MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Offices for the following places .(subject .to the necessary alterations) as under

The next mail for the United Kingdom via. Brindisi will be closed at Christ church on April 7th,'and: will be . due in London on May 27th.; Jjj \ j

The next mail for the; United 'Kingdom via San Francisco will’be closed at Christ- ; church on April 24, and. will be due in London on June 8. v ' - ' v>

SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, APRIL, 6, 1880.

It will be satisfactory to our readers to notice that the City Fathers have at last resolved upon calling for tenders for a complete and definite scheme for supply ing the township with water for flushing the streets and for fire prevention. Last night, Mr. Fooks, by the request of the Council, laid before them the plans of a well - developed and cheap means of bringing in a stream from Saunders Bros.’ mill-raee, which, although not so perfect or of such high pressure as the one de cided upon some eighteen months ago, has the merit of being cheap and to a certain extent effective. Briefly stated, the water supply for the municipality is as follows : A dam, or weir, will be put across Saunders’ mill-race at the planta tion on Mr. Donald Williamson’s farm, and from that point the water will be led along the gorse fence in an easterly direc tion for about 28 chains, thence along the cross - fence to Winter’s road ; a drain will be cut along that road to con vey the water to the N. W. Town Belt, and then by a pipe led into the Domain, where by a light cutting some 20 chains in length it will be drawn into the dry gully in the Domain nearly opposite the hospital. From that point the old water course will bo utilised until the lower end of the Domain is reached, where it is in tended to construct a substantial dam in clay, the surplus stuff on Baring Square on the west side of the railway line being utilised for the purpose ; for the protection of the wail against any possible wash during a nor-wester, a fac ing of boulders will be placed on the tipper or west side. The water will then be con veyed in pipes to the post-office corner, which is the highest point in East street, and it can then by gravitation be brought to any portion of the town, at pleasure, through any street to the East Belt. As it is. as necessary to get rid of a water supply as to obtain it, provision has been made for cutting an outfall drain along the East Beit, so as to divert surplus and storm water directly to the river. Ten ders are now called for the work, and should the contract fall into good hands, we hope to see a good flow in the water channels within six weeks from this date.

The withdrawal of the Ashburton libel case is unquestionably a triumph for the press. While we are glad that a fellow journalist has escaped from the trouble and cost of defending himself in the Supreme Court, and that the result of the case is almost in harmony with the wish we had already expressed—viz., that the case should end without the necessity of going to Christchurch, we must confess to some little regret that, having gone so far, it should not have been argued out upon its merits. Had the question gone before a jury we should have been able to judge by the decision how far, as a journalist, a man may go in denouncing what lie believes to be a wrong without laying himself ojien to a possible position in the dock as a criminal. But the matter has ended in smoke, and all the fuss in R.M. Court is now of no more value than the fizzle of a schoolboy’s squib. The alleged libeller has been put to trouble and expense that were useless, because, as we have seen, purposeless, and resultless, so far as regards either the clearing of Mr. Crisp’s aspersed character, or any further light thrown on the haziest of all hazy laws, tlio law of libel. Mr. Crisp has hacked out of the case, and as yet we have obtained no reason why he should have done so. We aregiven to under stand that the Crown prosecutor declined to prosecute, we are further informed that this declinature was known to the prose cuting party before the case went to Christchurch at all: and if that be so.

then we must set down the whole matter as case of “funk” on the part of Mr. Cbisp and his counsel Mr. Joynt. We scarcely think there was any unpre paredness on the part of Mr. Ivess, who now finds himself in the position of having suddenly escaped from an impending troublesome and costly prosecution, while Mr. Crisp still remains uncleared by the Supreme Court of the charge made against him of being an extortioner of money he had no right to claim. It will now be necessary for him to answer the Borough’s question as to why he made those charges of six shillings, when, according to what most of the Councillors believed was the spirit of his contract, the £IOO they owe him was calculated to cover all costs. He refused to explain to the Council, pending the case’s decision by a higher tribunal having retired from that tribunal’s adjudi cation, the lower tribunal, of the Council will now want to know why lie made the charges, and who is to make restitution to the parties who had to pay.

County Council. —The usual monthly meeting of the County Council will be held at the offices to-morrow at 11 a.m. Train Arrangements. The train alterations we noticed on Saturday as very soon to come into force will be intro duced on the 15fch inst.

The Grain at Lyttelton. —During Friday, Saturday, and Monday, 4G,000 facks of grain were carried to Christchurch and the port. Postal. —Mails close for the United Kingdom at the Ashburton Post office to-morrow (Wednesday) morning at 10.30. Correspondence ffor this route should be specially addressed “ via Brindisi.” Sporting. —At the request of several gentlemen interested in sporting matters, Mr. James Wilkie has called a; meeting for Saturday night, at Quill’s Hotel, to consider the question of holding the usual Ashburton Steeplechases. Timaru Races. —Several horse boxes containing animals entered for the Timaru races passed through Ashburton this morn ing, Camballo, Mata, and other favorites were among the company, and a good two days’ sport is anticipated. Lecture. —The Rev. W. Keall is an nounced to give a lecture in the Templar Hall, to-morrow evening, on “ Total Ab stinence.” There will be no charge-for admission ; and the interest which of late has been aroused on the subject, as well as the popularity of the lecturer, should en sure a full house.

Fire Brigape. —The usual monthly meeting of the Fire Brigade will be held at the Borough Council offices this even ing. One pleasing item of intelligence co be laid before the members is the intended payment of the LSO County Council grant, it having been shown that such grant is in accordance with the Act. Celestial Traders. —We notice that John Chinaman, with his ahnond-eye turned to business, is at present engaged in extensive operations in the iron trade in Ashburton. The various blacksmiths in the township are selling all their old horse shoes to John, whobuys tliemat about LI a ton, bags them up, and sends them to China.

The Grain Trade. —Last night only 105 sacks of grain at the station waited for despatch, and the station-master an ticipates that the rush is over. Yesterday 55 trucks were sent down the line from here to bring up such accumulations of grain as may be lying at the roadside stations. Tinwald shed, we believe, is also very nearly cleared. Entertainment. —There will be given, at an early date, an entertainment in con nection with one of our local churches, which we should imagine will be both novel and interesting. The whole of the details are not yet matured, but we are informed that dissolving views, accom panied by a destriptive lecture, with vocal and instrumental music, will form the major part of the programme.

Native Game Season. —The season in which native game may be killed is pro claimed by the Governor as being from March 29, until July 31, both days inclu sive. Native game is specified in the “ Gazette ” notice to mean : Wild duck, of any species, bittern, pied stilt plover, wild geese, dotterell, native pigeon, teal, black stilt plover, curlew, and quail. 1.0. G.T.—The usual meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held last night. There was a largo attendance. Four new members were initiated. It was an nounced that a total abstinence lecture would be given by the Rev. Mr. Keall on Wednesday evening next; also, that the next meeting of the Degree Temple would be held on Wednesday, the 10th The Lodge then spent some time in har mony, and closed. St. Mark’s Sunday School, Rakaia. -—The children attending the Sunday school in connection with St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia, had their annual treat on Saturday last at the parsonage, where they,.and their teachers and friends were entertained by the Rev. Mr. Elton and Mrs.'Elton. The afternoon was spent in cricket, racing, and other sports, till tea time, when they were all seated on the lawn and supplied with tea and cakes in profusion. Cheers were given by the children for their entertainers, their teachers, and friends, and the party broke up after spending a most enjoyable after noon.

Civil Service Commission. —The mem bers of the Civil Service Commission are now sitting in Dunedin, and will be en gaged in that city until Thursday evening next. They will then proceed to Oamaru, and from thence on Friday afternoon to Timaru. They are expected in Ashbur ton on Saturday, and will hold a sitting here during the day. Leaving here they will visit Christchurch, remaining there for about a week, and then proceed to Wellington and the east coast of the North Island, returning by the west coast to Nelson, Blenheim, and Wanganui, finally meeting in Wellington to complete their report. /. The Boxing Entertainment. —Last night the Town Hall attracted a large crowd, who came evidently prepared for a classical entertainment in the pugilistic line. The proceedings opened with some horizontal bar practice of a very common place character. A nigger entertainment of a very second-rate description followed, and the jokes perpetrated were of the shadiest nature. Some very excellent In dian club exercise followed by one of the West Brothers, and a set-to took place be tween that performer and his brother. The science displayed was not of a high class ; but everybody was on tip-toe to

see what the two champions would show the audience when they were brought face to face. More singing and dancing— partly Irish and partly nigger—then fol lowed, neither musical nor characteristic, and the looked-for event of the evening came off. Only three rounds were fought, in which Lea made most of the play, but Hioken shoved the greater patience and science. Lea was evidently too short winded to stand up to a man of his op ponent’s mettle for any length of time, and his bellows gave way at a very early stage. The last rally was ’ worthy of hav ing been fought out with the bare knuckles as both men evidently meant business. We very much- question if the Carandinis or the Lyster troupe were to give free access t<s the Town Hall to one of their really good entertainments, they would get half the house last night’s sadly inferior exhibition did—inferior even of its very inferior kind. ■ Trosseau. No, George Agustus— “ trosseau” is not the French for trousers. It is the French for more things than you could learn the names of in a month. Get married and you will know more about it.

THE SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

[by telegraph.] Christchurch, April 5.

The Crown Prosecutor refused to pro ceed in the case against the notorious usurer, Michael Murphy. The prosecu tion was to have been undertaken pri vately, but no bill was presented. In the case of the two lads charged with obstructing the Methven railway line by placing a log of wood, there was some doubt as to whether the offence was really an obstruction, and as the lads pleaded guilty, his Honor said he felt in a diffi culty, and would hold the case over till he could consult his brother Judges. Justice Johnston expressed a determination to treat this sort of offence very severely. The father of one of the lads was in Court, but refused to defend his son.

Frederick Sandberg pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing sugar and other articles, the property of his employer Mr. Soren son, betwen Oct. 1 and Dec. 10, 1879. Mr. Sorenson gave evidence as to the character of the prisoner. Witness believed him to be of weak intellect, and recommended him to the mercy of the Court. The gaoler said prisoner had been in confinement since Feb. 2. His Honor, under all the circumstances, sentenced prisoner to imprisonment with hard labor for one day. John O’Brien, another lad, pleaded guilty to taking away a horse an Feb. 8, from the yard of the Ashburton hotel. Evidence similar to that given when the case was heard at Ashburton was adduced. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and his Honor sentenced him to im prisonment with hard labor for two years. Christchurch, April G.

Peter Martin, for indecently assaulting a child, was found guilty. His Honor, after remarking in the severest manner on the nature of the offence of which the pri soner had been convicted, sentenced him to five months’ imprisonment and to be twice whipped, the first whipping of 25 lashes to be inflicted a fortnight from date, the second 25 lashes one month from the first, pointing out that there was a laxity in parents allowing their children to go at large without some person to look after them.

Bernard Neary, for a theft of jewellery from a sleeping man’s pocket, at the Rail way Hotel, Amberly, ©n the 10th of Janu ary, was sentenced to nine months’ im prisonmment, with hard labor. W. H. Hudson, for the theft of a re volver from a house in Worcester street, Christchurch, on February 24th, was found guilty, and, being a confirmed thief, was sent to penal servitude for ten year’s. Barringer, a bank clerk, committed for trial for embezzlement, came up for trial this morning. It was found, after argu ment, that his case must be heard next, and not this session, but the Judge noti fied that bail could be applied for. Wellington, April 5.

Samuel Jackson, on a charge of at tempted suicide, and A. Weiber on one of obtaining money under false pretences, were acquitted. Jas. Harris of larceny, and George Vickerstaff of stealing a letter were found guilty and remanded for sen tence. The bills iagainst Caroline Good win for arson, and Henry Beattie for in decent assault were thrown out. Alex. M‘Gregor, charged with larceny, pleaded guilty and was remanded for sentence. True bills were found against J. Thompson for the larceny of a cash-box, and against Geo Ward Berrie for fraudulent bank ruptcy, and Geo. Longhurst for rape. Wellington, April 6.

At the Supreme Court this morning, Frank Hooke, for false pretences, was sentenced to nine months ; James Harris, larceny, two years. Alexander M‘Gregor, forgery eighteen month. The charge against John Thompson, for stealing a cash box and L3O is still proceeding. Auckland, April 5.

The Supremo Court was opened to-day by Mr. Justice Richmond, who, in charging the Grand Jury, regretted the heaviness of the calendar, in which twenty-six persons were on trial, excluding the five natives charged with mis demeanor. Referring to the case of forcible entry at Ohinemutu, his Honor said that persons might commit this offence by violently entering upon a tene ment though they have a legality to it. It appears that amongst, or in some way connected with the forcible entry, was a bailiff, who pretended to distrain. The right of distress was a somewhat bar barous remedy, and the landlord availing himself of it must do so in a peaceable manner. The persons who forcibly entered were natives, and tlio persons entered upon were Europeans, which showed the danger of such proceedings. But, as representing the magistracy of the district, he felt it his duty to say that if violent proceedings were instigated by European movers in the business, they deserve censure, and should they be found to come within the reach of the law, they should receive exemplary punish ment. It was intolerable that private persons, in pursuit of private gains, should jeopardise the peace of the coun try. He hoped publicity would be given to the matter, so that the guilty persons might receive public reprobation. Sydney Beetham (breaking and enter ing) and Frank Foxton (embezzlement of the funds of the Bank of New South Wales, Auckland branch) pleaded guilty, and sentence was deferred till to-morrow. John Dods Rentin, for bestiality, got six years

THE DUNEDIN MURDER.

Postponement of the Trial. [by telegraph. ] Dunedin, April 6. Butler this morning applied for a change of venue on the ground that the public mind was prejudiced against him. The Judge refused to grant the application, considering that such prejudice did not exist, but granted a postponement of the trial till Thursday week, to enable prisoner to prepare his defence.

THE GENERAL ELECTION AT HOME.

Collapse of the Tories,

Swooping Majority for tho Liberals.

[By cable from Reuter's Agency.) London, April 5.

Tire returns of the elections, so far as known, show that 271 Liberals and 141 Conservatives have been elected, giving a majority of 131 to the Liberals. The total number of seats gained by the latter is 59, and their majority is already sufficient to make them quite independent of the Home Rule Party. It is generally thought to be quite probable that Mr. Gladstone will not accept office should the Liberals come into power.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[Reuter's). Mahomed Jan Killed. Bombay, April 5. A report has reached here from Cabul that Mahomed Jan, the leader of the Afghan tribes at Ghuznee, has been killed.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) The Revenues of Queensland. Brisbane, April G.

The revenue of Queensland for the past quarter shows an increase of L 30,000 com pared with the corresponding quarter of last year. There has been a saving in the expenditure to the extent of L 29,000.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

I NTERPROV INOIAL.

Another Fire. Dunedin, April 6. Gorman’s Kirtleburn Hotel, nine miles from Cromwell, has been totally destroyed by fire. It was insured in the Union office for LSOO. Wheat Stacks Burnt. Oamaru, April 6. Seven stacks of wheat were destroyed by fire at Awamoko on Sunday night. It is believed they were set fire to. They were insured in the National for Ll5O ; South British, LIBO ; and New Zealand, Ll5O. A Fatal Throw. A farmer named John Robertson, while returning home last night, was thrown from his horse and picked up insensible. He never recovered consciousness and died at ten this morning. Death of ajiForger. Invercargill, April 6 V

A prisoner named Wilson, undergoing a sentence for forgery, died in gaol yester day. .1' The Railway Commission. ■ .i/ The Railway Commission were -inter viewed yesterday, by a deputation, which claims the Seward Bush Railway. A number ot -witnesses were subsequently ex amined. Guthrie and Larnach. Guthrie and Larnach’s sawmill recently destroyed by fire is to be rebuilt. A Relic of the Past. While at Island, : West Coast, the crew of the cutter-’;; Cygnet found a figure-head and cannon, supposed to be long to the Jack A. Frost, which sailed from here sixteen years ago, and has not since been heard of. - Sir George Grey Coming. At a meeting of the Reform Association, a letter was read from Sir George Grey to the effect that as soon as he recovered he will visit Christchurch, and come on, if the Association wish, to Invercargill.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS

Taurafga, April 5.

A destructive fire occurred here early this morning. The residence of Mr. A. Gilmore was totally destroyed. The loss is estimated at L4OO, partly covered by in surance.

Auckland, April 5. Scott leaves for the Thames this evening to repeat his Auckland performance. At a meeting of the Acclimatisation Society a letter was read from Mr. Man ning, New Caledonia, suggesting the advisableness of introducing crab fish into Mew Zealand, and stating that they could be safely conveyed to the Society. The matter was deferred till funds were in hand.

Wellington, April 5.

The police have laid informations against several publicans for Sunday trading. Thos. Benton’s stable and a barn at Car terton were destroyed by fire yesterday morning. The loss is estimated at LIOO. The property is not insured. A preliminary inquiry was held into the circumstances connected with the loss of the schooner Rosannah Rose at Ure River, near Blenheim. The captain stated that the vessel had now become a total wreck. It transpired that two cases of tobacco had been stolen from the vessel during the absence of the crew. The evidence will be forwarded to Government. Charles Marson is the name of the man who perished in the fire at the Awhari Hotel last night. Christchurch, April 5.

Some time ago a man named Buckley was prosecuted for stealing a cheque at Rangiora, and was discharged. To-day a man named E vast was arrested for stealing this same cheque which had been given him in a letter to post. He forgot to do so, and the letter remaining in his posses sion for several days, the temptation was too great, and he took the cheque and cashed it,

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Council was held last night. Pre sent —Mr. Bullock, presiding in the ab sence of the Mayor ; and Messrs. St. Hill, Williamson, Parkin, Saunders, and R. Friodlandcr.

The minutes of last ordinary meeting and of the special meeting held on Wed nesday last, having been read, and the former confirmed, Mr. Williamson took exception to the passing of certain paragraphs in the latter as they referred to business that had been transacted at that meeting, but which should legally have been transacted at tlie present ordinary meeting. The paragraphs objected to were not passed. FINANCE. The Chairman reported that the debtor balance amounted to L 173 7s. 9d. The rates collected up to date amounted to L 531 18s., and Mr. Bullock stated that this was very satisfactory, as the rate had only been struck one month. It would be necessary, he added, that the Finance Commit tee should make fresh arrangements with tho Bank, as those previously made terminated on the 31st of March. THE WATER SUPPLY. Mr. E. G. Crisp, Borough Solicitor, wrote stating that the deed, under which the right to tap the mill race was granted by the Messrs. Saunders, only provided for protecting the Council against any claim that could be made by Mr. Edward and Mr. Samuel Saunders, but did not de fend it from any claim by any other owners of the property. Under the deed the water could be cut off at the will of the Saunders Bros., and upon notice given by them.

Mr. St. Hill said there would require to be some more definite and tangible tenure of the water than Mr. Crisp’s letter seemed to indicate was likely to.be given. Mr. Williamson pointed out that at least a notice of twelve months, of any intention to cut pff the water, should be given. He fancied that period would be sufficient. Mr. Saunders said he did not know that such a clause had been introduced into the deed, but he believed it had been in troduced to cover any deviation of the river that might interfere with the'supply of the stream. In that case they might then have to divert the course of the race. It was to provide for a contingency of this lend, he believed, and not for any other purpose that the clause had been inserted. It was ultimately resolved to refer the matter to Sir. Williamson and Sir. Saunders, to have a clause inserted in the deed providing for twelve months notice to the Council by the firm. GAS LAMPS. The Gas Company wrote offering to supply gas to five more lamps. Referred to the Works Committee. CHARITABLE AID. Communications regarding this question were referred to the Committee already appointed to consider the mattter of charit able aid. THE ENGINEER. It was intimated that the engineer’s term expired to-day, and on consultation with Mr Fooks, he agreed to go on with any work they may have to do on a fair commission, but that no salary as Borough Engineer would be paid for the next month. BY-LAWS. Sir. Friedlander reported a meeting of .two of the By-laws Committee on Satur day last. There had been no quorum of the Committee, but Mr. St. Hill and him self had talked the matter over, and they had not altogether agreed to the clauses proposed to provide for building. Mr. St. Hill said the Committee re quired some opinion of the Council on the matter of the area to be covered by those clauses. He himself believed that only the East street line of sections should bo included, as were tlie laws proposed to be accepted they would have the effect of stopping building, as they were as string ent as the building laws of Melbourne or Edinburgh. Mr. Bullock thought the area should be deeper than one section. Mr. Parkin thought they should go three sections deep.

Mr. Williamson held it would be unfair to stop the influence of the building regu lations in the centre of a block, as it would be a hardship for one man to have to build a brick building and his next door neighbor be permitted to build a wooden shanty. Mr. Williamson moved that the build ing clauses be referred back to the By laws Committee, and that they report to the next special meeting. THE WATER SUPPLY. Mr. Fooks attended with the plans he had prepared for the water supply, and after full consideration it was resolved to advertise for tenders for the work at once. The question of procuring timber for the proposed water supply was referred to the Works Committee. FOOTPATHS. Mr. Bullock pointed out the worn out state of the roads in Tancred street, from the railway to the Old Men’s Home, and in East street. Referred to the Works Committee. THE RATES. Mr. St. Hill suggested the propriety of getting in the rates from such defaulters as the Town and Templar Hall com panies. It was ultimately resolved to advertise that all rates unpaid on the Ist of May be sued for without further notice'. THE COURT-HOUSE. Mr. Bullock said the Borough had been sadly neglected by the Government, and another instance of this was the delay of the Court-house. He suggested that some steps be taken to hurry the matter on. Mr. Parkin thought it inadvisable to “ shake the matter up ” just now, as there might be a possibility of getting a better building than the one proposed, which was barely fit for the requirements of the town, and ought to have been of brick. ACCOUNTS. It was resolved to pay the Fire Bri gade’s account of L 25 at next meeting, and bills to the amount of L 75 2s. lOd. were passed for payment. THE WATER PIPES. Mr. Saunders gave notice of motion for next meeting to appoint a Committee to consider the advisableness of disposing of the iron pipes now held in stock by the Borough for the purpose of water supply. The Council then adjourned.

“ I say Mick, what sort of potatoes are those you are planting ?” “ Raw ones to be sure. Your honor wouldn’t be think ing I’d be planting biled ones.”

THE GARDNER.

Kitidly Written) Expressly for this Journa

By a Professional Gardener.

APRIL. KITCHEN GARDENING. The principal crops will now be either all sown or planted, and the encourage ment of their growth the object of atten tion ; but, where omitted last month, Onions, Cabbages, Cauliflowers and Turnips should be sown at once, to insure success. If not done before the middle of the month, it is better to defer sowing until spring. Where Brocoli have been planted during summer months, and grown freely, growers would find it very advantageous to cut the roots, which is easily done by inserting the spade under each plant. For instance, go down one side of the row and come back on the other. Care should be taken not to cut too close to the plant. Brocoli treated as above will resist the frost much better ; for by choking its growth at this season it gets hardy as a natural consequence, and will come in ready for use much earlier than it would if not disturbed. Earth up all crops of growing Celery. Care should be taken not to allow the earth to get in between ; the leaves, which is done by holding up the leaves with one hand, while with the other, use a piece of slate or other flat tool to draw the earth carefully round each plant, which keeps all the leaves together until you have followed with the spade and banked up. Care should also be taken not to earth up too much at once, as it only tends to weaken the plants. By treating as directed, say once in ten days, the trouble will be well repaid by the pro duction of fine heads of blanched Celery for either cooking purposes or desert. Make a general clearance of all ground not wanted for present sowing or planting. Dig in in a rough state, so that it will be exposed to the action of the weather. Dig Potatoes ; gather Onions, as they r : pen, and store them in a dry place. Vegetable Marrows and Pumpkins should also be gathered as they ripen, and stored in a dry, warm place for winter use. When properly stored; they will keep nearly all winter, and are jnucli prized when such vegetables are scarce. Strawberries may now be planted from the runners. Either make new plots or fill in any blanks in old beds or borders. After selecting plants for all new planta tions, let all the runners that remain be trimmed off, care being taken not to cut off all the leaves, as is too often done not only by amateurs but by persons calling themselves professional men. It is most barbarous treatment, as it tends to weaken the plants and the result —the following summer—is that there will be little or no fruit. Having got the runners and weeds cleared, put a good covering of well decomposed manure over the bed, and let it lie on the surface. Don’t dig it in, as is the general practice. In this way it nourishes the plant at the root and mulches the ground in summer. FLOWER GARDEN. Plant Bulbs of the following kinds— Hyacinthus, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Liliums, Narcissus, Jonquils, Daffodils, and Tulips —any of the above. For window decoration, plant in pots in a good mixture of loam, rotted manure, and sand. Plunge the pots in sand, and keep them there until the bulb begins to grow, when it might be removed to where it is required to flower. To those who desire an early display of annual flowers, by a careful reserva tion of those self-sown which abound at this season in great numbers, and sow ing again in spring, the flower garden can be kept going from early spring until late in autumn. All tender plants, such as Geraniums, Cinerarias, Cupheas, etc., that have been turned out during summer should now be brought in and housed to protect them from frost ; and all herbaceous plants that have done flowering cut down, so as to give the garden a neat appearance. THE ORCHARD requires little care at this season, further than gathering the fruits as they ripen, and keeping the ground clear of weeds, but where young fruit trees have been planted last year the ground should be kept dug round them and free from weeds, as, by keeping the ground loose, it en courages the growth of wood, keeps the trees healthy and better able to resist the attacks of blight. It only too often hap pens that trees are planted, and that once done, they are never looked near again; and still those to whom the trees belong wonder why their trees do not grow like their neighbors’, who cultivate them in a proper manner. A few trees properly cultivated is much better than a larger number cultivated indifferently.

The Confirmation Catechism. —We get the following from the “New Zea land Wesleyan’s” funnyman “Vig’lans” : —A correspondent sends me the following as a specimen of the light that sometimes plays about the dark places:—Some rather unexpected answers reached an Episcopalian minister in one of the up country districts of Canterbury the other day. A parson who is noted for his ritua listic proclivities had a number of candi dates for confirmation, and supplied them with the usual catechism, which contains inter alia several questions which are absurd to put to those not of “ riper years,” as the Church Service delights to call those who are bordering on man or womanhood. One ©f the candidates, whose father was not endowed "with any great amount af reverence for the Estab lished Church, consulted her parent upon some of the questions which were beyond both his and the girl’s knowledge, and as + he questions had to be written out, a con siderable amount of family discussion took place as to the proper answers to be given. I saw some of them, and will give two as an example of the theological knowledge displayed by the family combination. Question: “What other persons are there in holy orders beside the bishop ?” Answer: “Archbishops, gravediggers, deans, sextons, rectors, and undertakers.” Question: “At what age do persons arrive at the years of discretion. ” Answer: “Various; sometimes never; especially Church of England parsons.” When the document with the answers was given in to the minister of the parish, he was, to say the least of it, considerably astonished at the amount of information contained in it. It is superflous to add, that the young lady has not yet been con firmed.

Perseverance can sometimes equal genius in its results. “ There are only two creatures,” says the Eastern proverbs, “ that can surmount the pyramids—the eagle and the snail.”

Tuesday, Atril 6, 1880.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



ITsw Advertisements. McSMERRY .DRILLS. A SHIPMENT of these celebrated A Drills is expected shortly to arrive. They will range in widtn from 6 feet 6 inches (12 Hoppers) to 10 feet (17 Hoppers). Orlers taken by the undersigned, FREDK. PAYITT, Ashburton, For the SOLE AGENT, JOHN ANDERSON, '14.6g-240c Canterbury Foundry. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & C 0.,. MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he_ is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s. CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a



NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. TIMARU RACES, Bth and 9th April. ORDINARY Single Fare Tickets issued at all stations between Dunedin and Christchurch to Timaru on 7th, Bth, and 9th April, will be available for return up to 10th April. WM. CONYERS, Commissioner of Railways. Commissioner of Railway’s Office, Dunedin, 31st March, 1880. 280 c Y. R. ASHBURTON DISTRICT AND RESI DENT MAGISTRATE’S COURTS. THE office of the above Courts will be CLOSED from Monday, April sth, to Thursday, April 9th, during the absence of the officers attending at the sittings of the Supreme Court. By order. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, 281 c Clerk to Courts. DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. "VTOTICE is hereby given that the Partnership hitherto carried on by the undersigned, as contractors and far mers, Geraldine and Ashburton, has this way been dissolved by mutual consent, and all'moneys owing by the Firm will be paid by Charles ,Pye, Geraldine, and all due must be paid to the same. , N ( CHARLES PYE. (Signed) j JOHN PYE. Witness to the signatures of Charles and John Pye, H. J. WEEKS, Ashburton. Ashburton, March 29th, 1880. WANTED. TENDERS for CROSS PLOUGHING 200 Acres, Gins, deep, 9ins. wide. To be completed in five weeks from acceptance of Tender. Tenders to be sent in before 9th April. FRANK B. PASSMORE, 262 c Sherwood. 25Gc TENDERS. WANTED— Tenders for THATCH ING 110 Stacks of Grain. Tenders iddressed to the undersigned, from whom ill particulars can be obtained, to be sent n. not later that 4 p.m. on THURSDAY, 3th April. DONALD M‘LEAN, >7sc-693c • Lagmohr. ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. 'tnENDERS are invited for the ccn- JL struction of CHANNELS from the dill-race at Mr. Williamson Homestead o the Domain ; also, for an OUTFALL OR AIN on the South-east Town Belt ; ,hd for Other EARTHWORKS, FLUM NG, PIPE-LAYING, and CONCRETE VORKS in connection witßthe proposed Yater Supply. Plans and specifications may be seen at he Borough Council Offices, and tenders, .ccompariied by a Deposit of £5, to be leliveredpon or before Four o clock on SATURDAY" Afternoon, April 10, at the [’own Clerk’s Office. The lowest or any ender not.necessarily accepted. siftfeTwCr BOOKS & SON, 95g— 288c Borough Engineers. ALE.— The Herald publishes a por- X. r tion of a readable story ever Even ng. Read it



TIT ANTED KNOWN—That the cheap y! est ?,nd neatest CARDS may be had at 1 he “ GUARDIAN OFFICE.” "ANTED—A BOY accustomed to Farm work. Apply to T. Bullock. ; '% j; -i V 231 c lIT ANTED, those in search of ■; employ- VY : ment, to call and enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. ; ') TTTANTED, a strong BOY, accustomed VV to horses, and to be generally useful. Apply Herald Offibc. 6GGg-253u WANTED KNOWN, that Envelopes and Notepaper can be obtained, wholesale or retail, at unusually low rates at the “Herald” Office, East-street North. early. 'ASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. peril), at the Herald Office. Apply 59a A SHOP TO LET. Good Stand. Apply to Everett Bros. & Co., Havelock street. 257 c MONEY TO LEND.—Several sums of money ready for investment at current rates. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tailored street, Ashburton. 2G3c-GS4g N()TICE MEETING AT WATERTON. A will be held in the Library, A Waterton, on FRIDAY, April 9th, to take steps for the promotion of a fund to assist the widow of the late James Cairns. 286 c W. MUNROE. WANTED, TENDERS for PLOUGH ING 400 acres of stubble land on the Hinds, contract to be complete by July 31. To be ploughed 6 inches deep and 10 inches wide. The contractor to have the use of a sevenstalied stable and house. Tenders to be sent in nut later than Saturday, I.7th April, at noon, to H. MOFFAT, 285 c Wakanui Mill. LECTURE ON TOTAL ABSTINENCE. If, ON , Wednesday, night, April 7th, a LECTURE will be given by the Rev. W. Keall, on “ Total Abstinence,” in the Templar Hall, commencing at 8 o’clock. Admission Free. All are Cordially Invited. 287 c