COMMERCIAL.

(by telegraph. ) Wellington, April 7. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company reports, vide London, under dateAyril6: — , Wool—There has been considerable pri vate inquiry, but holders depend upon higher rates. Up to date 250,000 bales have arrived.

Tallow—Dull of sale ; town melted is cheap ; best mutton is quoted at 355. ; best beef 345. per cwt. Wheat—Market quiet. Weather is favourable for crops here. Adelaide is worth 58s. per 496 lbs.; New Zealand 565. Leather —Market easier ; best sides ll|d. per lb.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Offices for the following places (subject to the necessary alterations) as under : The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Erancisco 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 be due in London on June 26th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, A 3 follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4.30 p.m., and Bp. in., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m aafiy. For Rakaia z- 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rang! lata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, afro'.2o a.in, 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 Seafiekl, 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, APRIL, 8, 1880.

At the meeting of the County Council on Wednesday, Mr. Grigg drew attention to the high rates for carriage charged by the railway authorities, and emphasised the point chat the tariff was the same on our lines, that run through level country and were constructed at comparatively trifling cost, as the rates charged for car riage on railways in Otago, where the rail ways were constructed only a "ter a great outay. This is a subject that the district is indebted to Mr. Grigg for ventilating, and which it ought to be the duty of all the public bodies to agitate. It is the right of those who are fortunate in securing physical advantages, such as nearness to streams of water, bush, etc., to profit by [these advantages, and if, for instance, we should complain that our land is dry and exposed, as our plains are, we will be told that these are our misfor tunes and that they must be borne with. If these are our misfortunes that must be borne, then surely the inexpensiveness of our railway lines >s one of our few pieces of good fortune, and we ought to profit by it. In no other part of the colony have long stretches of rail way lines been laid down at such small cost as has the part of the main line that runs through the Canterbury plains, and surely we ought to be allowed a concession on this account. But this matter leads up to the larger question of railway fares and rates in general, and when the for midable figure one lias to pay before lie can undertake a journey of any length is considered, it must be at once allowed that the high tariff militates against busi ness. Not one of the many trains that run on our lines do their full share of business, and only one or two do even a fair share. We feel certain that were large concessions made to the public in the direction of lowering the fares, and reducing the parcel rates, an increase of work would accrue that would be profit able in the highest degree to the lines, as double or treble the number of travellers would use the railway. In these times especially a few shillings are a considera tion, and many keep at home who would willingly travel were fares less formidable.

Civil Service Commission. —Owing to the amount of work that still lies before the Civil Service Commission, the mem bers are not expected to come as far south as Ashburton until early next week. Town Hall Company. —At its meeting last night the Town Hall Company de cided to carry out the improvements de cided upon some time ago—namely, the boarding up of the gallery and the erec tion of a verandah, &c.

A Stolen Whiff.— A boor of a fellow was arrested on Wednesday for snacking in a railway carriage other than that set apart for that purpose, and will doubtless hear of what Mr. Guinness has to say of his conduct.

A Much Needed Improvement —The bridge over the Wakanui Creek near Hay Smith’s gate is about to undergo a process of renovation, and not before it was wanted, as the wheels of heavily loaded drays and wagons have testihed of late.

Lecture. —A lecture was delivered last evening in the Templar Hall by the Rev. W. Keallonthe “Trial of Ardent Spirits,” to a fair audience. The lecture was listened to attentively throughout, and at the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the rev. gentleman.

The IVallacetown Shooting Case.— It will be remembered that some time ago, a boy named Curtis was shot at the Wallace town (Southland) railway station, and that the principal witness at the in quest was a lad named Cox. The boy Cox has now been brought up by the police charged with Robert Curtis’ murder, and has been remanded. Mount Somers Railway.— The first traffic train ran up the Mount Somers Hue to-day, making a cut into the grain that is stacked along the route. No arrange ments exist for passenger traffic, and there is little chance of any being made for a long time as the work done would not look at the cost. We would not be surprised to learn that after the grain rush the line will be idle.

St. Stephen’s Vestry.— Last night the vestry of St. Stephen’s Church held a meeting, at which were present Messrs. Bullock anc 1 Fcoks (churchwardens) and Messrs. Ward, Gundry, and Boyle. It was resolved to recommend the new vestry to hold a g'ft auction on the first Tuesday nearest full moon in June next, and that the annual parish meeting be held on Monday next, in the library, to elect officers and receive the bahmce-shect. Re garding the new pastor, Rev. Mr. Hands, it was decided to ask for information from the Bishop. Rev. Mr. Paige was in formed that he was welcome to the use of ihe parsonage until his successor required it. The vestry expressed their regret that their finances won 1 cl nob permit them to p jrchase certain improvements that had bec i nu de upon the parsonage during Re;. Mr. Paige’s occupancy. A report was ordered to oe drawn up, and The ac counts printed ar.d distributed.

The Everett Concert. —To-mcrrow evening the Everett Bros, give lheir con cert for charitable purposes in the Town Hall. Quite a number of ladies and gentlemen of known talent are coming from Christchurch, and several local amateurs will also take part, but the great attraction will of course be the ever popular Mi’. Hoskins and the talented Miss Colville. We learn that a huge number of tickets have already been dis posed of, and there is every prospect of a crowded house.

The Hospital.— Over seventy applica tions for the positions of master and matron of the hospital have been received by the County Council, but consideration was deferred till the arrival of either Mr. Saunders or Mr. Wright, who, together with the Chairman, formed the Hospital Committee. The absence of both gentle men on Commission business leib the Committee without a quorum, and Mr. Coster was added to its membership, so that the arrival of Mr. Saunders, with the Civil Service Commission, will enable the ppointment to be made.

Masonic Hall. —This fine building has now been completed, and has been taken over by the Committee of the craft from the builder, Mr. George Parkin. In a former issue we noticed the plans of the hall in accordance with which the build ing has been erected. Mr. Parkin has faithfully fulfilled his duty, with the result that the Lodges meeting in it in future will have as comfortable and secure a home as any Masonic Lodge ever pos sessed. The building will be consecrated with an imposing ceremony on the 16th, and a ball will be held in the evening, Serve Him Right. —Mr J ohn Coch rane, known among his neighbors on the Wakanui Creek to be a farmer who treats his land with a view to making it a home for himself, and to crop it in such a way that the stamina .of the land will not be exhausted in a couple of seasons —has met with his due reward. His record from the threshing machine shows that by working his land properly, and keeping it in good heart, he excels any other return yet recorded. His wheat has turned out 52 and 60 bushels per acre respectively for two paddocks. His barley, which by the way, showed the largest return in the agricultural statistics last year, is on this occasion 70 bushels per acre, and his oats on the average about 70. We hope that our readers who wish to work their farms in a practical manner will take a few lessons from Mr. John Cochrane, and next year we may have to record a large num ber of instances in which the work done will “serve them right.”

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Ash burton County Council was held at the offices yesterday. Present : —Messrs W. C. Walker (Chairman) Messrs. Grigg, Jackson, Coster, and Cameron.

chairman’s statement.

The Chairman, in his opening state ment, said the reply from tlie Lyttelton Harbor Board had been received in answer to the Council's letter forwarding resolu tions regarding thesuggested reductions in wharf charges and the representation of the Council at that Board. Neither of the resolutions had been favorably enter tained. A circular from the Royal Com mission on Native Industries had been received asking for information regarding such industries in this county as may be encouraged. The hospital surgical instru ments had arrived, and were in the build- The Chairman understood they were all that could be desired. Tenders for the supply of hospital furniture, and applications for the positions of master and matron had been received, and were ready for disposal at that meeting. The Chairman expressed his trust that it would not be long before the hospital would be ready for occupation. The In spector of Slaughterhouses had been furnished with a list of those who have obtained renewal and fresh licenses, and he would visit the various premises as soon as possible. The use of the Council’s premises had been granted for the 10th inst., to the Civil Service Commission, but the Chair man of the Commission now wrote to say

that they would not be able to reach Ash burton before some day in the following week. Messrs Garrick and Covvlishaw had furnished the Council with a copy cf the petition re the Water Supply Bill for the Council’s signature and seal, and the petition required to be forwarded to Wel lington in accordance with the standing orders of the General Assembly. Notice of the Bill was being advertised. The col lector had obtained L 34 6s. 6d. of the separate rate struck for the protective works in the Upper Ashburton riding, and he did not contemplate any difficulty in getting the balance. engineer’s report. The Engineer reported as fallows : South Ashburton River Bridge, Mount Somers. The contractor continues to make good progress with this bridge. The bed of the river is somewhat rough, and there is a difficulty in getting some of the piles into exact positions, but fourteen of the piers have been already securely driven to the specified depth, and a large quantity of the requisite materials is now on the ground. North Askbui ton River Bridge at Digby's. This structure will be complete in about a week, and the approaches and fencing in about a fortnight from this date, so that the bridge will then be avail able for traffic. Taylor's Stream Bridge. Tenders for the approaches to this bridge will be laid before you. Ashburton Forks Protective Works. These works are now approaching com pletion—Mr. Sutherland having lately re sumed work on No. 3 contract, will have it completed about the end of this week. Pound, South Rakaia. The contractor has made fair progress during the month, and the works of the pound, including the fencing and water supply, will be complete ten days hence. South Approaches to Rakaia Gorge Bridge. The earthwork is nearly complete over contracts No. 1 and 2, and the contractors are now engaged with the shingling. Contract No. 3 is also nearly complete. Plain Drain at Wheatstone. The drainage work here is advanc ing rapidly. Messrs. Cooper Brothers have already finished the greater portion of the earthwork and concrete work, and at the same rate of progress, their con tract will be completed in about a month’s time. With reference to the matter of extension of this main drain to Ford’s Creek, and the widening of the latter for some 66 chains in length, as suggested in my last report, I beg to state, that, if the Council should to-day decide to carry out these works, they should be put in hand as early as possible, in order to give relief to Ford’s Greek, which, under the exist ing conditions of road drainage in that district, is now more than ever liable to '-overflow, and likely to cause much damage along its course from the outfall above Mr. Robert Anderson’s, all the way, more or less, to the sea. Clearing Creeks and Drains near Bell's Road. Mr. M'Laughlin has a strong force en gaged on these works. He is making satisfactory progress, and is likely to finish within the contract period. Plain Drain — Tinwald. This is a work which seems to be urgently required for the benefit not only of the roads in the district, but for the township of Tinwald, as well as the rail way. The railway authorities are, I un derstand, making arrangements to put in, at their own expense, the necessary cul verts, and as the Council have already agreed to the carrying out of the earth work, in accordance with the working sections previously furnished, I shall feel obliged by receiving instructions as to the calling of tenders for the work. Drainage, Upper Ashburton and Mount Somers Road Districts. I have now completed the pegging out and necessary sections, &c., for the carry ing out of the drainage work in these dis tricts to the north of the North Ashburton River, as alluded to in the estimate ac companying my last report, and I do not anticipate that the cost will be in excess of the sums set against these road districts respectively. The various lengths are as follows : Miles. Chns. 1. —Connecting and enlarging creeks from outfall _at river below Winchmore to boundary between Upper Ashburton 5 73)^ 2. —New cut near line AB on plan o 73^ 3. —New cut near point D ... o 30 4. —Clearing creek from point A to road crossing near Methven 6 19^ 5. —New cut, FG o 25% In all 15 64^ If this drainage work is to be rendered serviceable for this season, it should be put in hand forthwith. Indeed, if the work is to be authorised, I would suggest that tenders be called before next meeting of Council, in order that the more im portant portions of the work may be com pleted before winter weather sets in. Wakanui District. In addition to the sum of LBO3 mentioned in my last report as the re quirement for drainage near the lower end of this district, a sum of Ll5O will probably be required for protecting the road, and providing outfalls for drainage over the terrace near R.S. 27955. Water Supply for Plains. The necessary plans, sections, &c., in connection with Waterworks Bill are in course of preparation, and will be finished in about ten days. As requested, I have prepared plans, specifications, &c., for dam and weir at Pudding Hill, and ten ders for these will be placed before you to-day. The site chosen will entail greater cost than that originally contem plated. So far as the dam itself is con cerned, the stream there being of much greater width ; but this is the point of greatest security, and, taking contingen cies of flood into account, would ulti mately be less costly than the other. Being also situated some 25 chains lower down the stream, a considerable saving in the.length and cost of the initial main would be effected, especially as that portion would have required to be cut, in great part, through hard rock. The site now proposed will give full command of the Pudding Hill stream, and the line of discharge can be simply taken along the adjoining terrace at comparatively small cost. With reference to the petition from owners of land in the Mount Hutt riding, including (the proposed water supply to be discharged into the Wash Pen Greek. I find that the junction with the main would have to take place about 75 chains below the site of the proposed dam, and the distance across to said creek would be 70 chains. It seems to be the wish of the petitioners to lead off an open race directly from the dam—first, along

the line of proposed main for 75 chains ; and then, making a diversion across to creek for a further dis tance of 70 chains as above. The latter portion I have marked off, on such a line that the fall would not be more than suffi cient, but in regard to the first portion of main, as there is a fall of about 80ft. over the first 75 chains referred to, it would be highly imprudent to attempt an open, unprotected channel on such a grade, even although the flow of water were almost confined to the surface. The subsoil is so loose and gravelly, that the only suitable line for the permanent main would, in all probability, be swept. The question really involved seems to be, as to whether the proposed line of main to Methven is to be departed from, and the Wash Pen Creek made the permanent line of supply so far, by letting-in such an extra quantity of water, as the owners in the upper dis trict might wish to abstract (making allowance also for absorption in the creek), and still leave enough £. Methven, to provide for the di tribution being commenced there, for the lower districts of the plains, in the manner proposed, or, whether the large main pipe should nob be laid throughout the entire length, from dam to Methven, the residents in the upper district getting the benefit of that supply in the meantime by temporary diversion into the Wash Pen creek. If the Council arc disposed to meet the views of the petitioners, I would sug gest that without impairing the efficiency of the general scheme, or adding appreci ably to its cost, a concrete channel of suf ficient size should be substituted for large piping over the first portion of 75 chains referred to, and this would form part of the permanent scheme. Payments.—l have granted certificates of payment for contract work executed during the month of March. William Baxter, County Engineer. MOUNT SOMERS BRIDGE.

With reference to the Mount Somers Bridge, the Road Board of the district wrote, stating that a shorter bridge would be quite sufficient to span the stream, and should the Council agree to curtailing the length of the bridge, a saving of the cost of erecting 200 feet at least would he effected, and the funds of both Road Board and Council economised.

Mr. Baxter, the County Engineer, said the bridge would be a more permanent structure if the original plan were ad hered to. At the same time he thought, by the erection of protective works to guard against encroachments by the river, a reduction in the length of the bridge might be made.

In reply to Mr. Grigg, Mr. Baxter said the protective works would nob be of any thing like so costly a nature as the extra length of the bridge. The Chairman said he had inspected the river bed, which was as well defined and permanent a channel as could possibly exist, and he was of opinion that all the local evidence on the question was in favor of shortening the bridge. The Engineer said there would be no difficulty with the contractor as to the shortening of the briege, providing the Council took over, the surplus timber from him. Mr. Grigg proposed— 1 ‘ That the re quest of the Mount Somers Road Board be acceded to, provided satisfactory arrange ments can be made with the contractor, and the matter be left in the hands of the Chairman and Engineer. ” This was carried. taylor’s stream bridge. It reference to the Taylor’s Stream Bridge, Mr. Vivian Rouse wrote stating that the approach to the bridge was on his land and cut his section in two, he claimed Ll 5 as compensation. It was resolved to pay Mr. Rouse’s de mand, providing he could show a title to the land. The Chairman to arrange par ticulars. DRAINAGE. With respect to the Longbeach drainage, it was resolved to carry out the sugges tions of the Engineer, and that he he re quested to report on the continuation of the drainage on Dawson’s creek, with a view to relieving the flood water on Osborne’s road. With respect to the drainage at Tinwald, it was resolved to call for tenders for the work, provided the railway authorities constructed the two culverts necessary.

Regarding the drainage of the Upper Ashburton and Mount Somers Road Districts, it was resolved that the Engineer’s proposal be canned out, tenders for°the work in sections invited, and the Chairman and Mr. Cameron appointed a Committee to accept tenders. In the course of discussion the Chairman sug gested that it was advisable to procure a legal opinion as to wliat were public drains in the county, as the Act bore that all drains, natural watercourses, &c., except navigable rivers, were drains, and could be controlled by the Council. It was a fact that L2 10s. per acre had been paid in fee simple for land by settlers, solely with a view to benefit by the watercourses that ran through it. It might also be advisable to lay open for inspection such of the drain age map as may be prepared, advertise the fact, and then proclaim the drains it showed public drains. It was finally thought advisable to sub mit the Engineer’s plan of the proposed work to the owners interested, and obtain their approval before proceeding with the work. Mr. Grigg thought the owners, for the sake of their properties, would only be too glad to give land for drainage. RIVER PROTECTION. In reply to a petition of the Wakanui Road Board, asking that steps be taken to prevent the overflow of the river about four miles below the bridge, it was re solved to refer the Board to the recent re port of the Council’s Committee on pro tective works, and if the settlers agree to a separate rate, as provided by the Coun ties Act, and sign a petition to that effect, an endeavor would be made their views. THE RAKAIA PLAINS DRAINAGE.

After some discussion in which the Chairman stated his dissent from the joint report of the Engineers on the drain age of the Mount Hutt and Rakaia dis trict, in which one scheme was to collect all the storm water in one watercourse, and the other to dispose of it in an area of shipped shingle, it was resolved that the Engineer be instructed to reconsider his report on the drainage of the plains in the Mount Hutt and South Rakaia districts with a view to leading the water as nearly as possible along the natural water courses ; and such watercourses should be proclaimed as public drains.

THE RAILWAY CHARGES. Mr. Grigg pointed out that it was quite within the powers of the Council to show to the Government that it was unfair to the Ashburton district to charge it with the same railway tariff on tbe cheaply macie railways of Canterbury as on the expensive Dunedin lines, and requested tiie Council to bring the subject before the Government. It was resolved to submit the ideas of the Council to Government, through a committee to the Civil Service Commis sion, on their visit to Ashburton. ANOTHER SEPARATION. A letter was read from J. R. C. C. Graham, John Carter, and others, cautioning the Council against any distri bution of funds, as there was an intention on the part of the Tinwald and Winslow district to separate from the Longbeach Board, and form a new district. Mr. Grigg said this was the first inti mation lie had had of this matter. In any case, an equitable division would have to he made, and all previous works taken into consideration. It was resolved that in the allocation of funds on the basis of an acreage area, re serves should not be taken into considera tion. BOROUGH DRAINAGE. Mr. Bullock’s application for a grant for Borough drainage was postponed, owing to Mr. Bullock’s absence. A CLOGGED CREEK. Mr. Stoddart, Longbeach, wrote, asking the County Council to compel the Longbeach Road Board to clear out a creek on his land, which was flooding him out. The letter was referred back to the Road Board. BUSH ROADS. The Mount Somers Boad Board, on the part of the residents in the Alford Forest, asked for a special grant for the puipose of making roads through the bush, so as to open up the resources of that portion of the district. Mr. Grigg thought the application was worthy of consideration, as other districts had special grants made to them for their requirements, and he was of opinion that the most necessary work in the Alford Forest district was the construction of bush roads. He would, however, like to have some data laid before the Council as to the estimated cost of the works. It was resolved to obtain further par ticulars os to the proposed works. I’HE RATE ROLLS. The Longbeach Road Board wrote, complaining of the present state of their so-called amended rate roll. Mr. Grigg said it had been sent back in, if possible, a worse state than it was before. The Chairman bore out Mr. Grigg’s re marks as regarded the Mount Somers roll. In fact, a claim for expenses in objecting to the roll had been made upon the Mount Somers Board. It was decided not to pay the Valuator the 30 per cent, he asked on his contract, until the rolls were passed. THE RANGITATA FERRY. Mr. Jackson, lessee of the ferry, applied for a paddock to be fenced in at the Ran gitata. —Agreed to. PLANTING. The Upper Ashburton Road Board applied for Ll 5 for half cost of protective works on the south branch of the river, and for L 125 for plantation purposes granted on vouchers for the payment of the sums being prodneed. THE POUND. Mr. Wm. Price, asked for a reduction in his rent, owing to the opening of the Water ton Pound. It was resolved—“ That Mr. Price he requested to carry on the pound for another month, and in the meantime the Beard would call for fresh tenders. THE WATER SUPPLY. A petition was presented from the in habitants of the Acton and Chertsey dis trict, asking that they should have their lands included in the Water Supply Scheme. The petition was acceded to. TENDERS. The following tenders for the Alford Forest bridge approaches were opened : J. Black, L7O 55.; J. Boyle, LGB 12s. Gel.; J. Price, L 65 55.; D. Forbs, L 55 IGs.; Victor Soland, L 55. The last named was accepted. For the Pudding Hill contract the fol lowing were opened : —J. Gardiner, L 1,980 2s. Gd. ; J. Frazer, L 1.857 11s.; V. Soland, L 1,527 10s.; Thomas and Hill, L 1,504 Is. 9|d.; Pitman, L 1,433 10s.; Cooper Bros. L1,1G9 19s. lOd.; J. Wilkie, L1,15S Is. 5d.; Quigley and Co,, L 961 IGs. 2s. The tender of James Wilkie was accepted. COMMITTEES. The Committee on the Water Bill re ported having received amended draft Bill from Messrs. Garrick and Cowlishaw, which had been approved of. It was decided that the Hospital Com mittee should still remain in office for the furtherance of the business in connection with that establishment.

The paysheet was passed to the amount of LI7BO.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

( Renta's 7detrains.J Resignation of Bismarck Berlin, April G.

The Federal Council having rejected Prince Biscarck’s Stamp Duties Bill, the Chancellor has resigned, but there is a probability that the Council will recon sider. The Pipe of Peace. St. Peters 3 org, April 7. An ofiic'a! den’al has been given io Ue report wh'ch recently gamed currerey o the effect that Clvua lied shewn open !u :- tility towards Russia by despatch' ?g troops across .'he River A moon, and hvc the lather had committed acts of aggres sion towards the inhab'hnts of Kuldja. Mahomed Jan’s Death Denied. Bo. me \y, April 7. The reported death of Mahomed Jan, the leader of the Afghan forces at Ghpr ime, is denied.

AUSTRALIAN .

( Rente) V.) The N.S.W. Upper Hoiirte. bvoNsv, AprT 7. In the Legislative Assembly last right the b’T io define the powers of the Leg:s tive Council was read a second tune, Sm Henry Parkcs. Premier, stated he would proceed no further with the Bill until the similar measure which had been intro

dueed in the Upper House had been dealt with.

Exhibition Awards

The following Exhibition awards are announced—Furniture, Seaford, of Auck la id, specially commended, first class ; L'yge ancl Tow.fley, Napier, and Carl Peters, Wellington, Ist. ckiss; Guthrie and Larnach, Dunedin, and Nicholson, Wellington, 3rd. class. Burt, of Dun edin, Ist. class awards forgasliers ; Peter sen, Christchurch (special) for silver jug ; Myers, Wellington, and Guthrie and Lar nach, for hall door, 2nd class awards. Greenfield and Stewart, for mantelshelf ; Halley, Ewing, and Stewart, all of Wel lington, for doors ; and Sandstein, of Christchurch, for epergne. Third class awards, Scott, for stoves-; Cfr'ld and White, Christchurch, for cone work. Arrived—Hero, from Auckland yester day. The “ Age ” Libel. IM-ilcoo -aye, April 7- David Syme, the proprietor of the “Age,” has apologised and paid costs, and the libel case is off.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPRGVINOIAL. Recess Speech. Auckland, April 8. Cupiahi Colbock addressed Ins con stituents at Waipa last night, and received a vote of confidence. He said he had no fai-h ?n Mr. Mxcandrew as a leader nor in Sir George Grey as a financier. Spread of Pleu.ro. Pleuro pnemomais rapidly spreading in Waikato. Two farms at Okakupo have been proclaimed infected. A Ne .T Political Party. Communications are proceeding between Auckland and Southern members with a view to forming a compact Opposition next session. Sir George Grey’s Inver cargill speech is expected to sound the key note of the new party. Sir George Grey is expected to address the electors at the theatre, Auckland, before going South. A Skating Club. Ore hundred and fifty attended the meeting of the Auckland Skating Society list night, including many ladies. Mrs. Whitaker was elected Pres"dent. The Sprrrow Pest. The A m-ic.dti'ral Statistics show a great :Wr>g off in the average yield of crops, caused by sparrows and pheasants. The Chari LrJfl.e Aid Question: The Waitemata County Council demur •'o the doluci’on of L324by Government, fr- mi Fie subsidy for alleged destitute. Members de iy that any real destitution er'sb in the County. Big Reiv/jiv Pilses. Tbe Regatta Commute have fixed the champion four oared outrigger race prize at L 135, and the cliampion schooner (50 tons and upwards) at LIOO. Wellington, April 8. An]Asy!um Squabble : Serious Charges against a Superintendent.

It is understood the charges against Mr. Wbitelaw, Superintendent of the Asylum, by an ex-attendant, are princi pally that several breaches of discipline were allowed to pass unuoticed by him, and that about two months ago lie asked a patient named Buchanan to go to work, and on his refusing, it is alleged that Whitelaw knocked him down and after wards had Ifim locked up for five and a half- days, and fed on bread and water. It is further alleged that during the visit of several gentlemen to the Asylum, Buchanan was shifted from place to place, in order to prevent his having an oppor tunity to make a complaint. The Wellington Rape Case. The charge cf rape against Longhurst is stdl proceeding, and not likely to conclude before this evening. The Maoii Prisoners. Wellington, April 8. Dr. Duller solicitor, makes an applica tion this afternoon at the Supreme Court in Cliambers for a writ of “ habeas corpus ” to enable him to bring up from Dunedin the Maori prisoner Winari Parava and discharge him, as it is alleged lie is no longer legally in custody. This is a test case i.? connection with the whole of the Maori prisoners. Native Affairs. Hawera, April 8. Mr. Parris, with the Chief Surveyor and others, has gone over to Waimate Plains with a view to deciding the boundaries of native reserves, as the natives will not name what portions they wish reserved. A good deal of judgment has to be exer cised in defining the boundaries between the races. Thnaru Raccn. Timaru, April 8. The races to-day were poorly patronised. The weather was dull and unfavorable, and there is very little betting. Trial Stake—Mata was first, Hunting ton second. Won easily. Maiden Plate—Volunteer first, Thilo second, Faugh-a-Ballough third. Firs. Dunedin, April 8. By a fire which occurred last evening, an eight-roomed house in George street, belonging to John Adams, was destroyed. The only person in the house at the time was a young girl, a servant. The five originated in this girl’s bedroom, but she says she was not in the room since ha’f prst two in the afternoon. Insurances — Standard, L 230 ; Northern L3OO.

THE GENERAL FLECTIONS AT HOME.

{By cable from Rente) 's Agency.) London, April 7 ;

The election returns so far show that the I/bera's had gamed G 7 seats winch were held last Parliament by Consevvar fives, five scats having been won gmee the 5C.i 'nst. The .Liberals are, however, being less successful i l the counties. Mr. Pa nell, the Loire Ruler, who represented the Corn-y of Meath, m the last iioase, has been elected for Cork.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS

Auckland, April 7.

The German war ship Bismarck is ex pected here early. She left Sydney on the 3rd. The house and store at Russell, in the occupation of William Greenleaf, has been burned down. The store was insured in the South British for L 159. The Colonial has has a risk on the stock, but the amount is unknown.

Thursday, April 8, ISB©/)

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



notice to adviertisers



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 addi’essed to The Editor.



New Advertisements. McSHERRY DRILLS. A SHIPMENT of these celebrated JA Drills is expected shortly to arrive. They will range in width 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, s46g-240c Canterbury Foundry. V. R. MOUNT SOMERS BRANCH. THIS Branch will be OPEN for grain traffic on THURSDAY, Bth inst. Consignment notes and full particulars as to working can be obtained at the Railway Stations, Ashburton and Tin wald. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager’s Office, Chi'istchurch, April 7th 1880. 293c-677g Y. m R, ASHBURTON DISTRICT AND RESI DENT MAGISTRATE’S COURTS. fjpHE office of the above Courts will be CLOSED from Monday, April sth., to Thursday, April 9th, during the absence of the officers attending at the sittings of the Supreme Court. By order. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, 281 c Clerk to Courts. TAT ANTED—PADDOCKING for Two » * Horses through the winter. Pad dock must be well fenced. Near town preferred. Apply by letter to “Alpha,” Herald Office. 295 c WANTED, TENDERS for CROSS YV PLOUGHING 200 Acres, Gins deep, 9ins. wide. To be completed in five weeks from acceptance of Tender. Tenders to be sent in before 9th April. FRANK B. PASSMORE, 262 c Sherwood. "T'TTANTED, a strong BOY, accustomed VV to horses, and to be generally useful. Apply Herald Office. 666g-253c YTTANTED, TENDERS for PLOUGH VV ING 400 acres of stubble land on the Hinds, contract to be complete by July 31. To be ploughed 6 inches deep and 10 inches wide. The contractor to have the use of a sevenstalled stable and house. Tenders to be sent in not later than Saturday, 17th April, at noon, to H. MOFFAT, 235c-676g Wakanui Mill. ONEY TO LEND. —Several sums of money ready for investment at current rates. F. P. O’RejT.lt, Solicitor, ancred street, Ashburton'. 263c-684g



SATURDAY, ioth APRIL. 12 o’clock sharp. 4 LFRED HARRISON has received /~\ iv-sir uc Jons to sell by public auction at l>is yards, 1 Heavy Draught Mare, staunch 1 Hack, good light cart horse 1 Tip Dray 1 Cart Saddle, Collar and Harness, Blinkers, Plough Chains 1 S. F. Plough, Hornsby, nearly new Without Reserve. Also, 1 Bay Horse and Pigskin Saddle and Bridle 10 Templar Hall shares 2 Handsome Carriage Rugs, Water proof Lining 12 Lad'es’ Jackets, beautifully tr"mined and good 12 Ladies’ Waterproofs 50 yards Velveteen, very fine and rich A quantity of good Confectionery md 2 doz. Store Glasses and Scales 1 Show Case, glass top, 1 fop. Copy ing-press Fowls, Produce, and Sundries, as usual. i ton Onions. 12 o’clock. ALFRED HARRISON, 290 c Auctioneer. V. E, In the District Court of Christchurch, llolden at Askeurton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, and the several Acts amending the same, and in the matter of the brnkrupty of WILLIAMRISELY, & CHARLES RISELY, trading together in co partnership at Sen field, in the county of Ashburton, in the Provincial Dis tr'ct of Canterbury and colony ofNew Zealand, as Farmers under the style or firm of Risely Bros., debtors. Notice is hereby given that the above-named Wil'iam Riselyand Charles Risely have this day filed in the above Court a declara ion of their inability to meet their en gagements with their creditors. The first meeting of creditors of the above-name l , debtors will be held at the District Court, Ash burton, on Wednesday, the 14th (lay of April, inst., at 11 o’clock in the forenoon. Dated this Bth day of April, 18S0. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, Clerk of the above Court. C. W. Ireland, Solicitor for the Debtors. 297 c NOTICE. MEETING AT WATERTON. A MEETING will be held in the Library, Waterton, on FRIDAY, April 9th, to take steps for the promotion of a fund to assist the widow of the late James Cairns. 286 c W. MUNROE. FOR SALE, |WO PORTABLE PLOUGHMEN’S HUTS. G. PARKIN, Builder, Ashburton. 294 c