April 1.

Then general elections continue. Ninety Liberals and sixty-one Conserva*

tives have now been returned for the new Parliament. The Liberals, so far, have gained 25 seats which were held in the last Parliament by the Conservatives. The latter hive gained nine seats formerly held by the Liberals. The elections for Birmingham resulted «n the return of Messrs. John Bright, Muntz, and Cham berlain, the former Liberal members. Fcr Hackney, the late Liberal member. Messrs. Holmes and Fawcett, have also been elected. For Westminster, tlie Right Hon. W. H. Smith, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Sir Charles Russell, Conservative members, have been re turned.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Renters Telegrams.) Sydney, April 2. Government made a call of a quarter of their special deposits with the Banks, leaving L 1,475,000 still on deposit. It is understood that, money being easier, the Banks were agreeable to the withdrawal being made. Sir H. Parkes, Premier, introduced in

the Assembly last night a Bill for de priving tlie Council of future power to amend money bills, and made a lengthy speech on the occasion. Sir Alfred Stephen introduced in the Council a Bil having the same effect as that now before tlie Assembly. Melbourne, April 1.

The works in connection with Sir John' Coode’s scheme at Fisherman’s Bend and Yarra Yarra are actively pro ceeding. A further meeting has been held for the formation of a Meat Company, with a capital of LIOO,OOO. Already L 13,000 have been subscribed. The Cabinet have decided to reduce Wm. Benjamin Berry, who was promoted by Mr. Graham Berry shortly before the resignation of the Ministry, to his former rank in the Civil Service.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, April 2,

Mr. Lowe, traffic manager on the Auck land railways, has resigned, owing to a difference of opinion with Mr. M'Donald, general manager. Large potato crops are reported from Waikato. One field has yielded fourteen tons to the acre.

The report that Sir George Grey is suffer ing from ill-health, which is likely to pre vent his attendance at next session, is con tradicted. He enjovs good health, except the old affection of the leg, through a spear wound, received in Western Aus tralia.

Auckland, April 2. Mr. J. C. Young, late Native Lands Commissioner for the East Coast, was ar rested on account of an alleged debt to the Crown of LIGOO, but was released on a representation to the Attorney-General that the proceeding would interfere with liis defence.

Pleuro-pneumonia has broken out amongst tlie cattle on the Piako Swamp Company’s estate, and it has been declared an infected district by the Cattle Board. 28,010 head are depastured on the estate. The manager has had all tlie cattle inocu lated. Mr. Naiden, Y.S., is up to inspect. There is great excitement in the Waikato district over the outbreak. Scott commences to-night to walk 112 miles in 24 hours, under the auspices of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club. Henry Durant has been committed for trial on a charge of robbery of L 7 from Annie Hopkins in a brothel. Wellington, April 2. At the inquest this afternoon on the body of Miss M‘Coll, who was burnt to death this morning, the jury returned a verdict of ‘ ‘ Accidental death while in a state of intoxication.” A little girl named Russell was run over by a vegetable cart this morning, and killed. The driver was unaware of having passed over anything until called to by the spectators. A man named Henry Graves was killed on the Foxton-Palmerston railway on Wednesday, owing to his accidentally fall ing between the carriages. Dunedin, April 2.

Messrs Dick and Oliver, in reply to the unemployed’s petition, say that it is not the duty of Government to attempt to regulate the rate of wages. The rate provided by Government is shown by the sum paid for rations to be sufficient support for workmen and their families. The terms have been thankfully accepted in other parts of tlie colony. Govern ment can hold out no hope of different terms being given to Otago.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING.

Harvest thanksgiving services -were held in St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia, on Thurs day, April 1, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The church had been very tastefully deco rated for Easter and this occasion by the ladies of the parish. On the altar were vases containing bunches of wheat, and several beautiful bunches of grapes and clusters of apples from Corwar were sus pended from the decorations on the reredos. The church was well filled. Prayers were read by the incumbent, the Rev. W. H. Elton. The first lesson was read by the Rev. W. E. Paige, and the second lesson by the Yen. Archdeacon Harper, by whom also a most impressive setmon was preached on the subject of thanksgiving. The service was choral throughout, the singing being heartily joined in by the whole of the congrega tion. The offertory at the close of the sermon amounted to L2 ISs. A tea meet ing in connection with the church w r as afterwards held in the Town Hall, when a sumptuous repast was provided by Mes dames Elton, C. H. Maclean, Partridge, Passmore, E. S. Coster, C. S. Maclcie, and Cox. The bachelors’ table was presided over by the Misses Cox and M‘Cormick. The tea was quite a success, the large room being well filled. After tea was over, a little impromptu singing was pro vided by several ladies and gentlemen, who received a large measure of well merited applause. A gift auction was proceeded with, when the articles usually to be found at those institutions were put up. and knocked down at prices varying with the humour of the audience. Mr. T. A. Winter officiated as auctioneer, and did his work well, the result of the sale amounting to about L4O. The receipts for the day should reach very near L6O.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting was held at the Road Board office on Thursday. Present Messrs. Hugo Friedlander (Chairman), Hunt, and Brown. Correspondence was read from the County Council, stating that a sum of LBO9 had been voted for drainage pur poses for the Board.

From the Secretary of the Ashburton High School Board, requesting payment of Ll 4 2s. 2d., for gravel taken from the reserve on Jones’ Road. Resolved that the amount be paid. From the Secretary to the Treasury, stating that L 361135. Id. had been placed to the credit of the Board. The Chairman stated that a certain por tion of this amount would be payable to the Longbeach Board. From the Rev. W. E. Paige, calling attention to two pits on the Beach Road, opposite Dr. SteWcart’s. The necessary work was ordered to be done. From the Ashburton Borough Council, asking for a share of the subsidy due to the Borough. The Chairman explained that a small portion of the moiety was due to the Borough for rates collected on the 1878 rate. The amount, Ll 9 4s. Gd., was ordered to be paid. . From Mr. George Roberts, declining to take less than L2O per acre for land taken for gravel pits, and the 'Board to fence them, otherwise he considered it a case for arbitration. The Board decided to adhere to its former resolution. Resolved—That in consequence of the Ashburton river having frequently over flowed its eastern bank, about three miles below the railway bridge, and caused much damage to private property, the County Council be requested to take the matter into consideration, and to take such steps as in their opinion seems best adapted to prevent such an occurrence in the future. It was resolved that the Chairman attend the Assessment Court to object to the Yaluation List, and it was resolved to recommend Mr. C. C. Fooks as valuator. It was resolved to call for tenders for forming the Beach road to the full width, from the finger-post to the Wakanui school, and for re-metalling same ; also to call for tenders for repairing cottages. The rate collector reported having paid in L 436 14s. lOd. to the credit of the Board.

It was resolved to metal the dedicated and formed roads on Mayo’s and Tancred’s and Allen’s land, and the Board then adjourned.

THE DAIRY.

In an address recently delivered to his tenants, many of whom have been engaged in dairying, the Earl of Bessborough is re ported to have spoken as follows : —“ For the information of those who have not yet been able to make good butter I offer the following suggestions :—Have a proper dairy or a separate room from your milk, well ventilated, hut not too light, far away from stable, piggery, or manure.heap. The floor should be of flags, tiles, or concrete, very close and evenly made, so that it can be easily washed without leaving any substance behind likely to create a had smell, as it would be injurious to your milk and butter. Clay floors are very bad. Be sure not to use your milk room for any other purpose than your milk and butter. Wash or sponge the cow’s udder before milking, and your hands before commencing each cow. Use the finest hair strainer you can get. Keep all your milk vessels scrupulously clean ; never use soap in cleansing your milk vessels, not even in washing your hands, when engaged with your milk or butter. Do not keep your milk too long standing before churn ing. Twenty-fcur to thirty-six or forty eight hours, according to the temperature of the weather, will be enough. Avoid all touching of the butter by the hand. Use the best salt, made very fine. Wash and press all the milk out of the butter before salting, using plenty of cold spring water. You cannot be too careful about this. In packing in firkins, get the best you can of well-seasoned oak, beech, or ash, clean looking and smooth on the inside, and bring them clean to market. In preparing your filkins let them be filled the day before wanted with boiling water, let stand, until cold, then rinsed with clean cold water, into which a couple of handfuls of salt has been put. This will make your filkin sweet and staunch. Pack your filkin as close as possible, and send it to market as soon as you can. Let cleanli ness be your constant care, from the milk ing of the cow until you bring your butter to the market. There are few things a farmer’s wife or daughter ’ought to be prouder of than her dairy and its produce. The butter buyers should encourage the use of the most suitable filkin, and might also be more careful when the butter comes into their hands. The firkins are fre quently rolled about on the wet and dirty yards and damp floors, which might be avoided. Railway and steamboat com panies treat firkins in the same rough way. All should endeavor to improve, and try to bring our butter in the cleanest and most creditable condition into the English market. Then it would take its proper place, and you would get the highest price, defying foreign competition. ”

Saturday, Awl 3, iSS©.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



s. Butter, inferior to best lb o d. 10 to s. I d. 0 Eggs, t? dozen - ■ - I 6 to 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb o 7 to 0 10 Bacon, prime smoked, $ lb o 0 to 0 0 Hams in cloth, $ lb o 0 to 0 0 Flour in bags, t? ioolb 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal, v 2jlb • 5 6 to 0 0 Lard, $ lb - - - 0 9 to 0 0



New Advertisements. Town hall, Monday, april sth.—A BE HICK IN! ABE HICKIN ! Champion Boxer of Australia will appear with the Messrs. West, the World-renowned Gymnasts, Swords, Club Performers, and Boxers. Mr. Dan Lea will set to ; also a mimber of Amateurs. Ad mission—3s. and 2s. 268 c X if A BALL TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE MASONIC HALL. A BALL will be held in the New iIL Masonic Hall, Tancred street, Ash burton, on FRIDAY, THE 16th APRIL. Applications for Tickets may be made to any member ©f the COMMITTEE— Bro. R. W. Shearman, P.M., ' ~ H. Stephenson P.M. ~ E. Saunders „ H. W. Felton ~ Chas. Braddell ~ R. Friedlander ~ F. Guinness, 18’ „ W. H. Gundry, 18’ ~ H. C. Jacobson „ S. B. Nelson ~ Thos. Quill ~ Jas. Bradley Mr. W. Sparrow Treasurer and Secretary Bro. W. H. Zouch. Dancing to commence at 9 o’clock. Tickets (double), 15s. Single gentlemen 10s. 6d. ; Single lady, 7s. 6d. 172 c TO BUILDERS. ffIENDERS required for BUILDING Jt 8-roomed HOUSE at Seafield. Plans and specifications can be seen at the office of Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, where tenders will be received up to noon on Saturday, April 10. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 6780-478 c TENDERS. TTTANTED—Tenders for THATCH- W ING 110 Stacks of Grain. Tenders addressed to the undersigned, from whom all particulars can be obtained, to be sent in not later that 4 p.m. on THURSDAY, 3th April. DONALD M'LEAN, 275 c ’ Lagmohr. ANTED. TENDERS for CROSS PLOUGHING 200 Acres, Gins, deep, 9ins. wide. To be completed in five weeks from acceptance of Tender. Tenders to be sent in before 9th April. FRANK B. PASSMORE, 262 c Sherwood. NOTICE. i NY person TRESPASSING in pursuit of Game on the Lagmohr Estate will



TT7"ANTED—A BOY accustomed to V v Farm work. Apply to T. Bullock. 231 c TTTANTED, a strong BOY, accustomed VY to horses, and to he generally useful. Apply Herald Office. 66Gg-253c WANTED— By a respectable young man, age 33, EMPLOYMENT as Store Manager, Clerk, Cashier, or any position of trust. Unexceptional refer ance and testimonials. Apply in first instance to Mr J. G. Anstee, Tancred street, Ashburton. 277 c FRUIT —Wanted everyone to IN SPECT the beautiful display of Fresh Fruit at J. S. Savage's Fruit Depot. 274 c PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH Wills Street. —Divine Service will be conducted in the above Church to morrow—Morning and Evening : Rev. J. Clover, of Christchurch. 273 c A SHOP TO LET. Good Stand. Apply to Everett Bros. & Co., Havelock street. 257 c FOR SALE, Cheap, Dwelling-house of 7 rooms, situated on the East Belt, near the Parsonage—For particulars apply to T. Bullock. 206 c MONEY TO LEND.—Several sums of money ready for investment at current rates. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tancred street, Ashburton. 263c-GB4g



A Bad Habit. —Young man, don’t swear. Swearing was never good for a sore finger. It never cured rheumatism nor helped to draw a prize in a lottery. It isn’t sure against lightning, sewing machine agents, nor any of the ills which beset people through life. There is no occasion for sweating outside a newspa per office where it is useful in proof-read ing and necessary in getting formes to press. It has been known also to materi ally assist the editor in looking over the papei after it is printed. But otherwise it is a foolish habit.



Holloway’s Pills. —Let the Sick take heed.—The stomach is the commissariat of the physical system. It furnishes the material sus tenance of organ. If disordered, the whole body languishes; but however severely it may be affected, its tone and vigor may always be restored by a course of these irresis tible Pills ; biliousness, indigestion, liver com plaints, and other disorders of the stomach can easily be cured by the use of Holloway’s Pills. Thousands attest this assertion, and no sufferer who has ever tiied them will deny' their su preme efficacy. In every case of stomach dis ease, from the mildest case of dispepsia to the disorder of both liver and stomach, from the nausea of the free liver to the vomiting accom panying ulcerated stomachs, these Pills imme diately relieve, and by perseverance effectually cure.— ADVT,