COMMERCIAL.

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, May 5. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency reports, under date London, 3rd May, as follows : —Wool —Competition is decreasing, and quotations are at an avei a^e of Id. to lid. per lb lower than at the opening of The principal de - cline has been in cross-bred medium; ancl superior greasy having declined lfd. to 2d. per lb., the home trade are purchasing sparingly. There is, however, a moder ate demand on French account, but the German demand is dull. Up to date, 115,000 bales have been catalogued.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post- Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under 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 be due in London on June 26th. The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco, will be closed at Christ church on May 22, and will be due in London on July 6. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

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

Lecture.— Our readers [are reminded that the lecture by the Rev. A. J. Smith, takes place in the Templar Hall this even ing.

County Council. —The usual monthly meeting of the Council was held to-day, but it was only after a delay had occurred of an hour au half that the meeting com menced, as a quorum of members was not obtained until half past twelve. Fire Brigade. —The monthly meeting of the Fire Brigade was held last night. It was resolved that Captain Wilkie and Lieut. Dolman he a deputation to wait upon the Borough Council to endeavor to obtain a further grant to assist the brigade funds. The action of the Committee in ordering extras from Shand, Mason, and Co. was fully endorsed. The Secretary reported that none of the honorary mem bers had as yet paid their subscriptions. 1.0. G. T. The usual weekly meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held at the Templar Hall on Monday night last, Bro. Poyntz presiding. One male and one female were initiated. A deal of routine business was gone through, after which Bro. A. J. Andrews, acting for the G.W.C.T., and assisted by Bro. Davis as G.W.M. and Bro. Jessop as G.W.S., installed the officers for the ensuing quarter. The returns for the last quarter showed that the lodge was steadily progressing in the number of its members, and the amount of good disseminated by it in the cause of temperance. Votes of thanks having been accorded the retiring officers the lodge was closed in due form.—On Saturday evening the newly-elected officers for the next quarter of the Star of the East Lodge were installed by the Lodge Deputy, Bro. I. Scott, with assistants. We understand that on an early date the Rev. Mr. Hands, of the Episcopal Church, will deliver a lecture on temperance in Ashburton.

A Maori Complaint.— The Govern ment schools at Bell Block have had to be closed owing to the Maori itch having made its appearance among the children. A Hoax. —The Wellington police have strong suspicions that the reported case of drowning from the Queen’s Wharf, in that city, is a fabrication. Commission on Local Industries.— The Commission on Local Industries have visited and inspected the coal mines at Russell. Fatal Accident. —The youngest child of Mr. Charles Innes, a brewer, at Te Awamutu, was accidentally drowned on Tuesday in a tub of water. Sudden Death. —A child of Mr. John Elliot, of Waitara, died suddenly on Mon day morning. At the inquest it was shown that death was caused by the sudden fail ing of the heart’s action. Adventure with a Shark. —A son of Captain Stevens, while bathing at Mechanics’ Bay, had a narrow' escape from a shark, the other day. A young man named Joyner j umped into the water and attacked the shark with a knife and drove it away.

AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A special meeting of the Association was held on Tuesday afternoon, at the Somerset Hotel, for the purpose of elect ing a committee and two auditors in ac cordance with the Act, the election. at the recent annual meeting having been illegal, on account of more committeemen having been elected than the Act allowed. There was a good attendance of members of the Association, and W. C. Walker, Esq., president, occupied the chair. Mr. Guinness moved that the resolu tion of the annual meeting appointing a general committee, be rescinded. Mr. Passmore seconded, and the motion was carried.

Mr. C. Percy Cox proposed the follow ing gentlemen to form a committee, viz., —Messrs. E. S. Coster, F. B. Passmore, J. Hunt, F. Guinness, E. Saunders, M. Stitt, J. Grigg, 11. T. Smith, E. G. Wright, Leatham, Mayo, W. H. Gundry, J. Clark, Hugo Friedlander, and the mover.

Mr. Guinness seconded, and the com mittee nominated were elected. Mr. J. Hunt proposed Messrs. Zouch and Curtis as auditors. —Carried. Mr. C. P. Cox brought up a report, with plans and specifications, on cattle and sheep yards on the Association’s reserve, near Saunders’ Bros’, mill. The estimates showed that sheep and cattle yards could be built in blue gum for L 230 18s. Bd., while the same in black pine would cost L4lB 2s. 9d. Mr. Cox stated that if some of the members who could afford it would become life memebers, by subscribing LlO, and the ordinary members paid up their subscriptions, there would not be much difficulty in providing the necessary funds to carry out the work, which would prove a source of great profit to the Association, and should not be allowed to pass by. He was confident if the Association did not erect the sale yards the matter would be taken up by private enterprise. He would strongly urge the Association to take up the matter at once, as good sale yards were much needed, and he would move that the yards be erected. After a good deal of discussion as to the probable returns that might be ex pected from fees, etc., and as to the ad visableness of erecting yards on the Association’s reserve, Mr. Guinness moved that the matter be left in the hands of a sub-committee, to bring up a fully detailed report to the general committee. Mr. Passmore seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Mr. Cox withdrew his proposition in favor of Mr. Guinness'. Before the meeting adjourned, Mr. Passmore drew the attention of farmers to the very valuable publication, “ The American Agriculturalist,” which he said would be found most useful, and should be in the hands of all practical farmers. A vote of thanks was then passed to the Chairman. A meeting of the general committee was afterwards held, when Mr. Jameson was re-elected Secretary. Mr. Guinness proposed that the sub committee bring up a full report re cattle tn I,e submitted to Mr. Wright seconded, and it was carried.

The Secretary stated that he had re ceived two designs for the Association’s seal, but the matter was allowed to stand over.

The meeting then adjourned.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the members of the Ashburton Horticultural Society was held in Mr. Anstee’s private hotel last night, at which a fair average number attended, and Mr. K. C. Jacobsen pre sided. The Secretary read the first annual report of the Committee for the year, in which the history of the Society, which is only a few months old, was traced. It stated that 89 members were on the books, only a few of whom had neglected to pay their subscriptions. The Commit tee congratulated the Society on the very successful show that had been held, the exhibits at which were both numerous and good, as was testified to by the report of the judges. Delays had taken place in connection with the show, but these w r ere inseparable from the first show of any Society where experience was limited, but the experience gained would be of vast benefit to the Committee in time to come. The Committee hoped a step taken for the establishment of monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month, for the reading of papers on hor ticultural subjects, would be looked upon as one in the right direction. The Com mittee thought the Society’s thanks were due to the local press for the assistance afforded to the Society ; to the exhibitors whose aid so materially contributed to the success of tho show ; to Mr. Anstee for the free use he had given of a room ; and also to the judges. The Committee further thanked the subscribers who had so promptly paid their subscriptions, the unpaid sums amounting in the total to only L 7 17s. 6d.—two of these being sub scribers of one guinea, and the remainder of 10s. fid. each. The liberality of the prize-takers who had refunded their prize money was acknowledged, which conduct had very substantially increased the balance at the Society’s credit in the bank.

The report was adopted, as also the balance-sheet, which showed an income from all sources—including L 47 os. of subscriptions, and Lll 16s. 6d. taken at the door on show day—of L 64 9s. fid. ; against L4l 17s. lOd. of expenditure— leaving a balance on the right side of L 22 11s. Bd. The office bearers for the year were then elected as follows ; President, E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R.; Vice-Presidents, John Grigg, A. Saunders, W. C. Walker, Esqs., and Dr. Trevor; Treasurer, Mr. A. H. Shury ; Hon. Sec retary, Mr. S. E. Poyntz. The forego ing were re-elected. The members of Committee were then elected as under : Messrs. Randall, Bloomfield. Anstee, G. T. Smith, Davison, Stephenson, J. Sealy, T. Sealey, Jacobson, Mayo, Simmonds, and Collins. Mr. John Orr was elected auditor for the members, a second auditor to be elected by the Committee. The thanks of tho Society were unanimously accorded to the retiring Committee for their labors during the time they had been in office. After a very lengthened discus sion as to the propriety of holding a spring show, it was resolved that it be a recom mendation to the Committee that the next show be held about the middle of February

next. After votes of thanks had been passed to Mr. Anstee for his kindness in finding a free room for the Society’s meet ings in his hotel, and another vote to the Chairman, the meeting adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE AD MINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN ASHBURTON.

To the Editor. Sir, —Mr. Branson’s reply to my letter is hardly one that I should have expected from a gentleman in his position. He cannot assail any of the facts contained in my letter, and therefore gives vent to abuse. Mr. Branson makes some ridiculous comparisons between my asking Mr. Guin ness whether a certain sum of money had been paid into Court and Tom Brown ask ing the R.M. what judgment he was likely to give in the case Brown v. Jones on the following day. Tho comparison is absurd in the extreme, and only tends to show how threadbare Mr. Branson must have worn his subject. « I do not intend to correspond further on this subject.—l am, &c., - W. 11. Gundry. Ashburton, sth May, 1889.

Ashburton County Council.

The usual monthly meeting of the Ash burton County Council was held to-day in the County Chambers. Present —Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chairman), Bullock, Jack son, and Cameron. After the Chairman’s statement had been read, the engineer’s report

was read as follows, and considered. Drainage Works. —The contractors have made good progress with tho drainage works in the Wheatstone district during the past month. The excavations are almost completed, and little now remains to be done, but the trimming of the earth works, the erection of the timber bridge at Wheatsheaf, and three crossings. Ten ders for the extension of this drainage will be placed before you to-day. The drain age works near Bell’s and Dawson’s roads are well advanced, and should easily be completed during the current month. Each owner asks for one, and some for two crossings over the line of this drain age, and if these are to be sup ported by the Council, I will suggest that the occupiers themselves be asked to ten der for them, as also for the small flood gates required at the crossing of boundary fences. As requested by the Council, I have carefully examined the question of drainage extension northwards from the present junction with gorse fence drain along the course of that drain to Osborne’s road. I find that the district requiring to be relieved is situated near the manuka scrub, at point S (on the plan), where a copious spring of water issues from the moss, and discharges at present into Wheeler’s Creek, at I. An outlet into the gorse fence drain could be got for this water by leading _it al Wf.r.iit. ffithfii' in the direction of the present creek, b. to JU. , or from b. to R., and then along the present boun dary fence from R. to P., deepening the gorse fence drain two feet at the latter point, and scouring it more or less down to the point G., where the present new drain leads off. I estimate the expense of the work at LOO in all.

Winchmore and Methven Drainage Works. —Contracts Nos. 3 and 5 have been commenced, and I expect the other contracts for works there to be put in hand immediately. My time has been so occupied with levelling operations, &c., in connection with the plains water sup ply, and getting up the requisite plans, sections, &c., for Parliamentary purposes, that I have not had opportunity to re consider fully the floodwater question on the Rakaia side of the plains. Meantime, however, with reference to the joint re port previously furnished, I am of opinion that the principles therein laid down are the most suitable for the circum stances. The most feasible point of discharge for the great body of the water is into the Rakaia river, at Barrhill. Here the line of floodwater comes nearest to the river, and here, also, the heavy drainage begins. The expense of discharging into the river at this point is, of course, considerable, on account of the shingly nature and height of the river terrace, but this seems almost unavoid able. Doubtless at several places, both above and below Barrhill, where the de pressions are not well defined, and the floodwater is liable to spread over a great depth, it might be advisable to confine the flow to a certain extent in some places but, generally speaking, a wide drainage area should be reserved along the entire length, as the greater fall on that side of the plains would tend to the destruction of a narrow channel, more especially as its course lies nearly in a direct line down the plains. I cannot hut think, too, that the large filtering area proposed near the old p os at Methven would absorb a large proportion of the flood water which flows on to the plains from Patten’s creek. The very fact of the channel running so entirely out in that quarter, without any apparent surcharging of the ground in that locality is, I tliiuk evidence to some extent of the porous nature of the sub-soil more than L2O. If the Council should now decide to put the work in hand, I shall feel obliged by instructions as to calling for tenders. Founds. —The pound at Rakaia is now complete, and tenders will be placed be fore you to-day, for a pound at Methven. South Approach Rakaia, Gorge Bridge. — The contract for these works as so far advanced that the whole are likely to be finished within a month. I beg to refer you to the section showing an improve ment which the committee for this road recommend to be made over a portion of the old road, situated near the south end, No. 3 contract, the cost of which, includ ing the additions the bridge, would pro bably be about LSO, and I will be glad to receive your instructions in this matter. Dam at Pudding Il'dl. —The contractor seems to have experienced difficulty in getting cement, and so has lost nearly a month of excellent weather. He expects, now, however, to be able to push on the works without further delay. Initial Main, —As requested by the Council, I have prepared as follows, an estimate of concrete channel, fully equal, in my opinion, to supply the Wash Pen Creek, and yield a sufficient supply at Methven for distribution as proposed,

making full allowances for absorption, and evaporation. Concrete channel as per drawing, for 1,650 yards from dam, at 40s per yard ... ... ... £3,300 0 0 Open channel to connect with Washpen Creek, 70 chains at 15s. ... ... 53 10 0 Improving Washpen Creek several places, say ... 100 0 0

Total £3,452 10 0 This would be considerably cheaper than either a small concrete channel or large pipes all the way to Methven (a distance of 7 miles), and as the district in the first portion of pipes, as originally proposed is now excluded from the rateable area, the lessened expense in these circumstances seem justifiable.

Bridges. —Theironbark timber for North Ashburton River Bridge, near Pudding Hill, has arrived at Lyttelton, and a quan tity of timber from Oxford has been carted to the site. The pile driving for the South Ashburton River Bridge, Mount Somers, is finished, in accordance with the reduced length of the bridge as deter mined by the Council at last meeting, and the work of the superstructure is also well advanced. The bridge over North Ashburton River at Digby’s has been satisfactorily completed. The earthwork of the approaches is also finished, and the fencing is in hand. Furies Protective Works. —Mr. Suther land having completed his two contracts in a satisfactory manner, all the works authorised by the Council on that portion of the river have now been finished.

Certificates of Payment—l have granted certificates of payment for contract work executed during the month of April. War. Baxter. there, and the benefit which might result from utilising it. The appearance pre sented by the section of the river terrace, composed as it it of upwards of 300 feet of open shingle, tends to confirm this view. Should this part of the work, however, be dispensed with, then I should calculate on much larger works for the outlet at Barr hill. I hope, however, this month to re visit the ground with members of the Road Districts more immediately interested, and report further on the sub ject, if the Council should so determine. In any case, with winter weather coming on, the work itself may be postponed with advantage for a time. Main Drain at Tinwald. The railway authorities agree to execute the culverts in connection with the railway only, and that under the footpaths at Tin wald station, leaving the expense of cul verts for road crossing to be defrayed by the Council. As, however, the proposed drain does not cross the Laghmor road, and as the second crossing there seems unnecessary, there would really be only one road crossing required, and that might be in the form of a silt bridge, costing not

The concluding portion of the Councils’ proceedings will appear in to-morrow’s issue.

The Governor on Our Scheme of Edu cation.

[By Telegraph.! Wellington, May 4,

In Iris speech at the opening of the Normal School, Governor Robinson said he had carefully observed the working of the educational scheme here and in other countries. He thought the New Zealand scheme admirable in general design, but defective in one or two details. It was, he believed, the most comprehensive and ambitious scheme for free, public instruc tion yet adopted by any country in the world, but he expressed a doubt whether the programme of primary instruction was not too varied and likely to prove too costly, and whether, considering the very early age at which the majority of the children were removed from school, the cramming them with instruction in such a variety of subjects will not tend to lower their standard of efficiency in reading, writing, and arithmetic, objects of primary importance, and thus substitute a smatter ing of many subjects for thoroughness in a few, and whether, too, the attempt to provide a machinery for supplying the whole youthful population of the colony with free education of a varied and advanced character, em braced in six standards, will not entail upon the country an expenditure more heavy than can be borne. He expressed great regret that all local sources of revenue, such as school rates and fees, were done away with. He thought atten dance should be compulsory, and also a small fee be charged. He thought that the extent to which moral training is ignored, in the national plan of education is to be regretted. The compromise re garding Bible reading adopted at home and New South Wales, he thought a wise one, and spoke strongly on this point, quoting a number of authorities as to religion being the best foundation of morality. He concluded by saying—“l have thus stated to you frankly what ap pear to me to be weak points in your educational plan—namely, that it will entail a larger expenditure than the general revenue can well defray without assistance from local sources ; and that the course of instruction prescribed fails to inculcate sufficiently the observance of those moral obligations which are essential to the welfare of society. (Loud applause.) With these exceptions I think that your scheme of national education is one of which any counti’y might well feel proud, and that it is being administered with an earnestness and ability which is deserving of all praise.”

Novel Experiment.— lt the Massa chusetts public schools a somewhat novel experiment had been tried. In place of the old-fashioned reading books the children are to be tempted by such time honored fairy tales as “ Jack the Giant Killer ” and “ Puss in Boots.” Cowardice Reproved. —At the Lan cashire Assizes Lord Justice Brett, in sentencing a young farmer to two months’ imprisonment for manslaughter during a fight, was led to lament the degeneracy of the times. He said he could remember the time when in no village in England would a man fight unfairly, for if he did every one would scout him ; but now Englishmen fought like cowards. Although fighting was contrary to the law, he had made up his mind that if a man fought fairly he would not punish him should an ac cident result from the fight ; but in this case the prisoner had struck liis antagonist in the stomach, and had also kicked him when he was down.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Reuter's Telegrams. ) Arrivals. London, May 3. The John Elder arrived at Aden on May Ist. The Lusitania sailed from Plymouth on May Ist, with 312 pas sengers. The Money Market. Three per cent, consols, 99§ ; 5 per cent. New Zealand 10-40 loan, per cent. New Zealand loan, 1880, j 4lr per cent. New Zealand loan, 1879 to 1904, 99^. Wheat and Tallow. Adelaide wheat, per 4961 b., ex ware house. 525.; market quiet. The total stock of tallow in London on May Ist wa3 17,200 casks. Wool. At the wool sales to-day, 10,800 bales were offered, making a total of 138,600 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of to-day’s auction pvas quieter and weaker. An Awkward Objection. ■ London, May 4. Mr. Bradlaugh, who was elected for Northampton during the late elections, having declined to take the oath, a Com mittee of the House of Commons has been appointed t© consider whether the same shall be dispensed with.

NEW ZEALAND.

Costly Sport. Napier, May 5. Samuel Laird has been found guilty of shooting a hen pheasant the day before the season commenced, and fined L2, with costs.

The Napier Embezzlement Case. Shaw, charged with embezzling the Corporation’s moneys, was remanded till Wednesday. The charge of attempting to burn down the Government buildings is now proceeding. Carelessness Somewhere. Wellington, May 5. The passengers per ship Caroline, which arrived from London a few days ago, state that the vessel was on fire three times during the voyage. The outbreak each time was in the steerage, and at night. On one occasion the passengers berths and the partition were burnt before the con flagration was stopped. Since the vessel s arrival in port, visitors have been rigidly refused admittance on board. Withdrawal of Worn and Defaced Coins. At a Cabinet meeting yesterday, the degradation of the silver coinage of the colony by wear was considered, and it was decided to take advantage of the facilities offered by the Imperial Government for withdrawing the worn coin from circula tion. Stoppage of Grants for Charitable Purposes. The benevolent institutions have re ceived a memo, from the City Council in timating that has Government had notified 100 i.itcjitiuii ofcv.pping tlio municipal subsidy after the 39th June, the Council would be unable to renew any assistance to the Hospital and charitable aid within the city. Action for Damages. At the Supreme Court the case of Lake v. Corporation is being heard. The action is a claim for L 2,000 damages for injuries sustained through alleged negligence of the defendants. A Denial The statement made by several passen gers regarding the fire on board the ship Caroline are denied by the officers on board. They admit only one accident, which occurred through the falling of a candle, but no damage was done. The Rangitikei Election. Marton, May 5 At the nomination to-day for the Rangi tikei election the show of hands was as fellows : —Sir Wm. Eox, 39 ; D. Eraser, 23 ; H. Lyon, 27. A poll was demanded for the latter. The election takes placa on Saturday next.

Affairs at Hawera.

Hawera. May 5,

Both the Constabulary camps have been removed within the limits of Te Whiti’s territory, and the men are now working without any opposition from the natives Re-Organisation in the Education De partment. Timaru, May 5. The Education Board of Canterbury have decided to make the offices of In spector and Secretary, now combined, separate appointments, the Inspector to receive a salary of L4OO and travelling ex penses, the Secretary to get L3OO. Remanded. Pounds, arrested at Auckland on a war rant for affiliation, was remanded till Friday. A Row in the Auction Rooms. The business at the Resident Magis trate’s Court was taken up to-day in hear ing seven assault summons, cases arising out of a row at Jonas, Hart, and Wildie’s, over a sale of bankrupt’s horses, in which one of the horses underwent a “ tug of •war ” process between the auctioneer’s rooms and yard ; and fire irons were used freely on the heads of the belligerents.

A Goods Train off the Line.—Narrow Escape of the Engine-Drivers. Dunedin, May 5.

A goods train, which left Palmerston for Dunedin at 9 o’clock last evening, has run off the Port line at Pelichet Bay siding. Early this morning the leading engine went over the siding into the water, falling on its side, and pushing some trucks along with it. At high tide they will be partially covered. Four engine-drivers and a fireman fortunately escaped with slight bruises, only having jumped off just prior to the engine leaving the rails. The mishap is attributed to the fact of the points being turned. More Larrikinism. It appears the points at Pelichet Bay were tampered with. The large American engine, which was on the front of the train iB broken in two. Several hundred pounds worth of damage is done. The Court of Appeal. Judge Williams has left here to attend the Court of Appeal. No Fire Police. The City Council have declined to establish a Fire Police.

Dress and Health.

Dr. Richardson lately delivered a lec ture at the London Institution on “ Dress n Relation to Health. ” It was, he said, altogether apart from his purpose to de precate good fashion in dress. Good health and good fashion would always go well together. Errors of fashion were due, as a rule, to the fact that fashions were dictated and carried out by vain and ignorant persons, who were skilled neither in art nor in the rules of health. Con sidering dress first of all in relation to its mechanical adaptation to the body, the lecturer objected to everything that led to unequal pressure and to tight binding about the body, neck, feet, and limbs. The dress should be loose, and its weight borne by the shoulders. In the dress of men this was fairly accomplished, but the dress of women dragged from the waist, and occasioned physical bondage, which placed them at a great disadvantage as active workers. He condemned the corset and waist belt worn by women, and the strap and belt used by boys when performing gymnastic feats. The belt in terfered with free breathing, and tended to produce hernia. He suggested, as a reform in the dress of women, that it should be made similar in most respects to that of men. He would have mothers clothe their girls precisely as they .clothed their boys, with the one distinguishing mark of a light, loose flowing gown. The lecturer next discussed the quality of clothing, and the amount required at various seasons. Heavy underclothing, should be avoided. There was no neces sary connection between warmth and weight

The Great Newspaper Country.

Our great progress in journalism is shown by the fact that in 1775 there were in the United States less than forty news papers and periodicals, whose aggregate issue for that year comprised 1,200,000 copies ; now the united press publishes over 500 daily newspapers, more than 4000 weeklies, and about 600 monthly publi cations ; of the dailies that existed in 1870, about 800,000,000 copies were struck off that year ; and of the week lies, about 600,000,000 ; and of other serial publications about 100,000,000, amounting in all to 1,500,000,000 copies. And to sum the matter up yet more forcibly it must be stated that the United States publishes more newspapers, with greater combined circulation, than all the other countries of the world can boast of having. The oldest paper of un interrupted publication in this country is the Hartford Courant , which has already attained the hoary age of 110 years. In regard to its last birthday it plaintively says, “ We believe that with the already announced death of a New Hampshire paper, recently, at the age of 116, we are left in a condition of absolute isolation. The last of ®ur early contemporaries is gone.” —San Francisco Call.

Very Considerate. An American paper recommends its bald-headed readers in order to ensure comfort during the season in which flies are the most trouble some, to have the figure of a spider painted on their bald pates. What next l

Sarcastic. —Arthur Sullivan said a clever thing the other day. They were then rehearsing the new opera, and Sulli van tried to teach Ryley a bit of business. The actor thought Sullivan had no right to interfere. Said he with indignation: “ What do you mean, sir ? I’m an actor, and know my business. Have I been ten years on the stage to get my points from you '? No, sir. The time is past for me to do that sort of thing. I can’t be taught anything about acting.” u So I see,” said Sullivan, drily.—Boston Daily Advertiser. Neal Dow.—Neal Dow, the great temperance reformer of Maine, had a narrow escape the other day. For a whole generation he has been regarded as a con sistent teetotaller. But a tramp solemnly swore that he and Neal Dow stood at the same counter and imbibed brandy and water. Things looked a little serious for awhile, and the temperance folk in that far-off region felt that even the greatest of us will once in a while have a fall. The tramp, however, on cross-examination, explained that he drank the brandy and Neal Dow the water, and the whole State of Maine breathed freely once m®re.

Swimming. —Another feat of endurance is shortly contemplated by Captain "Webb, the Channel swimmer. Captain Webb has undertaken to swim sixty consecutive hours, viz., for three days and two nights. He will be allowed to leave the water for not more than thirty minutes in each twenty-four hours. The attempt will be made under the most favorable circum stances possible, viz., sea water of summer temperature. An Irishman’s Suit. —A regular Handy Andy type of Irishman came into the clerk’s office at the Resident Magistrate’s Court the other day and asked for a sum mons. “ Against -whom ? ” asked the assistant clerk. “ Shure, I don’t know,” was the queer reply. “ But how can we grant you a summons if you don’t tell us who it is you want summoned?” “ Be dad, now I remember ; it’s the man that does the railway work. ” ‘ ‘ That won’t do,” said the clerk, “ you must make out two copies of your account and bring them here, and then we can issue the sum mons ; not until.” The man scratched his head and then went away. In about an hour he returned, and handed in to the clerk a new slate, on which was scrawled —“ I, Pat , claim the sum of L 6 19s. for work done on the railway near Carter ton. Signed, Pat In the left hand lower corner of the slate a shilling ■postage stamp was stuck. The clerk smiled, and told the simple-minded fellow that he had better come in later in the day when Mr. Mansford would be disengaged, and could have a talk with him. The man left his original account and promised to come back and see the Magistrate.— Post.

'.Wednesday, Ma\ 5> 1880 -l

THE ASHBURTON HERALD



New Advertisements. WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at the “Herald” and “Guardian” offices, near the Rai Station TT7" ANTED—Female Plain COOK. Y v Middle age preferred. Apply to T. Chambers, Bootmaker. 404 c PLOUGHMEN. Wanted, SITUA TIONS for a few Good Ploughmen. Apply Heeald Registry. 421 c 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. 805a —417 c mo LET—A Pour-roomed COTTAGE in Peter Street. • Apply to John Olson, near the Foundry. 411 c TTIOUND Brown Retriever PUP. §4 Unless claimed on or before Satur day, May Bth, 1880, will be sold to defray expenses. Apply, Herald Office. 413 c WANTED Known, the “Ashburton Herald” circulates throughout the Provincial District of Canterbury. TO LEND. —Several sums IYI of money ready for investment at current rates. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tancred street, Ashburton. 263c-684g HINIQUY’S LECTURES.—Just Ar rived, New Edition H. M. Jones, aring Square. ... _ WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. TENDERS are invited for the following Works : No. 18. Beach Road, Forming to full < width from Finger Post to Wakanui School, about 200 Chains. No. 19. Beach Road, Metalling above, 15 yards to the chain. No. 20. Suburban Roads near South East Belt, Metalling about 50 chains. No. 21. Additions and Repairs to eight immigrants’ cottages in district. No. 22. Leadley andßutterick’sDrain, Making three concrete falls. Specifications, etc., can be seen at the Board’s office, Moore street, where tenders will be received till 10 a. in. on THURS DAY, MAY 6th, addressed to the Chair man, endorsed with No. of contract, and accompanied with 5 per cent, (marked cheque) on the value of the work tendered for. FOOKS & SON, 757g-365c Surveyors’ to the Board. HORSE BREAKING. nnHE undersigned is now prepared to 1 Undertake the BREAKING of HORSES to double and single harness, also to saddle. Mr. Willcocks has had a very consider able experience in Australia, and his success there as a Trainer is sufficient guarantee as to his ability. All orders to be left at the Coach Office, Commercial Hotel, Ashburton, or the Wheatslieaf Hotel, Wheatstone. 403c-81Go GEO. WILLCOCKS. NOTICE TO HORSE BREEDERS IN TPIE ASHBURTON AND SUR ROUNDING DISTRICTS. WE, the undersigned, Trustees |in the Estate of W. Bennison, of Ashbur ton, hereby certify that the said estate has N O CLAIM on the different fees due from the service of the ENTIRE HORSE “ Sir Julius Vogel,” the property of W. Holley, which travelled the Ashburton and surrounding districts the season of 1878. T> T?*ni£ 1 JOSEPH CLARK. In reference to the above, I, the under signed, beg to state that after having waited until after harvest, at the request of different persons who have not paid for the service of the abovementioned horse, I must now ask for payment of all moneys due respecting the same. Payment to be made to W. Holley, Tuam Street East, Christchurch, or legal proceedings will he taken to recover the same without further notice. Ist May, 1880. . 410c-Slßg NOTICE. ACCOUNTS JRA WESTEUFIELD. HAVING disnosed of the Wester field Estate* ALL CLAIMS against the Estate must be sent in by the 31st day of MAY, for settlement, otherwise they will not be recognised. Addressed to J. Davison, Westerfield. F. C REED. May 4th, 1880. 416 c



LOYAL ORANGE LODGE. A RCH PURPLE DEGREE.—MEM BERS are hereby notified, the Lodge will open in the above Degree after the ordinary meeting of THURSDAY, May 6th, 18S0. Visiting members cordially invited. GEORGE ST. HILL. 419 c W.M. TOTAL ABSTINENCE. LECTURE TO-NIGHT in the Temp lar Hall, on “J. B. Gough,” by the Rev. A. J. Smith. Commence at 8 o’clock. Admission Free. 420 c ASHBURTON LIBRARY. A MEETING of Members will be held on THURSDAY, the 13th May, at 7 p.m., in the Library, to elect a Com mittee and Offioers for the ensuing year. J. WARD, 308 c ' Secretary. LATEST STYLES FROM LONDON & PARIS. CRAIGHEAD & CO., Merchant Tailors, TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr & Co.) PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED. 394c-803g CENTRAL TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Baring Square (Near Town Hall). E-OPENING of the above commo ___ dious and centrally situated Pri vate and Commercial Hotel. T. BROAD BELT, PROPRIETOR, Is prepared to give Superior Accommoda tion to Boarders and the Travelling Public on REASONABLE TERMS. Weekly Board and Lodging ... £1 Weekly Board ... ... ... 11s. MEALS AT ALL HOURS. Dinner on Saturday from 11.30. Private Room eor Ladies. 153—624 a



Holloway’s Pills. —Let the Sick take heed.—The stomach is the commissariat of the physical system. It furnishes the material sus tenance of every organ. If disordered, the whole body languishes ; but however severely it may be affected, its tone and vigor may always be restored by a course of these irresis tible Pills ; biliousness, indigestion, liver com plaints, and other disorders of the stomach can easily be cured by the use of Holloway’s Pills. Thousands attest this assertion, and no sufferer who has ever tried them will deny their su preme efficacy. In every case of stomach dis ease, from the mildest case of dispepsia to the disorder of both liver and stomach, from the nausea of the free liver to the vomiting accom panying ulcerated stomachs, these Pills imme diately relieve, and by perseverance effectually ure.— Advt.