COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Herald office, Monday afternoon,

Mr. Harrison reports having sold oh Saturday last—Pigs, about 201bs. weight, at 19s. each ; horse, cart, and harness, L 22 ; quantity of apples at an average of 6d. per lb. ; apples, 9s. per case ; pine apples, 23. 6d. to 3s. per dozen ; geese, 7s. to 12s. per pair ; T. S., No. 4G7, LB9. The tone of business is improving.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

For Christchurch and "North at io.2ojja.rn. 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, Tinwahl Winslow, Hind 3, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Gcrakline, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Ternuka. Tirnaru, 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 .15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Scott. —At her residence, Chatmoss, on Feb. 17th, Mrs. James Scott, of a son.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1880.

The Dunedin City Council have become famous, or rather notorious, of late. The present Mayor of the city—Mr. Walter— it will be remembered, took advantage of a law designed to prevent jobbery in public bodies, and to render it impossible, as far as law can, for a member of such body to use his position as a member for the purpose of making pecuniary profit to himself. The advantage of this law taken by Mr. Walter was the ousting from the Dunedin Mayoralty of the newly elected Mr. Fish, who had a personal interest in a contract for building a Town Hall. The snobs of the City Council were meanly spiteful enough to try to annoy the man who was courageous enough to fight for the honor of the law, and fortunate enough to be successful. The species of annoyance to which the small minded dolts of the Dunedin City Council descended was such as might have been ex pected from a “ bested ” black-leg, but was altogether unworthy of men holding to be the representative men of a large and important city, that claims to the seat of New Zealand’s learning, and the chief emporium of her commerce. The Fathers of this great city, in high dudgeon at Mr. Walter’s success —we will not insinuate that they felt they themselves might some time be in similar danger with Mr. Fish —voted the abolition of the salary that had hitherto been paid to the sitting Mayor, and left Mr. Walter to discharge the duties

and bear the honors of his position on an allowance of £1 per year. To this act the reply of Mr. Walter was simply grand. It was short, but it ought to have been iron in the souls of the Councillors —that is, if they had any souls to pierce. It was as follows : —“ Gentlemen, I beg to thank the Council for voting no salary—because 1 look on a pound as no salary. I can assure the Council that during the number of years I have been associated with it I have never, either as Councillor or Mayor, looked upon it as a source of income to me. I can assure you, gentlemen, that the duties of this Council, that the duties of this seat, will be carried out as if I received £IO,OOO a year. It is not the matter of the salary voted me as Mayor that will cause me to do the work inefficiently ; the work will be done as efficiently without salary as with it. Gentlemen, I thank you. ” But the Dunedin City Councillors did not stop at a reduction, or rather abolition of salary. They now seek to secure to themselves the right of electing the Mayor, and have put the matter to the vote of the people. But they might have saved themselves the trouble. The elec tion of the Mayor by the ratepayers has been the ratepayers’ right since 1575, and just as Dunedin is not all Otago, nor Otago all New Zealand, so one Town Council will not he able to deprive the colony’s municipal ratepayers of their right to elect their own chief man. No where else has any objection been raised to the system of popular election, and we only know that a law is oppressive or objection able when we hear the popular voice raised against it. The best efforts of the Dun edin parochial magnates were unsuccessful in galvanising the ratepayers into getting up the faintest show of enthusiasm on the question, and when the subject reaches the House of Representatives—if it ever does reach it —the question that will natu rally he asked will be—“ Who wants the change 1” To this question can only be replied—“ The City Council of Dunedin'?” and the fogies of the southern metropolis being only a small item in the list of New Zealand municipalities will get quietly laughed at.

Cricket. —A match was played in the Domain on Saturday between a team re presenting the Springfield and the Ashbur tsn Clubs, -which resulted in a victory for the latter by 66 runs.

The Mormons. —From Auckland we learn that Elder Peace, President of the New Zealand Mormon mission, has sent for 10 more elders from Utah, who will be allocated to various spheres of labour in the Colony. He has made arrange ments for the passages of the Southern converts en route to Salt Lake City by the next San Francisco mail boat. It is not yet definitely settled whether Elder Peace will go in charge of the detach ment and return or not.

Pastor Chiniquy in Ashburton. —lt was intimated from the Presbyterian pulpit that the Rev. Mr. Chiniquy would preach in the Ashburton Presbyterian Church next Sabbath forenoon, and also in the evening unless arrangements were made for the Wesleyan pulpit being occupied by him in the evening. It was further an nounced that the rev. gentleman would probably deliver one of his lectures in the Town Hall on Monday. Particulars, how ever, of Mr. Chiniquy’s programme while in Ashburton would be fully advertised in the course of the week.

Sir George Grey. —Sir George Grey related his grievances to the Thames elec tors on Saturday. Regarding his unseat ing for Christchurch he said :—They (the Thames electors) were good enough to return him their representative, but to gain another seat and to promote their interest he consented to stand for Christ church. If he had beeu the sitting mem ber for Christchurch lie would not have done less for their welfare. The dispute which arose and the determination which was come to, to unseat him for that place, was not justly arrived at. It was directly contrary to the laws of England, and a cruel thing to the electors of Christchurch, to have one forced upon them whom they had rejected. It was a matter in which all electors were interested, and one to which he would return next session. It bgxl been said he intended to leave New Zealand, hut he had no intention of doing so until he saw democratic institutions established and in full force. The Tube Wells. —For the satisfaction of the Borough Council, another trial of the tube wells took place this morning. His Worship the Mayor, and Ors. St. Hill and G. M. Robinson attended. The trial was made with a view of testing the utility of a single against a double tube well, and one of the latter was uncoupled opposite Montgomery and Co. ’s buildings. After a few minutes’ work the single tube on this site proved itself utterly unequal to thro .ving a stream sufficient to be of any value in case of a fire in that locality, although when tried on the last occasion with the two tubes connected it was found to supply the best stream in the Borough. The double well opposite the Bank of New Zealand was next tried, and a magni ficent jet was delivered, and the engine was then taken to the much maligned single tube near Mr. Harrison’s auction rooms, and a very few minutes showed the inutility of depending on this for an extinguisher. The Works Committee will report on the matter at to-night’s meeting.

A Hint to the Farmers.— “ An Old Farmer,” writing to the “ Tirnaru Herald,” says : —“Last year I was offered by the representative of a large firm here 3s. 4d. per bushel for my wheat. I shipped it Homo, and find from my account sales, recently received, that upon a produce of some 230 acres 1 have made a clear profit of over L 450 over the price offered me on the spot. I find, upon taking out a calcu lation, that my wheat cost me last year about Is. Bid. per bushel to ship Home, including all charges. Taking the freight this year at 50s. (which, although very high as compared with last year, is really not exorbitant, comparing the relative value of wheat in England), the outside charges will not exceed 2s. to 2s. Id. This means that New Zealand wheat at 565. to 58s. per quarter will leave a margin of 4s. lid. to the New Zealand shipper, so that if the merchants mean offering 3s. 6d. to os. fid. as opening prices, it means that they intend making a similar ‘ ring’ to the one already started in Christchurch, and to fleece the grower by making enormous profits out of him. There is one tiling I can assure the merchant of, we are not nearly so liard-up as they imagine, and the monopolies of buying they are now creat ing will work their own cure.”

The Wesleyan Conference.— On Thursday evening the Rev. Mr. Keall will give an account of the proceedings of the Wesleyan Conference, to which all interested are invited to be present. To-morrow’s Court. —The police have a heavy sheet for to-morrow. One is a case against a man for having an illicit still in his possession ; two are cases of larcenv, and one is against a publican for alleged selling of drink in other than legal hours.

Drunks. —His Worship the Mayor to day sat on two “ drunks.” One was John Cunningham, an old offender, with 14 con victions opposite his name, who had been arrested by Constable Rouse. He pleaded to the Mayor that lie was guilty, but had a job to go to at Mr. Mackie’s, and if let off this time “wouldn’t do it nomore.” His Worship wouldn’t listen to Mr. Cun ningham’s pleadings in face of that terrible 14, and increased it a unit more, with 48 hours’ imprisonment to keep the conviction green in Mr. C’s. memory. The other offender Robt. Rogers—also one of Con stable Rouse’s importations from Rakaia, was dismissed with a warning and a dressing down.

Mr. Sheehan. —Mr. Sheehan has re cently decided to go into business in the Waikato, and specially to direct his at tention to the opening up and settling of various blocks of native lands which have for some years past been under negotia tion by Europeans. It is said that all lands which he will deal with will be offered for sale by public auction, and that a large area of the best lands will be opened for sale upon deferred payment system. Mr. Sheehan is not going with Sir G. Grey to the Thames. It appears as if the friendship between them is not so cordial as hereto fore.

How to cure a Ham. —In an old Patent Office report of 1850-51, “Agri culture,” occur the following directions how to cure a ham in ten minutes : “Put two quarts of butter salt into an iron kettle and place it over a slow fire, and stir it occasionally, so that it does not bake in the kettle ; and, while the salt is dissolving, the ham should be placed on a strong bench near the fire, and a common sized teaspoon of saltpetre to he rubbed smoothly with the hand on the flesh side of the ham ; it will soon dissolve and disap pear. The salt in the kettle being hot, lay a tablespoon of salt on the ham, and rub with the hand ; continue to apply salt to all parts of the ham until the liam sweats, which is an indication that the salt has penetrated through the ham. The above quantity of saltpetre is for a ham of twenty pounds ; a ham of this size may be cured in ten minutes. The ham may be treated thus before the ani mal heat is entirely out, and ready for the smoke-house, where it will be fit for use in ten days or kept the entire year through. Any lover of good ham, after trying this plan, will be satisfied it is the best method. ”

Farming by Students. —The Agricul tural and Mechanical College of Kentucky has raised, by student labor, on the sixty five acres of arable ground which it culti vated, the following : —Eighteen hundred bushels of corn, 600 bushels of Irish potatoes, 70 bushels of sweet potatoes. 278 bushels of wheat, 200 bushels of turnips, 7 tons of Hungarian grass and white millet. Besides growing its own tomato, cabbage and sweet potato plants, it sold plants amounting to 50dols. It has dis bursed a large amount for student labor. The pay-roll for this last month amounted to 150dols. Notwithstanding these ex penditures it has still a considerable balance in the treasury, besides having on hand most of last year’s crop. Its ma triculation list last year was 50 per cent over that of the preceding j'ear, and the matriculation list of the present, so far, exceeds that of last year by 30 per cent. These facts show that, under economical and judicious management, the success of an agricultural college is certain.—“ Lex ington, Ky., Press.”

A Russian Robbery. —The following strange story appears in the “ Golos,” copied by that journal from the leading newspaper of Warsaw. A Jewish pedlar, recently travelling on foot through the Grodno district, was attacked in a wood by a footpad, who robbed him of all the money he had about him and let him go. Proceeding on his way, the plundered pedlar met a mounted gendarme, to whom he related Ills mishap, and who pro ceeded at once to search for the robber, accompanied by the plundered man. They soon came up with the object of their quest, upon whose person the stolen money was found, as well as two clasp knives and a pocket whistle, of which “unconsidered trifles” the gendarme took possession. Having bound the cul prit’s hands behind him and attached him to the gendarme’s saddle by a cord, they started for the nearest village, the pedlar on foot, the police officer on horseback. Presently it occurred to the latter that he might as well ascertain what sort of a tone could he procured by the confiscated whistle, which he accordingly put to his lips and blew with untimely vigour. Straightway there appeared upon the scene a horde of armed brigands, who sur rounded the party, and, after freeing their comrade from his bonds, attacked his captors. The gendarme put spurs to his horse, broke through the circle of his as sailants, and got away with a bullet in his shoulder. But the unfortunate pedlar, unable to escape, fell a victim to the brutality of the bandits, who hacked his body to pieces and left his mutilated re mains on the high road. Preparations are being made by the district authorities to surroundtlie wood in which this band of malefactors has fixed its head quarters. Such enterprises, however, are as rarely successful in Russia now-a-days as they were of j'ore in the kingdom of Naples or the Papal States.

Holloway’s Pills. —The extraordinary range of temperature prevailing in our climate is extremely trying to the delicate-chested, the weak and nervous. All troubled by these afflictions should resolve to resort to the strengthening and jegulaling medicine immedi ately they perceive in themselves discomfort of that feeling of restlessness which betokens dis ordered digestion and defective secretion or bile. One of Holloway’s Pills taken about noon and followed at bed-time by a dose suffi ciently large to act apperiently will speedily recruit the faulty functions, and restore order throughout the whole system. A treatment so safe in operation and so successful in result should be known and practised when, from cold and sundry other causes, disease is at tempting to gain a vexatious footing.—Advt.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY'S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE* [Reuter's). The Liberals Beaten at Liverpool. London, Feb. 6. The result of the Liverpool election was the return of Mr. John Torr, a Tory, who wa3 re-elected, and the election of Mr. Whitley, also a Tory, by a majority of 2000 votes over Lord Ramsay, the Liberal candidate, who, in consequence of agree ing to the desirableness of a parliamentary inquiry into the question of Home Rule for Ireland, received the block vote of the Irish electoi s. Home Rulers.

London, Fob. 7.

In the House of Commons, Mr. W. A. Redwood, the member for Wexford, moved an amendment to the Address in Reply, condemning Government for not having taken steps to alleviate the distress in Ireland by making advances to the tenantry, and demanding from the Chan cellor of the Exchequer that detailed measures be at once taken. In the course of the debate which ensued the Hon. D. Plunkett, member for the Dublin Univer sity, denounced the course pursued by Mr. Parnell. The debate was adjourned.

The Chili-Peru War. London. Fob. 8.

It has been determined to suspend operations in the war between Chili and Peru until next autumn. Islam Khan Wounded. Bombay, Feb. 8. Islam Klim has been wounded in a tribal quarrel, and fled to Candahar.

[A»c Special.) The Afghan War. London, Feb. 7.

Latest news from Afghanistan states that Mahomed Jan has taken up a strong position with the army of the Kohistanis, beyond Gundamak, with the intention of intercepting supplies to Cabul. The Marquis of Salisbury’s Health. The Marquis of Salisbury’s relapse has rendered his condition critical. A French Tribute to Victoria.

The President of the Paris Chamber of Commerce publicly eulogised the enter prise of Victoria, and promised the Exhi bition every assistance. Italy will arrange to be officially represented at the Exhibi tion.

The Commissioner of Customs an nounced that the Victorian Government will abandon nomineeism, and advert to the fifth clause of the plebiscite.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

I NTERPROVINCIAL.

Sir George Grey. Graiiamstown, Feb. 9. At the conclusion of Sir George Grey’s address, Mr. Speight, M.H.R., proposed a vote of thanks for his eloquent address. He spoke of Sir George Grey as the only member who stood forth without a motive or object of gain. The vote was carried enthusiastically. A Popular Inspector. Gisborne, Feb. 9. A petition signed by nearly all the run holders in the district has been forwarded to the Government, prajing that Mr. Campbell may be retained in the district as Sheep Inspector. A Rake Run In. An unusual case has been occupying the attention of the R.M Court to-daj'. For the past three weeks the female population of Gisborne have been thrown into a state of terror eveiy night by a nocturnal visi tor, who paid his calls about midnight to residences occupied by single women, widows, or women whose husbands were away from home. The descriptions of the midnight marauder given by the women, differ in many respects, except in one, which was that he wore a white helmet hat. On Saturday a man named Mahon, answering the description, a mulatto said to have been engaged on trial on the “ Hawkes Bay Herald,” was arrested. The Court is ci’owded to-day hearing the evidence of a number of female wit nesses. Recovery of a Body. Wellington, Feb. 9. The body of Charles Cochrane, who was crowned in the harbor last week, was found on the beach at Kaiwarra this morning. Scott’s Pedestrian Feat. Young Scott completed his 24 hours’ walking match on Saturday night, doing 108 mile 3 in that time —thus losing the match by four miles. Great interest was shown in the event, and at the conclusion Scott was loudly cheered. About 4000 paid for admission. Ll 5 was collected in the hall for the purpose of presenting Scott with a testmonial. The Barmaids Drummed off to Bed By the Police. The police called at the principal hotels on Saturday at eleven o’clock, and ordered the barmaids to leave the bar. This action has been taken in compliance with the Employment of Females Act. The Volunteer Annual Prize Meeting* Dunedin, Feb. 9. Volunteer Dalziel will be the Waikari Company’s representative at Nelson, and Volunteer A. Marshall the North Dunedin extra representative, Sergt. Cox for the South District. Body Found. The body of fisherman Benton, drowned in the lower harbor twelve days ago, was found yesterday. Gold. The Eggers’ Company have been pros pecting in the neighborhood of Holmver son’s claim at Hyde, and have struck good gold. The Education Question- The Lenten Pastoral concludes thus : “ We most earnestly exhort all to exert themselves to establish and maintain effi cient Catholic schools wherever possible to do so, and we call upon the clergy, who, indeed, have not been wanting in this matter, to exert themselves with the greatest zeal and perseverance in the great cause of Catholic education. Nothing but Catholic education can save the rising generation from the baneful influence of infidel scepticism, of education so charac teristic of this century, and so fashionable in this colony. ”

Cricket. At the Cup match, Dunedin in the second innings put together 208, Paramor contributing S 3, Spring 30. Carisbrook lost three wickets for 7 runs. Diphtheria. Invercargill, Feb. 9. Several cases of diphtheria are - re ported. A Good Templar Secession. The “ Home of Peace ” Good Templar Lodge, at a meeting on Friday, passed a resolution refusing to pay capitation dues to the Grand Lodge on the ground of not receiving commensurate benefits. The lodge then dissolved. An open meeting was subsequently held, at which it was decided to found anew organisation, to be called the “ Appleby Temperance Associa tion.” Several speakers expressed an opinion that the Good Templar constitu tion and ritual were capable of great im provement. This is probably the first secession from the ranks.of the Order that lias occurred in the colony. The Southland Jockey Club. The dates of the Invercargill raecs have been altered to the 4th and sth March. A Primitive Methodist on Cir Gus Per formances. The Rev. C. E. Ward, Primitive Methodist clergyman, is reported, in the course of a sermon last night, to have said that circus performances in too many cases were stepping-stones to vice and degra tion, and highways to Hell.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE (Argus Special.) London, Feb. 4. One hundred and fifty Australian colonists and others lunched on board the Strathleven yesterday; all were very much gratified at the success of the ex periment. Melbourne mutton and beef were sold at Smithfield to-day, the market was low ; the first sixty sheep brought 6d. per lb., the remainder old. to Gd.; beef, a fraction over sd. It is pronounced more saleable at Id. more than American, mut ton |-d. less than English. The leading butchers arc highly pleased with the meat, which equals anything ever seen. Sales men could take 10,000 sheep weekly.

THE DUNEDIN TRAGEDY.

Dunedin, Feb. 8.

First accounts regarding the case of murder and suicide were exaggerated as regards the attempt made by Hayes to murder his two children and lodger after cutting his \\ ife’s throat. He made an attempt upon his wife and himself, in both of which he succeeded but too well. The facts are as follows :—The lodger, named Trenwick, was aroused at 6 a.m. by screams proceeding from the bedroom. He found Mrs. Hayes at' her last gasp, sitting on the bed, with her throat terribly cut. Hayes was in a chair in front of the looking-glass, drawing the razor across his own throat. Trenwick, with the assist ance of the two children, got the razor from Hayes, and then ran down the street for assistance. Gilkes and a warder from the hospital came, and all went back and met Hayes, who got excited on seeing the lodger, exclaiming that he had been the cause of all this. The lodger then went for a doctor, and Gilkes for his wife to attend Mrs. Hayes, leaving the warder to take care of Hayes, from whom he got loose, got a carving knife, and completely severed his windpipe. He died in a couple of minutes afterwards. Mrs. Hayes was dead ere Mrs. Gilkes appeared on the scene. Trenwick and others say that there was not the remotest cause for jealousy. It is presumed, therefore, to be a sudden attack of insanity, from which two sons had been previously confined in the asylum. (by telegraph.) Dunedin, Feb. 9. The verdict at the inquest was one of temporary insanity. The evidence showed that the illness of Hayes’ son had latterly preyed greatly on the deceased, causing excessive melancholy.

Barley Culture.

BY A PRACTICAL PARMER. A valued contributor—an old farmer with a lifetime’s experince, divided almost equally between the Old country and New Zealand —sends the following hints on barley culture. The long experience of the writer on Canterbury land, part of his time on our own plains, should give much weight to his words, and doubtless our farming readers will have as great pleasure in the perusal of the article as we have in giving it publication : Now that barley is getting to be so ex tensively cultivated, perhaps it may not be amiss to make a few observations on its different stages. First, to secure a good crop of barley, it is very essential that an even and regular kind of soil be selected. It is almost impossible to produce a good sample from a patchy piece of land where the soil varies—some light, some heavy, and some dry, some wet —as the ripening process will vary just in proportion as the soil varies, consequently the sample will be very uneven. The next thing to be attended to is a thorough pulverising of the soil by giving it two, and perhaps in some cases three plougliings, then, byscarifyingandrolling, get it into a fine mould, and then drill in the seed, care being taken not to work it except it be sufficiently dry to allow the soil to run in after the coulters or tines of the drill. Now' wc come to the harvest ing, which is applicable to the present time, and perhaps of the greatest impor tance of all the stages. I see a very gene ral and fatal error is committed by cutting too soon. Perhaps some excuse may be made for doing so in this countiy, where we are subject to such high wind, and farmers often suffer heavy losses from having their wdieat and oats shaken out. But barley will stand much longer with out being shaken, I remember hearing the old farmers in England say that barley should be allow r ed to stand until it could be cut with an ox rib. If it is cut before the blue stripe is gone it will never be a good color, and will require a much longer time in stoolc before it will be fit to thrash or put into the stack ; otherwise it will be heated. It must have its time, and the longer it is left before it is cut, the less time it will require in the stook, or being exposed to the weather, which is of the greatest importance, as it is w-ell known that barley is more liable to be injured by ruin than any other grain.

A Revolution in Steam Navigation. (Mew York Herald.) Professor Edison, the celebrated elec trician, has just made a discovery of such .vast importance that it is believed it will cause a complete revolution in navigation, and in a few years place the magnificent steamers of the present day as much behind the times as the Chinese junk is now. Professor Edison, as our scientific readers know, has devoted his wonderful talents almost entirely to “exploration” in that mysterious power, or fluid as it is sometimes called, electricity, and its twin sister galvanism. Many of his discoveries are already before the world, but the latest is the most startling. The great aim Professor Edison has had in view for many years is to discover the manner in which to make the most use of electricity as a motive power, and his laborious and patient researches have at last been crowned with success. Last year he made and completed a morking model which thoroughly appeared to meet the most sanguine expectations of its con structor ; by repeated trials the Professor was so thoroughly convinced he had at last been permitted by the Almighty to pene trate one of the most mysterious secrets of nature for the purpose of adding to the welfare of his fellow creatures, that he determined at his own expense to make a practical experiment in such a way as to convince the most sceptical that he was in possession of an invention such as the world had never even dreamt of.

The Professor drew designs himself of a beautiful launch of about one hundred feet in length, and handed his plans in to a Boston firm of shipwrights for comple tion. The little vessel was built of wood, and sheathed beneath the water-line with very heavy sheets of copper. At the same time that the vessel was in course of construction the machinery for the mechanism was also being built. In order to jealously preserve his secret Professor Edison did not give all his designs to one firm. He drew the particulars of the whole of the machinery in separate parts, and gave the Orange Plough Company the work of preparing a portion, the Boston Cutlery Company another portion, whilst Laird, of Birkenhead, prepared the balance. The hull when completed was sent to the Professor’s residence on the banks of the Hudson river, and shortly after he was also in receipt of the machinery. Professor Edison, with the help of his assistant, Mr. O. Wendell, fitted the ves sel up and found the various contractors had completed their work most excel lently, and that with the exception of a few alterations everything fitted perfectly, and the vessel generally came up to his expectations and desires. Professor Edison being now practically convinced of the value of his invention, determine to a certain extent to make his discovery public, and to this end invited a number of distinguished and scientific gentlemen to witness the trial trip of his new launch, which was appropriately named the “Lightning.” Amongst those invited was a member of our staff, on the condition that he published nothing ex cept such particulars as the Professor de sired.

On arriving by special train at the Pro fessor’s mansion, the company proceeded on board the launch. Amongst those pre sent we noticed Mr. Richard A Proctor, Professor Tyndall, the Hon. Mr. Seward, Senator Chase, Professor S. Ofthed, Hon. Chas. Magniac, and many other distin guished passengers. In appearance, the “ Lightning” did not differ materially from the general run of launches, except in the extreme beauty of her lines, and that she had no funnel and no masts or rigging. The signal for starting was given by the Professor, who touched a small ivory knob, and instantly two large electric bells filled the air with harmony. All being ready, the Professor pressed a small lever and the boat moved slowly ahead—until clear of the rocks about the shore, when another touch caused the little vessel to rush ahead like a racehorse. Newbourg, a dis tance of 45 miles, was reached in three hours. On the return journey the Pro fessor showed us how easily the vessel was handled, for with one small lever, moving it more or less one way or the other, the launch went ahead or astern, slowly or at full speed, almost instantly. Professor Edison courteously showed our reporter over the boat, and explained to him the various arrangements. In the centre of the vessel was a tank filled with a solution of sulphuric acid and a large number of zinc plates connected with wires ; the opposite metal for completing the battery was made by connecting with the copper sheathing of the vessel outside. The manner in which this was done to pre vent the fluid passing off was one of the secrets of the invention. On proceeding into the engine room the sight was very novel —instead of being met by a hot oily smell, nothing of the sort was experienced. There was no heat, no smell, no dirt, no oily engineers, merely a beautiful clean little compart ment, and in the centre a number of mysterious bright steel cranks and wheels whizzing to and fro or round and round at an incredible speed. The professor ex plained that a further motive power was used, namely functional electricity, gene rated partly by applying the force from the engine and partly by the vessel her self as she rushed through the water. “How is that done ?” innocently asked our reporter. “ That is another secret,” said the professor. The vessel’s screw was a double one, working in opposite directions, the angle of the fans being reversed. They were worked on one shaft, which was hollow, with another shaft passing through the centre, the ex terior shaft working one screw, the in terior one the other. Professor Edison informs us that his invention can be applied to the largest vessels afloat, and at only about half the cost of ordinary engines and boilers, and he would guarantee a speed of twenty knots at least. The working expenses are trifling, as a thousand ton vessel might be worked for five hundred dollars a year, leaving amt the wages of two engineers and the chance of any accidents. The chief ex penses would be for oil for the working parts and renewing the zincs in the batteiy. We hear some steam companiep have been so impressed with the import ance of the discovery that the Cunarcl Company, that had just ordered a magni ficent steamer of 7500 tons, called the “ Sahara,” have told the builders to suspend operations, and the Inman Com pany, who had ordered (to rival the Cunard) to be built by the Barrow Ship ping Company a steamer to be the fastest and most superior in the world, have also stopped the contract in the meanwhile.

Monday February 9, 18S0.I

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. STOLEN or strayed from the Triangle* Ashburton —A BLACK HORSE* one white spot on each shoulder. A reward of TEN SHILLINGS will be given to any one supplying information as to its whereabouts ; and anyone detaining the same after this date will be PROSE CUTED. Apply, A THIELE, Co-operative Bakery. 6th Feb., 1880. 35c-478a FOR SALE. mHE undersigned have on SALE 1 Second-Hand, M'CORMICK’S REA PER and BINDER (new this year). 1 Second-Hand, WOOD’S REAPER and BINDER. 1 Second-Hand, SAMUELSON. POYNTZ & CO., 32c Ashburton. PHOTOGRAPHY. nr)ORTRAITS taken in any weather, at MARTIN’S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton. 19c Great Reduction in Prices. HRISTMAS Number Young Ladies’ Journal, London Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, Boys’ Standard, &c. Just arrived. H. M. Jones, Sta tioner, Baring Square. TWO POUNDS REWARD. OST—One Grey Cob MARE, one I J Chestnut Heavy Draught do. Have been traced from Rakaia fifteen miles towards Ashburton. The finder will receive one pound reward per head on bringing them to Mutch and M'Kenzie, Ashburton. JOHN FRASER. 38c Tinwald. Ashburton horticultural society. President —E. G. Wright,Esq., M.H.R. Vice-Presidents —J. E. Trevor, John Grigg, W. C. Walker, and Alfred Saunders, Esqs. Committee —Messrs. H. C. Jacobson, W. H. Collins, G. Smith, J. G. Anstee, J. Sealey W. T. Davidson, J. Orr, H. W. Charlton, J. Sim monds, J. R. Chapman, T. Sealey, J. Coutts. Treasurer —F. Shury, Esq. Secretary —Stephen E. Poyntz. The First Sliowof the Society will be held on SATURDAY, MARCH 6th, At the TOWN HALL. Admission up to 1 p.m. 2s 6d. „ After 1 p.m. Is. Competition for prizes open to the Public. N.B.—lt is particularly requested that all those who have articles suitable for competition, or exhibition only, will bring them forward, in order to make this, the first show, a success. Notice for space must be forwarded to the Secretary on or before March 3rd. Any information with respect to entries, &c., may be obtained from the under signed. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 474 g 33c Secretary. COMPLIMENTARY ENTERTAIN MENT TO MR AND MRS. FLORENCE (Under the patronage of the Mayor and Borough Councillors), ten dered by Several Vocal and Dramatic Lady & Gentlemen Amateurs of Ash burton, will be held in the TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, ON TUESDAY, 10th FEBRUARY. PROGRAMME. Overture — Trio—“ Through the World,” Mr. Branson, and Mr. and Mrs. Florence. Song—Mr. Pratt. Song—“ When other Lips,” Mr. Flor ence. Song—“ Nothing Else to Do,” Mr. Harrison. Duet —“The Moon has raised,” Messrs Branson and Florence. Song—“ The Mountebank,” Mrs. Flo rence. Song—Mr. Branson. Duet—“ Flow Gently,” Mr. and Mrs. Florence. Song—Mr. Jacobson. First part to conclude with the Prison Scene from MARITANA —Mr. Branson, and Mr. and Mrs. Florence. INTERMISSION OF TEN MINUTES. To conclude vith the sparkling Come dietta—JACK’S DELIGHT, in which Messrs. Jacobson, Pratt, Zouch, Miss Lizzie Harding, Mrs. Florence, and lady amateurs will take part. Doors open at 7. 30, to commence at 8 sharp. Box office at the “ Mail ” office, where plan v of seats can be inspected. Prices of Admission—Front seats, 3s. ; back 2s. 36c—481 g



New Advertisements. WAKANUT ROAD BOARD. RATE NOTICE. THE Rate for 1879-80 will be COL LECTED FORTHWITH and not in April as previously notified, and all over due rates for 1878-9 will be sued for at once. Rates to be paid at my residence, Great South Road, next the Gasworks. JAMES WILKIE, 477g-34c Collector. WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. TO BUILDERS. TENDERS are invited for ADDITIONS to Overseer’s COTTAGE. Specifica tions can be seen at the Board’s Office ; and tenders will be received till 10 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11th. FOOKS & SON, 31c Surveyors to the Board.



MONEY. £SO *“■ £2oo ’ £2so > £SOO AND £IOOO. These sums are ready for immediate investment, on approved Freehold securi ties at current rates. Apply to THOMAS & BRUGES, Solicitors, 13c CHRISTCHURCH.



FOUND, on Saturday, 7th February, at Wakanui, a in. bolt, with thumb-screw attached. Owner can have the same, on paying for this advertise ment, by applying at the Herald office. 40c FOUND —A Surveyors’ CHAIN. Owner can have it by paying ex penses. Geo. B. Nicholas, Ashburton Forks. 487g-41c LOST, in the Town of Ashburton, a RIDING SADDLE. Any person returning the same to Messrs. Poyntz & Co. ’s Office will be rewarded. 26c WANTED, by a young person, a SITUATION as NURSE or HOUSEMAID in a private family. 39c Apply, Herald Office. TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR OF ASHBURTON, HUGO FRIEDLAN DER, ESQ. QIR, —We. the undersigned ratepayers 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 C. Dixon G. D. Branson Fred. Pavitt Jos. Ivess Wm. Gavin Geo. Jameson Thos. Quill John Orr. To F. P. O’Reilly, Esq., and other gentle men signing tlie 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, 22c—475g Mayor. 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, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efl'ort3 to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cj.’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a