COMMERCIAL.

The usual fortnightly sale took place at Timvald yesterday. The attendance ■was sood, and sheep were sold at- an ad vance of about Is. a head over hist sale day’s prices. Cattle suffered a decline, and some very good beasts were sold, which did not realise more than 16s. per lOOlbs. There were no pigs offered, and they are in demand.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10,20.3.111. 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, llimp, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Gera'dine, 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 Longbcacli, at .15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1880.

To-day’s cablegrams give us the news that many have been anxiously waiting for. Newspaper readers not specially interested in stock rearing have observed at intervals telegrams regarding the Strathleven and her voyage, but perhaps took no particular notice of her beyond what they would have taken of any other vessel. To the stock rearer in these colonies the voyage of the Strathleven was one of much im portance, and many owners of extensive facilities for rearing have watched her pro gress from point to point of the passage with much anxiety. To them especially will the news of her safe arrival, with her cargo of meat in excellent condition, come as an evangel their ears have long itched to hear, and we may safely date from this week the commencement of a new era in the history of the pastoral and grazing interests in all the Austral asian colonies. Already a fresh impetus has been given to stock rearing, and the increased attention the subject demands is now being given. From these colonies we have no doubt that millions of carcases could annually be exported; and now that the Bell-Ooleman system of freezing meat has been found to be successful, and Aus tralian meat can be landed amongst the millions of London mouths requiring to be fed, and landed as fresh as when the meat came smoking from the anti podean slaughterhouses, a new market lias been opened up to us. The great metropolis of England and the other Home cities are great consumers of meat —as great consumers as we on this side are producers ; but the barrier of the sea seamed an insuperable obstacle to the Southern stock-raiser. Now, however, the Bell-Ooleman system of preserving meat by refrigeration has virtually brought London as near to us as it is to York, and Cockneys will be able to eat steaks cut from Australian fed “rumps.” To a certain extent this trade will affect the trade in tinned preserved meat, but the army and navy, and the mercan

file marine, will still demand a supply of the latter, and the trade will go on as usual. We are almost afraid, however, to study the effect of the Bell-Coleman meat process upon the prosecution of war, for now that its success has been proved there is no saying where the frozen meat may not penetrate, and it is quite possible that these carcases may yet find a place on the commissariat list of a. campaign and form part of the daily rations of the camp. In any case, however, England may now look with more certainty to her Australian colonies for her daily food, and be almost independent of the aid of an ally or neighbor.

It is to the credit of the Australasian colonies that they are virtually keeping going the distribution of relief among the distressed people of Ireland to-day. A cablegram irforms us that the Mayor of Dublin stated that hut for the ready and abundant help received from the colonies in this hemisphere, he would not have been able to sustain the distribution. This is only another reason, added to the greater one of humanity, why we should continue our efforts to help the starving ones. It gives us great pleasure to learn that a requisition has been presented to the Mayor, calling upon him to convene a public meeting, and an advertisement elsewhere announces that a meeting in aid of this object will he held at the Town Hall, Ashburton, on Wednesday, the lltli inst., at 8 p.m.

The Saleyards. —Messrs. Matson and Co’s, next sale will take place on Tuesday 17th instant, at Ashburton and not at Tinwakl, as was advertised this morning. Juvenile Templars. —A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Juvenile Temple was held last evening at the Templar Hall, to recommend a member for the office of Superintendent of the Juvenile Temple, in place of Bro. J. Ash wood, resigned. Bro. Poyntz was voted to the chair. It was resolved—“ That Bro. Henry be recommended for the posi tion of Superintendent.” It was further resolved —“ That ti e Executive and Honorary members be asked to practically assist Bro. Henry in his arduous task.” The meeting then dissolved.

Complimentary Benefit to Mr. and Mrs. Florence. —A complimentary bene fit will be given to Mr. and Mrs. Florence on Tuesday next in the Town Hall. Mr. Florence’s brilliant tenor will be remem bered in the “Doctor of Alcantara ” on the occasion of the first appearance of Mr. D’Orsay Ogden’s troupe in Ashburton. Mr. and Mrs. Florence will be supported on their benefit night by the local talent of Ashburton, and the occasion will be patronised by the Mayor and Council.

C.Y.C.—The Ashburton Cavalrymen met for drill yesterday evening, and Capt. Slater kindly visited the district to in spect the local contingent. He was accompanied by the 2nd Life Guardsman, who did not seem to get along with his recruits as well as did Trooper Scott. We judge so from the fact that a couple of troopers left the ground during parade, and one of them was making use of language in reference to the new man which was not complimentary.

1.0. G. T. —Degree Temple. — A meet ing of Good Templars was held last night at the Templar Hall, to institute a Degree Temple. The meeting opened in the second degree, under the presidency of Bro. Sando. One brother received the second degree. The meeting then opened as a Committee of third degree members, when the District Deputy having read his authority from the Grand Lodge, pro ceeded to institute a Degree Temple. It was resolved that the name of the Temple be “The Unity, No. 11.” The following officers were then duly installed, viz. :—Bro. Poyntz, D.T.; Sister Tippetts, D.V.T.; Bro. Henry, D.S.; Bro. Leitcli, D.F. S.; Bro. Jessop, D. Treasurer; Sis ter Saunderson, D. 0.; Bro. Ashwood, D.M.; Bro Hawkins, D.G.; Bro. Gudsell, D. Sentinel; Bro. Mason, D. A.S.; Bro. G. Andrews, D.D.M.; Sister Sando, D.R.H.S.; Bro. Elston, D.L.PI.S. It was arranged that the meetings of the Temple should be on the second Wedncs day in each month, at the Templar Hall at 8 p.m., commencing on Wednesday, February 11th. After passing some necessary by-laws, owing to the lateness of the hour, the Temple adjourned to Wednesday next. It is hoped that all qualified members will support the Temple, as the fees have been placed at the lowest possible figure to cover expenses, and the success attendant on a - well constituted Temple is a bulwark of strength to the Order in general.

South Rakaia School Committee.— The usual monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held in the Schoolroom on Tuesday evening. Present —-Messrs. C. Tucker (Chairman), Hart nell, Cox, and Shellock. The Chairman said that he had looked through the accounts of the late Committee, and found it impossible to make anything of them. He had some knowledge of balancing accounts, but these accounts beat him. There were cheques drawn by the late Committee which had been dishonored, and there were some accounts said to have been paid for which he could find no vouchers. Altogether the late Secretary —Mr Jaggar—who has absconded, had left the books of the Committee in a most un satisfactory state. He was sorry that Mr. A. Makeig, the late Chairman, was not present to throw a little light on some of the matters which at present seem some what obscure. He had written to the Board of Education informing them of the present Committee’s financial position, and forwarding to the Board a copy of the late Committee’s accounts and balance sheet. A letter was read from the school master, giving sundry matters of infor mation as to attendance, and asking to have a curtain hung across the school to divide the classes ; asking for the appoint ment of a pupil teacher, and informing the Committee that the December salary cheques had been dishonored. Three tenders were received for cleaning the school for a year, and after some little consideration the tender of Mrs. Hogan for Ll 3 was accepted. It was resolved to have the low place in front of the school door filled in with gravel. On the motion of Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Hartnell, it was resolved that the Chairman write to the Board of Education urging on them the necessity for increased school accom modation, owing to the rapid increase of children of school age in the district. It was resolved that Mr. Hartnell sign cheques in conjunction with the Chair man. The meeting then adjourned.

The Comet.— A Wellington telegram of yesterday says : Great sensation was created last night by the appearance of a singular beam of softly shaded light in the south west, looking like the tail of a comet. If so, however, the nucleus must have been far below the horizon. The apparent length of the tail was about forty degrees. The principal New Zealand savans here are not quite certain yet what it is. Our chief astronomers—Dr. Hector and Arch deacon Stock—at first completely differed. The doctor was convinced it was only the zodiacal light unusually bright. The Arch deacon was equally sure it was the Aurora Australis, and each learned gentlemen was provided with an array of evidence and authorities in support of his views. Later in the day, however, telegraphic reports from other places, Sydney particularly, seemed to induce the unanimous opinion that it was a comet after all, but one not yet known or registered in astronomical lists. The re-appearanco to-night is watched for with great interest.

SPORTING.

— THE WELLINGTON RACES

[by telegraph.] Wellington, Feb. 5.

To-day about 3000 people were on the course, and an exceedingly large number of vehicles and horsemen. The road fiom the railway station was lined with convey ances of all descriptions, carrying passen gers to the races. Clouds of dust were passing over the course. Hl3 Excellency, Lady Robinson and suite, arrived on the course at twenty minutes past twelve. Three cheers were given when they stepped from the carriage. All games of chance, comprising wheels of fortune, etc., have been stopped by the police. The saddling bell for the first race is now ringing. Harkaway is scratched for the Maiden Race. Crowds are still arriving on the course. The totalisator is but poorly patronised. MAIDEN PLATE. Talent... ... ... ... 1 llore ... ... ... ... 2 Paniero ... ... ... 3 Four started. Betting—s to 2on Bore. HURDLE RACE. Kangaroo ... ... ... 1 Tamatea ... ... ... 2 Four started. Won, after a splendid race, by a length. Te Whetu fell. Bet ting—Even on Lone Hand. THE WELLINGTON CUP. Foul Play ... ... ... 1 Lai-a ... ... ... ... 2 Hailstorm ... ... ... 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[by telegraph.] Hawera, Feb. 5. Mr. Bryce arrived yesterday evening. The Constabulary have finished their work east of the camp, and are working west ward. Titokowaru is reported to have gone to Pariliaka. He must have some important reason for the visit, as there is no meeting called, and the fact of his going now, after an absence of some months, is pregnant with significance.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE {Reuter's.) The Bell-Coleman Experiment. London, Feb 4. The Sfcrathlevon’s experimental ship ment of meat is pronounced thoroughly satisfactory. The Irish Relief Fund. The Lord Mayor of Dublin has intimated that the relief of the distress in Ireland would have to be suspended if it were not for the liberal subscriptions which are being received from Australasia towards the relief fund. {Argus Special.') The Thunderer’s Guns- London, Feb. 4. An experiment has been made with the companion gun to that which burst on board of the Thunderer, and killed so many seamen. The gun was tested with a double charge, and burst. The Panama Canal- Congress have appointed a commission of naval and military engineers to report as speedily as possible on the various canal routes for the Isthmus of Panama. {At:e Special.) The Constitutionfof the House of Lords. London, Feb. 3. In addressing a political meeting at Manchester, Earl Derby referred to the suggested alterations in the constitution of the House of Lords, and deprecated substituting an elective for an hereditary system, which, he calculated, would pro duce a deadlock. The Irish Land Laws. Government purpose introducing liberal land measures in Ireland. A Gathering Storm. Germany has proposed to mass 40,000 men on the Holland frontier, and gives in explanation that it will prevent smuggling. Austria has strengthened her army on the Russian and Italian frontiers, and also strengthens her fortifications. The Home Rulers Disagreeing. The Home Rule League is moribund from dissensions. Shaw refuses the leader ship, opposing Parnell’s extreme measures. The Treasurer has resigned.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

IN TERPROVINCI AL.

The Cromwell Company. Dunedin, Feb. 5. The Cromwell Company’s crushing for last month was 338 ounces from 580 tons.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH 8c FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE (Reuter's.) London, Feb. 2. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,900,000 quarters. Total stock of tallow in London on Ist. inst., 16,000 casks. The steamer Strathlcven, from Sydney and Melbourne, has arrived. Her cargo of meat is in good condition. Rome, Feb. 2. Italy will be well represented at the Melbourne International Exhibition. 900 Italian exhibits are going forward-

St. Petersburg, Feb. 2,

A number of Russian students have issued a proclamation to the effect that they will struggle even to death against Government.

New York, Feb. 2.

The American press generally condemns the views of Mr. Parnell as expressed in his recent speeches. Washington, Feb. 2.

There will be a special sitting of Con gress shortly, to enable Mr. Parnell to deliver a speech to the members on the subject of the Irish Land Question. London, Feb. 2.

Arrived—ships Loch Lomond, from Melbourne ; Moravian, from Sydney ; and Colligrow, from Adelaide ; Pareora. from Wellington, Oct. 29tli. ; Chaudiere, from Wellington, Oct- 14.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Ratio's). Sydney, Feb. 3. The Banks here have reduced the in terest on deposits for three, six, and twelve months, to 3,4, and 5 per cent, respectively.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Feb. 4. On board the British Empire, which arrived to-day, there had been during the voyage thirty-six cases of measles and eighty cases of scarlet fever, with three deaths from the latter —two children and one adult, a man named Vetch. One case broke out to-day. She brings 400- immi grants, paying their own passage, chiefly small farmers.

The appearance of the comet is causing considerable excitement.in scientific circles. The tail reaches from twenty-five degrees above the horizon to below the horizon. At sunset it is visible in the S. W., and is believed to be approaching the sun.

The Alburnia mine has declared a dividend of LlOa share, absorbing L4OOO. Tlie funeral of the laue Mr. J. S. Mae farlane took place to-day at St. Andrews Church. There were 50 carriages, and numbers on horseback. The church coidd not hold those present, the service being conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon Strong. Among the mourners were Hon. F. Whitaker, Hon. Jno. Williamson, Dr. Pollen, Mr. John Sheehan, and Mr. Swanson. There were many old colonists present.

Sailed—Wellington, for South. Pas sengers for Lyttelton : Messrs. Brett and Felton.

Seymour George addressed the Rodney electors, and at the conclusion received a vote of thanks. Wellington, Feb. 4. Tlie Supreme Court granted rule nisi for a new trial in the case of McFarlane and another v. Rees. At the Calcutta sweeps, Foul Play brought the highest price. H.M. S. Cormorant leaves for the South on Tuesday. A number of penguins, brought here by the Hinemoa from the Snares, have been let loose in the harbor. Captain Fair child at first intended to place them on Stephen’s Island. The tail of the comet seen last night is not likely to be seen to-niglit as the sky is overcast.

Tiie torpedo corps intend having a series of experiments in firing permanent mines and torpedoes shortly. A well known engineer here has placed a steam launch at their disposal. Lava is reported very foot sore. Pinfire was scratched for all engagements at 12.30 to-day. In the Calcutta sweep, worth LSO, at the Empire last night, Foul Play fetched LlO ; Lara, L 7 ; Templeton, Li ; Hippo campus, L 3; Soukar, Chancellor, and Laertes, L2 10s. The rest were passed in. There is every prospect of a very success ful meeting. Libeller will not start for the Cup. The following will comprise the field and the jockeys : —Templeton, Watty ; Foul Play, Dcrritt ; Chancellor, Rudings ; Hippocampus, Hudson ; Lara, Nolan ; Hailstorm, Gardiner ; Norseman, Clifford; Quail, Carrington ; Magnolia, Herd ; Soukar (doubtful) ; Laertes, Tay lor ; Vampire, Hawkins ; Balmoral, Kaiser

The Supreme Court this morning refused to grant a new trial in the libel action Anderson v. Kirkbride.

Tlie gates of tlie racecourse have been bought by Ames, proprietor of the Star Hotel. The price is stated to be L 420.

Nelson, Feb. 4.

It is stated that some 70 applications have ahead} 7 been received for the office of Secretary to the Nelson Education Board, tlie salary for which is L 350. Tlie appointment will probably be made to morrow.

Arthur L. Sweet, late of Wellington, and formerly of Auckland, is charged with the forgery of a cheque for L 5 175., and has been remanded till Friday. An elderly man, Mr. Brown, residing at Wakapuaka, whilst walking out, is sup posed to have received sunstroke and fell, breaking his thigh. Christchurch, Feb. 4. The following are the nominations for the Great Autumn Aandicap : —Mata, Libeller, Hippo, Templeton, Titania, Hornby, Pinfire, Volunteer, Cambello, Tera, Le Loup, Fishhook, Maritana, Adamant, Mirando, Webb’s 8.F., Knot tingly, Tantrums, Lara, Brabazon’s 8.G., Albany, Gludge, Luna, Natator, Long lands, Norseman, Laertes, Rangitirn, Foul Play, On Dit, and Betrayer. O AMARU, Feb. 4. L2OO will be forwarded to the Mayor of Dublin for the Famine Relief Fund this week. Pastor Chiniquy will visit Oamaru on the 19th inst. A meeting of sympathisers will be held at the Young Men’s Christian Association rooms on Friday evening, at 7.30. Timaru, Feb. 4. A very large comet was observed in the western sky last evening, its tail extend ing over fully 30 degrees. Its head was below the horizon. The weather to-night is too thick to see it,

AMONG THE FARMERS.

(By Our Rambling Reporter.) Wakanui. —continued.

Away down the beach road the peri patetic reporter finds the crops of so good a quality that anything said in the way of preaching them up would be a matter of supererogation. It is no great distance from town, if one starts from Friedlander’s corner, till we arrive at Messrs. Chalmers’ farm, of some 800 or 900 acres, and which will probably become in a few years the suburbs of Ashburton. At present it is one of the best conducted and most ably managed farms in the county. The posi tion of it, in so close proximity to town, is a great advantage for raising and grazing cattle over farmers nmre distant from the market, besides, the land is of so rich and mellow a nature that it is always b*und to grow a crop of anything in the vegetable world the Chalmers Bros, feel inclined to put on it, and they, being good farmers, arc aware that too much grain growing does not tend to permanently improve the value of their estate. Thus they have not done much in cropping this year, and the produce of their farm is confined to a field of oats about 35 acres in extent, and which will give a } 7 ield of fully 65 bushels to the acre. Tlie hay from this land is a grand return ; about 80 acres was saved and tlie stack shows a record of some 24 bushels per acre, or 200 tons of the best fodder that any man in the district who owns a horse could look upon to pur chase. On the same farm Messrs Chalmers Bros, have 655 acres in grass, and they seem to do very well as graziers, as their sheep are worthy of admiration from any judge, and I should think that the Lincoln shire farmers’ delegates ought to visit Messrs. Chalmers Bros, before they leave the district.

Further down the Beach road we drop on another canny Scott —Mr. Malcolm Millar. I don’t want to say anything about this .gentleman, he is too well-known for us to dilate upon his many acquire ments as a good type of a farmer, and he caries out our ideas of how to make a small farm a profitable undertaking. I have no objection, however, to state that Miss Mary Millar, who did so well as an equestrian at the Agricultural Show, is no small help to her father. Mary can both ride and drive, and she will be a treasure to any young man who may be lucky enough to get hold of her in a soft moment. Mr. Millar’s oats were the talk of the district. You don’t possess a six foot man on your staff, but if you did he would have certainly lost himself if he had ventured on an excursion through those oats, and tlie wheat is so heavy that I will give no opinion of it till I interview tlie bag-man at the machine. His will be the only reliable record in cases where some people judge crops at 80 bushels an acre—a crop I can’t believe in without reliable evidence. The next farmer on this road is another tough old countryman of Robbie Burns, and Mr. Jameson and his family have not settled in the Ashburton in vain, if we may judge of their progress by the com fortable appearance of Hieir home and the healthy looking plantation surrounding it. The old man, who is as frisky as any in a lot of young ones, wasn’t satisfied with the comfortable little homestead he possessed, but while the land fever was raging, went in for a few hundred acres towards the beach. In spite of all the supervision and the difficulties lie liad to encounter the old man has got a fine crop of wheat—some thing like 40 bushels to the acre, and 50 acres of it; 37 acres of oats good for 40 bushels, and 25 of barley, which will thresh 35 bushels ; and he has also a very nice permanent grass paddock of some 40 acres, to say nothing of his pre-emptive right to a large area of the Ashburton river bed.

Scotchmen seem to flourish, increase, and multiply in this part of the Wakanui. There is a lai'ge family of Cochranes of that ilk about here, and they increase with a refreshing heartiness. John Cochrane can show a record of 52 acres of wheat good enough for 40 bushels per acre ; 45 of oats which will dissappoint me if they don’t yield 65 ; and a sma'l paddock of barley which is not up to the prize crops of the district. Mr, Win. Cochrane does farming in a comparatively small way, but lie does it in a way worthy of imitation by less experienced men. His little patch of wheat of something less than 20 acres will show a better record than any I have yet seen, and it should thrash out close up to 50 bushels, and liis oats about 45. He has a couple of acres of “ spuds,” and they ought to be good enough to turn in some 8 tons to the acre. Another of the same family, David Cochrane has a 50 acre paddock of good looking wheat, and I give it credit for a return of 20 bushels. A patch of barley of limited extent is equal to 30, and he lias a decent little paddock of grass.

(to be continued )

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

REGISTRATION.

To the Editor. Sir,— Can you inform your readers whether there has been any alteration made in the time and manner of registra tion of claims to vote for the election of members of the House of Representa tives! I believe there are not a few who are in the dark on the subject.—lam, &c., Elector.

[We shall take an early opportunity to summarise the new Registration Act.— Ed., A.H.]

SPARE LABOR.

To the Editor. Sir, —Please allow me a small space in your paper to ask the business people of Ashburton who have work to be done, why they do not give it to the married men having homes of their own, and families to provide for, instead of giving it to people that don’t do any good for the town. For instance, I have seen lately boys getting men’s wages when they can not do half so much work. If the people studied their business and gave the married men the work they would be able to pay their way, and not b,e obliged to sell their little homes and go somewhere else to seek for work. As for the butchers they all seem to grumble in the same way that people are running away and not pay ing them ; but of course it is their own fault as well as the rest, and as for myself I should only like to seo twice as many more of the business people let in, and then they would study a few of the Ash

burton residents instead of seeing them have to break up their comfortable little homes. Let any one of them contradict it if they like, and say that it is not true. —am, &c.,

D. W. Flinch.

HYDROPATHY.

To the Editor. Sir,— Agitated by the recent death of my daughter, and the still more recent experience of the brutal manner in which our present laws allow any person who holds a medical diploma to revenge him self on those who may cross liis path; and being also pressed with duties which must for a few days engage my undivided attention, I cannot just now take advan tage of the interest aroused by recent events to invite the public attention to tlieir own vital interests in availing them selves of the blessing that the practice of hydropathy holds out to all, and the many miseries to be escaped by its use. But I shall feel it my duty to do this as soon as possible, and will ask you to allow me the use of your columns for that purpose. In the hope of exciting more interest in a question that so much concerns us all, I will particularly describe the difference in my treatment and that of Dr. Ross, and the natural result of the different in the case of the late Mrs. Buchanan.

Meantime, for the benefit of our zeal ous and well-meaning R.M., and our ser geant of police, who evidently think that they would be doing service to God and man if they could secure for life in some comfortable prison or asylum the man who has the rashness to suppose that there may be some imperfections even in the treatment of a “ legally qualified medical practitioner,” I will ask you to publish for their edification, the following ‘‘ legally qualified ” medical opinion of Dr. Ross’ present practice in fever : The “ Medico-Chirui’gical Review” says: —“ Would that some physician of mature experience had opened the academical year by a grave, unsparing exposure of the practice now in vogue, of poisoning the sick and feeble with food, which in quantity they vainly strive to digest ; of spoiling blood that is healthy ; of killing that which is disordered ; of maddening the brain by wine, beer, and brandy with out stint—thus quenching the intellect in its last expiring rays, forestalling the un consciousness of death, and dismissing the patient drunken from the world ! This is but a reaction, we are told, from the opposite extreme of thirty, forty, or fifty years ago —an equivalent of slaughter in compensa tion for the countless thousands who were then bled, purged, and starved to death I In this balance of destruction the result is one of small value to the statistician— to the physician it is a double shame.”—l am, &c., Alfred Saunders.

The Reign of Terror in Russia.

A correspondent of the “ Pall Mall Gazette ” in describing the peculiar aspect of affairs in Russia says “ Nobody talks of Liberalism in drawing-rooms, for there are so many conspiracies a-foot There is so much espionage, arresting, and exile to Siberia that the most dangerous rebels are those who use the most fulsome adulation in speaking of the Court. An imprudent word might cost too dear, at a moment when assassins are believed to be lurking elsewhere, and when the of ficial journals are screaming in a panic to the police that they are not active nor watchful enough. Here is a little example of what the police are expected tp do. After the attack on General Grenteln it was ascertained that tlie young man who had shot at him had for some weeks viously been taking riding lessens, with a view, as it now seems, of escaping readily after his crime. So the “Golos” writes : -—‘ It is astonishing that the owner of the riding-school did not feel his suspicions excited by the young man’s coming daily to take lessons. He should have made enquiries, and had him v atched. ’ Watch a man because ho takes riding lessons ! Why not, then, set detectives upon every person who dines daily at the same restaurant ? As a fact, it seems that the police do watch so much and so annoyingly that a prudont man wil not stop to stare at the Imperial palace, nor ask audience of a Minister, nor purcliaao cartridges for his sporting guns, lest he should be suspected of sinister designs. Foreigners who come into Rus sia have always been closely looked after by the police, but now Russians travelling in their own country are pestered quite as much as foreigners. A boyard from the provinces comes up to St. Petersburg on business, and alights at a great hotel like Demuth’s. He must exhibit his passport, vised by the aui horitie3 of all the towns where he has spent a night during his journey ; and this done he must obtain a poemis de sejourfrom the police of the capital. While he has gone to one of the officers of tlie Third Section on this errand detectives who have requested him to give up his keys, proceed to his hotel room and overhaul every article in his luggage, confiscating his private letters at the same time for leisurely perusal at their convenience. Our tourist returns to table d’hote dinner, and enters into con versation with a fellow-countryman by his side, or he goes out to spend an evening at the Winter Garden, and falls in with some strangers whom he has known in Paris. Next day he is arrested and brought to book for having been seen chatting to people who turn out to be conspirators. It may be said that a man can avoid talking to strangers at a tabic d’hote ; but the provincial Russian may chance to be arrested simply because ho has attended a party at tlie house of some great lady who has been collared by the police because she is a friend of a prince of the blood, who has recently fallen into disgrace. When one hears of the Czarewitch being made a prisoner in his own house, of another Grand Duke being exiled to his estates, and of dozens of noblemen, ladies, and even young girls being arrested for supposed complicity with the Nihilists, it becomes obvious that the moral atmosphere in which Russian society, is now living, must be one of freezing terror. People who have spent the last winter season at St. Petersburg describe it as having been funereally dull ; though this city was never so crowded with wealthy families, because most of the landowners have grown afraid to live on their estates, not only because they dread Nihilist rising amongst the peasantry, but because they fear to have enemies at Court who might accuse them of having fomented spell outbreaks, This npserablo state of public uneasiness canr ot last long. The Russians are an impulsive people, who lovq to talk and enjoy themselves. They had enough compression under Nioholas ;

Thursday, February 5> 1880 -~!

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AT THE ‘ EVENING HERALD ” OFFICE. T FARMERS REQUIRING HANDS jL; can engage men through the “ Evening Herald ” Registry fur 1/- 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 1/-. 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.



WANTED, those in search, of employ ment, to call and either enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. LABOURERS requiring work can secure first opening by applying early at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. CIERVANTS requiring situations, call and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. EMPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance. PHOTOGRAPHY. JpORTRAITS taken in any weather, at MARTIN’S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton. 20c Great Reduction in Prices. CHINIQUY’S LECTURES.—Just Ar rived, New Edition. H. M. Jones, Baring Square. 'TTTANTED, by a good general hand, YV WORK with a threshing machine for the seasonr. Capable of driving the engine or any other. Apply at once, Herald Registry. 18c •^T ANTED, a few TEAMS for about a fortnight, to Cart Grain to Tinwald. Apply to T. BLACK,. 19c South Bank, Lower Ashburton. WANTED —To lease or purchase DINING ROOMS, centrally situated. Apply by letter, T. T., Post Office, Ashburton. 4GSg—22c WANTED, by a respectable Married couple, without encumberance, a SITUATION on a farm, station, or gentleman’s family. Man useful to any kind of work. Woman good cook and laundress. Apply Herald Office. 12c FOUND, a PURSE containing money. Can be obtained on giving descrip tion, and paying for this advertisement, by applying at the Herald office. 1 4c HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. A GENERAL MEETING of Members will be held at Anstee’s Boarding House on THURSDAY EVENING, Feb. 5 th, at 8 pan. business : Adoption of rules, and business in connection with Autumn Show. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, I3c Hon. Sec. MONEY. £SO £lO0 ' AND £IOOO. These sums are ready for immediate investment, on approved Freehold securi ties at current rates. Apply to THOMAS & BRUGES, Solicitors, 13c CHRISTCHURCH. arNXJkL of Reading Matter is the Herald JJ Every Evening.



New Advertisements. Y. R. In the District Court of Christchurch, llolden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, Amendment Act, 1878, and of the bankruptcy of JAMES M ‘DONALD, of Ashburton, Tailor, a Debtor. ■ Till'S IS TO NOTIFY that the Creditors of the abovenamed Bankrupt having failed to appoint a Trustee in the above Estate, I have appointed William Richardson Boyle, a certificated accountant in bankruptcy, Trustee of the estate of the abovenamed bankrupt, and that the said William Richardson Boyle has, in writing, signified to me his acceptance of such Trusteeship. Dated this fifth day of February, ISSO. C. CAVENDISH MURRELL, 2=tc Clerk of the District Court. TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR OF ASHBURTON, HUGO FRIEDLAN DER, ESQ. (JIIR, —AVe. the undersigned ratepayers O of the Borough of Ashburton, request you to call a public meeting at an early date to take into consideration the national distress in Ireland, and to take such steps as may be deemed necessary for the relief thereof. February 4th, 1880. F. P. O’Reilly W. H. Gundry H. M. Jones E. A. Garnett J. M. Cambridge R. W. Shearman T. R. Hodder G. D. Branson Jos. Ivess Geo. Jameson John Orr. C. Dixon Fred. Pavitt Wm. Gavin Thos. Quill To F. P. O’Reilly, Esq., and other gentle men signing the above requisition. Gentlemen, —In compliance with your request, I have much pleasure in CON VENING a PUBLIC MEETING, to be held at the Town Hall, Ashburton, on WEDNESDAY, the 11th inst., at 8 p.m. HUGO FRIEDLANDER, 24c Mayor. COMPLIMENTARY ENTERTAIN MENT TO iyrß AND MRS. FLORENCE (Under the patronage of the Mayor and Borough Councillors), Tendered by Several Vocal and Dramatic Lady & Gentlemen Amateurs of Ashburton, Will be held in the TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, ON TUESDAY, 10th FEBRUARY. Prices of Admission —Front scats, 3s. ; back 2s. 21c MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &0., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, February 17th, 1880. C. PERCY COX, Agent, Ashburton. 427g*



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, Ac., Ac., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cotter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, ahd from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, lie is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Ci.’s.) CRAIGHEAD A CO. 9S2a



Bush Fires.— A New Plymouth tele gram states that owing to bush fires in the neighborhood of Major Atkinson’s estate he has suffered considerable damage, over a mile of fencing having been burnt, besides hedges, &c. It was feared at one time that a large stack would have caught fire, but it was most fortunately saved. Mr. Adson, of Egmont village, had the greater part of his grass burned oil on Sunday by bush fires.