COMMERCIAL.

[by telegraph.]

Dunedin, May 28.

Prime beef, 225. 6d. per 100 lbs ; mutton, 2d.; good sample milling wheat, 3s. sd. to 3s. lid.; fowls feed, 3s. to 3s. 3d.; oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d.; malt barley, 3s. 6d. to 3s lOd.; feed, 2s. 6d. to 35.; potatoes, L2„ .7s. 6d.; old hay, L 4 ; new oaten hay, L 3 ; chaff, L 3 ; straw, L2; bran, L 3 ; pollard, L 4 ; flour, LlO 53. to LlO 10s; large sacks oatmeal, L 9 10s.; pearl barley, L2O ; onions, 75.; cheese, 6d.; bacon, rolled, lOd.; hams, Is.sides bacon, lOd.

Wellington, May 28. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency report under date, London, May 25, as follows : —The wool market is un changed. Home buyers are purchasing freely, but the continental demand is limited. Competition on French account is sluggish, and the American demand has fallen off. Up to date 260,000 bales have been sold. The sales will close on the Bth proximo. The wheat market is quite, Adelaide being worth 525. per 496 lbs., and New Zealand, 50s. ditto. Supplies of town melted tallow are light, and the market is firm. The leather market is quiet, best sides being worth 11 -f d. per lb.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under:—

Tuesday, June 1. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Rotomahana.

SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Maclaren. — On the 28th inst., at Winter’s Road, Ashburton, Mrs. S. S. Maclaren of a son. 510 c

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1880.

Tea Address in Reply. —lt is under stood that the Hon. Dr. Grace will move the Address in Reply in the Legislative Council. Financial Statement. —lt is not im probable that the Colonial Treasurer will bring down his financial statement on Tuesday iveek, June Bth, unless any un forseen delay should take place irudebat ng the Address in Reply. Cii iA? Oats.— On Wednesday last Mr. J. L. Crawley sold by auction a line, consisting of 6000 bushels of first-class oats at the very low price of Bfd. per bushel. The oats were not delivered at any railway station or store, but delivery was taken on the farm, which is situated at the present terminus of the Mount Somers Railway.— Times. The Borough Council Chambers. — There is every probability of the Borough Council Offices being lit with gas by their usual meeting on Monday evening next. The gas-fitters have been pushing on with their work, and all that is neces sary now is for communication to be opened up with the mains, which will, we understand, be completed by this evening.

Adjourned Once More. —The ad journed special meeting of the Borough Council to consider and adopt the By laws again fell through last night, as we prophesied. Messrs. St. Hill and Wil liamson were the only Councillors present, and when our reporter left at 7.30 the former gentleman and Mr. Crisp were deep in the mysteries of a game of chess. Meeting op Creditors. —A meetin s of Mr. George Rickard’s creditors wa held at the District Courthouse, on Thurs day last, Mr. S. Saunders in the chair. The debtor submitted a statement of his assets and liabilities, which showed a balance of nearly LBOQ in favor of the former, but anything of value appeared as secured to Messrs. Saunders Bros., King and Co., and Morrow, Bassett, and Co., the principal creditors. Mr. Pavitt was elected trustee.

Civil Cases. —At the Court yesterday, His Worship gave judgment for the plain tiffs for the amounts claimed, with costs, in the following cases Fowler v. Nolan, L2 7s. 9d.; Harris v. Bryan, L 4 os. 6d.; Harris v. Forbes, L 4 75,; Harris v. O’Shea, £4 18s.; Neate v. R. M. Buchanan, 95.; Saunders v. Boileau, L 7 10s. (on a promissory note) ; Hodder v. Spring, Ll 3 (on a promissory note). Mr. Crisp appeared for the Borough Council in suits for rates as under:—Borough Council v. Butler, L 25 ; same v. Hicks, L 4, in each_case obtaining judgment, with costs.

Calcutta Sweeps. The following sweeps on the Ashburton meeting were drawn last night, Mr. A. Harrison acting as auctioneer. There was a fair attendance, but doubtless the Bachelors’ Ball then being held in Quill’s Hotel prevented many from attending. Ash burton Handicap—No. 1, value, L 26 15s. 6d. Raven, LI 10s. ; The Fakir, L2 55.; Micky Free, £1 55.; Stella, LI 15s. ; Grey Momus, L 5 15s. ; The Lad, 15s. District Handicap—No. 2 Sweep—Value, LI 18s., The Lad, LI ss. ; Raven, L 3; Jack, L2 10s. ; Tam O’Shanter, LI ss. Ashburton Handicap—No. 3 Sweep—Value, L 25 2s. —Stella, L 5 10s. ; Grey Momus, L 8 ; Raven, L 3 ; Fakir, L 5 ss.

The Canterbury Cattle District.— The following is the official definition of the Canterbury Cattle District, under The Diseased Cattle Act, 1871, Canterbury, as proclaimed by His Excellency :—And I do hereby define all that tract of country comprising the Counties of Amuri, Cheviot, Ashley, Selwyn, Akaroa, Ash burton, Geraldine, and Waimate, with such islands as may be adjacent thereto, and all cities and boroughs within the boundaries of the said counties, as and to be a district under and for the purposes of The Diseased Cattle Act, 1871 ; and, in further pursuance and exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the said Act, I do hereby attach to the said district the name of “ The Canterbury Cattle District. ”

Political Gossip. —The special corres pondent of the Press, at Wellington, says that a rumor was afloat in the lobbies this (Friday) afternoon that a direct no confidence motion was to be tabled im mediately by the Opposition with a view of testing the relative strength of parties at once. Another report is that the first aggressive movement of the Opposition will take the shape of an amendment on the Address in Reply, Nothing will be definitely known, however, until more members arrive. The general opinion seems to be that the Government are safe for the session unless they fall on the property tax. Ministers are very reticent as to their intention on this, but the Op posiiion members freely express their conviction that it will be modified in some way, so as to soften the mo&t objection able features. It is believed that Ministers themselves are not altogether satisfied with the mode of collection and assessment. Nothing, however, is yet de finitely known on the matter.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

A WORD TO THE FARMERS.

To the Editor,

Sir, —Allow me to warmly congratulate you upon the production to the public of your first Farmers’ Supplement; it is per se a most praiseworthy edition. The particulars given by you with respect to the productions of wheat and meat in America cannot fail to be a treasury of knowledge to our New Zealand farmers, who are as a rule not apt scholars in learn ing anything having for its object a pro gressive tendency. Force of circumstances is a grand teacher. From the latter lam inclined to conclude that the agricultu rists of New Zealand have in store a lesson that will be pretty well impressed on their minds, and one that seems to be close at hand, namely,—low prices for all kinds of corn, and keener competition. At present one of the primary draw backs that our farmers have to contend with, and which it is in their hands to control, is the unprecedentedly high railway rates, storage, and shipping charges, which their corn is subject to before it finds its way on board ship ; but, farmer-like, this most vital question scarcely gives the “ tillers of the soil” a second’s thought, although it has been publicly avowed that under the railway rates here of the last financial year, it cost as much to carry one ton of produce a distance of 58 miles as it did one ton in an adjoining colony 150 miles, yet her railroads, for all that, cost her as much to construct as ours did ! The question here arises, What have our aspirants to states manship, who are, as a rule, so ambitious for distinction and power, been about 1 and how calmly our over-burdened farmers carry the gross imposition. This and all such State-bungling must sooner or later have an end. The New Zealand agriculturist endures the payment of taxes to keep going this govei’nmental mis management with complacency of the most charming nature—all he does is to pay and grumble. America might be instanced as another striking example upon this very point of railway management. The distance from Chicago to the New York is estimated at 912 miles, and one ton of grain has been carried for 18s. Bd., or about one-fifth of a penny per ton mile ! Comparisons are, according to some people’s measure, in vidious, but are, nevertheless, wholesome, and if acted upon with a firm hand, have cleansing effects. It will be well, for the information of our easy-going farmer, to introduce to his notice the most out rageously high tariff rate, which he has been subject to —viz., paying 15s. 2d. for one ton a distance of 58 miles to Christ church ; or for 18s. Bd. he has had the great privilege of having one ton carried 82J miles f. o. b. at Port Lyttelton ; while our cousin across the deep sea can have one ton carried for the same money a distance of 912 miles, or over eleven times that our New Zealand corn-grower can.

I noted, Sir, by your last issue that your Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion Society is to be “ opened next Tues day by an introductory address, and that monthly meetings are to be held for the purpose of reading papers and discussing matters of farming interest.” As good or bad government affects the interests of the farmers in the way 1 have suggested, it is to be hoped the members will keep the ball rolling, and not rest until economy is the inherent policy of the Government. Unless some such action is taken the order of the day will be taxes of an inter minable nature, and nothing to show for them.—l am, &c.,

William.

New Zealand at the Melbourne Exhi bition.

[by telegraph.)

Wellington, May 26.

An official letter received from Dr. Hector, at Melbourne, contains the fol lowing :

“ I was shown over the exhibition building by Mr. Casey and Mr. Murch, the Vice-President, accompained by Mr. Hill, the Secretary, and Mr. Reicl, the architect. The permanent part of the building, intended for art galleries and for a ceremonial hall, is expected to be finished this month ; but the large tem’ porary erection for the exhibition proper is still far from completion. The greater part of it however may be ready by the Ist July, to receive goods. The organisa tion and arrangements of details in con nection with the exhibiton appear to be very perfect A system of tramways is being laid throughout the grounds and buildings, which will facilitate the placing of the exhibits. The Victorian catalogue is in the printer’s hands, and Mr. Casey wishes to have the MSS. of the New Zea land catalogue as soon as possible, as an attempt is to be made to issue the cata logue on the opening day, and to get all the judging done in the first few weeks, so that the public may see the articles with the awards. From what I have gathered, it will require a strenuous effort on the part of New Zealand to maintain the position she won at Sydney.

Shocking Attempt at Suicide at Napier.

(by telegraph.') Napiek, May 28. William Collins, groom at the livery stables, attempted suicide this morning. He went to the stables at 8 o’clock, but instead of attending to his work he entered the office, where there were two guns—a muzzle loader and a breach loader’. Finding no ammunition to load the muzzle gun with, he emptied a cartridge for the purpose, and then placed the muzzle under his chin and pulled the trigger, His jaws, tongue, and nose were completely blown away, but the brain was uninjured, The report alarmed his fellow workmen, who conveyed the man to the hospital. Collins has been drinking hard lately. He has a wife and three children. The doctors entertain a hope of .saying his life.

M*kng I:? Up.—-If there is honor aworj iireves there is also honor amo.'g T.'.pa.a purlers. Two lirghts of the b ush w.’o were “run in” for p.iKfi : ?g ore mo.her with their fists, being fined t/’s mor /ng, the slayer took pity on the sh'hi, aid gallantly paid for his fallen fellow-tradesman.— S. C. Times.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

[By Telegraph.]

[The following appeared as. a Supple ment in yesterday’s Second Edition.]

Wellington, May 28. Parliament was opened at two o’clock yesterday by the Governor in person. There was only a very small attendance of members in both Houses of the Legis lature.

Sir William Fox took the oath and his seat for Rangitikei. His Excellency’s Speech.

His Excellency delivered the customary Speech, giving an outline of the work to be done during the session. The fall text is given below : Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representa tives — In accordance with what was under stood to be the wish of both branches of the Legislature, I have called you to gether at an earlier period of the year than usual, and after an interval of little more than five months since the last ses sion of Parliament. When I last met you, the country was suffering from severe monetary pressure, and a general depression in various branches of indus try and trade. It is satisfactory for me to be able, 011 the present occasion, to con gratulate you on the partial relief which has been experienced, and on the degree of confidence which has been inspired by an abundant harvest, and by the increased value of most of the staple products of the country. At the same lime, the condition of the colony demands your careful con sideration. I regret that there should be a considerable amount of distress among the working classes, but I trust and believe this may be only of a tem porary character. It is engaging the serious attention of my Government, who have taken steps for enquiring into tlie means best calculated to encourage such local industries as will afford steady and remunerative employment to the people. In accordance with the decision of the Legislature, I appointed a Royal Com mission to enquire into the alleged grievances of a portion of the native race in respect to tlieir lands on the west coast of the North Island. The reports and recommendations of that Commission will be laid before you. I trust that the measures, at once firm and concilia tory, which have been adopted by my Government willjfissue in a permanent and satisfactory settlement of the diffi culties which have arisen in that part of the colony. The determination which has been shown to redress grievances where they may be proved to exist, and at the same time to assert the supremacy of the Crown, cannot but favorably affect our relations with the whole Maori race. The steps'which should be taken for, the defence of the harbors of the colony have been carefully considered and duly re ported upon by Colonel Scratcliley, an ex perienced officer of the Royal Engineers. You will be asked to consider the extent to which it will be advisable to give effect to his suggestions. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives — Carefully prepared estimates of the revenue and expenditure for the ensuing twelve months will be laid before you. The facts elicited by Commissioners whom I have appointed to enquire into the present position of the Civil Service, will, I have no doubt, assist my Responsible Advisers in effecting substantial reductions in the cost of that service. I regret to have to announce to you that a falling off has taken place during the past financial period in almost all the principal items of revenue. While these may in some measure be attributed to temporary causes, it would be unwise to ignore the fact that prior to the existence of the de pression there had been a time of ex traordinary inflation, consequent upon the expenditure of large sums of borrowed money. With the lessening of the abnormal influx of foreign capital the country must look for a diminution in the rate of jirogress it has recently been ac customed to, both in respect to its ordinary and territorial revenue. In these circumstances my advisers entertain nc doubt as to the course to be pursued. Expenditure must be decreased, luxuries must be curtailed; the public works which have already been constructed must be made more reproductive. It is to in dustry and economy that the colony has to look for a development of its resources, and the maintenance of healthy progress. You will be asked to consider a plan, which it is believed, will place the finances of the local bodies on a satisfac tory basis and will enable those bodies to carry on their works in a self-reliant and independent manner. Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representa tives —

At a time when it is indispensable that the closest attention should be bestowed upon the state of our finances, upon the solution of questions of grave importance, upon the settlement of waste lands, and upon the general economy of administra tion, it is not the intention of my Govern ment to ask you to devote a longer time to the duty of legislation than will be re quired to complete the constitutional measures already initiated, and to deal with pressing questions of social and ad ministrative reform. Bills J will be pre sented to you for the consolidation and amendment of the licensing laws of the colony ; for placing the administration of hospital and charitable aid on a sound and intelligent basis; for completing the changes in the electoral law which were commenced in the last session of Parlia ment ; for re-adjusting the representation of the people ; and fur amending the laws affecting the dealing with native lands and the constitution of the Native Lands Court. The work of consolidating the statutes, as authorised by you, has made considerable progress, and a number of Bills, the result of the labors of the Commission, will also be placed before you. The necessity for re vising the whole sj stem of legal procedure now in force, in the Supreme Court, and in other Courts of the colony, has forced it self upon the attention of my government, The subject is too large to enter upon dur ing the present session, but it is proposed to institute an enquiry with the view of pre paring such measures of reform as will render the administration of justice moi’e speedy and efficacious, as well as lc.ss costly, than at present. The work of open ing up the waste lands of the Crown for settlement has been vigorously prosecuted.

and blocks of land for occupation upon the deferred payment and village settle ment systems have been set aside over a large portion of the colony. The desire which exists for the oc cupation of land in small holdings evinces a determination on the part of the people of the colony to devote them selves steadily to the development of its resources. It is to be regretted that in some parts of the country land of this class has been bought on teims with which the purchasers have found -it im possible to comply. The subject is under the consideration of my Government. I now leave you to the labors of the session. I have to assure you of my earnest desire to co-operate with your efforts to promote the welfare of the country, and to express my hope that God’s blessing may rest upon your de liberations. THE ADDRESS IN REPLY. In the House of Representatives, a notice was given of an Address in Reply on behalf of Colonel Trimble. THE LATE PRINCESS ALICE. A despatch was received from the Im perial Government, containing the Queen’s acknowledgment of the address of con dolence presented by both Houses of the Legislature on the death of the Princess Alice. NEW BILLS. Ministers laid a number of paper on the table, and gave notice of the Regulations of Elections/Corrupt Practices Prevention, and Election Petitons Bills. The Tele graph Act Amendment Bill was read a first time.

Both Houses adjourned until Tuesday.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Reuter's Agency. ) The Markets.

London, May 27. New Zealand five per cent. Loan, 1889, 105 ; 4J per cent., Loan, 1879-1904, 98. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 15,750,000. At the wool sale to-day, 11,500 bales were offered, making a total of 300,700 catalogued since the opening. The tone of to-day’s sales showed that prices were firmly maintained. The withdrawal from sales to date amount to 14,000 bales. Pig iron is at 50s. There is a fair demand for most descriptions of hides. Prices are a shade lower. The Australian Cricketers. The Australian cricketers commenced a match against Eighteen of Rochdale to day. The weather was showery during the day. The English team went first to the wickets, and when the stumps were drawn had eight wickets drawn for 45 runs. The Burials Bill. A Ministerial Bill has been introduced into the House of Lords, by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for the purpose of per mitting the burial of dissenters in church yard cemeteries without the Church of England Service. A Condemned Ship. Valparaiso, May 26. The ship Antipodes, bound from Sydney, for London, which put in here recently in a leaky condition, and had to discharge cargo, will probably have to be condemned.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Payment of Members. Melbourne, May 28. The debate in the Legislative Assembly on the question of payment of members will take place on the introduction of the Bill at a special sitting on Monday, 7th J une. The Yarra Scheme. Many laborers employed on works at Fishermen’s Bend have been discharged, pending Parliamentary sanction being given to the carrying out of the Yarra scheme. Not a Pirate. Sydney, May 29. The alarmists’ report with reference to the Geni is denied here by the representa tive of Marquis de Rays. He explains that the vessel is merely conveying a colo nising party to New Ireland, and that her cargo consists of machinery and tools. The alarm probably arose from the fact of there being a corps of 211 gendarmes aboard. The Sculling Contest. At a meeting held last night to arrange for the collection of subscriptions to defray Trickett’s expenses to England, the sum of L4OO was subscribed in the room. The Sydney Markets. Sydney, May 29. Patna Rice, Ll 6 per ton ; Hennessy’s brandy, in bulk, quarters, 10s. 6d. to 10s. 9d.; maize, 2s. to 2s. 6d. per 601b5.; sugar, Company’s No. 1 pieces, L3B. Adelaide Wheat and Plour. Adelaide, May 28. Adelaide ’wheat, 4s. to 4s. 4d. per bushel; flour, LlO to LIO ss. per ton. Imports and Exports. Brisbane, May 29. The Saturday returns of exports from Queensland for the last year show an in crease of nearly L 280,000, as compared with 1078 ; but the imports show a de crease of nearly L 300,000.

NEW ZEALAND.

Illness of the Maori King. Auckland. May 28. Tawhaio, the Maori King, is reported to t be ill of consumption, and to be losing much blood. Rewi. Rewi remains at Hikurangi. A Hospital for the Waikato. A central Hospital is being advocated for the Waikato. Satisfactory. Mr. Stewart, engineer, has arranged with the Natives for the construction of Rotorua road. A Blackguard. William Cain, for indecently laying hands on a female in Queen street, has been fined L 5 and costs, or a month in gaol.

An Impudent Native. A son of Purukutu, who murdered Sul livan, in the Waikato, some few years ago, attended the Cambridge race meeting and got drunk. He stripped and threatened to kill and eat the Europeans. The police locked him up. Looking up the Truants. At a meeting of the Board of Education, the City School Committee applied for a grant of LBO towards the salary of a de fault officer. The request was referred to the Executive Committee, with a. sug gestion that the police might undertake the duty. More Converts. A Mormon elder takes a batch of con verts with him to Salt Lake City by the next mail boat. A Missing Settler. Nelson, May 28. At eleven o’clock last night a dray was discovered in the Waimea river, at Nelson, a little above Plebby Bridge, and it was afterwards found that the horse was attached. The harness showed that the animal had almost freed itself before it was drowned. The horse and dray were being driven yesterday by a man named John Krusea, a settler of long standing, and it is conjectured that in attempting to ford the river the dray was washed down the river by the fresh. The body has not yet been discovered. A Hint for Insurance Companies. Wellington, May 28. At the inquest to-day on the recent fire at Mrs. Alexander’s boarding-house, an open verdict was returned. Evidence having been given which showed that the building and furniture had been over-in sured, the Coroner spoke strongly against the conduct of Insurance Companies in over-insuring buildings, as such ivas a temptation to commit arson. A Denial. Hamilton, . May 29.

The Waikato Times denies, on autho rity, the Now Zealand Herald’s state ment that Itewi made a speech saying that he withdrew his lands from the control of the King ; also, the Herald's statement that Rewi will not take possession of the house built for him by Government at Kihikihi until the Crown grant is handed to him. A Fatal Blow- Donedin, May 29. A man named Lockhart had a differ ence with his wife on Thursday night and struck her. The woman died suddenly. An inquest will be held on Monday. Extensive Sale. Dunedin, May 29. Mr. P. C. Neill’s Beaumont Station, of 70,000 acres leasehold, with 20,000 sheep, were sold to Mr. Alexander Brown, of Green Island, to-day. Price withheld. Gold. The escort has brought down 4,0000z5. of gold. Discontented Electors. Invercargill, May 29. At a meeting of the Eastern District Reform Association, motions were carried expressing strong disapproval at Mr. Shanks not having addressed the Mataura electors, and stating a want of confidence in him. ' A requisition is in circulation, requesting his resignation.

How to Get Rid of a Municipal Debt.

For rank and luxurious public dis honesty (observes the New York Tribune) semi-tropical Louisiana carries off the palm. The State has twice scaled down her debt, and now the city of New Orleans proposes to get rid of hers by a trick of legislation and municipal division. A Bill is pending in the Legisla ture for repealing the charter of the city and placing its effects in the hands of commissioners, who are to sell them out to the highest bidder and dip tribute the money among the creditors. Then the city is to be divided into three municipal districts, numbered one, two, and tliree, in order to escape process from the United States Courts in suits of creditors holding her bonds. As their would be no mayor or corporation of the city of New Orleans upon whom the Marshal could serve a writ or mandamus he would , have to return such document to the Court with the endorsement “not found.” Practically the city would abscond, leaving for her creditors only the city hall, police stations, and a few other pieces of portable property. The originality of the scheme is only equalled by its rascality.

Extraordinary Capture of a Shark. —On Sunday morning last Messrs. D. White and H. Talbot went for a pull to the bank beyond the Motueka harbor, Nel son, and on arriving there the children who accompanied them took off their boots and socks for the purpose of wading in the tide, which at the time was making. Just after the children had left the water a large shark was observed beating about very near them, and Messrs. Talbot and White at once made up their minds to secure him. if possible. Mr. shark approached to within a few feet of them, and upon find ing the water too shallow for him to get nearer, he turned to go back, but as he was in the act of doing so, Mr. White with great pluck rushed into the water, and seized his tail for the purpose of dragging him ashore, which feat he accomplished. The shark turned upon him several times whilst he was in the act of doing so, but each time White gave him a sudden jerk, and so prevented him from reaching his arm with his mouth. After landing him upon the bank, they half killed him by battering his head with a huge stick, and afterwards towed him across the harbour and landed him at the Retreat Inn at the rear of which he could be seen all day on Sunday. It was a blue shark, and about eight feet long from tip to tip ; he lived about two hours after arrival at the inn. The water where White seized him was about two feet deep. A Yery Considerate Gentleman.— If we are to believe a member pf the Auckland Waste Lands Board, Mr. Tonks, the gum-diggers are terrible fellows. Some genius or other has invented a machine for finding, kauri gum, and he applied to the Board for aid in utilising it. Mr. Tonks was apprehensive that the invention would have a demoralising effect on the gum-diggers. At present they only npade a rise at rare intervals, and when such an event did occur, they invariably went in for a lengthened spree, but if this un = erring machine was to assist them, half of them would be in their graves in a few weeks. After a short digeussion it was ■ agreed that the Board could do nothing in the matter. '

THE OAKS.

SPORTING.

{By cable from Reuter's Agency.) London, May 28. The race for the Oaks took place to-day, and resulted as follows : Jenny Havlett ... ... 1 Bonny Maiden 2 War Horn 3

ASHBURTON STEEPLECHASES.

President—E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R. Vice-President—W. C. Walker, Esq. Stewards—Messrs. Hay T. Smith,... John Carter, L. E. Corsbie, R. Fried lander, Neil McLean, J. Hunt, E - Saunders, A. McLean, E. S. Coster, Dr. Ross. Judge—Mr. M. Stitt. Starter—Mr. John Carter. Clerk of the Course—Mr. E. Saunders. Clerk j of the Scales—Mr. E. F. Wright. Hon. Secretary—Mr. J. Wilkie. . Hon. Treasurer—Mr. C. C. Fooks. Handicapper—Mr. H. P. Lance, qi ': The Ashburton Steeplechases of 1880 were run in.the best weather it has ever been the lot of the Committee to enjoy. After a night of exceptionally heavy frost, the first nip of the season of any conse quence, the sun shone out with almost midsummer heat and brightness, making the outing a pleasant one for visitors, and altogether very enjoyable. ' At the same Bme the sunshine had the effect of thaw ing the ground and leaving it heavy, and in some cases sloppy. The attendance was numerous, as the fine weather would naturally induce many to come out, and steeplechases are always attractive. The course was laid out over Mr. Hunt’s ground, and presented as fair a trial of metal as could well be expected. The Committee are fortunate in having a friend like Mr. Hunt, whose belongings, no matter what, are always at the service of sport, and this is the second time the steeplechases have been run over his land. t Certainly the thanks of all lovers of true sport are due to Mr. Hunt for his liberality. The course itself was well selected,, and was laid off -so that the horses never once were lost to sight of the Grand Stand. There were nine jumps in all, but only two of these were of any consequence —namely, the last two on the course. One of these, the second last, was the water jump, before which was erected a post and rail fence for the nonce. This gave three feet of fence and twelve of water to cover, and it will at once be seen that coming as it did so near the fiuisli, the jump was a stiff one. The other difficult negociation was a gorse fence with a four feet ditch on the take off side, and it tried the best horse, on the ground. At about one o’clock the first; race started. The publican’s booth was seen to by Mrs. Butler’s staff, and her catering was apparently quite satisfactory. Mr. J. S. Savage was about with his refresh ment tent, and there was the usual army of wheel-of-fortune men and other para- Sites. - , 1 A C.;' " Ashburton Handicap Steeplechase, of 40 sovs. add to a sweepstake of 2 sovs. each for acceptors ; over about 3 miles of fair hunting country ; nomination, 2 SOVS. ; ... v t; V Mr. J. H. Lunn’s g.g. Fakir, aged (Clifford) ... ... 1 Mr. P. Husband’s b.r.g. Raven, aged (Nicholson) ... ... ... 2 Mr. R. MTvor’s g.g. Grey Momus, aged (Oliver) ... ... ... ... 3 Mr. G. Dancell’s ch.g. The Lad 5 years (Kelly) ... ... 0 Mr. P Butler’3 cb.m. Stella, 4 years (O’Connor) ... ... ... ... 0 Mr. Dillon’s ch.g. Mickey Free, aged (O’Neil) ... ... ... 0 Betting—4 to 1 agst. Grey Momus ; 3 to 1 the rest. In this race all six faced the starter, and Mr. Carter got them away in a good line, Mickey Free being slightly ahead, where he remained till he reached the first fence, which was too much for both him and The Lad. Fakir . now came to the front, and making the running led over the next two fences, the rest at tending. At the next the whole field refused, except Fakir, who took a long lead to the water jump, at which he stood back, but in the second attempt he got over. Steadily his lead increased from this date, but Raven, The Lad, and Stella followed the line given. Grey Momus refused several jumps, and was nowhere for a chance before he had finished hi 3 first mile. Fakir kept the lead over the remainder of the ground. At the big post and rail and water, jump he fell, but came to terms on a : second request. His immediate follower, the Raven, had the same damp experience, but both riders were speedily in the saddle again, and got over the last jump in good shape, Faker came in an easy winner, and ' Raven a fair second. The rest caved in. There was Ll 5 on the totalisator and L 6 on Faker. District Handicap, of 20 sovs., added to a sweepstake of 2 sovs. each for acceptors ; 2 milesnomination 1 sov., for district horses only. Mr. H. Muir’s g.g.. Tam O’Shanter, ,-.r 12st. 71b. (owner) ... ... ... 1 Mr. G. Dancell’s ch.g. The Lad, 6yrs., 12st. 21b. (Kelly) ... ... . ... 2.- Mr. T. Holmes’b.c. Sir George, 3yrs., list. 21b. (Woods) ... ... ... 3 Raven was scratched. V-Ajj Betting— 6 to 4 against Jack, 3to 1 they: rest. ;

Jack was first away in the race and led over the first piece of gorse, which De ceiver wouldn’t tackle. At the distant • side of the course the lot came together in a crowd, out of which Sir George came away a little, and led over the water jump. At the next fence he baulked, and let The ad into prior position, Tam following, and Deceiver next. This order was kept*’ over the next two gprses, where Deppi"W was left and Tam went to the front, lead-_ ing to the jump again, where he came to grief, as did also his neighbor, -? The Lad. Tam was quickest under speed again, and came in an easy winner, as The Lad humbugged his last fence. There was LlB in the totalisator, L 3 on the winner. The Wakanui Stakes resulted as fob lows: ... , ; f.r s 1 Grey Momus ... 1 Fakir" !.. 2 The Lad ... ... ... . 3 ;;i This was the best race of the day, pa, [ full report of which, and the conclusion of the day’s sport, will appear in our Monday's issue.

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1880.



Miscellaneous £IO,OOO rate of interest. Ashburton. TO LEND, in sums to suit borrowers, at lowest F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, 424c-835g PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH Wills Street. —Divine Service wiU be conducted in the above Church to morrow Morning by Mr. Isaac Scott; and in the Evening by Mr. S. Stokes. 512 c Ci CHOOL Requisites and Artist M \te rials. H. M. JONES, Statio ler, Baring Souare. WANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw 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 HAVE you Lost Anything I —Tell the finder through the Herald for a Shilling. If he is honest he will bring it to you without a reward, but you can bait a finder of shaky morals by a tempting offer of remuneration for his trouble. AF fer a Shilling cash, f HINIQUY’S LECTURES.—Just Ar rived, New Edition H. M. Jones, Baring Square. OFFICE and Pocket Diaries for 1880 H. M. Jones, Stationer, Baring Square. 'TTr'TANTED KNOWN, that Envelopes VV and Notepaper can be obtained, wholesale or retail, at unusually low rates at the “Herald” Office, East-street North. G*c "VX7ANTED—A General SERVANT, ’ ▼ about 14 or 15 years old. Apply Herald Registry. 489 c CHRISTMAS Number Young Ladies Journal, London Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, Boys’ Standard, &e. Just arrived. H M. Jones, Sta tioner, Baring Square. JUST ARRIVED —Young Ladies’ Journals for APRIL, and other Magazines. H. M. JONES, Stationer, 360 c East Street and Baring Square. -'■ ■' TO LET. QLX-ROOMED COTTAGE, with half acre Garden, East Belt. Apply, 441 c ORR & CO. TO THE BURGESSES OF THE BOROUGH OF ASHBURTON. /"N ENTLEMEN—I have to announce that I am a Candidate for the office of Auditor of the town of Ashburton for the ensuing year. I have to solicit your votes and trust that you will place me at the head of the Poll, which takes place on TUESDAY, June Ist, at the Borough Council Chambers. I am, Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, 508 c S. E. POYNTZ. TO-NIGHT. IJIOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. SATURDAY, 29TH MAY. GREAT ATTRACTION! THE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB, Will give a representation of Douglas Jerrold’s Celebrated Drama, Black-Eyed Susan, On above date. The performance will, conclude with the Side-splitting Farce of John Smith. ■jfiG. . Y Y-' Y ; • • .Y . J Admission —35., 25., and Is. 901g-506c Black Eyed Susan. CIRCUMSTANCES having compelled Mrs. Hoskins to perform in Christ church on Saturday, the part of Susan has been kindly taken at the last moment hy a lady amateur. Mrs. Hoskins will appear in the part next week at the second representation. 507 c



HORSE FEED. HORSE FEED. CRUSHED OATS. - • ‘ THE Undersigned are prepared to CRUSH OATS in any quantity. WOOD & CO., A diburton Brewery. EVERETT BROS. AND CO., • CHEAP DRAPERS, HAVELOCK STREET, ASHBURTON. E. B. and Co. are now showing their Comprising EVERY* NOVELTY IN EACH DEPARTMENT. NEW GOODS ARRIVING MONTHLY. 505 c