SHIPPING.

Pom op Lyttelton, Friday, 2.49 p.m. Arrived—Arawata, from Dunedin ; Jane Douglas, from Kaikoura and Wellington.

MAIL NOTICES.

-Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows ,__ _ For Christchurch and North at G a.m. 9. a. m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia. &c., at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.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 Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a, m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office—

From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p. m., and 8.15 p. m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a. m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. Fr«m Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p. m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). FRIDAY, JULY 2, 1880. The No-Confidence Debate.

No one ever doubted that tlie result of the no-confidence debate would be other than a victory for Government, but not everybody expected that the majority would reach fifteen, and that in a House of Representatives numbering eighty eight members. The division took place last niglic, and the figures were forty-five for, thirty agsinst Government. The victory, which was always sure, only goes to show by its decisive character how thoroughly Ministers are supported by the independent members, and how the Liberal and progressive policy adopted has met the sanction of all the thinking men in the House whose political vision has not received an oblique cast by party feeling. The last trial of strength between the party in power and the present Opposition was only decided by the votes of the cele brated Auckland four, whose secession from Greyism saved the colony from a continuance of the disastrous regime under which the colony suffered, but the division above reported shows how strong Govern ment have become since then, and how in proportion the Oppoisition have weakened. The continuance in power, for this session at least, of the Hall Govern ment is thus assured.

Diphtheria. —Several cases of diph theria are reported at Ivaiapoi.

Supreme Court.— The criminal ses sions of the Supreme Court, Christchurch, open on Monday next. Postal. — Mails for Australian colonies, per Albion, close at Hokitika on Saturday, 3rd July at 7 p.m. Drunk. —At the R. M. Court this morning, before Mr. F. Guinness, Henry Dudley, charged with being drunk and disorderly, did not answer to his bail, and was fined 20s.

Unclaimed Letters. — The following is a list of letters from places beyond the colony received at the Ashburton Post office during the month of May and re maining unclaimed on Ist July, 1880 : Bishop, James ; Collins, Patrick ; Coles, W. ; Ryan, Richard. Tlie Christy’s. —To-morrow night the Amateur Christy Minstrels are announced to give another of their entertaining con certs in the Town Hall, when an entire change of programme will be placed before the audience.

Courtenay. —Presbyterians in the Ash burton district will be glad to hear that the Rev. H. B. Burnett’s charge 'of Kimberly, Halkett, and Weedon is mak ing great progress. A bazaar, &c. ,in aid oAhe manse" fund, held in the Orange Hall, Courtenay, last week, realised about Ll2O, a sum which almost wipes off the debt on Mr. Burnett’s manse.

The Property Tax.— A public meeting on the subject of the property tax was held on Thursday evening in the Christ church Oddfellow’s Hall. There was a large attendance, and the meeting was adclressed by several of the leading citizens—the Mayor presiding. After a lengthy discussion, resolutions in favor of a laud or ircome tax being substituted for a property tax were passed, and also the imposition of a tax on wool. The resolu tions will be forwarded to the city mem bers for presentation to Parliament. Judgment.— At the R.M. Court this morning his Worship gave judgment ill the case of O’Neill v. Jones and Brad shaw, in which plaintiff sought to recover Ll 5 for damages sustained through the negligence of defendants, by which a number of sacks of chaff were destroyed by fire. The evidence was given on Tues day last, and appeared in these columns. His Worship said that he had carefully considered the merits of the case, and had come to the conclusion that the weight of evidence was in favor of the plaintiff, for whom judgment would be given with costs LI 16s. Mr. O’Reilly gave notice of appeal, but his Worship would not entertain the application. A Spree. —Tyson Hodgson was charged before his Worship this morning with being drunk and creating a disturbance in the Central Hotel, Ashburton, on the 12th June. Joseph Baldwin and William Bayliss were called by the police for the prosecution, but neither of them put in an appearance. Sergeant Felton wished his Worship to put on record the fact that Mr. Baldwin was the licensee of the hotel in which the alleged disturbance took place and, as he had neglected to appear when si bpoened, he (the Sergeant) should certainly make reference to the matter at the next sitting of the Licensing Court His Worship ordered a warrant to be issued for the appearance on Saturday of the two witnesses, to which time the case would be adjourned. Edwin Thomas, who it was alleged was also a participator in the disturbance, was charged with the same offence. Mr. Purnell asked that the case against Mr. Thomas be postponed for a week as his client had been called away to Rangiora, a death having occurred in his family. The case was adjourned to Friday, 9th July.

Te Whiti. —Te Whetu, secretary to the prophet Te Whiii, has paid a formal visit to the camp of Colonel Roberts. Masonic. V Mark Master’s Lodge, under the Scotch constitution, was opened in Lyttelton on Thursday, the Rev. J. Hill being chosen first master.

County Hospital Additions. —The tender of Messrs. Baker and Brown was accepted to-day by the County Council for extra buildings in connection with the Hospital, and Mr. Jenkins’ tender was also accepted for fencing. Suspicious Fire.— On Thursday a cottage, six miles from Napier, took fire, but the neighbors put out the flames. One room was found to be saturated with kero sene, and this, in connection with the fact that the insurance policy is only a month old, does not look well.

Melbourne International Exhibi tion. —Exhibitors are requested to for ward their goods to Messrs. Jameson’s store, corner of Cashel and Manchester streets, which has been kindly placed at the disposal of the local committee for the temporary reception of exhibits. All ex hibits will be forwarded to Melbourne free of cost by the Tararua, leaving Lyttelton on the 20fch inst.

A New Lighting Invention. —One of the late inventions in domestic economy is the non-explosive kerosene powder, in troduced to Canterbury by the agent of Professor Ilowitz, the patentee. . It is claimed for this compound that by its use “ a brighter light is obtained, less oil con sumed, and danger a matter of impossi bility,” and no smell arises from, the oil where the non-explosive powder is used. Directions for use accompany each packet. A Bump Prevented. — Captain Dick, of the schooner Endeavor, which arrived at Wellington from Oamavu on Thursday, states that he narrowly escaped running down a steamer (supposed to be the Stella) off Wellington Heads this morning. The Endeavor was standing towards Sinclair Heads with a strong breeze, when Captain Dick alleges the steamer at tempted to cross his bows. The schooner was brought up in the wind, and a collision averted.

Another Royal Commission. The Post understands that is the intention of the Government to appoint a Royal Com mission to report on the Supreme Court system and practice, with a view to the simplification and cheapening of legal pro cedure. It is believed that the Commis sion will comprise the five Judges of the Supreme Court, District Court Judges, Attorney and Solicitor-Generals, two Re sident Magistrates, and six barristers of the Court, two to be appointed by the Government, and the other four chosen by the Law Societies of Auckland, Wel lington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

The Cleveland Herald thinks the marriage service should be changed to read, “Who dares take this woman?” And the groom shall answer, “ I dare”

■ When a Missouri man walked 17 miles to see a man hung, and the prisoner was re spited, the disgusted traveller sat down in a fence corner and hoarsly inquired if the country was drifting back to barbarism.

A Plea eor the Nihilists. —A Russian Nihilist in England has offered the follow ing plea for the justice of the attempted assassination of the Czar : —“English journals,” writes the Russian, “ are making a mighty to-do about the ‘ atrocious ’ attempt on the Czar. They cry out because we have stri.-en to slay the good Alexander. Let us see how logical they are. A man named Paine is being tried for his life for having given a woman brandy in order that she might drink herself to death; at least, this is what is alleged of him. Should he be condemned, not one of them will have a word of pity, and his condemnation will certainly not be called ‘ atrocious.’ Now, in 1862 a powerful teetotal movement began in Russia, and as every solemn pledge is taken—according to the custom — in church, the priests were obliged to assist in the ceremony. The new ‘ disease’ spread very rapidly and the effects on the revenue were becoming apparent. Where upon the Tsar issued a ukase commanding the dissolution of the Society of Abstainers, and the apostles of temperance were forced either to keep absolute silence or to work secretly. In one case a single woman is the victim; iii the other case eighty millions of our countrymen are refused all release from the national vice of drunkenness which is desti'oying our peasantry body and soul. The English writers condemn Paine, and called the Tsar blessed, al though the latter has a hundred crimes on his shoulders equal to the crime of crush ing the temperance movement.”

CORRESPONDENCE.

Wf. do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

MR. JOHN GRIGG’S PAPER.

To the Editor.

Sir, — I have perused with considerable interest the paper read by Mr. John Grigg last Tuesday at the meeting of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, entitled, “Will Farming Pay ? ” which was published in the Guardian of Tuesday’s date. Mr. Grigg deduces a very satisfactory result from the system he advises, and owns that he is “ most agreeably surprised, he may say astonished, at the result of his own figures, ” and I am sure that his ideal farmer would have far greater cause for surprise and astonishment if he netted L 292 16s. Bd. per annum. I will not say • more about the rotation of crops that xVIr. Grigg advocates than that the land would require a great deal more labor than that of two men to keep it free from weeds. I think that such a farm would require at least two laborers to keep it in proper order. To begin with, in a farm so sub divided there would be at least 500 chains of gorse fences, which represent no incon siderable item in the year's work— especially on: first-class land. I assume the fences to be gorse, as wire fences, especially where the paddocks are so small, would not hold cattle and cross-bred sheep. While on the subject of labor, I think that before coming to the net profit the farmer should charge his own labor in the account, and also liis wife’s—as, although Mr. Grigg does not mention that they have to work, I take that for granted, as even with two farm laborers I do not think the farmer would have a great deal of idle time, with ten cows to milk, pigs to feed, etc. Then, again, is it fair to charge no interest against the farmer’s own capital of L 471, which is worth, say L4O per annum? Mr. Grigg allows only L2O for “ black smith and wear and tear of harness.” Where is the allowance for deterioration of farm implements, horses, cows, etc., which represent in his capital about L 320, and on which ten per cent, would be a very moderate allowance to cover wear and tear and loss by death, etc.? Extra labor at harvest for 100 acres of heavy crop is estimated at L 5 . (exclusive of cutting), being one shilling per acre. To say the least of it, this is very moderate where there is only one 'regular hand allowed for, and even fie would expect good wages tfirougfi harvest,

Oats are fetching one shilling per bushel this year, and Mr. Grigg has put them at that price—but I should say 2s. 6d. was a fairer average, which would make a differ ence of L 22 10s.; and where no oats are grown on the farm, and therefore no oaten straw for chaff, I think 300 bushels a short enough allowance. To proceed to “Annual Return.” The yield of grain estimated is a large one for an average, but as the land is supposed to be first rate, of course a large yield would bo expected. Next comes “ clover—s head of cattle fed each year,” L4O, or L 8 per head for two-year-olds. Mr. Grigg must take current prices for his stock if lie buys his oats at the same—and I see in Friday’s Christchurch papers two-year old stock are quoted at L 4 ss. to L 4 15s. The next item I should like to 'call atten tion to is—“ three-year-old colt sold, at L 25.” On referring to “ Capital,” I find two young horses are allowed for at that figure. I suppose that is at the com mencement of the year, and the sale at thp end, so that estimating the yearling at LlO and the two-year-old at Ll 5 (Mr. Grigg lumps the two at L 25), the colt pays LlO for liis year’s keep, which is very handsome, as he can’t expect many- bushels of oats from the 300 allowed for the year’s Consumption. In fact, would it not be more profitable to devote the whole farm to the rearing of colts ? From 200 acres of good land a man should bp able to sell 25 colts, which at L 25 would realise L 625, and with a little in the pig and poultry line (which seems very profitable) he might make it up to L7OO, with very trifling annual expenses beyond rent, es pecially if I may he allowed the same privilege as Mr. Grigg— i.e., to suppose mares that do not die or deteriorate, and to get the services of an entire for nothing. But to proceed. I think Mr. Grigg estimates the returns from the three next items —pigs, potatoes, &c., and poultry—very highly. Lastly, where does the farmer get his fifty sheepskins frenv? I refer to his list of stock, and I find , twenty-five sheep. Does Mr. Grigg wish i the man to skin his sheep twice a year ?

I have heard that somewhere the old hen wives pluck their geese twice a year, but I never heard of sheep being skinned more than once, and then, I believe, they are generally killed about the same time, so that Mr. Grigg, in his yearly estimate of expenditure should allow for the purchase of fresh sheep. To conclude, Mr. Grigg has allowed nothing for incidental expenditure, which always comes to a good sum—such as in surance on stacks, oil, nails, medicine for stock, blue stone for wheat, &c.,—which cannot be put at less than L2O. Leaving Mr. Grigg’s annual returns (even includ ing the sheepskins) as they stand, I think the following items should be added to the annual expenditure, and deducted from net profits. I will not add another farm laborer, though I feel sure that one could not do the work :

Items not included in yearly expenditure,

£212 13s. deducted from L 292 16s. Bd. leaves-LBO-3s.> Bd., which I consider is.all that the poor farmer can claim as net pro fits.—l am, Ac , A Country Subscriber. June 26, 1880.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Friday, July 2. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) civil cases. Davis v. Bariera. —Claim, Lll Bs. 9d. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff. Judgment for amount and costs, 16s. Rosieruge v. Dolomore. —Claim, LSO. Mr. Ireland for plaintiff. Judgment for amount and costs, L 8 os. 7d.

Weeks and Dixon v. Harris and Ire land. —Claim, L 6 3s. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiffs ; Mr. Ireland for defendants. H. J. Weeks gave evidence to prove that Harris had agreed to pay the amount, which was the balance of an account owed by the defendants to the plaintiffs. By Mr. Ireland—l did say that if you gave me a promissory note for the amount you owed, I would not hold you re sponsible for the balance, but I should have to sue both, although looking to Mr. Harris for the sum. The amount owing when the arrangement was made was Lll 13s. 9d. I do not remember suing Mr. Harris for this amount. Some of the entries in the bill of particulars are entered in my own handwriting, but those that are not in my handwriting I can .iswear to as being correct. Mr. George Allen made the other entries. Mr. Giles was not in our employ at the time. William R. Boyle, sworn—l remember Mr. Harris giving me an order to collect certain moneys, and to pay Weeks and Dixon’s account.

Mr. Ireland said he had no evidence to call in the matter, beyond the evidence he had to give himself, which was to the effect that an arrangement had been made by which he was to be exonerated from liability on giving a promissory note for a portion of the account. Judgment for plaintiffs, with costs, L2 11s.

Weeks and Dixon v. Harris. —Claim, L 6 3 6s. 3d. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiffs ; Mr. Ireland for defendant. A set-off was put in of L 8 16s. 6d. The Clerk read the evidence of Mr. Harris given in the Dun edin R.M. Court. Judgment for L 4 19s. 9d. and costs, amounting to L2 2s. A set off to the amount of LI 16s. 3d. was ad mitted by plaintiffs.

Wakanui Road Board.

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at the Board’s office, Moore street, on Thursday. Present — Messrs. H. Friedlander, Hunt, Earle, and Brown. Mr. Friedlander apologised for the absence of Mr. Winter, and the former gentleman was voted to the chair. correspondence. A letter was read from the Clerk of the County Council, forwarding corres pondence from Mr. G. S. Cooper, Under secretary, in answer to a letter sent to Government expressing the hope of the Council that the request of the Chairman for a validation of the irregularity by the Governor in the Wakanui Rate Roll under section 08 of the Rating Act, 1876, may be granted. The reply was to the effect that the law officers of the Crown, who had been consulted in the matter, con curred in the opinion given by the Board’s solicitors, that the omission in this case was not one of mere form, and that therefore the Governor has no power to interfere under seetion 68 of the Rating Act 1876.

It was resolved that the member for the district, Mr. E. G. Wright, be com municated with, requesting him to take whatever action he might think proper in the interests of the Board.

The following letter was received from Mr. Roberts :

Dear Sir, —In reply to yours of the 3rd instant, I am not disposed to refer tke matter of gravel-pits on R.S. 26716 to the decision of Mr. C. P. Cox in the shape proposed by your Board, but I am quite willing to put the case clearly before Mr. Cox, and take his decision as to whether Ll 5 per acre or L 25 per acre bo paid for the land taken; the smal'er being your offer, and the latter my demand.—l am, &c., W. Roberts. The Chairman, Wakanui Road Board. The letter was ordered to lie on the table. Mr. C. R. Leadley wrote as follows : Prebbleton, June 29, 1880. Gentlemen, —Permit me to call your attention to the fact that my fences are being desti’oyed by the Board’s employees in the construction of Buttericks and Leadley’s drain, and that, in conse quence of the destruction of the said fences, my property is left in an exposed and unprotected condition. As no means have been provided or steps taken to close the gap made in the fences, the paddock through which the drain is taken is constantly infested with stray horses and cattle, and as the said paddock is now sown with wheat, serious injury to the crops is the result. I there tiust that you will give the matter im mediate attention, and that you will have

lie before-mentioned gaps repared with posts and rails, or other material, and thus prevent any further injury to the growing crops through trespassing horses, cattle, etc. And I herewith give the Board notice that as the Board has re fused to meet me in the way suggested in my letter to the Board I have no alterna tive but to refer the matter to arbitration ; and with that view, I give you notice that I have appointed Mr. William Fleslier, of Bingsland (late Chairman of„ the Avon Bead Board), to be iny assessor, and an affidavit to this! effect will be filed in the Supreme Court, Christchurch, in due course.—l am, &c., C. R. Lbadley. The Chairman and Members, Wakanui Road Board.

After a lengthy conversation, it was decided to get the fencing referred to in Mr. Leadley’s letter executed at once, the matter of compensation to be referred to Messrs. Branson and Purnell, and in the event of the affair being gone on with, Mr. C. P. Cox be asked to act as assessor for the Board. Mr. David Ross wrote asking that a drain be made on the road near the East Belt, in the absence of- which the road was being much damaged. It was resolved to get the work done.

A letter was read from Mr. Marshman, Commissioner of Crown Lands, in answer to one sent by the Clerk to the Board, requesting that a Crown grant be issued for the Board’s offices. Mr. Marshman stated that on certain facts being sent to him, attested to by the officers of the Board, that he would recommend the request be complied with.

The Board decided to communicate with Mr. Marshman asking that a Crown grant be also issued for the gravel reserves in the district.

Mr. James Wilkie, Collector to the Board, wrote forwarding a list of rate payers who had paid their rates, also, a defaulters’ list. The Collector stated that owing to the complicated and incomplete state of the roll, the difficulty in tracing ownership, dividing accounts and acreage between separate ratepayers, which had occupied so much time in explanations and lengthy correspondence, he had been unable to get in all the rates as expected by the end of June, but there was every probability of the rates being got in in the course of a fortnight. It was resolved that the Collector be wiitten to, drawing his attention to a dis crepancy in the statements he had ren dered to- the Board and the rate roll; also, that he be instructed to take pro ceedings at once against defaulting rate payers. surveyors’ report. Beach Bond. —Forming to full width from finger post to school. The contractor has finished this work. Metalling Beach Road from finger-post to school. The contractor is making favorable progress with this work. Leadley's to Butterick's Drain. —No. 1 section—This contract is just upon com pletion ; there only remains some trim ming to the drain and road to be put in order &c. The contractor has experienced considerable difficulty in pushing forward this work, owing to the very hard condi tion of the ground. Bepairs and Additions to Boad Board Cottages. —This contract is completed. Be-formation Ac., of part of Sea field Boad. —The contractor -is progressing with this work, which will be completed in a few days. Drainage. —During heavy rainfalls a considerable quantity of water stand on the road near corner of R.S. With a small drain and culvert put in to carry water into the gravel pit at that corner, this could be obviated with a small ex pense. Maintenance of Boacls. —We have re quested the contractor to pay particular attention to roads under his contract, as, after the late rains, they are liable to be considerably cut up.

As directed at last meeting we have taken the necessary levels for di-aining part of Corbett’s road, plans and particu lars of which will be put before you. It will take a very small expense to get lid of the water standing on the road referred to in Mi*. S. Wright’s letter. We have given certificates for work done and in progress. The suggestions of the Surveyors re garding drainage were agreed to, the work to be gone on with at once. wakaui road. Mr. Hunt said that the Wakanui road in one or two places was in a vei*y bad state, and if not seen to at once, would be impassable in a very short time. The Surveyor was instructed to employ extra labor to get the road put into repair. drainage pipes. The Surveyor said there were a number of pipes on the East Belt which, if the Board were to authorise their being taken up, would be worth about L4O. They wei*e useless in their present position, and liable to be destroyed. Mr. Hunt calculated it would cost about Ll 5 after the pipes were taken up to fill in the holes. Mi*. Brown said that if the value of the pipes only cleared the expense of getting them up it would be worth while taking the work in hand, and thus giving the work io some of the unemployed. The pipes were useless where they were.

The matter was left in the hands of the Surveyoi's and Mr. Friedlander to take action.

ACCOUNTS. were then passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[By cable from Rcuießs Agency.) Revenue Returns. London, July 1. The British revenue returns for the last quarter shows an increase of LIOO,OOO, compared with the corresponding period last year . A Chance for Bradlaugh Yet. The Times of to-day publishes a para graph stating that the Opposition in the House of Commons will consent to a Bill which Government propose to introduce for the purpose of permitting an affirma tion instead of the customary oath of allegiance. The Greek Frontier. Berlin, June 30. The representatives of the Great Powers now sitting in conference for the settlement of Turkish affairs have adopted

an identical note to their respective Govern ments setting forth the decision arrived at in the Turko-Greek frontier question, and defining the limits of the extension of the Greek frontier as already announced, namely, to the towns of Janima and Metzovo, in the South of Albania, and including the district of Zagova in Thessaly. A copy of the note will, it is announced, be forwarded to both Turkey and Greece as the announcement of the decision of the Conference on the frontier question.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter’s Telegrams.) Melbourne, July 1. Arrived—Te Anau, from the Bluff. Ned Kelly.

Ned Kelly is progressing favorably. The excitement is now subsiding, and ths police, having abstained from interference with the bodies, they, were buried with out any disturbance taking place. ' The Loss of the Wanganui. Sydney, July 1. An inquiry has been held into the loss of the steamer Wanganui, and the Marine Board has decided that the same was due /: to the default of the master, Captain Bayldon, who has now been required to show why his certificate should not be suspended or cancelled. - New Caledonia. - . Advices have been received from New Caledonia that the new convict regulations are having a very bad effect, and the officials are apprehensive of the result. Arrived—Rotorua, from Auckland.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Committed for Trial.

Auckland, July 2.

Richard Putman has been committed for trial for forging an order purporting to be signed by Harbutt and Crush, manu facturers, and instructing Powell, a boarding-house keeper, to give prisoner board and lodging for an indefinite period. William Cook was also committed for trial on a charge of stealing a gold watch, chain, and locket, valued at L 22, from Charles Hunt, steward of the s.s. Tairoa, at the regatta. Fatal Result of an Accident. Invercargill, July 2.

The boy Asher who was run over by the Bush tramway locomotive, expired last night from injuries in the region of the groin. - , -

THE STORY-TELLER.

THE ENGINEER'S STORY

On a sunny October day, according to instructions I had received from the officers of the railroad company, I handed the engineer of Engine No. 32 a letter from his chief, requesting that I accom pany him upon the engine, as a better post for the observations along the rails I had been commanded to make.

After reading it, he touched his hat, and respectfully bade me welcome, arranging as comfortable a seat for me as he could provide for the long ride which lay before us. It was a novel experience for me, and a highly exciting one, as we seemed to cleave the air, the train thundering along behind us ; and I could but look admiringly at the man who stood so un flinchingly at his post and in whose hands, lay in reality all our lives. He was a tall, handsome fellow, whose keen grey eyes never stirred from his post, either to right or left, but whose cheei-y laugh often rang out on the clear morning air as we chatted together. By noon we had become friends, at which hour we stopped at a small station, where there was a delay of twenty minutes, to take on coal or water. As we slowed up, I noticed standing on the platform, a young woman, holding a neatly-covered basket, and clinging to her skirts a little chid, some three years of age. “Papa ! papa ! ” the little one screamed, in delight : and, glancing at my com panion’s face I needed not to question if he were the one thus called. Another moment, we had stopped, and wife and child were pressed to his breast, while a look of wonderful tenderness crept into his eyes. “My wife and child, sir,” he said, turning to me. “I have only one day a week off with them ; but Mary always meets me here with my dinner and now and then I get an hour or two with her.” “It is a hard life,” I said. “ You must miss them soi’ely.” “No matter where I am, sir,” he replied, “ they are with me. I hear the little one’s voice above the loudest wind, and I see my Mary’s smile in the darkest night, although I stand alone on my engine, with my life in my hand. It’s a hard life, maybe, sir, but I ought not to complain. It gave me happiness, since it won me my wife.” When we were on our way again, and I had seen the tears fill the wife’s bright blue eyes as she fondly kissed her husband good-by, while I had slipped into the little one’s chubby hand a golden gift from the strange gentleman riding with papa, I asked my companion what it meant.

“ I don’t know as you’d care to hear, sir, and there’s not many as I’d care to tell. You read so many book stories of the people who make up your world, that you have not much time to look down to mine. There are people who think such as wo have no time to love, but you have seen Mary and my boy, and—you’ll tell me if I tire you 1

I was a careless fellow enough six years ago, not neglecting my work when at my post, but fond of a good time with- my-i companions when off duty, always ready; to accept a friendly glass, and sometimes F with my head not quite steady when Ii mounted my engine, though the air always set me right before we had gone far on our way. One evening, at a dance, I met Mary Morton. She was the prettiest girl in the room, sir, and a little bit of a coquet in those days, though no more than was natural, with all the y.oung fellows try ing their best to turn her head. A I was not long behind the rest. I couldn’t get her out of my -houghts, but it did not take me a great while to find out the truth of the matter. I had lost my heart. The only question was, would she

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, FRIDAY, JULY 2 , 1880.



£ s. cl. Extra labor at harvest, L20 - -less L5 allowed ... ...15 0 0 Oats —300 bushels at 2s. 6d. instead of is.—extra cost ...22 10 O Farmer’s and wife’s work .. ...So 0 O Service of entire, say ... 3 3 0 Deterioration of live stock and imple- ments, 10 per cent, on L 320 ...32 0 0 Inteiest on farmer’s capital, say ...40 0 0 Incidental expenditure ... 20 0 0 £212 13 0



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.



Miscellaneous TIJANTED—A good GENERAL SER- W YANT. Apply at once, personally to Mr. Willcoeks, Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone. 559 c WANTED, a GENERAL SERVANT. ' v Apply Mrs Saunders, Ashburton Mill. 603 c A GOOD PIANO on hire, by the evening. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. TTrANTED KNOWN—That 0. Haw- VV kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805g—417c TTTANTED KNOWN, that Envelope, VV and Notepaper can be obtained, wholesale or retail, at unusually low rates at the “ Herald ” Office, East-street North. ‘He WANTED KNOWN—That H. Hooper, jun., having purchased the horse and dray from R. Cullen, has commenced business as General Carrier. 592 c TO LET SEVERAL Two and Four-roomed HOUSES at low rentals. Apply, 619 c POYNTZ & CO. BOYS’ SCHOOL, ASHBURTON. THE Third Quarter will begin on TUESDAY, the 6th day of July. 605 c D. DAVIDSON. FOOLSCAP Ledgers and Cash Books, Pocket Ledgers, Where is it 1 Letter Books, Note, Letter, and Foolscap Papers, Envelopes, Court, Business, and Official Drawing and Tissue Paper. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. ¥IOLIN FOR SALE—Second hand, with case, extra strings, mute, &c.— a bargain; originally owned by one of the best violinists in Canterbury. Apply O. Carstens, Tobacconist, next T. Chain-, bers. 610 c ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. TENDERS are invited for AP PROACHES to Bridge over South Ashburton River at Mount Somers. Plans and specifications can be seen at County Council Office, Ashburton, and Tenders, addressed to the Chairman, to be sent to in not later than 11 o’clock a.m., WEDNES 7th JULY, next. By order, WILLAM BAXTER, 992g-608c County Engineer. ]SIE W ZEALAND WESLE VAN {S ÜBSCRIBERS to the Wesleyan are respectfully requested to pay their subscriptions now due to Messrs. Weeks and Dixon, Ashburton. ’ J. T. SMITH, ' ' ' Manager. Christchurch, June 15th, 1880. 566 c NOTICE. HE COMMITTEE of the Tinwald School having kindly permitted the j of the building for Wesleyan Services, ■h services will he conducted therein, and after SUNDAY NEXT, at 630 a. , each Sunday. Mr. Alison will con -3t the first Service next SUNDAI r ENING, at half-past six o’clock. A Collection will be made each service oh-behalf of the Sustentation Fund of the Wesleyan Church. W. KEALL, 615c] Circuit Minister.



Miscellaneous- IJIOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. Reappearance of THE ASHBURTON AMATEUR CHRISTY MINSTRELS SATURDAY, JULY, 3kd, 1880. An Entire Change of Programme. Dress Circle, 35.; Front Seats, 25.; Back Seats, Is. 618 c H. ARTHUR GATES, Hon. Sec. NEW DRAPERY & CLOTHING ESTABLISHMENT. In the Store lately occupied by Me. F. Doherty. Cl MITH & BLACK have much pleasure in announcing to the public of Ash burton that they will open the above pre mises for ONE MONTH, with a Stock of Goods bought at a Bankrupt Sale. Due notice of the Opening day will be given. 617 c ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. TiHE MONTHLY MEETING of the above Society will be held at Mr. Jacobsen’s Office,On TUESDAY, July 6. Mr. H. C. Jacobsen will read a paper on “ The pleasures and benefits of Garden ing. ” S. E. POY r NTZ, Hon. Sec. 616 c



ASHBURTON AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY. “ The Lost Ship.” OWN HA L- L FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, JULY 9th and 10th. FRIDAY—BENEFIT OF Mr. C. BOURK. Particulars in future advertisement. 609 c



MONSTER CARNIVAL, FANCY FAIR, AND BAZAAR, IN FOWLER’S NEW BUILDINGS, Tailored street. An opportunity that seldom offers. MR. I. MONTAGUE, of High street, Christchurch, _ Begs to inform the inhabitants of Ash burton and surrounding districts that he will OPEN on SATURDAY NEXT, JULY 3, Those extensive premises known as Fowler’s Buildings, Tancred street, With an enormous stock of FANCY GOODS Of every description, consisting of Games, Musical Instruments, Dolls, Toys, Albums, Writing Desks, Lustres, Fans, &c., &c., &c. These Goods are a Special Importation, and will be SOLD AT VERY LOW PRICES. The Sale will last for a Fortnight Only. EVERYONE INVITED. OPEN SATURDAY NEXT, JULY 3. 614 c



MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD. NOTICE THE ROAD leading through Sections No. 15380, 7325, 26603, 1324, and 7245 is CLOSED against all Traffic from this date. W. B. COMPTON. 941& June 10th, 1880.