THE STORY-TELLER.

THE TWO LANDLORDS. (From the Agricultural Gazette.) CHAPTER 11. The people of Compton buried their squire, and then waited for the new era to proclaim itself. What would the new king say on the game question, or what would he do ? The stranger had stopped a day in Compton ; he had observed the dilapida tions, moral and material ; and wished much that the duties of a general repair lay with him. He was told of an entail, and went sorrowful away. According to the view of some writers, all we have said of the evil plight of Comp ton might have been summed up in two words—“ impoverished ” and “ entailed.” To be entailed and poor, and poor be cause entailed, are two of the greatest evils that can befall a landed property ; but, in the case of Compton, it turned out that rumour, which is ever floating in the air, and will for ever float there, was, as it often proves to be, unfounded. The old squire, instead of being poor, as he was reputed to have been, and tied hand and foot with settlements, mortgages, and the entail, had left L 30,000 in hard cash at his country bankers, besides leaving a will, directing the sale of his unentailed and unencumbered property at Compton. It would appear, then, that the con dition of an estate depends more on the character of the owner than on the state of the law. Unjust laws should be altered, but the management of estates and the well-being of the people will never be brought to a uniform high level till all owners are good agriculturists and good men, or till the common sentiment of society renders the neglect of an estate an odious offence.

The Compton property was bought by a wealthy gentleman named Goodhope, who drove down from London, thirty miles, having a taste for that sort of exercise, and was recognised at once as the stranger who had been so well received in the par lour of the Dew Drop inn.

Old-fashioned folk often call a land proprietor a “ statesman,” and that is what he ought to be. He ought to be able to detect the necessity for reform, and to invent the needful measures of refoi'm. All the evils in the case of Comp ton were founded in the impoverishment of the farms. Capital is the very sun and source of the welfare of an estate, and if it be lost or removed the same miseries ensue as when the sun in heaven ceases to perform his office of warming the earth and bringing to maturity its crops and fruits.

Mr. Goodhope undertook the task of restoring capital to Compton as a necessary preliminary to other measures. The times ■were prosperous, his covenants were liberal, and his land was good, though the estate bore a bad character. Among six selected applicants who called on Mr. Goodhope together, by appointment, Mi’. Lambert was the chief spokesman, by vir tue of his large capital, and reputation as a farmer. He was in treaty for Weston, a fine farm of 500 acres, the most impor tant holding on the estate. The letting of farms in prosperous times is an easy and simple business. The landlord settles the terms with him self, and then announces them to the ap plicants, and they aie accepted. If he be a “ statesman,” there is more to do. “ I preferred seeing you all together, gentle men,” said the lord of Compton, “ for the sake of conference and dispatch. We will consider this a cabinet council. The ques tion of rent need not be discussed ; we are agreed on that point. There are other matters which may be debated with great advantage to the common weal.” The landlord was here congratulated by his visitors in a very hearty manner on his declared intention to make Compton an example estate. He had begun at the right end, they said, in the destruction of the ground game. “Yes, and in giving you the right of shooting hares and rabbits, in the woods and out of them, during January. I should like to have drawn the line at rabbits, and to have kept the 100 acres oi woods exclusively to myself.”—“Hares eat swedes the same as rabbits,” said one of the future tenants.

“ Unfortunately they do. We might feed them in the woods, on Mr. Mechi’s plan. I should like my son to have some shooting, and I am fond of it myself ; but there is no middle course. If you have the rabbits—and you must have them— you must have the hares too. We must draw the line at pheasants and partridges. The covers must be alloted to the different farms, and you must work your wicked will in them. lam very sony, but I can not help it. People must be put before game. When I say ‘ people,’ lam think ing of the labourer as well as the farmer. You know the wretched state they are in. Gentlemen, you and I are the guardians of the poor. I would never have parted with my woods, but the truth is that game and a prosperous tenantry are incompatible on the same estate. Harold and I must forego our hares, and find our pleasure in the welfare of the people.” The visitors were touched by the man ner of this speech, and they declared that the hares should not be killed down so low in January, but that enough for the squire and his son should be found at the fall of the leaf ; and they kept their pro mise.

“ Speaking, sir, of the labourers,” said Mr. Lambert, “their idle days are over. They will have work enough to do in future. ”

“ Yes, we shall need a great many hands for our improvements.” “They are rather a rough lot, I am afraid,” said one of the visitors. “They have been injured to some ex tent, no doubt. Nothing spoils good men so soon as want of employment and bad pay. There are remedies in which 1 feel a deep interest, and I shall ask your coun sel and co-operation by-and-bye. At pre sent there is other business to attend to.”

Mr. Goodhope here produced maps of the estate. “ With regard to timber,” he said, “ I am guided by the same principles as in the case of game. There must be no bar to perfect management. The fields must be cleai'ed of hedgerows ready for steam cultivation when it comes. I hope to see it soon at Weston, Mr. Lambert.

“ I hope you may,” said Mr. Lambert. “ I am ready for it when it can. be made to pay. But we shall see it at the home farm first, sir, I suppose. ”

“ I don’t mean to farm an inch of the and myself except the kitchen garden. I doubt if a home farm can be made to pay.

You are adepts in your art, gentlemen : I am only an amateur.” ' ‘ I will tell you what I think you will prove to be, Mr. Goodhope.” ‘ ‘ What is that ?” “ A first-rate scrutineer.”

Mr. Goodhope rubbed his hands like a man who felt and anticipated pleasure, and laughed cheerily. His visitors were already as much at home with him as the guests of the Dew Drop inn had been. “ The field timber stands condemned,” said Mr. Goodhope, “ for the same reason as the rabbits. After all it is not so very beautiful ; not beautiful at all, in fact— only quaint. At present we have no breadth of landscape. I was looking for the church spire to-day from the windows at Weston, Mr. Lambert, and positively I could not see it for the trees standing about your fields—yours that will be. ” “I quite agree with you,” said the coming tenant. “ ’Tis a good landscape spoiled, sir.” “ That is what I told Mrs. Goodhope. One tree hides another, and all the salient points are obscured by the hedgerows. She will think so by-and-bye, I am sure. Take these maps, gentlemen, two of them among you, and return them to me with the fields marked out with a view to steam cultivation. I may modify, but I shall not mar your plans. I propose to plant some clumps and small copses at salient points of the estate, with a view to orna ment, and for the sake of shelter ; and if these 10 or 15 acres of plantations should give us more ornament than we get from these abominable hedges, so much the better.”

Mr. Lambert, being a diplomatist, here hinted that the question of rent had not been settled. In those days a landlord could, in point of fact, dictate the rent and everything else ; still it was not worth while assuming that, so Mr. Lambert said with a free-born air, “ About the rent, sir ?”

“'Forty shillings an acre,” said the landlord; “the land tithe free; its quality you are aware of as well as myself. I cannot discover any difference in the value of the farms you have applied for, gentlemen, and the terms of occupation

will be the same—each farm to be put in order and held in a twenty-one years’ lease, unless objected to.” “ How about unexhausted improve ments, sir?” This was a subject then but little can vassed, but Mr. Lambert, as a person of advanced views, felt bound to broach it; and Mr. Goodhope, having frequently discussed the subject, was ready for it. “ The question,” he said, “ is a com paratively simple one with us. The land is of a character that cannot be improved by draining. The buildings are for me to do, and for you to keep in repair. But I see you have something to say, Mr. Lam bert ; let us have it by all means. ” “ Suppose I require additional buildings at any time ?” “ You have seen the plans and helped to prepare them. Do you think additions will be needed ?” “I am speaking for all, sir, and on principle.” “ Ah, I see ! you have a theory to air, pray explain it. ” “ The buildings that suit a tenant on entry may not be sufficient later on. He may alter the character of his business : he may become a breeder of superior stock, for example, with a world-wide reputation ; he may then require addi tional buildings, which he may have to erect. Will he be paid for them at quit ting ?” “ Will they be likely to be requii’ed after he has left, Mi’. Lambert ? I should not ask the question, but I well know you are not a man of mere theory, nor a man of mere words.” “ I hope not, sir. I must admit that a stud or herd of world-wide reputation would not in all probability be found on the same farm during two generations. ” [to be continued.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1880.



Romish Immorality. —A correspondent not far from Auckland writes as follows : —“ With reference to Pastor Chiniquy’s book, ‘ The Priest, Woman, and Confes sion,’ here is something I can vouch for as truth : —A gentleman of my acquaint ance has translated the Latin beastliness found at the end of the volume, and has taken the trouble to write in English several copies of the same, which he has circulated privately among his acquaint ances. He left one copy with a friend, and it lay (purposely) on the table when an Irish Roman Catholic came in, who, when he saw it, said ‘ What have you got here V The answer was, ‘ What the priests ask the women at the confession. ’ The Romanist said, ‘ May I look at it V The friend said, ‘ Oh yes, with pleasure.’ On reading it the Roman Catholic said, ‘Well, this is damnable ! May I take a copy of it to show ? (His wife). I am determined to know if this is true.,’ The copy was given to the man, and he took it away and showed it to his wife. On his asking her if these were the ques tions that had been put to her at the con fessional, she blushed crimson and con fessed to her husband they were ; she said, ‘lt is true.’ The husband asked, ‘ Why did you not tell me then V She replied, ‘Because I was ashamed to do so.’ The husband went straight away to the priest, and accused him of the filthi ness that had come to his knowledge in this way. This interview was a very un pleasant one, and has resulted in both 1 husband and wife willingly leaving the church for ever.’” Our correspondent, who is a gentleman of good repute and social standing, says :—“ The above is nearly exactly as it took place,” and he requests only that names and place may be suppressed, out of consideration for those concerned.—A r . Z. Free Press, Ist May. Holloway's Pills.—These Pills are more efficacious in strengthening a debilitated con sfitution than any other medicine in the world. Persons of a nervous habit of body, and all who are suffering from weak digestive organs, or whose health has become deranged by bilious affection, disordered stomach, or liver complaints, should lose no time in giving these admirable Pills a fair trial. Coughs, colds, asthma, or shortness of breath are also within the range of the sanative powers of this very remarkable medicine. The cures effected by these Pills are not superficial or temporary, but complete any permanent. They are as mild as they are efficacious, and may be given with confidence to delicate females and young chil dren. I heir action on the liver, stomach, and bowels is immediate, beneficial, and lasting, restoring order and health in every case.— Advt



T. Bullock. About six miles from Ashburton, on the Wakanui Estate. FOR SALE OR TO LET, WITH A PURCHASING CLAUSE, 45Q ACRE FARM Well watered on Longbeach Run. Also, 165 ACRKS 165 Ashburton Forks, now in grass. For Sale, cheap dwelling house of seven rooms, nearjthe Parsonage, Fast Town Belt. To Let, two shops in East Street. Also Office in do. Two-roomed house with lean-to, in Mona Square. Two-roomed cottage near Mr. Hay T. Smith’s Also, That old established blacksmith and wheelwright’s workshop, and Dwelling House in Ashburton, centrally situated, close to the Somerset Hotel, and now in the occupation of Mr. H. J. Edwards. For full particulars Apply to 453 c T. BULLOCK. Boarding Houses. CENTRAL TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Baring Square (Near Town Hall). RE-OPENING of the above commo dious and centrally situated Pri vate and Commercial Hotel. T. BROADBELT, PROPRIETOR, Is prepared to give Superior Accommoda tion to Boarders and the Travelling Public on REASONABLE TERMS. Weekly Board and Lodging ... £1 Weekly Board ... ... ... 14s. MEALS AT ALL HOURS. Dinner on Saturday from 11.30. Beds (single), Is. 6d. Private Room eor Ladies. 153—G24 a Public Notice. Ashburton steeplechase MEETING.



SATURDAY, MAY 29th, 1880- List of Officers : President : E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R. Vice-President : W. C. Walker, Esq. Stewards : Mr. Hay T. Smith Mr, J. Hunt Mr. John Carter Mr. E. Saunders Mr. L. E. Corsbie Mr. A. McLean Mr. R. Friedlander Mr. E. S. Cosier Mr. Neil M ‘Lean Dr. Ross Judge : Mr. M. Stitt. Starter : Mr. John Carter Clerk of the Course : Mr. h'. oaundeis. Clerk of the Scales : Mr. E. F. Wright. Hon. Secretary : Mr. J. Wilkie. Hon. Treasurer : Mr. C. C. Fooks. Handicai-per : Mr. H. P. Lance. FIRST RACE TO START AT 12.30 P.M. 1. Ashburton Handicap Steeplechase, of 40 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each for acceptors,; over about 3 miles of fair hunting country ; nomination 2 sovs. 2. District Handicap of 20 sovs., added to a sweep of 2 sovs. for acceptors ; 2 miles ; nomination 1 sov., for district horses only. 3. The Wakanui Stakes, of 20 sovs.; weight for age : open to all horses ; 2 miles ; entrance 1 sov. 4. Farmers’ Steepechase, of 15 sovs.; about li miles ; weight for age ; en trance 1 sov.; for district horses only. 5. Hack Steeplechase, of 5 sovs.; 1 mile ; catch weights ; entrance 1 sov.; for district horses only. Rules and Regulations : The N.Z. Grand National Rules strictly adhered to, except where specified. A district horse shall mean a horse commonly resident in the County since March Ist, 1880, and the bona fide pro perty of the owner ; and “ owner ” shall mean a person or persons commonly resi dent in the County of Ashburton not less than six months previous to this meeting. The decision of the Stewards on all dis puted points shall be final. No protest will be received unless 2 sovs. be deposited, which shall be forfeited if the protest be considered frivolous. Nominations for the Handicaps to be sent to the Secretary at Quill’s Hotel not later than 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 20th. Weights will be declared on Tuesday, May 25th. Acceptances on night of general entry, Wednesday, May 2(ith, at 8 p.m. All entries to state age, color, and name of the horse, and the colors of the rider. JAMES WILKIE, Hon. Sec. Ashburton Stoeplechg • es. WANTED KNOWN, that Envelopes and Notepaper can be obtained, wholesale or retail, at unusually low rates at the “Herald” Office, East-street North. (a 42



Edmiston, Gimdry & Co. FOR SALE, BY PRIVATE TREATY. mHE undersigned have for sale by 1 Private Treaty, the following Pro perties : R.S. 28216, 7,8, 9, containing 686 acres, which will be sold in farms of 100 acres and upwards. This property is within 4 miles of Ashburton township, is very good land, and will be sold on very reasonable terms, viz, 10s. per acre cash and the balance at a low rate of interest on a term of years. 210 ACRES on Gould and Cameron’s run. This property is partly fenced with gorse fences. 128 ACRES at Chertsey, all securely fenced, and is at present sown with turnips. This property will be sold at a low price on easy terms. 125 ACRES'at Greenstreet, securely fenced with live fences, and sub divided, and a permanent stream of water. 285 ACRES at Greenstreet, to be sold or. let on a .purchasing clause in one or more blocks. This is excellent land, and laid I down in English grass, and well watered with creeks. This would make a capital farm, and will be sold on very liberal terms. 210 ACRES close to the township of Ashburton, with good dwell ing-house, stable, granary, &c. This property will be let for a term of years at a low rent. 500 ACRES at Orari, in one or more blocks. 150 ACRES at Tinv aid. A capital farm, being all fenced and ready for cropping. There are three creeks running through this pro perty. 150 ACRES at Ashton. A well com pact farm, together with house, stables, &c. Price very low. 800 ACRES at Mount Possession. 1500 ACRES near the spread Eagle Hotel. T.S. Vo 879, Ashburton. T.S. 301, 302, Burnett-street, Ash burton. T.S. 247, Kermode Street, Ashbur ton. T.S. 182, 183, opposite Church, Tinwald, a bargain, &c. EDMISTON, GUNDRY, & CO., Auctioneers and Estate Agents.



Agents for the gOUTIi BRITISH FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY. Capital £1,000,000. Risks taken on all kinds of Property, Growing Crops, Grain in Stack, Thresh ing Machines, &c. EDMISTON, GUNDRY, & CO., East Street. 106



Acland, Campbell, and Co. IN THE ASSIGNED ESTATE OF THOS. SIMPSON. Messrs, acland, capmbell & CO. have received instructions from the Trustee in tire assigned Estate of Thomas Simpson, Wakanui road, Ash burton, to offer for ABSOLUTE SALE, ON TUESDAY, THE Bth JUNE, 1880 (if not disposed of by pi’ivate contract before Saturday, sth June), all the Freehold Estate, CONTAINING 120 A c E B 8 120 More or less, being Rural Sections Nos. 4,920 —20 acres, 7,185 —30 acres, and 7,797 —70 acres. If not sold in one lot, sections Nos. 4,920 and 7,185 (containing 50 acres) will be cut up and offered in lots of from 5 to 10 acres. As this land is most advantageously situated, within eight miles from Ash burton Township, it must prove a most a most valuable investment. The whole of the land is of excellent quality, being one of the best selections in the Wakanui District. For full particulars apply to ACLAND, CAMPBELL, & CO., Christchurch ; Or, to JAMESON & ROBERTS, 488 c Ashburton. Tenders. WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. TENDERS. TENDERS are invited for the follow ing works : No. 23—Seafield road, re-formation, &c., adjoining Fairfield Estate. No. 24 —Beach road, making foot path on east side from Town Belt to Trevor’s road. Specifications can be seen at the Board’s Office, Moore street, and tenders, accom panied with 5 percent. deposit, and endorsed with No. of contract, will be received till 10 a. m. on THURSDAY, June 3rd. FOOKS & SON, 887g-493c Surveyors to the Board.



Business Notices. T. R. HODDER & CO. HAVE much pleasure in announc ing to their friends and the public generally, that their stock of WINTER DRAPERY, MILLINERY, MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING HATS AND HOSIERY, BOOTS AND SHOES, IS NOT TO BE SURPASSED FOR QUALITY AND ASSORTMENT, Each Department being replete with everything suitable for the season. JUST TO HAND— A Very Large Assortment of Melbourne Clothing, MADE ESPECIALLY TO ORDER. T. R. HODDER & CO. having been encouraged by their greatly increased trade in the Clothing Department, have ENLA RGED THEIR PREMISES, Enabling them to keep a Larger and More Varied Assortment. Tailoring In all branches by most experienced hands. SUITS, RIDING TROUSERS, HABITS, Ac., made on the most im proved principle, at the shortest notice, and as cheap, or cheaper, than any house in Canterbury. T. R. HODDER and CO., seeking to Encourage Local Industries keep a well assorted stock of Kaiapoi, Roslyn, and Mosgiel Manufactured Goods. Boots and Shoes, Imported and Colonial make, from the best Christchurch and Dunedin Manufacturers.



T. R. HODDER & CO., while not pro fessing to sell everything at COST PRICE, are prepared to meet EXISTING COM PETITION" and to encourage all Cash Purchasers. An experience of twenty six years Colonial storekeeping has taught our Firm the value of a Cash Grocery Business, which they have found succeed so well in Ashburton since bringing down the prices of many leading commodities, which course they are still prepared to continue and show their preferring PROMPT CASH, rather than, risk long credit with large profits. Ironmongery AND Crockeryware AT LOWEST PAYING RATES. Sole Agents for Singer’s Sewing Machines Sole Agents for Wanzer Sewing Machine. Agents for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company. T. R. HODDER & CO. 407 c ym OTT O N C 0 . HORSE CLIPPERS, 24 Years’ Colonial Experience. HORSES BROKEN IN TO SADDLE AND HARNESS. Moderate Charges. Apply Baldwins Hotel, or Brighton Boarding House, Triangle. 842g-450c



LOOK OUT FOR LANCASTER’S CART. FOR CASH. ON AND AFTER MONDAY NEXT. BEEF ... ... 2d, 3d, and 4d, per lb. LEGS MUTTON 3d „ FORE-QUARTERS MUTTON 1-fd „ HAYING secured the Principal lines of Fat Stock in the Ashburton district, from John Grigg, Esq., and Chalmers Bros., there can be no doubt of the excellent quality of the meat supplied. ALL KINDS OF SMALL GOODS DE LIVERED AS PER ORDER. THE TRADE SUPPLIED AT 20s. PER IOOiBs. 482 c R. LANCASTER, BEST NEWCASTLE COALS LAMBTON COLLIERY. 60s. I ' ER TON -1 A PER CENT. DISCOUNT f OT CASH. SPRINGFIELD COALS 40s. PER TON. 10 Per Cent. Discount for Cash. To be delivered in my yard. Accounts to be paid monthly. 359 C ‘773 G C. PERCY COX.



Business Notices. LATEST STYLES FROM LONDON & PARIS. CRAIGHEAD & CO., Merchant Tailors, TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr & Co.) PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED. 982a-4450 PATRONISED BY ALL CLASSE THE GREATEST DISCOVERYjIOF THE AGE. ninee’s TRADE MARK. PURE EXTRACT of KEROSINE WILL NOT IGNITE IF LAMP IS UPSET. Burns in any Kerosine Lamp ; gives a brighter light, lasts longer, is free from smell and free from danger. Sold by all respectable grocers and storekeepers throughout the colony. The next time you want Oil for your Lamp try a tin of “ Niner’s Extract.” Sold in pints, quarts, half-gallon and one-gallon tins. Wholesale and Retail Agents for the Ashburton District— ORR AND CO., Ashburton and Rakaia. 316c-735g



PRACTICAL WATCH & CLOCK MAKER, JEWELLER, &c. BOBT. MUBBAY, MOORE STREET, BEACH ROAD, ASHBURTON, HAYING had over thirty years’ ex perience in some of the leading establishments in England and Scotland, trusts by good workmanship and atten tion to business to merit a share of the patronage of the inhabitants of Ashburton and County. A well-assorted stock of Watches, Clocks, Jewellery, Spectacles, &c. Watch Glasses and Keys, of best quality, fitted. All Watch and Clock Work and Jewel lery repairs executed on the Premises. Specimens of Workmanship by R.M. shown in the window, AT MOORE STREET (Next Door to the Road Board Office), BEACH ROAD, ASHBURTON. 824g-429c HORSE BREAKING. THE undersigned is now prepared to 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 Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone. 403c-816g GEO. WILLCOCKS. NOTICE. WESTERFIELD MILL. TO FARMERS, BAKERS, & OTHERS. FjpHE Westerfield Mill is now in full work, and the public can be supplied with FIRST-CLASS FLOUR on most reason able terms. Every attention will be given to®Public Gristing, and farmers from a distance can have grist done immediately after de livery. Applyjto the Miller, HENRY BOWERS. Grain stored on liberal terms. 389c-796g REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF BREAD. EDWARD TAYLOR has reduced the Price of his best Bread to sd. Cash at shop, and if delivered by cart, EDWARD TAYLOR, Saunders’ Buildings, 119 c ASHBURTON.



Business Notices. Dissolution OF Partnership. o ORE AND CO., JP>EG to announce that they intend to DISSOLVE PARTNERSHIP on Ist SEPTEMBER. They will therefore, on Saturday, May Ist, offer the whole of their superior stock, amounting to over £20,000 worth of DRAPERY, IRONMONGERY, AND GROCERIES, AT COST PRICE. The reductions in price extendsto every Department in our Business, And we trust our Customers will pay PROMPT CASH DURING SALE. All Goods will be marked in plain figures with Red Ink. ff jf |f All outstanding accounts must be paid at once so that partnership accounts may be adjusted. ORR & CO., ASHBURTON & RAKAIA April 24th, 1880. P.S.—A Large Shipment of Drapery Goods just opened up ex Ballala. Guns! Guns! Guns! POWDER. SHOT. CAPS. ORE AND CO. j~~|~ AYE now on hand a very fine assortment of BREECHLOADING DOUBLE AND SINGLE-BARREL GUNS, And as these have been imported direct from the manufacturers,- we are prepared to Se 1 ! at Reasonable,|Price3— From]£2 ICsJj t0~£25. ORR AND COJ l»9c .la