POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under:— Saturday, Jan. 24. For Otago, per Wanaka. For Northern ports, per Penguin. Tuesday,. Jan. 27. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Albion. Thursday, Jan. 29. For Northern ports of New Zealand and Australian Colonies, via Sydney, per Rotomahana.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough And County Advertiser (With which is incorporated, the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 1880.

Before the Mayor. —His Worship to-day fined Win. Smith and John Clifford 103. each, Avith costs, for being drunk and disorderly at Rakaia. R. Wilson for the same offence at the same place was simi larly punished, but he AA r as also sent to prison for 48 hours for abusing Constable Rouse, Avho apprehended him.

Waiting for the Harvest.— There are about GOO men in toAvn just noAV wait ing for the harvest. Most of them are accommodated in the boarding-houses and hotels, but a great number of them, too, have taken up their quarters in tents in the river bed. Notwithstanding the number of young felloAvs amongst them Avho have their veins Avell blooded, and their spirits light, the behaviour of the Avliole has been remarkably quiet and respectable, and the police have had little to do. The Funeral of Mr. Denihay.—To day the funeral procession of Mr. D. J. Denihay, whose lamented death Ave notice in another paragraph, passed through Ash burton to the grave yard. The cortege Avas the largest ever seen in the district, extending over fully a quarter of a mile in length, and comprising between 30 and 40 private conveyances and. over GO horse men. The coffin Avas first taken to the chapel for the usual services and thence to the cemetery, Avhitlior it Avas folloAved by. those AA’ho had attended to pay their last tribute to the dead. The processiou, con taining as it did so many of the deceased’s neighbors and felloAV-settlers on the plains, testified to the high esteem in Avhich he Avas held.

Hyde’s Gems.— This talented company appears to-night in the Town Hall, giving the first of two entertainments. Mr. Hyde’s troupe has always been a popular one, and on the occasion of their last visit they dreAv such a croAvd of patrons as has not for a long time been equalled in Ash burton, in fact, if Ave except one or two performances given by the brass band and other local amateurs, no company has ever had so full houses as had the Hyde’s troupe. There is every chance, consider ing the number of people in the town at the present moment, that the “ Gems ” will be equally Avell patronised dining their stay this time. Their piece de resis tance Avill be the pantomime “Harlequin Mazourka,” and Ave can say of it that its puns possess the merit of being on the one hand the most spicy the English language is capable of producing, and on the other (which is next to being thoroughly good) the most atrociously bad. An indispensable part of the piece is the moving panorama, which Avill he exhibited to-night, coming in opportunely after the audience have been delighted Avith the vagaries and graces of CloAvn, Pantaloon, and the Harlequins. Assault. — His Worship the Mayor yes terday fined a man named Samuel Marsh 3)s. for assaulting the Ashburton bridge!, keeper, and also for being drunk on the i aihv .y line.

The Fire Police.— A meeting of the Fire Police was held yesterday afternoon at the office of Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, Mr, .George Jameson, (Captain) in the chair.' The following mem bers were present:—Messrs. Hodder, Gun dry, Braddell, Boyle, andZouch, Hon. Sec. It was decided that a line of ss. shall be recorded against any members absent at roll call after any fire, unless sufficient and satisfactory reasons be given for their absence. A letter was read from the Fire Brigade, requesting the attendance of the Fire Police at their anniversary dinner on Feb. 6, and intimating that the annual meeting of the Brigade would be held on Feb. 3. It Avas resohmd : ‘ That the Captain, Messrs. Gundry, Hodder and Zouch form a Committee to select a suit able cap for the police. The Secretary was instructed to Avrite to Mr. Hulbert re caps, and to the Insurance Association, asking for a donation toivards cost of same. It was resolved—“ That the badges at present in the hands of the Secretary to the Fire Brigade be applied for, and pur chased for the use of the police.” The folloAving members Avere then elected members by ballot, viz.: —Messrs. A. Shury, Stephenson, St. Hill, and Ferry man.

The Case Altered. —An individual, somewhat the Avorse for liquor, made his appearance at the railway platform, Rakaia, on Wednesday, for the purpose of giving into custody the barman of Par tridge’s Hotel, avlio, it appears, had ejected him from the bar, Avlien, through his A T ery demonstrative behaviour, he Avas ultimately taken charge of by Constable Rouse, handcuffed, and placed in the lock up, the constable receiving a nasty blow on the head from the felloAV in the struggle. He, Avitli two other drunks run in during the day, Avill be brought to Ash burton this morning. Joined the Majority. —We regret to •announce the death of Mr. D. J. Benihay, of Seafield. He had been in failing health for some months, but his demise took his family and friends by surprise, as up to a week or so ago he was able to attend to his Avork. Mi\ Denihay Avas one of the pioneers of the plains, and Avas universally respected and looked up to as on authority on farming and other matters. Such men Ave can ill afford to lose. Presbyterian Church, Rakaia. —The Rev. A. Beattie, Moderator for the dis trict of Rakaia, preached to a numerous congregation on Tuesday evening in the schoolroom, Rakaia, after which a meeting of the members and adherents of the church was held, Avlien it was proposed and duly seconded, and carried unani mously, that the Rev. B. J. Westbrooke be called to undertake the duties of pastor to the Presbyterian Church in the district of Rakaia. Winsloav Sports Committee. A meet ing of the WinsloAV Sports Committee Avas held at WinsloAV on Saturday evening, to wind up business for the year. A state ment of accounts shoAved that after meet ing all liabilities there was a balance in hand of L 5 Is. For the satisfactory man ner in which the books Avere kept, and also for the excellent Avay in Avhicli all the business had been conducted and the sports carried out, a A r ote of thanks AA'as given to the Secretary and Treasuier, and after a similar compliment had been paid to the Chairman, the meeting terminated.

Holloway’s Ointment and Pills. — Multitudes suffering under a complication of disorders might obtain relief through these healing and purifying remedie-, which should be employed without a day’s delay. When the weather is variaule and colds and influenzas me prevalent, this Ointment, well rubbed upon the throat and chest, gives the greatest ease, and checks all tendency to inflamation in the lungs and other organs. The Pills assist the curative action of the Ointment, inasmuch as they purify the blood and so quicken its circu lation that congestion is rendered almost im possible. Holloway’s treatment deals most successfully, too, with that very troublesome and often tedious aliment, indigestion, AA'hichis the.bane of thousmds from overwork and fast living in the present day.— Ada t t.

TELEGRAPHI C.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. (Age Special.) London, Jan. 21. The Brindisi Postage Rate. The Agent-General has petitioned the British Government to consontjto sixpence for the Brindisi postage rates. Telegraphic. South Australia is a party to the cable contract. A Cardinal in Trouble. Cardinal M'Closkey’s enthusiastic sup port of Mr. Parnell has gh T en umbrage to the Vatican. Indisposition of the Pope. The Pope is suffering severe nervous irritability. Obituary. Obituary—Jules Favre.

AUSTRALIAN.

( Reuter's.) Sydney, Jan. 22. The New South Wales Budget.

In the Legislative Assembly last night the Hon John Watson, Colonial Treasurer, announced that Government had no inten tion to propose additional taxation in lieu of the intended excise duties or colonial beer or tobacco, recently rejected or with clraAvn. Sailed—Wakatipu, steamer, for AVel lington. (Association Special. ) Sydney, Jan. 22. Those Kellys Agafn. Four men, avlio Avere seen tramping Avith the telegraph line near Benalla, Avith horses near them, are supposed to be the Kellys. Inspector Cotton and s mie black trackers have started in pursuit.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Jan. 22. Prize Cattle. Mr. Winthorpe has imported from Sydney four cattle of the Alderney breed Avhich took the first prizes at the exhibi tion. Unfounded Charges. Captain Mackie, of the ship Ben Nevis, is exonerated from the charges brought by tAvo passengers. Copper Mining. Samples from the supposed neAv copper lode at Coi-omandel have been sent to the Government for analysis.

Graiiamstown, Jan. 22. Distress in Ireland.

, At a meeting last -night of the sympa thisers re Irish distress, L3O was subscribed in (he room, and to-day subscriptions are coming in freely. Scholastic.

Among the applications for headmaster ship of the High School, eight of the gentlemen Avere Bachelors of Art, but no choice is made yel. Wellington, Jan. 22.

The Walking Match Against Time. Young Frazer started again at seven last night. At eight, Avhen his 24 hours Avere up, he had completed 72 miles. The Regatta at Wellington.

A strong gale is blowing, and all roAving has been postponed. However, the sail ing race Avill take place. The three-masted schooner Ellerton, Avhich Avas competing in the coasters’ race, Avent ashore at Oriental Bay. She had a bad position, and shortly after the start, in attempting to come round, the vessel Avould not stay. She is on the South Beach, but Avill not sustain any injury. The Native Difficulty.

The Stella is going to Opunaki to-day Avith 80 Constabulary. The “New Zea lander” this morning states that the decisive measures, relative to the West Coast confiscated land business, some time pending, ave about to be taken. It has been resolved to give full effect to the terms of the proclamation summoning all natives avlio have claims to tender them in due form, .and thus it is expected that a virtual separation will be effected betAveen the Taranaki natives and those of the Nga temuri, to the weakening of To Whiti’s poAver. Roadmaking is to be vigorously prosecuted by the Constabulary, commen cing at Opunaki and Tahi, Avorking to- Avards each other. After the section of road between Waihi and Opunaki is com pleted, the construction of another section from Opunaki north to Stoney River Avill be undertaken. There are some 700 stationed in the district. Dunedin, Jan. 22. An Unseaworthy Vessel. The “Daily Times” calls on the customs authorities to make an enquiry into the condition of the barque Speecl- Avell, iioav being fitted out for a voyage to Newcastle, she being described as unsea- Avortliy. Under and Over. At the City Court, Mathew Pearson, carter, Avas sentenced to seven days’ im prisonment for having an under and over board at the Blueskin Show. Qur Volunteers.

The North Dunedin Rifles scud fh-e re presentatives to the Nelson meeting.

LAST NIGHT’S. CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. (Age Special.) London, Jan. 20. It has been stated by the Prussian Finance Minister that the Reichstag in tend to give an essential support to Ger man interests at Samoa. Naval com manders have been instructed to use their utmost energy in restoring peace at the Islands.

AUSTRALIAN.

( Renter s 7 elegrams.) Melbourne, Jan, 20. The Gippsland bushranger has sur rendered.

Adelaide, Jan. 21. The heat is intense. The thermometer registered 113 in the shade. Severe bush fires are raging.: 1 '-.(Special.) Melbourne, Jan. 21. Mauritius telegrams state that since Jan. 8, 900 tons of sugar have been bought for Adelaide and Melbourne. There is a good demand for tonnage. The NeAv Zealand grain market is firm and active. New Zealand oats, milling, arc Avanted at 3s.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTER PROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Jan. 21.

The only awards for New Zealand avoo! at the International Exhibition are to the Auckland exhibitors—M‘Nicol, highly commended, and James Wallace, first prize, for Lincoln avool ; Chaides Read, Auckland, first prize for Leicester avool. Mr. James Bailey, C. 8., formerly deputy Commissioner General, and Direc tor of Land Transport Avith General Cameron through the Avar, has returned here to settle with his family. At the Supreme Court to-day, Judge Gillies said that for the future lie Avould not grant discharges for bankrupts whose assets Avere nil. He refused discharges to several debtors, and commented severely on the trustees reports. Grahamstoavn, Jan. 21.

The prospect of the Miss mine from Avhich such large returns have been ob tained during the last three months, are still good, and from present appearances in the different Avorkings now being carried on, they are likely to continue so for some time. The Old Wliau tributees have signed an agreement to relinquish the low level in which rich gold has been got, and the Company will commence work thereon as soon as the shareholders have confirmed the action of the Direc tors, in proposing to re-form the Com pany and increase the number of shares in order to make the necessary payment in stores as part consideration for such requirement. There is no doubt as to the richness of the lead left by the Alburnia Company on the Old Wliau claim boun dary, and very little doubt as to the future runs of gold to be opened up. Napier, Jan. 21.

A girl named Gilmore, a servant at the Royal Hotel, has reported to the police that Avlien going from the hotel to the Spit at half-past eight last night, a man sprang out from the side of the road and attempted to commit a rape. She struggled with him, losing her hat and handker chief, in which Avas LI. Her dress also was torn in the struggle, and finally she bit him in the neck. She eventually got free, and on running back to the hotel the man followed, but she outstripped him and he soon gave up the chase. At the hotel was a man named Marsh, avlio returned with the girl to the place Avhere the assault Avas committed, and there hex handkerchief and money Avas found. Ser geant O’Malley has been looking for the man, but lias not succeeded in arresting him. The girl can give but a very indif.

ferenfc description owing to the darkness and her fright, but she is positive about biting him severely on the- neck, and that will be a mark of identification.

New Plymouth, Jan. 21. A little boy named Telfer was drowned in the Waitara last night. Wellington, Jan. 21.

A notice, delegating powers to the Hon. H. A. Atkinson as Commissioner of Customs, appears in the Gazette. The Kaiwarra Rifle Company intend asking subscriptions from all Volunteer companies throughout the colony, in aid of the widow of Francis Donald, who was accidentally shot at the rifle range on Saturday. A child, belonging to Mrs. Tain, was kicked by a horse yesterday, and lies in a critical condition. The new cable to be laid across Cook Straits will arrive here almost the middle of next month. The jury returned a verdict that plain tiff was not entitled to any damages in the case of Anderson v. Kirkbride. A meeting will be held on Friday for making the necessary arrangements for the visit of Pastor Chiniquy. General Davidson, who has been ap pointed Inspector of Volunteers for the Middle Island, arrived this morning, where he intends permanently to reside. Captain Webb, late 109th regiment, is appointed adjutant of the district, and has entered on his duties. His Excellency the Governor has given ten guineas to the Irish Distress Belief Fund. Christchurch, Jan. 21. The notice of “Ennobled White and Red Wheat ” grown by Mr. M. 11. Mold, of Ashford, Kent, England, which ap peared in the Christchurch and other papers some weeks ago, .attracted atten tion of Mi’. Solomon Lloyd, farmer, Majorica, Victoria, who has written to Mr. Murphy, Secretary to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, askingthat means may be taken to have a small quantity pro cured for him at any cost. With the view of getting the importation of this wheat into New Zealand, Mr. Murphy has trans ferred impressions of the product of ripe grain received by him from Mr. Mold, and, adding all particulars to hand, has forwarded them to the largest wheat growers throughout New Zealand. As soon as a sufficient number of orders are received, the Association will at once com municate with Mr Mold.

Mr. Beresford, Grand Secretary for the Orange Institution in the Middle Island, has received a telegram from Auckland, stating that Pastor Chiniquy will leave for Christchurch on Monday next, and will lecture the first night after his arrival. A man named Clarkson, undergoing a sentence of 10 years penal servitude in Lyttelton Gaol, attempted to escape this morning from the hard labor gang. He was pusued and fired at, and soon stopped. Two persons coining down the hill were nearly shot by the warders, who missed the prisoner. The children at the Lyttelton Orphan age, who were recently sent over to Quail Island, while necessary repairs were made to the institution, and the building thoroughly fumigated and cleansed, will return to the Orphanage to-day. The whole of the buildings are now in first class order, the greater part of the work being done by prison labor. Timaru, Jan. 21. Fifty feet more of the breakwater have been completed within the last month, and there are now nearly 17ft at low water at the outer end. Dunedin, The Presbyterian Synod last night carried the Rev. Mr. Mackie’s resolution of welcome to Pastor Chiniquy, but in a slightly modified form. The modifications absolve the Synod from any commenda tion of his object, which is said to be the rasing of funds for a Priests’ College in Montreal, but regarding which the Synod had not sufficiently definite information. Colonel Scratchley will arrive on Friday, and Colonel Steel has been requested to have the Volunteers ready for inspection. In the Supreme Court, in the case re Mr. D. Calder’s will, the jury, after five minutes deliberation, declared the testator was of sound mind, necessary to the undertaking, when he made the will, and that no coercion had been used.

The New Zealand Wesleyan Methodist Conference was opened to-night by the Iter. Mr. Morley of Auckland, President; The Rev. R. W. Lee of Wanganui, was elected President, and the ex-president was elected Secretary.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

AN EXTRAORDINARY JUDGMENT.

To the Editor. Sir, —In lust night’s issue of the “ Ash burton Herald ” I see, under the heading of “Resident Magistrate’s Court,” a judgment delivered by Mr. Guinness, R.M., which, to say the least, is a verj 7 extraordinary one. Mr. Guinness is re ported by the “ Herald ” to have said as follows : —“ I have therefore to say whether the evidence adduced discloses such a fraudulent misrepresentation as the law, as laid down in the above quotation, (referring to .a quotation from a book called, ‘ Addison on Torts,’) seems to require. I am of opinion that the defendant made stick a representation, on the truth of which .plaintiff supplied certain goods,” etc. The italics are my own. Now, sir, after reading this it ap peared to me that Mr. Guinness was of opinion that the defendant in the case had made “ a fraudulent misrepresentation as the law seems to require. ” I at once as sumed, as I had a right to do, that Mr. Guinness came to this conclusion on what was to him sufficiently cogent evidence'; and I was prepared to see the judgment go in favor of the plaintiff. But, to my utter amazement, I found the plaintiff was nonsuited with costs. Thinking I had read the judgment wrongly, I re-read it, only to find that it still stood as before, but that after having come to the conclu sion that the defendant had made a “fraudulent misrepresentation,” Mr. Guinness proceeds to state that the evi dence about Mr. Lowe having given the order mentioned by the defendant, was “ contradictory,” and for that reason non suits the plaintiff with costs. But, sir, if Mr. Guinness is correct in saying that the defendant had made a “ fraudulent misrepresentation” about the said order, then the evidence could not have been contradictory; the Avhole weight must have been against the defendant. If the evidence was, as Mr. Guinness says, “ con tradictory ” as to ivhether Lowe gave the

order or not, then, surety, the defendant should not have been held to have made a “fraudulent misrepresentation” about that same order when he said that Mr. Lowe had given it. Without wishing to be at all disrespectful to Mr. Guinness, I think it might safety be said, that of whatever nature the evidence in the case might have been, the judgment was with out doubt self-contradictory.—l am, &c., An Inquisitive Reader. Ashburton, Jan. 21, 1880.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

A special meeting of the Mount Somers Road Board was held on Monday, after the ratepayers’ meeting. Present: Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chairman)', Taylor, Cameron, and Peache. The Chairman stated that himself and the Surveyor had had their time pretty fully occupied in going through the books with Mr. Frazer. The Surveyor’s report was read, recom mending certain works on the Gorge Road, which was in danger of being washed away, and recommending rock embankments and groins to protect the road. The estimate of cost of the v r ork would be Ll3l, or if piles were used, L 239 18s. Clent Hill road was almost impass able, and a contract had been let at L2O IGs. fid. The Chairman thought the most impor tant work for the Board to do was to settle all outstanding accounts at the pre sent meeting if possible—more especially those referring to disputed claims with contractors. On Carlton’s contract for gorse fence, and tramway road, it was resolved to pay him L4O 14s. fid., provided he agreed to abandon his cLiim of L 32 14s. 9d. on the tramway road, as it was considered fully that amount would be required to finish the road according to specifications. The total amount due to the contractor was LI3G 2s. 3d. ; and sums of L2G os. for de ficient sliingie on one job, and L 36 Bs. for w'ork done by the Board on another — were also deducted, bringing the sum to be paid down to L4O 14s. fid. Mr. Carlton objected *o such deduc tions, and pointed out that the work done by the Board was in excess of the specifi cations. He refused to accept the amount except as part payment. The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. D. Forbes and Mr. Joseph Ferguson, informing them that unless the report upon their contracts for maintenance of roads be satisfactory, at the next meeting on Feb. 2nd, formal notice will be given them to complete their work at once. Correspondence was read as follows : From Mr. William Annett, relative to his contract on road from Anama crossing to M‘Lymont’s corner. From Ashburton County Council, re bridge over North Ashburton near Bud ding Hill. The clerk was instructed to reply that the Board approved of the tender of Messrs. Thomas and Hill, and they considered the Mount Hutt Road Board should be informed of the amount of the tender, and be requested to assist in the payment of one-lialf the amount. From Mr. Twentyman, requesting that a road be formed to his sections between South Hinds and the Rangitata. Clerk to reply that the Board will give this matter their attention after the harvest. It was resolved—“ That Mr. C. J. W. Cookson should undertake the collection of all outstanding rates, and that notice thereof be advertised. ”

Tenders were opened for the appoint ment of poundkeeper to the Mount Somers Pound. It was resolved to re commend Mr. B. Clark’s tender to the County Council, and that all the tenders be forwarded to the Council for their approval.

The Clerk was instructed to call for alternative tenders for protective works, Ashburton Gorge, as soon as possible.

It was resolved —“ That the Board as a whole object to the valuation list for 1880 on the following grounds :

“ 1. That the list is in one instead of five, according to the_ provisions of the Rating Act, 1870, section 0 “2. No proper description of properties valued is set forth, nor is a value set upon each section, so as to enable persons assc ssed to appeal. “3. That initials are given in place of proper names’ and names of firms, and more than one name is set down in the first column.”

The pay sheet, amour* n to L 705 18s. 5d., having been passer yment, the Board adjourned.

Setting Eggs.

As a rule, the less sitting hens ai e inter fered with the better. Stolen fruit is the sweetest, and in much the same way stolen nests turn out most successful. Nevertheless, a little attention to detail does much good. Fowls are more apt to regard present appearances than future contingencies, and not infrequently find out the mistake too late to apply a remedy. A hen has been known to steal a nest and start business on the top of a hay loft, for getful of the fact that ladders were made for men and not chickens, and as she hatched the eggs her little ones came to grief. How r ever, if a reliable hen steals a com fortable nest in a well sheltered spot, such as a nook under a hedge, leave her alone, and she will bring out a brood far better than if she had studied all the set rules of “ Wright's Book of Poultry. ” Find out where she goes after feeding, mark the spot quietly, and if necessary, when she goes off for her periodical dust-bath anc feed, gently substitute your choice lot of eggs for her surreptitious sitting. A little sulphur sprinkled over the nest will create dissension in the family circle of the lice located there, and a pan of water should be placed where the hen can get access to it in a shady place. If it is necessary to set a hen in the ordinary v T ay, a clean whitewashed box not too roomy should be obtained, aud about four or five inches of moist earth put in the bottom. Over that some clean fresh hay not too long, or it will get entangled in her legs, should be arranged, with a slight hollow in the middle. Good-sized well-formed eggs, the fresher the better, should form the sitting —seven, eleven, thirteen, or fifteen in number, according to the size and spread ing capacity of the hen. The eggs should be marked right round with a pencil, and bear the date and initials of the breed upon them. At the time of setting, a memo, of the date, breed, number of eggs, and the name of the hen, should be made for guidance. Befoi-e setting a hen, care should be taken to see that she is a good, steady, healthy bird. A few trial on china eggs is not a bad precau tion. If she develops her motherly ten

denciesover th*se dummies with commend able prudence for three days, coining off and returning at regular intervals, she can be trusted. It is sometimes neces sary to lift a hen off to feed every day, as some are so anxious to carry out their duties that they stick constantly to the nest. It is, however, far better to let them “gang theiraingait,” as they know by insinct how far to go and how to act. Give a sitting hen a fair chance and she will fender a good account. Watch when she goes off, and give a look at the eggs, removing any that are broken, but never disturb the sitter if it can be helped. If any of the valuable eggs are slightly cracked by accident a piece of postage stamp or any gummed paper wetted and put over tlie fracture will probably pre serve to the poultry world a chicken. Eggs should be kept clean, and that can be done by gently wiping them with a cloth damped in tepid water. Eggs get covered sometimes with the yolk of broken ones, and this should always be wiped off in the way described. A hen should never be fed on the nest, as it is essential that she should come off at times so as to allow the foul air to escape and enable the tem perature of the eggs to lower and admit a little air to the interior. Eggs sat on dead-on-end seldom hatch, or if they do the chicks are sure to be weak. Replac ing the old straw with fresh once or twice during sitting is not a bad idea, but it must be very carefully done. With good food, clean freshwater never stinted, and no bothering, a hen ought to hatch out a good clutch of strong healthy chickens in twenty or twenty-one days. The last day or two she will probably stick close to her nest, as her instinct tells her it is a critical period, and she ought not to be interfered with. The instinct of these poor faithful feathered mothers is wonderful. In wet damp weather no temptation in the shape of food, no amount of inconvenience will induce a good sitter to leave her nest, and in hot sultry days she regulates her work with equal judiciousness, remaining off a little longeiv Her patiently borne monotonous task ended, she is as careful in her manage ment of the piping brood of fractious youngsters she tends and caters for so proudly.

Purifying Rancid Butter.

Calvin Peek some ten years ago ob tained a patent for restoring and preserv ing butter ; his invention relates to a new process for purifying butter, having es pecial reference to arresting fermentation and restoring rancid butter. His process consists in melting the butter in a clean vessel under a slow and regular heat, and while it is melting he adds two ounces of pulverised alum to every five pounds of butter, the butter being stirred gently while melting. When thoroughly melted it is strained through a fine strainer into clean cold water. The butter will rise to the surface quite pure and transparent, the alum coagulates the albumen, the caseine, and other foreign matter, all of which are retained in the strainer, leaving the butter perfectly pure and clean, and of uniform consistency. When the butter is sufficiently cool to be in good working order, it is carefully taken out and thoroughly worked, adding to each five pounds of butter three ounces of good dairy salt, one ounce of clean salt petre, and one ounce of pulverised white sugar. The butter is then packed in clean vessels and is fit for use.

By covering it in a strong brine and keeping it in a cool place, it is claimed it will remain sweet for any desired length of time.

Apropos to the above a correspondent in “Land and Water” answers an in quirer in its columns who wants to know howto sweeten rancidbutter, asfollows Ifherbutteris very bad, premises the writ er, I cannot promise that the following plan will entiiely restore it ; but I can at least describe a process which I once watched at an agricultural show, where a machine for washing butter was at work and where some very horribly .odorous butter was in a few minutes rendered edible. It did its work very quickly and by the simple turning of a handle, and the same sort of process might be accomplished by means of a wire sieve or a strainer anywhere. The butter was forced through a finely perforated receptacle into a large tub of fresh cold water. It came rapidly raining down in a yne capiliiforin shower, lying upon the clear water in a tangle of golden filaments, singularly beautiful, till the water was all covered with them. When the whole lump had been thus transformed into yellow threads, they were stirred and beaten about in the water with a wooden beater ; then collected and pressed into a fresh lump of greatly improved appear ance, and again, forced through the ma chine in another shower of delicate fila ments. This process was repeated several times, till the butter had been washed literally through and through.

Unclean Milk Cans.

It may not be generally known that cans that are not kept thoroughly clean are liable to impart to the milk a dangerous fermentive poison. Very recently a case occurred in London where a family suffered an attack of sickness and purging immediately after partaking of the usual morning’s milk. A physician was called in, who traced the cause of the attack to the dirty cans from which the milk had been taken. Dr. Muter, - in his report of the case, says the milk delivered to him was in the can in which it came, and also a larger amount of the same milk which had been boiled was likewise submitted. From the latter he made a careful search for poisons, but with a negative result. On opening the can he was struck by the foul smell which emanated from it, and on putting the milk under the microscope he found nothing which indicated disease, but noticed some bodies which ap peared to be fungoid cells. He then turned his attention to the can, and found that the smell, although partly com municated to the milk, really existed chiefly in that vessel. On washing the can lie obtained decided appearance of fungoid growths and some bacteria adher ing to the joints, which were entirely filled by a mass of decomposing milk constituents. He at once concluded that the milk had been rendered poisonous by being placed in this dirty can, and he re ported accordingly. His conclusion is that a poison, probably of a fungoid nature, can form in milk vessels when they have had the milk hardening in them and are only given a prefunctory rinse. We think that selling skim milk or milk adulterated with water is a virtue as com

Thursday, January 25, 1880. ]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, , ‘ - *AT THE EVENING HERALD” OFFICE. Farmers requiring hands can engage men through the “ Evening Herald ” Registry for 1/- each, prepaid. . ? - LABORERS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can engage through the “ Herald ” Registry Office by paying 1/-; , \ ..v ' ■.- -• * .■ ' - • • SERVANTS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can get them by.applying at the “Herald” Registry Office, and paying ENGAGEMENTS will be POSTED UP every day at 12 noon and 4 p.m., by numbers given to the applicants, who will learn the address on enquiring. SPECIAL.or URGENT WANTS will • •‘tie inserted in the “ Evening Herald ” in the registry column on payment of Six :-"pence additional in advance, for each - issue. Further Particulars on application at i : ” the “EVENING HERALD” REGISTRY OFFICE. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, EAST ST., ASHBURTON. TIT ANTED, those in search of employ- W ment, to call and either enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. LABOURERS requiring 'work can secure first opening by applying early at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. SERVANTS requiring situations, call and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. EMPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance.



MONEY TO LEND. WANTED to Lend Five or Six Hundred Pounds on Good Free hold Security. Apply Box 31, P. 0., Ashburton. 923 a "\~X T ANTED —Situation by a GENERAL *VV SERVANT and HOUSEMAID. Apply Herald Registry. 961 a TX7ANTED —A SITUATION by a re * » sponsiblepersonas General Servant in a respectable family. Apply, H., office of this paper. 960 a WAN! ED, a RESPECTABLE YOUNG MAN who has a know ledge of Bookkeeping. Salary, LSO for first year, advance according to merit. Apply “ Books,’’Box 42, Ashburton. 944 a WANTED, a good strong BOY, to Milk, and make himself useful at Westerfield. Apply Herald office. 898 a mowN T H I HALL, ASHBURTON S N G GEM EVE N I J P HYDES’ BURLESQUE AND COMEDY, COMI'A-WTjr Will give their CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, ON THEIR FAREWELL NIGHTS. NEW «fc BEAUTIFUL DRESSES. . NEW MOVING PANORAMA. NEW MUSIC, SONGS & DANCES. Look Out-for the Clown ! Look Out for Columbine ! Look Out for Harlequin & . Harlequina ! Look Out for Pantaloon ! MIND THE SHOWER OF FIRE. 956 A RARE CHANCE. TENDERS are invited for LEASING, for a term of three years, the ASH BURTON RACECOURSE, consisting of 146 acres of first-class land, within a mile of the Ashburton Railway Station. Tenders will be received till SATUR DAY, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. The terms are very liberal, and all particulars can be obtained at the “ Guardian” office, on application to * JAMES WILKIE, 95Sa—409u Hon. Secretary. WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. RATE NOTICE. A LL RATES for the year 1880 are ■l\ collectable during April, and OVERDUE RATES MUST BE PAID forthwith. JAMES WILKIE, 418g —968a Collector. BUTLER’S FAMILY HOTEL, ASHBURTON. J. F. BUTLER (Late of Arahura, West Coast) to inform his friends and the public generally that he has opened the above large and commodious hotel, which is situated at the CORNER OF CASS AND HAVELOCK STREETS, And is convenient to the Railway Station. Excellent accommodation for travellers, families, and boarders. All wines and spirits of the best brands. One'of Alcock’s best billiard tables. 965 a TJIORMS PRINTED “To Let ” u and [i “ For Sale ’’—can be obtained at the Herald Office. you Want the News of the Day 1 Read the Assbwxqn Herald. T



New Advertisements. IN CONSEQUENCE OF DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. ALL accounts due to the late firm of W. Hartnell & Co., Rakaia and Chertse'y, if not paid to the undersigned before, the first day of February next, will be SUED FOR without, respect of persons. W. HARTNELL, South Rakaia. January 21st, 1880. , 966 a LONGBEACH ROAD DISTRICT. IN consequence of the Annual Meeting of the Longbeacli ratepayers, adver tised to have been held on WEDNESDAY, the 7th inst., having lapsed through non attendance at 12 o’clock noon, I HEREBY CALL A MEETING of the Ratepayers of the Longbeacli Road District to be held at the Road Board, office on FRIDAY, the 23rd inst., at the hour of 12 o’clock noon, when nominations will be received of per ’sons duly qualified to fill the Three extra ordinary vacancies on the Board, ill the room of Messrs. Clark, Taylor, and W right. A poll, if required, will be taken after the nomination, closing at 1 o’clock p. m. This meeting will now supersede the adjourned Annual Meeting called for Wednesday, the 14th inst. JOHN GRIGG, Chairman. Longhead), Bth January, 1880. TOTARA ! TOTARA 1 ! TOTARA ! ! ! NOTICE. To members of County Councils, Road Boards, Contractors, and others. THE undersigned desires to notify that he is prepared to supply SAWN TOTARA (or Black Pine) for Bridges, Culverts, Slabbing wells, or other purposes, of any dimensions, and in large or small quanti ties to suit customers. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. N.B.—Building Timber, Firewood, Stakes, &c., now on sale at the yards, East street, near Railway station, at lowest current rates, or can be delivered at any station along the line direct from the mills. Firewood by the truck-load at greatly reduced prices. 967a*—413g