COMMERCIAL.

Messrs H. Matson and Co. held a large auction sale of land at their rooms on Saturday? last, Mr. Walton presided as auctioneer. The first property offered wa3 441 and 489 acres of land at Dromore. There was an immensely large attendance, but the biddings were not very spirited. The Dromore property failed to realise the -reserve of the owner, and was bought in at L2 per acre. A farm of 520 acres, with house and improvements, at Dunsandel, was next offered, but bought in at L 4 per acre. The next property offered was the large properties in the estate of the late John Joyce. Corsiderablo animation was shown in this portion of the sale. The first;lot was 50 acres in the Leeston d:s trict, which fell to the bid of Mr. George Stevens, of Irweli, at LlB per acre. The next lot,was 25 acres, also in the Leeston District, which was purchased by Mr S. McLeary, of Brookside, at LlB per acre. The Lease of 157 acres, Educational Re serves No. 716, having about seven yeais to run at a rental of ss. per acre, was purchased by Mr. Walter Hartnall, of the Rakaia, at L 402 10s. The next lot offered was 200 acres of land at Wakanui,

pttith “dwelling house, and was knocked ■down to Mr. D. Wilson, of Wakanui, at mi 10s. per acre. The next lot of 364 fiacres at Upper Ashturton, fell to the bid of Mr. Ullyatt, for L 7 per acre. The ;next lot, 287 acres, sold to Mr. D. Wilson, 'of Wakanui, ot L 4 19s. 6d. per acre. The total amount of the sale was L 7711 12s. 6d.

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, April 13. • The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company report, under date London, April 10th :—Tallow, no trade demand. The market is overstocked. Stocks of all sorts, 19,000 casks. Best mutton is worth 345. and beef 335. per cwt. Leather—Best sides showed Is. 4d. decline on previous rates, others in pro portion. 4,000 sides Australasian have been soldgsince last report.

MAIL NOTICES.

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, Tinwakl 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.

The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco will be closed at Christ church on April 24, and will be due in London on June 8. The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on May 6th, and will he due in London on June 26th.

Mails close at the Chief Post Offices for the following places (subject to the necessary alterations) as under : Wednesday, April 14.

For Australian Colonies, per express train, to connect with s. s. Rotomahana at Port Chalmers, at 7.30 a.m. Thursday, April 15. For Northern Ports, per Taiaroa. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1880.

A telegram from Melbourne, of date April 10, announces the issue of an Order in Council providing for the Uee importa tion of oats intended for conversion into oatmeal for exportation. This opens up a new market for our over-stock of oats, as it means taking off a handicap in the Vic torian market of more than 4i-d. per bushel. The import duty on grain into Melbourne previous to this alteration was Is. per 1001bs., or7d. 1-sth per bushel of 601bs. ou wheat; 6d. per bushel of 501bs. on barley, and 4d. 4-sths per bushel of 401bs. on oats.

By many it was thought that we were done w'th the Land Tax when the Pro perty Tax was instituted ; but it appears that for one quarter at least owners of landwill have to pay thetvvo taxes together. The last quarter of the Land Tax’s existence ends on the 30th June, the end of the old financial’year, while the new financial year commenced on the first of the current month, and with it began the quarter of the Property Tax. Whether this co existence of the taxes wa3 observed or not by Parliament when the Property Assess ment Act was passed we know not, but we confess to have been unaware of it until we saw attention drawn to it in the Wel lington “ Evening Post,” a paper that usually speaks with authority on Govern ment matters. It was certainly the idea of Parliament to substitute the Property Tax for the Land Tax, and that when the fonner came into force the latter was to become a thing of the past. But ap parently the interlacing of the old and new financial years have not been provided for, and the collectors will therefore draw into the Government coffers some £20,000 or £30,000 that the framers of the Pro perty Tax machinery never counted upon possessing. Parliament, however, will meet before the end of the Land Tax quarter, when it is to be hoped they will relieve the tax-payers of the Land Tax portion of their burden. But failing Par liamentary interference, we know of no means whereby payment of both taxes can be avoided, and parties liable to both had better make up their minds to pay.

Taylor’s Road. —Tenders are invited by the Mount Somers Road Board for cut tings, etc., on Taylor’s road.

Pare well Dinner. —A meeting is an nounced to take place at Harris’ Railway Hotel, Winslow, on Friday next, to make arrangements for a farewell dinner to Mr. A. Frisby. William Holcroet, landlord of the Commercial Hotel, Eight-mile Plains, Queensland, accidentally shot himself while watching for fowl stealers. He has since died. Waterton Pound. —On reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that the by-laws for the Waterton Pound will come into force on the 21st April, and that Mr. Samuel Holland has been appointed poundkeeper.

Obstructing the Tramway. —A test case of obstructing the tramway was heard yesterday at Christchurch, in which the driver of a break, who got in the way pur posely, and caused the tram car to miss the train, was fined Is. and costs. Courthouse. —The Minister of Justice passed through Ashburton by yesterday morning’s express, and on the representa tion of Mr. Alfred Saunders, he tele graphed from here instructions to delay accepting a tender for our local courthouse until alternative tenders for brick or wood can be invited.

Steeplechases. —The steplechase meet ing advertised for Saturday evening lapsed on account of insufficient attendance. We understand that a number of sporting gentlemen will meet one evening during the present week and endeavor to make the necessary arrangements for holding the customary May steeplechases.

Civil Cases. —At the R.M. Court this morning the following civil cases were disposed of :—MacLeod v. Horrigan ; claim, L 7 10s.; Mr. Purnell applied for judgment in this case for amount and costs, LI 12s. 2d., which was granted. The case of Cookson v. Stewart ; claim, LlO 10s., was adjourned. Bowick v. Moore ; claim, L 8 13s. 6d.; judgment for amount and costs, and immediate execu tion granted.

The Bracken Libel Case. The libel case, Bracken v. Darrell, came on for hearing at the Christchurch Supreme Court yesterday. By a mistake a com mon jury had assembled, whereas a special jury had been applied for, and after a good deal of legal argument, his Honor refused to try the case that day, and the record was withdrawn. Judge Johnston stigma tised the proceedings as a farce,- and told the jury he was sorry he could not fix the blame precisely, or he would have made the offending side pay the jurors. A Disappointed One. —At the parish meeting last night some one suggested the name of a Tinwald resident as a suit able one for the list of candidates for parochial honors. It was immediately ex plained that the same name has been placed upon the list last year, but the owner had not been elected. Since the affront thus given the huffed one had failed to attend more than one or two of the services, and was very greatly offended. Our friend, “ Chispa,” says he has ordered a gingerbread horse from Mr. Thomas Taylor, for presentation to the vexed Tinwaldite.

The Hospital. —The Hospital Com mittee of the Council met yesterday to consider tenders for the Hospital furni ture, and applications for the positions of master and matron. The tenders sent in were in most cases at per article, with out the total sums being filled in, so that a large amount of time was spent in find ing the difference between the tenderers’ amounts. It was ultimately decided, after examination of the samples, to accept the lowest tender, and the duty of finding out who was lowest was relegated to the Clerk. The large number of applicants were re duced to a short leet of three, and the committee held over the final appointment till another meeting. The committee ou the division of subsidies also met, and apportioned the various proportions to be paid to each Road Board, but another meeting will also require to be held to finish this work.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of this Association was held at Shearman’s Hotel this afternoon, when the following report was read : annual report. Your Committee, in presenLng this the second annual report, have much pleasure in congratulating the Association on what has been achieved during the period under review. On the 30th September last, a most successful Parade of entire horses was held, when a marked improvement was noticeable in the quality as well as the number of horses paraded. The annual exhibition of stock, produce, implements, and manufactures, was held at Tinwald on Tuesday, November 18. 400 entries were re ceived as .against 230 at the 1878 show. The large attendance of visitors testified to the increasing interest that is taken by all classes in these annual exhibitions. During the year the Association has been incor porated under the provisions of the “Agri cultural and Pastoral Societies’ Act,” and now possesses all the powers and privileges conferred by that Act. The reserves of twenty-five acres at Tinwald, having been cut in half [or two] by the Mount Somers Railway, an exchange has been effected with the Tinwald Domain Board, by which the Association lias now its land all in one block, and lying between the Main South Line and the Mount Somers Railway, an arrangement which we think will be mutually advantageous. In addition to this, another reserve con taining twenty acres, has been granted to the Association on the north side of the Ashburton, being part of the old Police Reserve near Saunders’s mill. This site will be found a most suitable and valuable one for the purpose of the Association, and for utilizing which a proposal will be submitted at this meeting for your con sideration. In common with the rest of the colony, this district has during the year shared in the revival of prosperity, which a bountiful and prolific harvest, to gether with the improved value of wool and wheat in the English market, has sub stituted for the depression we had pre viously been suffering from. The success ful experimental trip of the Strathlaven, in conveying preserved meat to England by the Bell-Coleman process, cannot fail to have a most beneficial effect on all agricultural and pastoral properties in this colony. A deputarion of gentlemen re presenting a body of Lincolnshire farmers visited the district a few months ago, at a time when a plentiful harvest could not fail to convince them that ourplains, under judicious treatment and in our favoured climate, are capable of far better results than a casual inspection would lead a stranger to suppose. We hope their re port will be a favourable one, and be the means of inducing some most desirable colonists to emigrate and settle amongst us. A reaper and binder contest was held on the 28th January, when a number of both string and wire binding machines competed. The work done by both classes was very satisfactory. A Horti cultural Society has been established during the year, and a most successful show was held in the Town Hall. You will 'be asked to take steps to co-operate with the Society, which we trust will be of mutual benefit. A proposition will be laid before you having reference to the holding of periodical meetings, at which papers relating to Agricultural and Pastoral pursuits may be read and dis cussed. A further matter of interest to all persons connected with agriculture will be introduced this evening by Dr. Irving, who has kindly promised to lecture in the Town Hall, under the auspices of the Association, on bees and their manage ment. The balance sheet which appears on the other side, shows the receipts to have been L3S2 7s. Id., and the disburse ments to be L3Bl 10s. 9d. L2II Is. has been paid in prizes, which is highly satis factry considering the short time the Association has been in existence. Your committee have much pleasure in testifying to the energy and as siduity displayed by the Secretary, Mr. Geoi’ge Jameson, to whose unremitting exertions the success of the show and the satisfactory state of the Association is in a great measure owing. In conclusion we trust that every member will see the neces sity for increased interest being taken in all that pertains to the welfare of the Association, and that they will do all in their power to add to the success of the shows that may be held during the coming year, both by getting their friends to be come subscribers to the Association, and by using their best endeavors to add to the number of entries.

An extended report of the proceedings will appear in to-morrow’s issue.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

A POOR RATE.

To the Editob. Sir, —In your issue of April 3rd you open up a very important question—viz., the desirability of levying a poor rate, and I am very glad to see the stand you have taken against the§ movements. I only wish you had gone a little further, and said that such a thing will not be tole rated by the thrifty producers of this co lony. Whatever may be the means of dealing with this excrescence on civilisa tion, it must not be cultivated, or it will grow to be quite unbearable. I have an idea that our social system is capable of amendment. At present we are fighting against Nature—or, in other words, the Almighty,—and how can we hope to suc ceed. The law of Natural Selection, with unerring hand, picks out all useless specimens, leaving the best and fittest to grow and flourish. This grand natural law, I say, we are doing our level best to counteract. Let us cease to be so foolish. Do not let us cultivate the worst speci mens of humanity in defiance of God’s laws. The experience of older countries is before us , if we are wise we will profit by their experience. There will, I suppose, always be a certain percentage of humanity born without energy, in dustry, or thrift ; but Nature, if left to herself, will soon weed out these bad specimens. In this young colony there is no real exo-use for pauperism, or want of employment, and I hope the thrifty and industrious portion of the community will not suffer this barnacle to adhere, or they will find it hard to scrape off. —I am, &c., J.L.

Parish Meeting.

The annual meeting ef the parishioners of St. Stephen’s was held last night in the Library Hall. The Rev. Mr. Hands pre sided, and there was a fair attendance of parishioners. After prayer, the minutes of the last annual parish meeting were read and con firmed, as also a special meeting held in the Templar Hall in August last. The chairman desired all necessary busi ness to be conducted before he should ad dress the parishioners, in order that a late meeting should be avoided. He therefore asked that the churchwardens’ report be read, which was done by Mr. Ward. The report referred to the difficulties the church had experienced during the past year owing to the financial depression, but spoke hopefully of the future. It re counted the history of the year, from which it appeared that there had been a falling off in the offertories this year of Lllß Bs. L3B 12s. raised at a recent tea meeting by the ladies had been devoted to the payment of interest on the loans to the different churches. The ladies’ work ing society had provided means to supply fittings and gas to the church and con tributed largely to the handsome altar cloth which is now on the altar. The parochial and diocesan nominators had separated at their meeting without ap pointing a successor to Rev. Mr. Paige, and the Bishop had appointed Rev. Mr. Hands to the charge for 6 months. The superintendent of the Sunday school reported a satisfactory state of affairs in the school in regard to attend ance, there being 147 on the roll with an average attendance of 120. There was some irregularity, however, in the attend ance which it was hoped would be seen to by the parents. The teachers were assiduous in their self-imposed task, but a loss would be sustained in the departure of Mrs. Paige. The superintendent feelingly referred to Mrs. Paige’s long and valuable services, and also to the kind manner in which his own absence from Ashburton in the summer had been filled up by Mr. and Mrs. Ward. Mr. Boyle moved the adoption of the churchwardens’ report, and also the balance sheet, which, being printed and circulated, was held as read. Mr. Bullock seconded and the motion was carried. Mr. Grigg moved the adoption of the Sunday school report, and moved that a vote of thanks be accorded to Mr. Foolcs, and all who had aided in the work.

Mr. Felton seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr. Bullock said there was a want of books for the Sunday scholars, and a small debt of L 3 odds existed for books, which he would like to see paid off, and he hoped friends would aid them in this.

Mr. Grigg said he thoroughly valued the work done by the Sunday school teachers, and it would give him great pleasure to pay this amount. (Applause.) Mr. Ward suggested that aid should also be given to the Sunday school at Tinwald; and further, that the Green - street school and one lower down should be united. The Chairman said he would see to the suggestion as time went on. Yotes of thanks to the churchwardens retiring, and to the vestry, on the motion of Mr, Charleton, were carried. After some discussion as to whether the Rev. Mr. Hands, holding only a tem porary appointment to the cure, had a right to appoint his own churchwarden — a question upon which there seemed to be a considerable difference of opinion, Dr. Trevor and Mr. W. C. Walker being of opinion that there would be some irregu larity in Mr. Hands appointing a church warden—a churchwarden was appointed by Mr. Hands subject to the Bishop’s approval, Mr. Bullock consenting to dis charge the duties of that office for twelve months. Mr. Boyle proposed, and Mr. Shury seconded, “That Mr. Fooks be chosen parishioners’ churchwarden.” The ap pointment was unanimously made, and Mr. Fooks thanked the meeting for their confidence. The following vestrymen|?were then elected : For the parochal district of Longbeach and Mount Somers :—Messrs. Grigg, Walker, and Wi’ight. For the parish «• Messrs. Felton (28 votes), Ward (28), Gundry (26), Shury (22), Boyle (22), Guinness (21), Jameson (20). Mr. Ward was again appointed Secre tary and Treasurer, and a vote of thanks was given to him for past services. Mr. Zouch was appointed Auditor for the year. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs, Ward, Grigg, Walker, and Peter, for kindly acting as lay readers, and Mr. Fooks, in moving for the vote, mentioned that Mr. Ward had taken about three services a day throughout the year. Yotes of thanks were also given to the Ladies’ Working Society, and to Mrs. Paige for many services rendered in connection with the parish generally, the Sunday school, and with the choir, she having acted as organist for a lengthened period. The Secretary was instructed to forward the meeting’s thanks to Mrs. Paige. A vote of thanks was also passed to the choir for their services.

Mr. Poyntz said that a sum appeared in the balance sheet as pew rents uncollected, and he thought some steps should be taken to have the money called in. He thought, too, since pews were let, that those who took them should not be de prived of them by outsiders until at least the voluntary had ceased. The Chairman said the latter part of Mr. Poyntz’s remarks would be seen to by the churchwardens. In reply to Dr. Trevor, Mr. Ward said the blame of unpaid pews lay with those who had applied for them, as almost every one had been asked for the money. Some of the applicants had come and taken the pews, promising to pay in a day or two, but the money had not been paid. The matter of pews and arrears was re ferred to the vestry, and it was suggested that the churchwardens and vestrymen take in turns the duties of vergers.

Regarding a proposed gift auction, the date of which had been altered by the late vestry, to June, Mr. Guinness thought a bazaar would be more successful, and it would be most in favor with the majority. He would like to have an expression of the parish’s opinion as to which it preferred. Mr. Ward said the parish had ex perience of both means of raising funds, and the bazaar was not successful while the gift auction was. Thanks were given to Messrs. Bullock

and Fooks for supplying conveyances to the lay readers.

Mr. Bullock urged the more hearty giving to the offertories, and pointed out that the vestry had only been able to give L 260 stipend to the incumbent instead of the L4OO as he had been promised. The Chairman said that in regard to the debt that existed, he desired that expenses be cut down as far as possible. In order that the balance of the incumbent’s salary should not be hindered in being made up, he would be glad to accept the minimum stipend. In the course of a somewhat lengthy address he took notice of many items of church work, and made reference to the weakness of the library, which he hoped would be removed in time. He hoped to be able to revive week night ser vices, and to help the cause of temperance, of which he was an advocate. He inti mated that very soon he would have an helpmeet, and trusted that in the inter regnum the ladies’ working society would not lack an enthusiastic head. As far as he was able, he would do what he could by lectures, &c., to give a healthy tone to the reading of the people, and he meant to see to the training of the choir, the meetings of which should be opened and closed with prayer. The meeting was closed with prayer.

Inquest at Rakaia.

An inquest was held yesterday at the Rakaia Hotel on the body of James Clark, who fell off the express train on Saturday last, before J. E. Trevor, Esq., Coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr. Walter Hartnell was chosen foreman.

Police-Sergeant Carlyon, sworn, said— lam stationed at Temuka. I identify the body as that of James Clark, of Temuka. He has told me that he had been staff sergeant and tailor of H.M.’s 75th Regi ment ; that he was in China with his regi ment, and that he was wounded there in the face. I recognise the bullet wound on his left cheek. I have no difficulty in recognising him. I knew him well. He told me that he came from Invercargill. He was an Irishman, and was about 38 years of age. I believe him to have been a single man. He was suffering from heart disease. I have seen him fainting. I did not see him on the day of the acci dent.

Wm. Rouse, sworn—l am a constable, stationed at Rakaia. I recognise the body as that of the man who was killed on Saturday last. I found the body on the railway line after the arrival of the ex press train from Timaru. The guard of the train reported to me that a man had fallen off the train about 400 yards south of the Rakaia station. Went to the place, and found the body lying across the rails. His head was doubled up and lying on the trunk. Examined him, and found that he was almost cut in two in the small of the back. His right hand and right foot were almost severed, and his right thigh torn down. There was a blow on the right side of the head. He was quite dead. From marks on the line, the body seemed to have trailed about twenty-five yards. I searched him, and found a second-class railway ticket from Win chester, 15s. 4d. in money, a tape mea sure, and thimble. I had him removed to the Rakaia Hotel, where he now lies. diaries Heaton, sworn —I am a railway guard, and was in charge of the express from Timaru on Saturday last. When about 300 yards from Rakaia, on the south side, at about 5’39 p.m., I felt the van I was in give a sudden jerk, as though it had run over some obstruction. On looking back for cause I saw a man lying across the rails, apparently run over. I thought it better to go on to Rakaia station, and communicate with the police and station-master there. When passing Methven junction I saw some surface men. I asked them to go back to the scene of the accident and bring in the body if able to be removed. When I arrived at Rakaia I told the constable what had happened. Saw Dr. Ross, who was in the train, and asked him to go back and see the man. He replied that he could not do so, as he was going on by the ex press to Christchurch. He said if the man were brought down he would examine him. Asked the station-master for a trolly to fetch in the body, but could not obtain one. I took an engine and wagon and went back. I found a trolly already there. I assisted the constable to put the body on the trolly. Ask'edthe constable whether I should take the man on to Christchurch. He said I had better leave him at Rakaia. He said he could manage very well with out me. I then proceeded to Christ church with my train. I told Dr. Ross, when I again saw him, that the man was dead. It could not be more than a minute and a half from the time of the accident till the sui’face men were on the spot. I do not know of my own know ledge whether the man had been a passen ger in the train. I saw no one drunk in the train. The bar at the middle of the uprights on the carnage platforms is not movable. Those bars have all been rivited by order of the Commissioner of Radways. It was scarcely possible to stop the train. If the man had fallen from the side of the train he would have fallen clear. I could not communicate with the driver on that day. I could have brought up the train within 300 yards. We generally have communication with the driver, but on this occasion extra carriages had been put on, and com munication was broken. Notices are posted on all the carriages, cautioning passengers against remaining on the plat forms of the carriages. If I had had com munication with the driver I should not have used it on this occasion. I could have communicated with the driver quite as quickly with the brake. Clement Duncan, sworn—l am as sistant cashier on the railway. I was in the train when the accident happened on Saturday ; I went back to the place after the train had stopped, but I know no thing more about the accident. Henry Gibbins, sworn, said—l saw the deceased get into the train at Ashburton on Saturday last. I have seen the body now lying at the Rakaia Hotel. I recog nise it as the body of the man who fell out of the train at Rakaia. He seemed very jolly -while in the train ; he sang a song. He took a flask of brandy from his pocket and offered it round. He seemed a little the -worse for di’ink. There was no lark ing or playing going on in the carriage at the time. I came outside and sat on the platform with my feet on the step. De ceased came out and sat directly over the buffer and couplings. Heard some one cry out “ He’s gone !” I looked round and saw the last of him. He could not have sat there more than two minutes be

fore he fell. I went inside and pulled the signal cord. The trains slackened speed but did nbt stop. The accident happened about a quarter of a mile south of Rakaia station. The Coroner having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death.” The jury added a rider to the effect that in their opinion the iron guard on the platform of the carriages is not suf ficient protection for passengers, and that there should be a bar nearer the floor.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINOIAL. The Lash. Auckland, April 13. Judge Richmond sentenced the Fijian convicted of rape on a little girl to 10 years, witn two whippings ; Tidmarsh, for attempting rape on a married woman at Parnell, to six years and two whippings ; and the youth Brien, who attempted a rape at Onehunga, to three months add two whippings. The Rotorua. Russell, April 13. Anived —Rotorua, from Sydney. The San Francisco Mail. Wellington, April 13. The Rotomahana, with the San Fran cisco mai l sailed for the South at one this afternoon. The Wellington Fire Brigades. At the meeting of the Fire Brigade last night, it was resolved to extend the time of locking up their sheds until Monday next, by which time a Conference between the Insurance Companies, City Council, and the Fire Brigades will be held. The Dunedin Divorce Case. Dunedin, April 13. In the divorce suit, Fergusson v. Fer gusson and Premier ville, the jury answered all the issues in favor of the petitioner. The respondent and co-re spondent were unrepresented, The jury before the evidence was exhausted, in timated they were satisfied the plaintiff had made out his case.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE (Reuter's.) The Peerage. London, April 11. The “ Observer ” of to-day states that the Marquis of Salisbury, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, is about to be raised to a Dukedom. The New Secretary. The “ Times ” publises a paragraph in which it states that it is probable that Earl Derby will he appointed Secretary of State for the Colonies. London, April 9. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,900,000 quarters. Best Australian beef tallow is at 325.; best Australian mutton tallow, 345. The Three per Cent. Consols are at 98£. The Orient Company’s steamship Lusi tania arrived at Plymouth Go-day.

The new loan of two millions which is to be raised for Queensland has proved a brilliant success, having been subscribed thrice over. p.

Lord Hampton is dead. St. Petersburg, April 9. Prince Gortschalcoff, Chancellor of the Empire, is seriously ill.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Renter's Telegrams.) New Gold Country. Brisbane, April 12. Mr. Lang, prospector, reports having discovered splendid looking auriferous country on the Sefton river, in Carpen taria. Mr. Jack, Go\eminent Geologist, has prospected Cape York unsuccess* a l ’y. He was speared through the neck by natives while they were attacking the camp, hut has now quite recovered from the effects of the wound.

Sydney, April 10. The following further Exhibition awards have been made : —Mein, Christ church, meats, special mention; Gear, Wellington, soups ; Gully and Richmond, paintings ; Miss Harris, Nelson, and Mrs. Lezard, Thames, flower paintings ; Helms, Greymouth, and Jeffs and Stewart, Wel lington, ferns ; Mrs. Spence, Dunedin, skeleton ferns ; Messrs. M c Leod Bros., Dunedin, soap and candles ; Parnell and Co., Auckland, soap ; Walton, Welling ton, basils ; Greyling, Taranaki, tanning materials, all first. Melbourne, April 10. Victoria has won the boat race easily by three lengths An order of the Executive Council has been issued providing for the free impor tation of oats intended for conversion into oatmeal for exportation. Obituary :—Archdeacon Junes, from diphtheria caught at a picnic. Eleven others who were at the saiile picnic are now ill with diphtheria.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, April 12. A man named M‘Murder -was found dead in a closet at Powell’s boarding house. He was addicted to drink, although he was of good education. He was 70 years of age, and has no relations in the colony ; the cause of death was a fit of apoplexy] TheTaiaroa sailed yesterday afternoon with the Southern mails. Cambridge has been declared an infected district, owing to the spread of pleuro pneumonia. The cattle sold at Buckland’s sale last week were killed by orders from the Cattle Board. Some were brought from Burke’s Farm, others from the run. Captain Colbeck addressed his con stuents at Kamo, where he received a vote of confidence on pledging his word to see the Whangarei Railway completed to deep water as soon as possible. Wellington, April 12. Nothing has been heard of the young men who went duck shooting in a boat at Wairarapa Lake, on Friday. The police and other parties are still searching. The names of the men are Francis Cross, aged 19 ; George Cooley, 20 ; and Dever age, 15. A Wellington crew intend competing in the champion out-rigger race at Auckland. Messrs. Caldwells’ store, near Cheten

Tuesday, April 1,3188a]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD



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.



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST



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New Advei bisements. "Y&TANTED, a strong BOY, accustomed VV to horses, and to be generally useful. Apply Herald Office. 666g-253c ~\\T ANTED, by a respectable middle- YV aged woman, a situation as y y v-l. >* W U I IU 1.1 j tv ww HOUSEKEEPER, or in a small family. Apply Herald office. 716g-309c TITAN TED— By a GOOD GENERAL VV HAND, any kind of Farm Work. Well up in Horses and Cattle. Many years experience. Apply at once, Herald Registry. 312 c WANTED to buy—Turkeys, Geese, Ducks, and Fowls in any quantity. —Quill’s Hotel. 308 c WASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per lb. at the Herald Office. Apply early. MONEY TO LEND. —Several sums of money ready for investment at . , . TH T> A’D^TTT-rr current rates. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tancred street, Ashburton. 263c-6840 TXT ANTED, those in search of employ- VV ment, to call and enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. fT^ALE. —The Herald publishes apor- I tion of a readable story ever Even ing. Read it.



TENDERS. mo BE LET BY TENDER, the FEED- J- ING off 50 ACRES of SPLENDID TURNIPS, situated on Mr. William Liddle’s farm, Hinds, the Turnips to be fed off by the Ist JULY next. H. MOFFAT, Wakanui Mills, 304c-724g Ashburton. TINWALD—WINSLOW ROAD DIS TRICT. A MEETING of RATEPAYERS in this District will be held on MON DAY, the 19th instant, 2 o’clock p.m., at Scott’s Hotel, Tinwald, for the purpose of considering a petition to the County Council, requesting separation from the Longbeach District. 292 c J. R. C. GRAHAM. RE THE ESTATE OF DAYID EVANS, OF WATERTON AND SEAFIELD, FARMER. A MEETING of Creditors in the above Estate will be held at the offices of Messrs. Friedlander Bros., on FRIDAY, the 16th inst., at 3 p.m. Business of importance. HUGO FRIEDLANDER, 721g-310c For self & Co-Trustee.



IN BANKRUPTCY. RE JAMES JOHNSTONE’S ESTATE. A Dividend being about to be declared, all claims on the Estate must be sent in to the undersigned, on or before the 26th inst., or they will not be recog nised. FREDK. PAYITT, Trustee. V. R. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors’ Act, 1876, and the several Acts amending the same, and of the bankruptcy of FREDERICK HYDES, of Winslow, in the County of Ashburton, laborer, a debtor. Notice is hereby given, that the creditors having failed to elect a creditors’ trustee, I have pursuant to section 46 of the first mentioned Act, appointed Frederick Pavitt, of Ashburton, certificated accountant in bankiuptcy, to be the creditors’ trustee of the said estate, and that the said Frederick Pavitt has filed in the above Court a written acceptance of the said trusteeship. Dated, this 13th day of April, 1880. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, Clerk of the above Court. E. G. Crisp, Solicitor for Debtor. 3 IIC McSHERRY DRILLS. A SHIPMENT of these celebrated Drills is expected shortly to arrive. They will range in widtn from 6 feet 6 inches (12 Hoppers) to 10 feet (17 Hoppers).



Orders taken by the undersigned, FREDK. PAVITT, Ashburton, For the SOLE AGENT, JOHN ANDERSON, 3460-2400 Canterbury Foundry. A WANT SUPPLIED. JAMES WILKIE begs to announce to the public that having been _ re peatedly requested to start a Livery business, he has determined to TROT THEM OUT, and those who want a stylish hack to ride, or a handsome pair to drive, can obtain one or the other by applying to the adver tiser at his residence, Great South Road, nest the Gas Works, or by leaving orders at Mr. Quill’s Hotel. The breaking in department will be under Mr. Wilkie’s own control, aided and abetted by a terror of a native who can back anything. Ladies Hacks will be a special line in this business, as the proprietor can under take the breaking of young stock for ladies’ hacks in a style not to be equalled in the colony. Special horses kept for extra long journeys. Horses and Traps bought and sold. JAMES WILKIE, Great South Road, Ashburton. 301c-722g rjIHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS’ WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cut Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the miblic. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND' CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established in Done din Invercargill OAMARU Timaru Ashburton Lyttelton Christchurch Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napier Thames Auckland A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. N.B.— Our New Winter Manufactures are now ready. “TRY THE N.Z. OYERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH— East Street. Wm. SPARROW, Manager.