MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. * For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and. 10 a.m., daily. . . For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a. m., and 4.20 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 4.30 p.m. daily. _ „, _ For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a. m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a. m., A 35 p. m., and 7.50 p. m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. * From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. _ From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily.. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1880. Jonahs.

If rumora are to be believed reductions of a most sweeping character are to take place on the civil service—especially in the railway department. We are told by telegrams from Wellington that the two Railway Commissioners —Mr. Lawson for the North Island, and Mr. Conyers for the South—are to be dispensed with, and have, in fact, received notice of the Go vernment’s intention to do without them. There are other indications that an energetic churning up of the higher offices in the service is contemplated, so that the number of high salaried officials who tread on each other’s heels i 3 likely to be con siderably reduced, and two or three will be made to do the work that, five have hitherto been credited with doing. Go vernment would not initiate a step like this unless they were well assured that the efficiency of the service will not suffer, and we have no doubt it will go on all the same, and show- just as good results with out the gentlemen who are to be removed, as it did under their management, actual or nominal. If it was found necessary ab solutely to go in for a reduction by ten per cent, of the salaries and weekly, wages of all the Government servants, it was equally necessary to do without such of the higher paid ones as could be spared, and Ministers have made Jonah’s, of the Commissioners, whose casting out it is ex llAntPfl -will hft"liv Dm wnaal-

The Ashburton Magistracy.

The following correspondence on the subject of the Resident Magistracy has been published : “ Department of Justice, Wellington, N. Z., Sept. 27, 1880. Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of Sept. 22, enclosing copies ot memorial from the residents and rate payers in the Counties of Geraldine and Ash burton, praying for a reconsideration of the decision to remove Mr. Guinness, the Resident Magistrate of the district, to another post, and in reply to state that before receiving this memorial Government had made arrangements for a transfer of officers from which it could not now go back. These arrangements have been made in compliance with the uigent necessity which exists for retrenchment in the public service, and I trust that they will be found to have been made with a due regard to the public requirements, and with as little personal hard ship as was possible to the individual officers. —I have, &c. W. Roli.eston. W. H. Zoucli, Esq., Ashburton.” “ Department of Justice, Wellington, N. Z., Sept. 28, 1880. Sir, —In reference to your letter of Sept. 18, reporting on Mr. Purnell’s complaint against you, I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Rolleston, to inform you that your reply will be placed on record, and that Government sees no reason to interfere in the matter. A copy of the reply to Mr. Purnell is enclosed. —I have, &c., R. G. Fountain, Under-Sec retary. The Resident Magistrate, Ashbur ton.”

“ Sept. 28, 1880. Sir, —In reference to my letter of Sept. 3, on the subject of your com plaint against Mr. Guinness, Resident Magis trate, I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Rolleston, to inform you that the Government, having made enquiry into the allegations made by you, see no reason to interfere. —I have, See. , R. G. Fountain, Under-Secretary. C. W. Purnell, Esq., Ashburton.”

The Horse Parade.

The Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s parade on Saturday was certainly good, and the turn out of the horses showed an excellent and varied choice at the disposal of owners of mares in the district. The day was beautifully fine with pleasant sunshine, and an absence of high wind, so that the parade was quite an attraction to the many farmers who attended as well as to residents in the district who take an interest in horse-flesh and like to see what sort of sire is avail able. The parade was held in the new cattle market adjoining Mr. Hay Smith’s pro perty, and as the market is also to be the Show Grounds of the Association, its opening for the first time afforded many an opportunity of seeing w r hat has been done in the provision of yards, pens. &c., for the double purpose of stock sales and the exhibition of competiting animals at the show. The opportunity to inspect the works in progress and complete was fully taken advantage of, and the work done appeared' to give universal satisfaction. The most of the cattle, sheep, and pig pens are furnished with a few trifling de tails, and the stand is well forward, the result in every case reflecting credit on the contractors to whose hands the work fell. There is always a great amount of trouble required on the part of the Committees who have to manage affairs lik e the horse parade, and the gentlemen who made the arrangements for this parade, appear to have pui their shoulders thoroughly to the

wheel, and were eminently successful. They were the veteran Mr. Joseph Hunt, a host in himself, and a great worker in the interests of the Association, never sparing himself, when his services were required ; Mr. F. T. Mayo, who offers well to walk in Mr. Hunt’s footsteps ; and Mr. M. Stitt, who brings to the Society’s service great practical experience and no end of enthusiasm. The efforts of the Committee, however, would be sadly crippled were they not supported by an energetic and efficient Secretary,- and this officer, with all the needful qualifica tions they possess in Mr. George Jameson, who throws himself into the work with a will, is ever present when "wanted, and has the invaluable gift : of being able to do the -work demanded of him by a show without losing his head, and therefore with a total absence of flurry and con fusion.

The entries on the catalogue numbered 20. We gave them in a previous issue, but to make a complete report we repeat them :

Thoroughbreds and Roadsters —Mr. Charles Lewis’ Dan O’Rourke, Mr. F. B. Passmore’s Commodore, Mr. L. E. Corsbie’s Tribune, Mr. D. MclCellar’s Dundee, Mr. J. Carter’s Dexter, Mr. J. Carter’s Liberal, Mr. W. H. Smith’s Tam o’Shanter. Dr-aught Horses —Mr. J. Carter’s Billy Fair play, Mr. F. B. Passmore’s Duke, Mr. J. Grigg’s Lord Beaconsfield, Mr. C. Leitch’s Heather Jock, Mr. Edwin Thomas’ Com mander, Mr. William Stoddart’s Lord Raglan, Mr. William Fergie’s Bonnie Scotland, Mr. R. Patton’s Young. Ivanhoe, Mr. N. Walsh’s Young Sir Colin Campbell, Mr. J. Mutch’s Young Glenroy, Mr. Caimcross’ Pride of the North, Mr. J. McKellar’s Glenroy, Mr. B. Ede’s Muir Lad. Of the above Dan O'Rourke was an absentee and so was Tam o'Shanter, leav ing eighteen animals on the ground. THOROUGHBREDS AND ROADSTERS. Seven light horses appeared on the card, but Daniel O’Rorke and Tam -o’ Shanter did not put in an appearance. Mr. Pass more’s Commodore is barely old enough to invite comparison - with matured horses, but we hope; to have something favorable to say of him later on. Tribune was look ing his best, which is much better than we remember him a few years a go. For good racing mares, with nice action, we highly recommend this sire. Dundee is a new candidate for local honors, and his ap pearance and breeding are well worth the attention of owners. Dexter looks very fit, and will certainly leave a favorable mark on the carriage horses of the district. Since we last noticed this horse we have seen some of his stock, : which fully bear out the highest anticipations formed of his capabilities. Liberal is a nice compact chestnut, but hardly our idea of a carriage horse. DRAUGHTS. Mr. Carter’s Billy Fairplay is a dapple bay, a good looking horse, that cannot easily be found fault with, unless it be that some may not fancy the share of leg that has been apportioned to him. Mr. Pass moie’s Duke is a smart, clean, honest looking horse, that must improve with his years, he being now only a two-year old. Mr. John Grigg’s Beaconsfield is a well known horse, and is in every way a supporter of the credit of Mr. Grigg’s stable—a powerful and well proportioned animal that met with many admirers. Mr. Leitch’s Heather Jock was also kindly spoken of, and was well noticed. Mr. Edwin Thomas showed his Commander, a neatly made and well built horse that was quite a favorite until flv> . fanmata. , M*'— Scotldarts .Lord Raglan was in fine con dition, and showed well; he is a heavy powerful horse, light chesnut in color, and was not neglected by the connisseurs. , Mr. Fergie’s Bonnie Scotland is an attractive kind of horse of good quality and action, and was a favorite with many. Mr. R. Patton’s bay Young Ivanhoe was shown somewhat fleshy, but is well put together, and ought to sire decent stock. Mr. Nicholas Walsh’s Young Sir Colin Camp bell is a horse we are glad to see in this district, and he took our taste at once. Mr. J. Mutch showed his black horse Young Glenroy! He was quite quite popular, and at the close of the sale Mr.' Quill put*him up to auction, but he was bought in, his owner not caring to sacrifice him. Mr. Cairncros3’s Pride of the North has been measured out well in the building, and his symmetry com manded attention. Mr. M'Kellar’s Glenroy was a very popular horse, and we were greatly pleased with his appearance and fine action, as were manjr good judges who were emphatic in their praise of him. Mr. B. Ede’s Muir Lad is a pure Clydes dale. and as such, despite his want of con dition, was well canvassed. ■ He will doubtless be in request in the district this season.

Altogether the parade was a very fair display of good horses. There was not a worthless animal in the crowd, and such faults as were pointed out by the critical were trifling, while everybody seemed to remark the improvement on last season that was visible all along the string, especially among the draughts.

Confirmation Service.— His Lordship the Primate held a confirmation service yesterday morning in St. Stephen’s Church. Early Communion was cele brated by the Primate at half past eight, assisted by Rev. A. W. Hands, and there was a goodly number of parishioners pre sent. The ordinary morning service began at half past eleven as usual, and after morning prayers, Mr. Geox-ge Jameson received his formal appointment as lay reader from the Bishop. After this cere mony sixteen candidates for confirmation were admitted, the service being very im pressive. His Lordship delivered a most excellent and eloquent discourse, bearing suitably upon the particular service of the day, and containing many warnings to the young, and full of excellent advice. The hymns sun and 271, “ Ancient and Modern ” —were very apt to the oc casion. In the evening His Lordship preached from the text —“ Thou art a spirit and they who worship Thee must worship Thee in spirit and in truth. ” The discourse was listened to with marked at tention by a large congregation ; indeed, at both services every available seat was occupied, including about 150 temporary ones that had beeu supplied by Messrs. G. H. St. Hill and A. H. Shury. The even ing hymns were " Ancient and Modern” 257, 210, and 31, the " Evening Hymn ” being sung during the collection of the oftortory. The evening voluntaries were “ Holy, Holy, Holy,” from Spohrs, "Last Judgment,” and “ How beautiful are the messengers that preach the Gospel of Peace,’- from Mendelssohn’s " St. Paul;” and were admirably played by the organist. The psalms and canticles were chanted very smoothly by the clioir,

A Tattersall’s Club is being formed in Auckland.

Unearthed.—We learn from New Plymouth, that the remains of a female skeleton have been found in a gravel pit near Ngaire, on the Normanby railway. The Wheel of Life. —During the month of September Mr. Ward registered 31 births in the district, 6 deaths, and 2 marriages.

Burnham Reformatory.—Mr. S. G. Maddison, late of the Old Men’s Home, has at last been gazetted master of the Burnham School, his appointment dating from the Ist May. . Land Revenue. —The land revenue for Dunedin for the September quarter was L 12,234 9s. 9d., as sheep assessment. This is exclusive of L12,8G0 annual ren tals from runs. The Murder by the Fijian.—An entertainment for the benefit of the woman whose husband was murdered by Joe, the Fijian, at Auckland last week, is to be given in the Auckland Theatre Royal.

Grateful.—For services rendered in connection with the recent outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia, Mr. Fantham, who was active in its suppression, has received a testimonial, contributed to by 1,120 sub scribers.

The Soup Kitchen. —At a meeting of the Benevolent Association, Christchurch, held this morning, it was resolved to close the soup kitchen, but the Association will meet once a week to receive reports of urgent cases of destitution.

Supreme Court.—The criminal ses sions of the Supreme Court commenced this morning at Christchurch. There are fifteen cases of an ordinary character to be dealt with. Francis Hydes, for larceny from a dwelling, got two years.

The "Echo ” Libel Case.—The libel case Izett, editor of the Star, v. proprietors of the Christchurch Echo has been com promised by the latter publishing a state ment that the paragraph containing the alleged libel was not intended to apply to Izett.

A Deputation.—A deputation of rail way employees interviewed the Hon. E. Richardson, at Christchurch, this morn ing requesting his assistance respecting the wages paid in the Christchurch work shops, which, it was asserted, are consider ably lower than what are paid in the Dunedin workshops for the same work. Great dissatisfaction exists on the subject.

A Waterloo Veteran.—An old man named McCabe died at the Old Men’s Refuge, Napier, last Thursday, aged eighty-two. He was the son of a soldier in the 66th Regiment, and when old enough, joined the same regiment, and fought by his father’s side at Waterloo. He was afterwards a non-commissioned officer of the guard over Napoleon at St. Helena. He died very suddenly when in the act of mending a chair. Admiral Seymour.—Admiral Sir Paget Beauchamp Seymour, now commanding the combined fleet at Ragusa, first came into notice in New Zealand, when he com manded H.M.S. Curacoa during the Tara naki Avar of 1860.. Commodore Loring, of the Iris, was then in command of the station, and the Curacoa was laid up at Auckland, Captain Seymour going to Taranaki in command of the Naval Brigade and the Light Company of the 65th. He there did good service, and re ceired sixljsu- - quently appointed to the command of the squadron in these seas on the retirement of Commodore Loring.

Gold Digging in Scotland. —The Glasgow Herald says : —There is a prospect of operations being resumed at the Kil donan gold diggings, Sntherlandshire. A German gentleman is at present testing the gold-producing properties of quartz taken from several points in the strath. The results are reported to be very promising. The process to be adopted for separating the gold from the quartz is said to be quite new, chemicals being the principal agents employed. Persons long resident in Australia state that they are struck with the. resemblance of the geo logical features of Kildonan strath to to those of the Australian goldfields.

Ashburton Appeal.—ln Banco on Friday Judge Johnston continued the appeal cases, amongst which was that of Little v. Bradshaw, Mr. O’Reilly for the respondent, and Mr. Hai-per for the ap pellant (Little). The appeal was from the Resident Magistrate’s Court, at Ashbur ton, where the present appellant had sued respondent for LlO, the balance of an order on him given by an employee named Fisher ; and had been nonsuited on the ground that the order was in the nature of a bill of exchange, and had not been accepted by' the respondent. His Honor pointed out that the facts did not disclose that the respondent owed Fisher LlO. The document was really a bill of exchange, and must be accepted in writing. His Honor dismissed the appeal.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

Per Reuter's Agency. Gathering. London, Oct. 1,

Further advices to hand state that the Albanians are mustering in strong force at Dulcigno. Island, of Corfu.

H.M.S. transport Hecla has taken tor pedoes and boats to the island of Corfu. Blood Money.

One thousand pounds reward has been offered for the discovery of the murderers of Viscount Mountmorres, who was shot dead in his carriage at Donburn a few days ago.

AUSTRALIAN.

{Per Reuter's Agency.) The Queen and the Exhibition. Melbourne, Oct. 2. The Queen has replied to his Excel lency the Marquis of Normanby’s tele gram announcing the opening of the Mel bourne International Exhibition, and wishing it every success. It is proposed to hold a grand review of both military and naval forces on November 9th, the Prince of Wales’ Birthday.

NEW ZEALAND

(jPer Press Association. ) Decoyed. Auckland, Oct. 4. A little child was decoyed away and stripped of its clothes in the suburbs this

morning ; supposed to be the act of some drunken woman.

Shipping,

Arrived—N.Z.S. Company’s ship Wai kato, 90 days from London to land. On the 15th of August spoke the Waitangi, bound to Lyttelton. She brings eighteen saloon passengers, second, twenty-two ; steerage, fifty-six. Ovalu, schooner, from Roratonga. On the night of July 25th, a severe gale was experienced in Raratonga harbor. The Ovalu and Agnes Donald both anchored there during the night. They came together several times, and considerable damage was caused to the Agnes Donald. The Ovalu lost her large boat in attempting to get a hawser on shore. Subscription for Mrs. Rees. A subscription is being raised for Mrs. Rees, widow of the man murdered by the Fijian. Seamen’s Union. A meeting was held on Saturday to form a Seamen’s Union. Thirty attended, and it wa3 decided to start one the same as at Port Chalmers. Sixteen paid sub scriptions. A Sad Death. Wellington, Oct. 2.

A man named John Andrews, better known as Joe Murphy, cabman, met with his death to-day under rather peculiar circumstances. It appears that he was driving home about two this morning when his vehicle struck another cart, and the shock precipitated him from his seat to the ground. He was picked up and placed in his own vehicle. A constable made his appearance, and there being no apparent injuries deceased was taken into custody on the charge of drunkenness. Andrews was placed in a cell and given blankets to sleep on. He was visited by the sergeant several times during the early hours of the morning and made no complaint of having sustained any injuries. At lxine o’clock he was again visited, and appeared to be asleep but breathing heavily. He was ex amined by the sergeant and found to be in an unconscious state. Medical assis tance was sought, and Andrews was con veyed to the hospital. He, however, never regained consciousness, and expired at noon. The cause of death was concus sion of the brain An inquest will be held and probably an investigation will also be held as to whether the police ai’e to blame. Andrews was aged twenty-five, and leaves a wife and two children. An associate of his states that he saw the deceased at 1.30, when he was perfectly sober. Wreck of a Brigantine. Wellington, Oct. 4.

A telegram just received from the Heads states that the brigantine Hannah Broomfield is wrecked on Unconstaut Point, half a mile inside the light-house. I f is not known yet how she went ashore, but it is believed she missed stay. She is full of water. The vessel is owned by Messi’s. Greenfield and Stewart, timber merchants. The captain is on his way to town. Insurance —South British L 1,200, of which L 350 re-insured in the Victoria and L 350 in the National. Later. The Hannah Bloomfield was in com mand of Captain Highfield. She left Hobartown on 23rd ult., and brings a cargo of timber, palings, and a few tons of general cai’go. It is believed the cargo is insured for L6OO, office not known. It is blowing a hard N.W. gale. ~7: ~ Rewi. Rewi has telegraphed to the members of Parliament here, that he knows nothing of any coal company at Mokau, and has sent a messenger to Mokau to stop any movement in that direction. The Constables Let Off.

The Magistrate dismissed the charges against the two constables for alleged ill treatment of a prisoner as being only an error of judgment. He pointed out sevei'al defects in the police system, and hoped to see them remedied without delay. Another man who had been locked up for drunkenness last night, ha 3 been removed to the hospital with a sprained ankle. Supreme Court Cases.

Dunedin, Oct. 4. Judge Williams, in charging the Grand Jury, l-eferi-ed to the Kyebnrn murder as follows :—"As to prisoner Ah Lee, the case rests almost entirely on his own con fession. If you think the confession, so far as he acknowledges his connection with the offence, is to be believed, you should find a true bill. The question may arise hereafteras to how far the confession is admissible as evidence at all, but with that you have nothing to do. The confession of Ah Lee is not admissible in evidence against Lee Guy. Ah Lee appears to have been examined before the Magistrate when Lee Guy was charged with the murder, but, on examination, he in effect retracted any confession he liad made. I presume therefore that Ah Lee does not appear as a witness. Ah Lee’s account of the trans action, as not given in the presence of Lee Guy, is not receivable in evidence against him, and the case against Lee Guy is ac cordingly to be considered apart from the statements made by Ah Lee. The other cases on the calendar called for no com ment. M. Thomas (in the case of the prisoner male prisoner) went into the box and swore they were married in England iu 1877. The effect of this, the Judge told the jury, if they believed him, wa3 to discharge the female prisoner. The Grand Jury returned true bills against James Williams for perjury, and against John Thomas, John Dutton, and Isabella Thomas for wholesale larceny at Dunedin. John Thomas pleaded guilty. The trial of the others is pi-oceeding. Mrs. Thomas pleads that she "was acting under coercion.

Dutton and Thomas being convicted on the first charge, pled guilty to nineteen others. The Judge sentenced them both to seven yeai's penal servitude, saying he could see no difference between them. The Crown offered no evidence against the woman. Well Done John. The Mount Ida Chronicle says the Chinese have subscribed LIOOO towards the defence of Ah Lee and Lee Guy ; the collectors having visited every part of Otago. The Chinese say if the accused are hung the Europeans will not in future employ Chinamen, therefore they combine to get their countrymen off. So far, they have put every obstacle in the way of the police. Found. The body of Birrell, who was drowned near Foitobello a few weeks ago was recovered yesterday. 0 ’ Struck a Patch. Holversen s claim at Hyde is again on good gold.

THE STORY-TELLER.

THE DISRUPTION A TALE OF TRYING TIMES.

CHAPTER XXVII — continued.

Mr. Secretary Afleck and his Jean had kept their places in the carriage, and by this means escaped being ejected from the grounds. Properly speaking they had no right there, for it was expressly ordered that none should be admitted at the gates but such as were to attend the reception. When the carriage was called round again to the Palace door, and Robin received notice that he was to proceed upstairs with Mr. Bacon’s portfolio, he managed to prevail upon the attendant who was sent for him, to permit Jean Brown to accompany him to the top of the stairs, and get a peep, at the Throne-Room door, at the scene upon which he was about to figure. This could not have been allowed, had the regulations pre viously observed been in force, but there was for the moment a relaxation of all laws of etiquette, on the general understanding that a comedy was go ing forward in the royal presence, under special indulgence, if not by particular desire.

Robin stammered into the Royal presence without feeling much abashed by the courtly splendours which met his view, and on being announced, he advanced close to the throne, but forgot to kneel, and instead of kissing the Queen’s hand, took it in his own, and shook it heartily in homely fashion. All the grandees in attendance looked blank at his awkwardness and audacity, and her Majesty herself coloured slightly, as if displeased, but imme diately resumed her gaiety, and laughed as heartily as if she had never worn a crown. Eyeing the huge portfolio, she remarked sportively to the Premier and Lord Aberdeen, that as the lesson they were about to receive threatened to be a long one, she could not wait to hear it; and gracefully taking leave, her Majesty withdrew by a side door, along with her female attendants, to the suite of rooms set apart for her private use. Mr. Bacon was thus saved from the necessity of repeating his perilous attempt to retire walking backwards ; but he had still something to do and to suffer before completing his career at Court. Opening his portfolio with as much solemnity as a divine about to preach opens the Bible,’ he took out a closely - written paper, containing extracts from the writings and speeches of Presbyterian leaders, to substantiate his assertions as to the dangerous nature of their principles. At this moment some of the people entrusted with the arrangements of the house began to make preparations for restoring the apartment to its usual state, by bringing in the various articles of fur niture which had been removed to give room for the Reception. This neces sarily caused the company to shift, here, and there, and created a bustle in which Mr. Bacon could scarcely make his voice audible. It also gave the com pany a pretence for moving about, and eluding his harangues, admonitory, ex planitory and argumentative. Finding it impossible to fix himself to the atten tion both of Sir Robert Peel and Lord Aberdeen, as these great tacticians carefully kept separate, he stuck staunchly by the former, as the most important personage, and followed him into a corner from which it appeai-ed impossible the wily baronet could escape. While he was in the act of pressing home what he thought a point of cardinal importance, two of the persons employed in replacing the furniture, probably on a hint received, ran between them with a sofa, and set the statesman once more free.

A running colloquy of the most ex traordinary kind was kept up during ail these movements and counter-move ments ; the philsopher declaiming on the one hand on the folly of Ministers in disregarding the plainest symptoms of approaching confusion ; and on the other, his auditors jocosely punning on the words, and replying that he ought to blame the people who were moving all the tables and chairs for the con fusion, or bandying serio-comic de fences and recriminations. This grotes que scene was brought to a conclusion in a manner most derogatory to Mr. Bacon’s dignity, and which he felt with the keenness of mortal disgrace. A coarse foot cloth, which had been laid down to preserve the magnificent velvet carpet from damage during the Recep tion, was now in the course of being re moved. Just as Mr. Bacon was follow ing up the Premier’s retreat to another part of the room, a sudden tug was made at cloth over which he was treading, that brought him again down on his knees less gracefully than before. His portfolio at the same time flew out of his hand, and all his precious documents were scattered hither and thither. When he had time to rally, and get on his legs, he found to his dismay the hall deserted by Sir Robert Peel, Lord Aberdeen, Prince Albert, and all the rest who had wit nessed his fall, except the little party who had accompanied him, and the people engaged in making the disas trous re-arrangements. Thus vanished all his hopes of achieving greatness and immortal honor as adviser of the Queen’s advisers. There was, there fore, nothing left for him but to get his papers collected, and to quit the scene of his disappointed ambition with all possible despatch; so tucking the sym pathising Shusie under his arm, he'left the hall, followed by Robin Afleck and Jean Brown. Jean had been gratified by getting a stolen look at the Queen,

and the closing scene with Mr. Bacon; but the shame of retreating with him would have more than counterbalanced all her pleasure, had she not felt secure from observation under the conceal ment of her veil. ~——

When they reached the carriage, it was discovered that the most substan tial part of their errand had.been neglected—namely the delivery of Mrs.- Renshaw’s presents. Robin regretted this exceedingly, and remarked that no one could ever have a better oppor tunity of putting them into the Queen’s own hand than he had enjoyed. As the best that could now be done, how ever, he took the articles from the coach and calling to one of the Royal Archers who stood near, he said—“T 3 say you chap wi’ the green claes ! if be a flunky.or ought to the Queen, tak’ up that basket and jawer to her, and tell her it’s a present o’ cakes and grosset-jam frae Mrs. Renshaw o’ Whinnyside.” The Archer looked curi ously at the party by whom he was thus addressed, and then began to examine the articles handed over to his charge. Robin imagined he was disposed: to appropriate some of the cakes to his own use when he saw him prying under the cover of the basket, and lift ing his hand in a menacing attitude, said—“ Od, sir, if ye touch a single farle ye’ll be cheap o’ getting your neck drawn.” Another of the Archers stept up to Robin and whispered in his ear— “ You stupid fellow, do you know you’re; speaking to a Duke?” “I don’t care,” 1 retorted Robin in a loud voice, “ though he was a Yerl. What business has he or ony o’ you to meddle wi’ the Queen’s presents. High treason or sedition is the vera least it can be ca’d.” This altercation being ended, Robin joined his friend in the carriage, and the party drove off more rapidly than they came. On the way home Mr. Bacon spoke little, but that little was ominous. He declared with much feeling that after the treatment he had received, he neither would nor could do anything to save the country from the calamities he saw impending. , The Queen herself he acquitted of all blame, and spoke very warmly of the gracious reception she had given him; but her Ministers and Court he remorselessly consigned to perdition. :v (To be continued—commenced on July 26.)

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, MONDAY, OCTOBER '4, 1880.



Amusements. T OWN HALL. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH. A GRAND ENTERTAINMENT Will be held in Aid of the Bazaar Fund, OF ST. STEPHEN’S -CHURCH, When the AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB Will Perform that Sparkling Comedy JOSEPHINE OK, THE CHILD OF THE REGIMENT, AND The Comic Drama NAN THE GOOD FOR NOTHING. JOSEPHINE ... “ LIZZIE LIZETTE.” A FULL ORCHESTRA ON THE OCCASION. Admission—3s., 2s. and Is. Doors open at 7.30; Overture at 7.45; com mence at 8 p.m. 969° Public Notices. WE, the undersigned, beg to inform our Customers and the public generally, that in consequence of the late RISE TN THE PRICE OF FLOUR, on and after OCTOBER Ist, the price of bread will be 7d. per 41b. loaf. Thomas Taylor. Marsh and Groves. A. Thiele. W. Hicks. .fephson and Davidson. 953 c THE NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRAL ASIA (LIMITED). Established 1869. Actuary and Secretary—J. M. Templeton, F.I.A. The MOST LIBERAL and EQUIT ABLE OFFICE for Life Assurance in the Australasian Colonies. The best office for young men. Profits divided every three years. Offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, , Wellington, and Hobart Town. k The New Zealand Branch—A LOCAL INSTITUTION, investing all moneys in the colony. Resident Secretary Thomas Swain, Temple Chambers, Featherston street, Wellington. Agent for the County of Ashburton — S. SAUNDERS (of the firm of Saunders Bros.), Ashburton. Note the name—The National Mutual. 1690-821 c THE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY IS THE ‘ (MEN’S) CLOTHING (AND BOYS’) MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. •The Tweeds are of the very best descrip tion. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout can be ; equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is- to exchange every article that does not give satis faction. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE W H OLESALE PRICE. Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarfs, Bags, Portmanteaus, Rugs, and Blankets at Wholesale Prices. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : , EA ST STREET. WM» SPARROW, 910 c Manager.



Public Notices TWENTY POUNDS REWARD. THE above reward will be paid to any person who shall give such informa tion as will lead to the conviction of any one committing a breach of the Law Practitioners or other similar Acts or Odinances, by preparing Deeds or other Legal Documents, or in any way what ever. . : ' , '.... ' •• : - ■■■'• BRANSON and PURNELL. F. P. O’REILLY. EDWD G. CRISP. 0. W. IRELAND. 853c-198c Wanted. TO TAILORESSES AND OTHERS. WANTED a few Good PLAIN SEWERS for the Tailoring Busi ness. Good women will find constant employment, and good wages. Apply at once, Herald office. 967 c TTCTANTED —One or two young men as VV BOARDERS, in private family; 18s. per week. Apply, John Olson, Peter street. 923 c WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE bogs to inform the public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 908c—286a



Holloway's Pills. —At the change ;of seasons many persons feel oppressed without knowing why they are so—they arc aware something within them is wrong, though they cannot detect the defected organ. A few doses of these powerfully purifying and eminently cooling Pills will restore regularity to every part of the system—will cast out all impurities lurking in the frame, and will throroughlyr expel the last traces of disorder, however obscure ics cause. With Holloway’s medicine belief is insured without risk : erroneous action is rectified without disturbing natural regularity, - health is re-instated, and with it return the. cheerful feelings which unmistakably invalid that all within is right again.



To Let. TO LET. BUTCHER’S SHOP, in Tinwald, con taining six-roomed house and stable. Apply to J. CARTER, 948c-27Ga Grove House, Tinwald. SECTIONS —TO LET, for One or mors years, Town and Suburban SEC TIONS, from one rood to fifteen acres. CHARLES BRADDELL, 914 c Burnett Street. For Sale. FOR SALE. A GOOD Brick Four-roomed HOUS' with back kitchen, wash-house, arid boiler, all well finished and complete, good out-houses, and every convenience, Quarter-acre Section, nicely fenced, well cultivated, with a number of trees planted thereon j very cheap; can be had on terms. Also, Quarter-acre SECTION adjoining, well fenced. Full particulars by applying to ,'P-H.W.,” Herald Office. 798 c Gazette in Bankruptcy. Y. R. OTICE—The “Ashburton Herald” is a Gazette for all notices under the Debtors and Creditors Art# V.. R. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. ‘ IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, the Acts amending' the same, and of the bankruptcy of FRANCIS SINCLAIR SHEARER and ROBERT GALLOWAY, wheel wrights, Tinwald, Debtors. Notice is hereby given that on FRIDAY, the 15th day of October next, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, or so soon thereafter as Counsel can be heard, application will be made to the above honorable Court for an order of discharge to be granted to the abovenamed debtors. Dated this 4th day of October, 1880. F. S. SHEARER, 966C-287G Acting for Self. Money. MONEY TO LEND. . ; Trust moneys—£2,ooo, £4OO, and_ £250. These sums are now ready for investment on real security, at current rates of interest. F. P. O’REILLY, 890c-226g Solicitor, Tancred street. D O you Want the News of the Day ? Read the Ashburton Heraid,