POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Tlie next mail for the United ICingdom via Brindisi, will be closed at Christ, church on March 11th, raid will be-due in London on April 29th. The next mail for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will be closed at Christ church on March 27th, and ,will be due in London on May 11th.

Notice. —A Post Office has been opened at Winchmore, on the Rakaia-Methven Railway line. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : 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, Rangitata, 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.

AUCTION SALE. To-Morrow.

By Messrs. J. E. Buclianan and Co., at the farm of Mr. James Ward, Water ton —Grain, Stock, Farm Implements, &c.

BIRTH.

Orb. —On the 7th March, at Tancred street, Mrs John Oi’r of a son. 155 c

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “ Evening Echo”). MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1880.

The Lyttelton Harbor Board have finally considered the resolutions of the Ashburton County Council and have en tered up judgment. That judgment is just as we expected it would be—viz., against any admission of the Ashburton County’s claims to direct representation at the Board. It is satisfactory to note, however, that the members of the Board are remarkably well pleased with them selves, that thev believe they have dis charged their duties as no other public

body in tire Southern hemisphere has dis charged its duties, and having done so feel themselves equal to the task of spend ing all the loan recently secured without any help from outside, and without sharing the honor of doing so with new blood. From the report of the meeting as published in the Christchurch papers, we learn that some members were quite prepared to admit ’the county of Ash burton to representation at the Board, provided other counties were represented, hut perhaps the most sensible suggestion made was that the system of nomination by which members are appointed should cease, and that the Board should be an elective .one, with eveiy interest repre sented. There is altogether too much nomineeism in the public bodies of this colony, and the sooner the broad principle of representation is recognised and acted upon the better. Thechief opponents of any change in the constitution of the Harbor Board were the Chairman (Hon. E. Richard son) and Mr. Murray-Aynesloy, the former believing that the construction of the Board being the outcome of the collective wisdom of both houses of Parliament, and he would therefore use his utmost en deavor to oppose any alteration. Mr. Turner, in advocating direct repre sentation, told the Board that as it at present stood it was not alive to its own interests, inasmuch as it had refused to reduce the wharf charges and expenses while at the same time it claimed to have nominally some thousands of surplus in come. We should say the counties who use the Port of Lyttelton as the outlet for their grain have a good case to go to Par liament with for a reconstruction of the Harbor Board on a representation basis.

Grain. —The grain carried up to date on the Christchurch section of the rail way, Winchester to Amerley andbranches, amounts to 119,331 bags. Deferred Payments. —A large area of land has been proclaimed open for settle ment on deferred payments at Te Aroha and Waikato, in lots ranging from 26 to 314 acres.

Our Human Ebb and Flow. —The fol lowing return has been compiled of the number of persons who have respectively arrived in and departed from the various ports of this colony during the seven months from July, 1879, to January, 1880, inclusive :—lnwards : Auckland, 2,55 i ; Napier, 345 ; Wellington, 2,545; Nelson, 347 ; Greyrnoutli, 79 ; Hokitika, GO ; Lyt telton, 3,410 ; Dunedin, 7,347 ; Bluff, 381. Outwards : Auckland, 1,137 ; Napier; 28; Wellington, 334; Nelson, 73 ; Greymouth, 117 ; Hokitika, 74 ; Lyttel ton, 132 ; Dunedin, 856 ; Bluff, 137.

The Unemployed. —A deputation, representing 150 unemployed men, waited on Saturday on Messrs. Stevens and Andrews, M.H.R.’s, with the object of laying before them the necessitous circum stances of the petitioners, and ascertaining whether Government could be moved to provide work and transit thereto in' the North Island, or failing that, to re-open woi’ks on the Waikari. The interview took place in the offices of Messrs. Harman and Stevens, Christchurch. The petition read to the gentlemen interviewed by the unemployed bore the signatures of 150 men, and included carpenters, brick layers, ana; oxner Tradesmen, butr tnese were for the most part accustomed to pick and shovel. Mr. Stevens said that in re ply to a telegram from him on the subject of work, the Premier had said there were more unemployed in the North Island than there was work for, but if real distress followed the ingathering of the harvest in the South Island, Government would make arrangements for providing work. Messrs. Andrews and Stevens undertook to forward the petition per the Penguin, which sailed the same evening, and the gist of it would be telegraphed North to the Hon. John Hall, should the Premier have left AVellington. In the course of the interview, one of the deputation, a Mr. Matthews, said he had only earned 15s. since Christmas, and had to support a wife and family, while a Mr. Coombs could mention cases of new arri vals who for three or four months had not done a day’s work, and these were married men with large families. He himself had been in the colony seven months, and had five children, for whom he did not know where to look for a loaf.

The Rifle Championship. Okey, of Taranaki, has won the championship of New Zealand at the rifle shooting at Nel son. His aggregate points amounted to 279; Purnell, of Wanganui, following with 272 ; and Rogers, of Blenheim, with 2G7. Medals of L2O, LID, and L 5 were also won by the three shots named in the same competition.

Pletjro.— The farmers in Auckland are becoming very anxious about the plem-o-pneumonia question, and meetings on the subject are being held.

Gum-Digging. —Quite a rush was re cently made on the gum-diggings in the Auckland district, and many of the diggers made a good thing out of it. Gum-digging, however, has its advan tages and disadvantages as well as other occupations, and has its rowdy worship pers as well as its quiet ones. A telegram from Auckland on Saturday shows us that some of the diggers have been in trouble. —Severalgum-diggers who were summoned to the Police Court to-day, for trespass, met in large numbers. They had been digging on freehold property, and when ordered oil, flourished spears and threa tened violence. When the constables appeared, the gum-diggers fled to the bush, resuming their digging at night. Some days ago, several charges of larceny were preferred against them, which broke down.

The Greymoutii Harbor. —Sir John Goode’s report on the Greyiliouth Harbor has been received by Government. He estimates the cost at L 162,000, and when the plans are carried out they may under any circumstances get 10ft. at low water, and 18ft. at high water spring tides. As trade increases to the port this may be further increased to 13ft. at low water, and 21ft. at high water. He recommends deepening the lagoon channel at once, and looks on Revell’s Lagoon and KaroraLake as very important to keep a good scour in the chaiixiel. He further recommends the reservation of all lands by the lagoon and Karora Lake for the future construc tion of docks.

German Education. —The German Wa# Minister reports that out of 143,119 men recruited during the working year 1878- 79, only 2574, or 1.80 per cent., could neither read nor write.

St. Stephen’s—Thanksgiving Service. —Yesterday thanksgiving services were held in St. Stephen’s Church, when the edifice was well filled with worship pers. The church was decorated with evergreens and flowers, while fruit, wheat, and barley, &c., adorned the alter. The Rev. VY. E. Paige delivered sermons appropriate to the occasion, and harvest hymns were sung.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE- Local Government at Home. London. March Q. A series of resolutions in favor of optional local government throughout Great Britain were introduced by a member of the Opposition. A lengthy debate ensued, and on a division being called the resolutions were negatived by the House by a large majority. At the wool auctions over 150,000 bales have been catalogued since the opening up to yesterday. The market has a firmer tone.

AUSTRALIAN.

A Parliament in a Pet

Hobart Town, March 6.

The Legislative Council has adjourned for three months This step has been taken in consequence of alleged dis courtsey shown by Government to the Upper House.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROViNCIAL.

Remarkably Sudden Death, Wellington, March 8. A seaman on board the Goahead, named Robert Campbell, died suddenly yesterday afternoon during the vessel’s passage from Napier here. He was at the wheel, when he was observed suddenly to fall down. All restoratives were of no avail, and he expired in a few minutes. Gas in New Plymouth. New Plymouth, March 6.

The town of New Plymouth was lighted with gas for the first time on Saturday night; the quality of the gas was good. A Young Blackguard. Dunedin, March 8.

At the City Court, Edward Rees (13) and Jas McElhenny were charged with stealing. The master of the industrial school stated that since McElhenny’s ad mission the school had got into a dis organised state. He said he was just as happy doing wrong as right, and did not care for gaol floggings. He was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and Rees to six months’, the former to receive twelve stripes with the cat-o’-nine-tails, the latter twelve with a birch rod. The Unemployed. Mr. Stewart, M. H. R., telegraphed to Mr. Oliver—“ A deputation of unem ployed have just waited on me. They state that a meeting attended by 500 people was held this morning to urge that the Government should find employment on tne mnd^,— „„A-M«UooL y Gully. The unemployed represent car penters, bricklayers, a few engineers, and a large number of ordinary laborers. Many are recent arrivals, and a number married. What can Government do for them l Case seems to be one of urgency. ” Scarlet Fever and Typhoid. Scarlet fever and typhoid are very rife in the city and suburbs. An Earthquake. Invercargill, March 8. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here on Saturday morning. Pastor Chiniquy on the Wing. Pastor Chiniquy is expected here on Saturday. A strong committee is making arrangements for his reception.

ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

first flower show. For some weeks past the almost newly formecl Horticultural Society has been working hard, with the object of establish ing itself on a firm and sound basis, and with a view to helping its popularity it resolved upon holding a show this month. To many who have been long residents in the township, hut who have only casually looked into the vegetable kingdom in our midst, an undertaking like a flower show in March was regarded with many mis givings. There were few gardens, the} r said, and there were fewer gardeners. Floral enthusiasts were scarce, and those that did flourish had had but scant time and opportunity to break in their young land to delicate duty of flower raising. Difficulties of every kind were conjured up and though the committee were not only hopeful but confident of making the show a success, there were many warm sup porters of the Society who were despon dent over the undertaking. But the event itself when it did come off last Saturday took everyone —hopeful friends, confident committee, and misgiving ad visers of caution—with a surprise that was delightfully pleasant. Out from neighbor ing suburban villas, from the nurseries of Messrs. Scaly Bros, and G. T. Smith, from the plots of business men, cultivated in the cool of the mornings and evenings, before business commenced and after it had closed—a work that smoothed out the first beginning of many a wrinkle of melancholy—from the gardens of the cot tagers, gradually increasing in number and growing in beauty as they grow in age ; and from the most unlikely and un promising back yards in busy East street —came contributions from Flora’s king dom that filled all with a gladsome astonishment, and told us that the Society had not started too soon, but that the townspeople hare been standing in their own light, and that a show might easily have been held long ago, to delight every soul in the town -who had a mind and a soul above him to whom—

“A primrose by the river’s brim A yellow primrose was to him : And it was nothing more.” The show was a great success, we have said ; and was so in every way. The ex hibits were numerous, numbering between 300 and 400, and every class almost in a schedule that represented 140 odd dif ferent! opportunities for competition was fairly represented.

The Town Hall was handsomely got up for the occasion with evergreens, native vegetation such as the ti-palm, the grace ful toi-toi grass, numerous sheaves of raupo flower, ana flax wreaths, garnished here and there with the not very beautiful but certainly peculiar flax sticks, with their loads of black seed pods. Down the centre of the room ran two long benches, on which stood the pot plants and cut flowers ; round the sides were the vege tables ; while the stage had the honor of holding a perfect cornucopia of fruit, and a large collection of conifera. The extra exhibits were on tables under the gal lery, and here also were to be found the flowers for exhibition.

We have scarcely space to go into exten sive details of the exhibition, seeing that we give the full prize list below, but there were several articles that we can scarcely pass without special mention. We noted a large variegated Wellingtonia, the ex hibition of Messrs Sealy Bros., and raised by them from the seed. We are given to understand that this specimen is the only one in Canterbury. Considering the lateness of the season, Messrs Sealy and Mr. Poyntz must be complimented on their fuschias, and the general display of pot plants was very good indeed. The Secretary in calling our attention to the dahlias shown by Messrs. Nairn and Son, made use of an expression which we gladly repeat —“ They were a show in them selves.” We confess to being more prosaic, however, than poetical, and while we admired the flowers, we could not help being pleased, though, in a different way, with the vegetables. They were a grand show-—both as regards quantity and quality—and they show what our little township is able to do, and give an earnest of what may yet be expected of her. We must notice Mr. Gordon Holmes’ cabbage —it was, as we heard it called, “a terror,” and not a few were brought up ‘•' all standing ” as they did the round of the hall and reached the huge vegetable. We would gladly continue our notice of the splendid show —it is an agreeable duty— but space forbids. Still, we must notice Mr. E. G. Wright’s grapes—black Ham burg and black Muscat—that would bear comparison with any grown anywhere ; nor must we forget Dr. Trevor’s peaches, a dish that made us a good deal better please d with Ashburton than we had been before. And last—not least—the ladies’ bouquets were a treat. The prize takers were Miss Saunders, Mrs. Sealy, and Miss Porter, among the ladies, while the floral designs of the gentlemen competitors were very grand. The piano was made use of at in tervals during the evening by kindly volunteers—a kindness that was much ap preciated by the 400 or 500 people who at tended to enjoy the show. We are glad to learn to that the show financially is a success. The following is the prize list.

PRIZE LIST. POT PLANTS —OPEN CLASS. Fuschias, one entry (6 plants, varie ties) : Ist. prize, Sealy Bros. Fuschias, one entry; 3 plants (varie ties) —Ist. prize, Sealy Bros ; 2nd. prize, Sealy Bros. Fuschias, one entry ; one specimen plant—lst. prize, Sealy Bios. Geraniums, one entry (zonale) 6 plants (varieties) —Ist prize, G. T. Smith.

(varieties) —Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Geraniums, two entries ; 1 specimen plant—lst prize, Sealy Bros ; 2nd J. S. Savage. Geraniums, one entries : four double varieties : Ist prize, Bros. ; 2nd, Sealy Bros. Geraniums, two entries : one specimen plant : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Geraniums, one entry; (four varie gated) : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Primula Sinensis, one entry; four plants : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Coleus, two entries ; (two varieties) : Ist prize, S. Poyntz ; 2nd, Sealy Bros. Cyclamen, two entries ; two plants : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. ; 2nd, Sealy Bros. Petunias, three entries; double or single (four varieties) : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. ; 2nd, G. T. Smith.

Conifers, three entries ; (12 varieties) named : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Best specimen ornamental foliage pot plant two entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Best specimen (new or i-are plant of any kind) two entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Collection of 3 pot plants (varieties) not otherwise specified, two entries : Ist piize, Sealey Bros. ; 2nd, E. G. Wright. POT PLANTS- —AMATEUR CLASS. Fuschias, three entries; (three plants) varieties : Ist prize, S. Poyntz ; 2nd, W. Davison. Fuschias, two entries ; one specimen plant: Ist prize, S. Poyntz ; 2nd, Miss Henderson. Geraniums (zonale), one entry ; speci men plant : 2nd prize, J. Pilkington. Best specimen of ornamental pot plants, one entry : Ist prize, S. Poyntz. Collection of four pot plants (varieties), not otherwise specified, two entries : Ist prize, S. Poyntz. Best specimen of new or rare plant, two entries : Mr. Mitchell, highly com mended. CUT FLOWERS —OPEN CLAPS. Roses, two entries; 6 blooms—lst prize, G. T. Smith. Verbenas, four entries : 2nd prize, Sealy Bros.; 11. C. Jacobson, highly com mended. Pansies,' one entry : Ist prize G. T. Smith. Dahlias, one entry : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Gladioli, one entry : Ist prize, Sealy Bi’os. Marigolds, one entry (African, orange, and lemon) : Ist prize, Sealey Bros. Best collection Dianthus, one entry: Ist prize Sealy Bros. Best collection petunias, four entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros.; 2nd, G. T. Smith; H. C. Jacobson, highly commended. Best collection of antirrhinums, two entries: Ist prize, G. T. Smith; 2nd, Sealy Bros. Asters, three entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros.; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Phlox one entry (G varieties): Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Best collection of cut flowers, four entries (12 varieties) : Ist prize, G. T. Smith; 2nd, Sealy Bros.; H. C. Jacobson, highly commended. CUT FLOWERS —AMATEURS Roses, one entry (G blooms) : No prize. Verbenas, one entry : H. C. Jacobson, highly commended. Gladioli, two entries : Ist prize, A. H. Shury ; 2nd, A. H. Shury. Asters, two entries : Ist prize, A. H. Shury,

Marigolds, one entry (French) A. H. Shury. Best collection of Antiirhinums, one entry: H. C. Jacobson,highly commended. Best collection of cut flowers, four entries : Ist prize, Mrs. Mitchell ; Mis 3 Henderson, highly commended. Best hand bouquet, three entries (for ladies only): Ist prize, Miss S. Saunders ; 2nd, Mrs. Sealy. Best hand bouquet, four entries (not to exceed G inches in diameter) : Ist prize, G. T. Smith; 2nd, G. T. Smith. -

Best table bouquet, six entries : Mrs. Sealy.

Best floral design, two entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros.; 2nd G. T. Smith. Best collection of ferns, in cultivation, two entries : Ist prize, Sealy 8r05..; 2nd, Mrs. Mitchell.

Best exhibit of musk, one entry : Ist prize, H. Fooks. FRUIT (OPEN CLASS). Outdoor grapes, one entry Four bunches.

Miscellaneous collection, one entry : Ist prize, G. T. Smith. Peaches, six entries (best six) : Ist prize, J. S. Savage ; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Apples, three entries (dessert) : Ist prize, J. S. Savage. Apples, three entries (cooking) : Ist prize, J. Simmonds. Filbert or cob nuts, two entries : Ist prize, G. T. Smith. Special collection of fruit, one entry (by fruiterers only) : Ist prize, J. S. Savage; 2nd, J. S. Savage. Best exhibit of grapes : Ist prize, E. G. Wright.

FRUIT (AMATEUR CLASS)

Grapes, two entries (four bunches) : Ist prize, J. S. Savage. x Peaches, five entries (four) : Ist prize, Dr. Trevor ; 2nd, Mrs. Trevor; G. H. St. Hill, highly commended. Nectarines, one entry (four) : Ist prize, G. H. St. Hill.

Extra exhibit, seedling peaches : Ist prize, J. Ward. Best collection, six pears, one entry: Ist prize, J. S. Savage. Filberts or cob nuts, one entry: Ist prize, J. S. Savage. Extra exhibit of peaches : W. T. Davi son, highly commended. • Best collection apples, two entries : Ist prize, J. Hunt. VEGETABLES (OPEN CLASS). Cucumbers, two entries (best two) : Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Pumpkins, three entries (two heaviest): Ist, G. H. St. Hill; 2nd, E. G. Wrig.it. Vegetable marrows, five entiles : Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, J. C. Bell. Celery, three entries : Ist prize, E. G. Wright. Cabbages, four entiles : Ist prize, E. G. Wright ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Cabbages, two entries (red) : Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Carrots, eight entries: Ist, E. B. Pearce; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Turnips, eight entries : Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Onions, six entries : Ist prize, J. Sim monds ; 2nd, Jos. Hunt. Extra exhibit, eschalote : Ist. prize, J. Simmonds. Parsnips,. two entiles : Ist prize, J. Simmonds. Lettuce, two entries : Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, J. T. Smith. Ward ; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Beans for table, five entries : E. G. Wright ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Savoys, five entries : Ist G. T. Smith ; 2nd, E. G. Wright. Potatoes, kidney, fourteen entries ; Ist prize, H. Rooke : 2nd, G. T. Smith. Highly commended ; J. Simmonds. Potatoes, round, sixteen entries : Ist prize, J. Simmonds ; 2nd, J. M. Cam bridge. Peas, twenty-five pods— four entries : first prize, E. G. Wright ; 2nd, E. G. Wright. Rhubarb, six sticks, 3 entries: Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, E. G. Wright. Best collection of vegetables, three entries: Ist prize, E- G. Wright ; 2nd, G. T. Smith.

Honey in comb, four entries : Ist prize, Mrs. Mulford ; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Beans, broad, twenty-five pods, two entries : Ist. prize, E. G. Wright. VEOETABLES —AMATEUR CLASS. Cucumbers, two entries : Ist prize, J. Slee. Pumpkins, two entries : Ist prize, Miss Henderson ; 2nd, Maurice Mayo. Cabbages, two entries : Ist prize, Maurice Mayo. Vegetable marrows, two entries : Ist prize, T. Williams. Tomatoes, rod and yellow three entries, Ist prize, S. B. Nelson ; 2nd, H. Stephen son. Rhubarb, one entry : highly com mended, F. Mayo. Celery, two heads. No prize. Carrots, eight entries : Ist prize, B. C. Smith : 2nd, Mrs. Mulford. Turnips, bunch of six, two entries : Ist prize, M. Mayo. Onions, four entries : Ist prize, H. Rooke ; 2nd, H. W. Barratt. Onion, new giant rocca : one entry, highly commended, F. Mayo. Parsnips, three entries : Ist prize, Mrs. Mulford ; 2nd, H. W. Barratt. Beetroot, three entries : Ist prize, J. Per main. Peas, twenty-five pods : highly com mended. H. C. Jacobson. Beans, fit for table, three entries : Ist prize, J. C. Bell. Savoys, five entries : Ist prize, Maurice Mayc ; 2nd, J Slee. Best collection of vegetables, two en tries : E. Ling. EXTRA PRIZES. Best collection of potatoes, 7s. Gd., given by Mr. G. T. Smith: Prize, J. Porter. Best tri-colored geranium, 7s. Gd., given by Mr. Charlton : No entry. Best hand bouquet, made by girls under 13 years of age, 55., given by Mr. G. J. Anstee : Prize, Miss Porter. Best collection of apples, not less tlian six varieties—open to amateurs only— given by Mr. T. Sealy : Prize, J. Sim monds. Best two double fuschias, one light and one dark, given by Mr. Poyntz : No entry.

Best rose—exhibited by amateurs only —7s. Gd., given by Mr. J. Sealy. No entry.

Best Swiss rose, grown in pot, os. given by Mr. Elston : No entiy. Best grape vine, grown in pot, 55., given by Mr. Elston : Prize, Sealy Bros. Best vegetable marrow open to amateurs only—os., given by Mr, T. Williams ; Prize, W, T, Davison,

THU MAORI AND THE MOA.

By Mr. C. IV: Purnell, Ashburton, in the ■ ‘ Victorian Revnw. ” But who were these moa-eating natives? It needs to he taken for granted that they were identical with the Maoris, and that the extermination of the moa was an event of a very recent date. Many believed that the last of the moas still survived, and even at the present day paragraphs now and again find their way into the newspapers, recording how some party of explorers has been disturbed at night by an unusual sound, and issuing from their, tent have perceived in the light of the moon a mighty two legged, feathered thing “ skedaddling ” at°full speed; or perchance they have" met with tracks in a remote locality which could have been made by no living crea ture except the moa or its cousin. ■ These tales, circumstantially told, once obtained a certain amount of credence, but have latterly come to be classed with-marine stories about the sea-serpent. There is, nevertheless, evidence to the same effect, of a more reliable character, and which cannot be so lightly set aside. Dr. Hec tor, F.R. S., the director of the New Zea land Geographical Survey in the year 1803, while travelling over one of the flat topped mountains near Jackson’s Bay, in the South Island, at an elevation of 4000 feet, observed numerous well-beaten tracks sixteen inches wide, intersecting the dense scrub in all directions, and which, owing to the height of the scrub, could only have been formed by the fre quent passage of a much larger bird than any species known to exist in the country; while, by the sides of the tracks, especi ally near the upper confines of the forest he noticed shallow excavations two or three feet in diameter, which had appar ently been scraped for nests. . The com-. mon belief was, however, disturbed by Dr. Von Haast, F.R.S, who in 1871 pro pounded the theory that the moa was extinct before the arrival of Maoris in the island, and that the men who had hunted and killed it were an extinct race. He was not the inventor of the theory, but the first who had given it prominence, and collected a substantial body of evi dence to support it. Forthwith a contro versy of scientific -warmth arose, but the disputants have now cooled down, and while Dr. Von Haast is left in a decided minority, it must be conceded that the promulgation of liis views has provoked an invaluable amount of research, so that during the past eight years we have learned more about the moa than we had done since the discovery of New Zealand by the Europeans. It had been previously supposed that the Maoris were intimately acquainted with the moa, and that free mention of it was made of it in their songs; but it has been shown that the references, if any, are scanty ; indeed, Mr. Colenso, of the North Island, and the Rev. Mr. Stack, of the South, both ex perts, positively deny that they contain any reference at all. We have on the other side, the high authority of Sir George Grey and Judge Mailing, the former of whom wrote to the Zoological Society of London, in 1870, as follows : “ The natives all know the word ‘ moa,’ as describing the extinct bird, and when I came to New Zealand, twenty-five yeais ago, the natives invariably spoke to me of the moa as a bird well-known to their an cestors. They spoke of the moa in exactly the same manner as they did of the kakapo, the kiwi, the weka, and an ex tinct kind of rail, in districts where all these birds had disappeared. Allusions to the moa are found in their poems, sometimes together with allusions to birds still in existence in some parts of the island. From these circumstances, and from former frequent conversations with old natives, I have never entertained the slightest doubt that the moa was found by the ancestors of the present New Zea land race when they first occupied the island, and that by degrees the moa was destroyed and disappeared, as have several other wingless birds from differ ent parts of New Zealand.” Judge Maning, and one or two other Maori scholars, undertake to explain from information derived from the natives, the mode in which the moa ivas captured and killed by the Maoris, who were accus tomed to organise large parties for the chase of the moa, flocks of which were first driven into a confined space by firing the scrub and fern, and the birds were then killed with spears made for the pur pose. Mr. Walter Mantell, Dr. Hector, and other persons competent to give an opinion, likewise range themselves in op position to Dr. Von Haast; and there are many telling facts against the prehistoric theory, which its supporters have hitherto failed to answer in a satisfactory manner. For example, pieces of moa skin, with feathers attached have been found (and may now be seen in tlie colonial museums) under circumstances which exclude the supposition that the birds of which they compose the relics have been dead for the length of time required by this theory. It is said that in the British Museum there is a taiaha, or Maori chief’s spear, with a bunch of moa feathers at the top. The taiaha was brought to England by Captain Cook. Bones of a dog, of apparenlty the same breed as the Maori dog, are mingled in many old cooking-places with those of the moa, and all the trustworthy evidence available to guide us shows that no dogs existed in the island at the time of the Maori advent. Moa remains are likewise mixed up with those of cannibal feasts in the North Island, although not in the South, and stone implements, both rough and polished, similar in character to those now used by the Maoris, abound every where with the relics of moa feasts. One spot near the Clutha River, in Otago, has been named “Moa Flat,” from the quantity of moa bones which lay scattered upon the surface of the ground when the land was first occupied by the settlers. In many other places—over wide tracts of country—moa bones have been discovered spread over the surface of the soil.

(to be continued )

Copper near Nelson. —The Aniseed Valley Copper Company has struck a lode of pure black oxide of copper, 2ft. Gin. wide, 120 ft. from the surface. The vein was followed down the whole distance without a break.

Christchurch Assessment. — The as sessment of the City of Christchurch for this year amounted to L 222,204, which was reduced by L 3,143 by the Court. Last year the assessment in its reduced state was L2Q4,00Q.

Monday, March 8, ISBO.I

THE ASHBURTON HERALD



New Advertisements. REMOVED TO WAKANUI ROAD, Next to Post Office. JOSEPH WARD, FAMILY BUTCHER, iEGS to inform the Public of Ash burton that he will Open as above on Saturday next, and intends selling for cash at a REDUCTION in PRICES. First-class Beef, 3d. to sd. per lb. First-class Mutton, 2d. to 3d. per lb. Legs, 3id per lb. JOSEPH WARD, 892a* Butcher. h ONE POUND REWARD. STRAYED or STOLEN, from Long beach, a bright bay 2 year old heavy draught COLT, exhibited by me at the last Tinwald Show. The above reward will be paid to any person who will give such information as will lead to the recovery of the colt, or the conviction of the offenders if he is stolen. 136 c JOHN GRIGG. HORSE FOUND. EOUND, opposite Wakanui Mill, a HORSE, with saddle and bridle. Owner can have same on application to the undersigned, and paying expenses. H. Moffatt, Wakanui. 146c-5S3g THE LONGBEACH COACH ! /GEORGE WILLCOCKS respectfully VX acknowledges the liberal support which he has received during the short time his Coach has been running, and The fares by Willcocks’ coach are exactly 3d. per mile ordinary fares, and lid. per mile for Saturday return. They are as under— Longbeach to Ashburton, ordinary 55., return Bs. Waterton to Ashburton, 3s. 6d. ordi nary, 6s. return. Ashton to Ashburton, 3s. ordinary, ss. return. Wheatstone to Ashburton, 2s. 6d. ordinary, 4s. return. SINGLE FARE RETURN ON SATURDAYS. The coach leaves the Booking Office, Quill’s Commercial Hotel, each day at 3.15 ; Post Office, 3.30. 0 g COOKSON, Wills Street, runs the , MAIL COACH from Ashburton Railway Station to Green Street, Alford Forest, and Mount Somers, every Tuesday and Friday, returning Wednesday and Saturday at 3 p.m.



LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AT THE ‘ EVENING HERALD ” OFFICE. T7URMERS REQUIRING HANDS T can engage men through the ‘‘Evening Herald ” Registry for If- 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.



MPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance. ALL PROGRAMME CARDS 'in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, East street, near Railway Station, HAVE you Found Anything that don’t belong to you, and wish to act on the square ?—Bring a Shilling to the Herald’s Advertising Clerk. He’ll put your qualms of conscience at rest, and find the owner through the Twenty-Words -for a-Shilling-Column, cash.



New Advertisements. A PRIVATE and Superior Ladies’ School for DISPOSAL. Can bo taken with or without the Plant. Terms Moderate. Ladies about to commence scholastic duties would do exceedingly well by an early attention. Address— Guardian office - , Ashburton. 154 c WANTED —A good General Servant, accustomed to children. Must have references. Apply, Press office, Ashburton. 152 c V R In the Bankrupt Estate of KNUD SANDO and ARCHIBALD BOWLING, both of Ashburton, lately carrying on business in co partnership as grocers, Ac. ‘OTICE is hereby given that all proofs of debt must be forwarded to the undersigned on or before March 21. W. H. ZOUCH, 153 c Trustee. WANTED KNOWN, that Envelopes and Notepaper can be obtained wholesale or retail, at unusually low rates at the “ Herald ” Office, East-street North. TO FRUITERERS, CONFECTIONERS, AND OTHERS. FANCY Show Cards, neatly printed— “ Finest Lemonade and Cordials” —on Sale at the Herald Office. Drawing paper, ail sizes, just opened at WEEKS AND DIXON, East street. FOR SALE. mOWN SECTION No. 300, Burnett 1 street, on easy terms. Apply to G. M. ROBINSON, 90c* Care of P. Cunningham and Co. NEWS AND MAGAZINE AGENCY, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT. RE-OPENING. HM. JONES begs to inform his . customers and the public generally that he has re-opened the premises lately occupied by A. Weston and K. Sando and Co. for the sale of Newspapers, Magazinse, Stationery, Fancy goods, Toys, &c. English and Colonial papers, Periodicals, &c., by each mail. Licensed to sell .Stamps. Lowest prices—Terms cash. Agent for “ Ashburton Guardian,” “Ashburton Herald,’, “Ashburton Mail,” “Lyttelton Times,” “ Canterbury Times,” Daily “Press,” “ Weekly Press,” “Otago JSSTi-ky* o era -1? xcs * — fJ-L nm__aiifL County Journal. Subscribers to “ Canterbury Times” and “ Weekly Press” can obtain their copies at the above Establishment. *l2lc NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., 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, he is prepared to* guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Ox's. CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a



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