MATE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, oil Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 am. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Itakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 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 and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p. m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

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.

The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on May 6th, and will be due in London on June 26th.

SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1880.

Postal. —The alterations in the running of the railway trains has necessitated a re-arrangement of the postal time-table. The corrected mail notices appear under the usual heading.

The Borough Waterworks. —The con tractor has made a fair start in the Borough Waterworks contract, and, with favorable weather, we hope to see the water supply an accomplished fact within three weeks. The Winchmore Drainage Works.— Mr. William Baxter, County Engineer, escorted by a large number of contractors, to-day went over the ground proposed to be dealt with by the drainage works between Winchmore and Methven. The work was pointed out to the contractors by Mr. Baxter, and there will probably be considerable competition for the contract.

Post Oeeice at Cambridge. —A re quisition is in course of signature in the Newlands district for the establishment at Cambridge of a branch post office. At present residents in that district have to call at the Ashburton post office for their correspondence, and the institution of a branch at Newlands would be attended with very little expense to the department. Compensation. —At the Railway Com pensation Court in Christchurch yesterday the New Zealand and Australian Land Company claimed LB7O from the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway Company for damage to their land. An arrange ment was made, however, by which the Railway Company make certain alterations within six months, or pay L 525 10s. to the Company.

The Mount Somers Cricket Match.— A pigeon despatched from the cricket field at Mount Somers, to-day at 2.10, brought a message to us from Mr. Mainwaring, stating that the Mount Somers team were all out for 25, 4 wickets of the Ashburton side were down for 33, and the players were at lunch. The second bird had not arrived when we went to press.

Cricket. —The last match of the Christ church cricket season was played yester day, and was marked, as indeed the whole season has been, by a fine display of batting. The match was arranged be tween a number of English gentlemen on a visit (aided by some lawyers) and a Christchurch eleven. The former went in first, aud made 220, of which Mr. E. W. Wallington, late of the Oxford Eleven, made no less than 141. The only other scores were Mr. W. P. Reeves, 40, and T. B. Harbottle, 17- The local team had only time to get 33 runs for the loss of a wicket. A similar score of 141 was made by Mr. A. M. Ollivier early in the season, which, with Ashby’s 112, makes the third century on the same ground this season.

Two Horses Killed. —On the return of the special train that took the San Francisco mail south last night, and when just past Temuka this morning, two horses were run over and killed. The animals were dreadfully mutilated and parts of the carcases were scattered all over the engine. The break gear was broken and the accident delayed the train half-an-hour.

Degree Temple —A meeting of the De gree Temple was held at the Templar Hall, last evening. There wag a good at tendance of members. The Temple was opened by the Degree Templar, Bro. Poyntz, in the third degree. The Degree of Charity was conferred on two sisters, after which the Temple closed and opened in the second degree—when two brothers and one sister received, the Degree of Fidelity. Five new members were ad mitted to the Temple, and after transact ing a large amount of business, the Temple was closed in due form. Attempted Suicide at Methven. —A man named Parsons, who has been work ing at Mount Somers for some little time, was brought to Rakaia by the train from Methven on Wednesday evening, suffering from delirium tremens, having been drinking two or three weeks. The poor fellow attempted to cut his throat yesterday, but fortunately without doing much injury to himself. He was locked rap by the constable at Rakaia, and taken on to Ashburton, where he was to-day remanded for seven days to Lyttelton for medical treatment. Accepting Tenders. —Great dissatisfac is expressed in Christchurch with the Drainage Board, who recently accepted a tender of over L 30,000, when there was one L 1,600 lower against which no valid objection has yet been urged. They have also given a contract of LB,OOO for drain pipes to an importer, when a local maker tendered only 11 per cent, higher, and this was in the face of an expressed inten tion on the part of the Boai'd to allow about that margin to local manufacturers. A requisition is being signed for a public meeting to call upon the Board to explain its action. The Masonic Hall Dedication.— Extensive preparations are being made for the masonic demonstration on Friday, and for the ball which is to follow in the even ing. Visitors from many lodges are ex pected to be present to assist the Grand Master in the dedication, the ceremonies at' which will be of the most imposing character. So that full advantage may be taken of the floor room at the ball, a large canvas addendum is in course of construction in front of the building, for refreshment purposes, and the Committee have been unsparing in their efforts at de coration, so that altogether a very success ful meeting will in all probability be held.

Ashburton Building Society. —A meeting of the Ashburton Permanent Building and Investment Society was held yesterday, Dr. Trevor in the chair. The attendance was very small. The re port and balance-sheet, which were con sidered very satisfactory, were adopted, on the motion of Dr. Trevor, seconded by Mr. Gundry. Messrs. W. St. G. Douglas and John Carter were eleeted directors in the place of Messrs. Jameson and Doherty. The chairman, in reviewing the business of the Society, since its formation, re -j- vomg-werysatisfactory. He also wished to acknowledge the very liberal manner in which the Bank of New Zealand had acted towards the Society all through the depressed times, which en abled them to carry on the business in a most profitable manner. The average profits have been 15 per cent, per annum on investors shares.

General Synod.— The General Synod of the Church of England in the province of New Zealand was opened yesterday in the Library of Christ’s College. After an excellent opening address by the Primate and some routine business, notices of motion were given, amongst them—by Archdeacon Edwards—“ That in the opinion of this Synod steps should be taken towards the amalgamation of all Church of England theological colleges in New Zealand, and the formation of one central college, which might weli be called ‘ The Selwyn College. ” By the Dean of Christch irch—“That a Select Committee be appointed to consider, (a) What measures, if any, can be adopted by the Synod, or suggested to their Lordships the Bishops, for making the Diaconate more serviceable to the Church ; (b) By what methods, and under what ’regula tions, the ministrations of laymen may be most beneficially employed, both in Divine Service and in Pastoral work.”

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

LIBRARY.

To the Editor. Sir, —As one interested in the Public Library, I should like to be informed how it is managed. I was told some time ago by the secretary that the annual meeting of members would be held in March. That month has gone and yet no meeting has been called ; in fact, it has been stated that this is the second year no annual meeting has been held. Perhaps no com mittee meetings have been held. Is there any Committee in existence ? I question it if no annual meeting was held last year, as the Committee are only appointed for one year. Nevertheless it is true some steps were taken to make the library what it should he, more especially in view of the long winter months coming on. At present the whole concern seems (to say the least of it) very higgledy-piggledy. I notice that the Board of Education have advertised for applications from libraries desirous of sharing in the grant of LBOO voted—another reason for exertion on our part. Would the Secretary kindly call a meeting of members to consider the matter, otherwise those interested will find it necessary to try some other means of resuscitating our now almost defunct Public Library.—l am, &c., Lover oe Literature.

Awful Swindlers.—A market man was mercilessly swindled in the town of B . His misfortune gave him a very unfavourable opinion of the residents, and he expressed his opinion of them by say ing that if the angel Gabriel stopped at B -there would be no resurrection. “ Why 1 ” asked a listener. “ Because the people would swindle him out of his horn before he had time to blow a single oot. ”

DISTRICT COURT.

ASHBURTON — Thursday, April 15,

[Before His Honor Judge Ward.] E. Sarnighausen v. W. H. Zouch. Claim L6O. Mr. O’Reilly, for plaintiff; Mr. Branson, for defendant. This was a claim for the value of a horse and cart seized by the defendant out of the bank rupt estate of Sando and Bowling. Mr. O’Reilly said that the objection had been raised by the defendant that no tice had not been given in accordance with the Act to the defendant who is trus tee in the estate of Sando and Co. Coun sel argued that the notice was not re quired, on the ground that the defendant was not sued as trustee in the estate, but merely as a case of trespass, and the trus tee had not obtained an order under Section 57. Ultimately Mr. O’Reilly ac cepted a nonsuit. On the question of costs being discussed, counsel’s costs only were granted. Re James Stephens, a bankrupt. Mr. O’Reilly made application for payment of costs in this case, which was granted. This concluded the business, and the Court adjourned.

Rules for Bee-keeping.

The following are the rules referred to in our yesterday’s report of Dr. Irvine’s lecture for the keeping of bar-framed hives :

1. That it should give the apiarian such perpect control of all the combs that they may be easily taken out without cutting anything or enraging the bees. 2. It should permit all necessary opera tions to be performed without hurting or killing a single bee.

3. It should afford suitable protection against extremes of heat and cold and sud den changes of temperature, and the in jurious effects of dampness. 4. It should permit every desirable operation to be performed without exciting the anger of the bees. 5. Not one unnecessary motion should be required of a single bee ; that is, there should be the straightest possible road to every part of every comb. 6. It should afford the greatest facilities for inspecting at all times the condition of the bees.

7. It should be capable of being readily adjusted to the wants of either large or small colonies. 8. It should allow the comb to be re moved without jarring the bees or the combs either.

9. It should allow every good piece of comb to be given back to the bees instead of melting it into wax. 10. It should offer every inducement to the bees to build regular combs. 11. It should be capable of being fur nished -with empty comb or comb founda tion, so as to induce the bees to occupy the hive, or a super or extra hive so-called, or the outer combs more readily. 12. It should prevent the over-produc tion of drones, by permitting the removal of drone comb from the hive, or its trans position to the outside range of combs. 13. It should enable the apiarian to trap and destroy the drones if he thinks desir able, before they consume the honey in the hive. 14. It should enable him to remove such v-uinDs as are too old to'be used for breed ing purposes. 15. It should afford all possible security against the wax or bee moth ; but should the eggs, when hatched into worms, get the upper hand, the combs being easily movable can be taken out and destroyed. 16. The greatest possible accuracy in fitting of all the parts of the hive, especi ally those exposed to the outer air, so that there be no crevices into which the wax moth can thrust her egg or earwig gain a shelter. 17. The bottom board shonld slant to wards the entrance to facilitate the carry ing out of dead bees and other useless sub stances. It also gives a slight advantage to the besieged in case they are attacked by robbers ; it carries off moisture towards the entrance, and prevents rain beating in. 18. The bottom board should admit of being easily cleared, in cold whether, when bees are apt to die in larger num bers, so as not to get mouldy in the hive. 19. No part of the interior of the hive should be below the level of the entrance, or place of exit. 20. It should afford facilities for feeding the bees whenever desired. 21. It should afford the easy hiving of a swarm, "without injuring the bees or risking the destruction of the queen. 22. It shouldpermit the safe transporta tion of bees to any distance, but that would depend in part on the age of the combs. 23. It should afford ventilation and as abundant supply of air without any draft, when from robbing or other reason it is desirable to shut the entrance. 24. It should enable the entrance to be enlarged or contracted, or closed when desired by the bee master, and when altered the bees should not have to search for it. 25. It should afford facilities for ad mitting a large supply not only of air but sunlight, so as to induce the bees to fly out to empty the lower bowel, thereby preventing dysentery and disease, and the ultimate loss of the colony. 26. It should enable the apiarian to re move any excess of bee-bread from old stocks.

27. It should afford Hie greatest facili ties for the removal of all the contents of the hive to another hive.

28. It should permit the safe and easy dislodgement of the bees from the combs— an easy thing from straight combs. 29. It should afford easy access to a super or side box, if such are used. 30. It should permit the honey to be taken away in the most convenient and most saleable form, without risk of an noying the bees or being annoyed by them.

31. It should permit of the relative size of the body of the hive and the super or supers being altered, according as increase of work or honey is desired. 32. It should be so constructed that the relative distance of the combs is always maintained, viz., H inches less l-32nd. 33. It should be weather proof, but capable if admitting the sun in fine days in spring.

34. The interior should be constructed, if desirable, so as to prevent the exit of the queen, and so should the passage or pasaages to the super. 35 Swarming can be forced or pre vented, either by dividing the hive, taking away the queen, or cutting out the queen’s cells.

36. It should enable the apiarian to multiply his colonies, with a certainty and rapidity, which are impossible if he depends on natural swarming. 37. It should enable the apiarian to supply destitute colonies with the means of obtaining a new queen as soon as pos sible, and so save much valuable time. 38. It should enable him to catch the queen, and replace her if required or de sired. 39. It should be made of well seasoned wood, which when well painted will not shrink or swell, as I find to my cost most New Zealand wood does. 40. It should be complete in itself, not requiring sheds and other expensive and mistaken appliances. 51. It should not be liable to be blown down by winds. 42. The alighting board should be so protected, that neither snow nor rain can reach it, and it should be shaded from winds. 43. Of course it should be impossible for mice to enter. 44. The hive should be neat, cheap, simple, compact ; no wasted space; capable of adornment, if desired, but equafly effi cient, whether plain or ornamental ; it should be capable of being locked up. The interior should be left rough from the saw, as affording a better foothold for the bees.

Oatmeal.

In a recent issue we published a cable gram from Melbourne, via Reuter’s Agency, which announced the removal by the Victorian authorities of the import duty on oats introduced into Victoria for the purpose of being converted into oat meal. The cablegram gives no hint of the duty on oats imported for other uses being removed, and from this we are in clined to the belief that the millers have taken a new departure, and mean to direct their enterprise to grinding for ex port. If it be to encourage some such object as this that the duty has been re moved, so that advantage might be taken of the large crop of oats which has been gathered in this colony, and at the same time continue protection to the Victorian farmers, then it is time that something were done in New Zealand in a similar direction. If oatmeal can be made in Victoria from New Zealand oats, and ex ported to the English or any other market, then surely it stands to reason that the oats could be ground on the soil on which they are grown ; and if the enterprise can be made payable by Victorian millers, is there anything to prevent it being made to pay in this colony ? There is not. We are fully assured there is sufficient milling power in Canterbury to make oat meal of all the oats the province has grown this season, and if the game is worth the candle for Victoria, who has to import the raw material, it ought surely to be much more an object to New Zea land, who this year has such an overplus of oats on hand. A rumor has been in dustriously circulated during the last two or three days that the price of grain has suffered a severe fall, and that buyers re fuse to operate at a higher figure than 3s. 3d. for the best samples of wheat, and Is. 2d. for white Canadian oats, while only lid. is offered for long Tartars. If there is any truth in this rumor, and holders of grain will very soon be able to ascertain whether there is not, it ought to be an additional inducement for steps be ing taken to rescue the colony from the great loss it is bound to suffer on its oat crop this season. At Is. 2d. per bushel, oats must be a particularly heavy crop to pay, and only those who have been blessed with exceedingly heavy yields can hope to make at all out of oats, while the growers of “ long Tarters will be heavy losers. But the removal of the duty on oats for grinding in Victoria seems to us to be in dicative of a change in the Victorian policy which will be joyfully hailed by all politicians of true Liberal principles. Since the enforced re tirement of Mr. Berry a new regime may be expected, and it is perhaps not too much to hope that the partial sur render of the oat duty is only the thin edge of the wedge, and that sooner or later the Victorian Parliament will be converted to the doctrine of Free Trade. At present the Protective tariff she in dulges in militates sadly against her in interest. The opening of Victoria to New Zealand oats would have a most beneficial effect upon oat-growing here, as transactions are on record that have re sulted in a profit to the New Zealand ex porter, even with the heavy duty of Is. per cental that is still charged on oats not for milling.

The A. and P. Association.

The Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion’s meeting on Tuesday was a most satisfactory one, not only because of the large number of farmers that attended, giving token of more interest taken in the Association’s work, but also be cause of the nature and extent of the business done. We were glad to note this increased attendance, as while a Society of the character of the Agricultural and Pastoral exists in such a district as Ashburton, and is well nourished by those for whose special benefit it is formed, a clear in dication is given that the farmers under stand their own interests, and know in what direction they can best serve them. But when we find the Society’s meetings thin, and its members apathetic, we must come to the conclusion that either the charge of the Society is in bad hands or its rank and file are so doltish as not to know what is good for them. We know, and the farmers know, that the care of the Agricultural and Pas toral Association of Ashburton could not well be in the hands of a better or more enthusiastic team of officers, and the manner in which the subjects that were brought up were intelligently discussed was sufficient proof that the membership of the Society is not wanting in clear head edness. We must congratulate the Asso ciation on having at last settled the vexed question of which side of the river is in future to have the honor of affording the show ground, and we think with the majority (and that was a large one) that the best side has been chosen. Though perhaps the Tinwald show ground was the most suitable for the large number of stock ex hibitors that undeniably are south of the river, still there are many advantages to be urged for the Ashburton side. The chief of these is unquestionably the in creased attendance of the public and the

large addition of gate money that must inevitably accrue, for there can be no question that very many of the towns people, with their families, will visit a show held just outside the town belt, who do not care to face a journey across the river, and along the dusty road to Tinwald. The Society, too, having now fixed the site, have actedpromptly and in a business like manner in at once setting about the preparation of plans for show yards that may also be utilised for sale yards, and the proximity of these to the town, being on the reserve near Saunders’ mill, cannot fail to make them remunerative. But not the least important part of the business done was the passing of a resolution to institute more frequent meetings with the object of disseminating among the members practical information on agricultural matters, and also to form a library of standard works on agriculture. The resolution was the joint production of Mr. W. J. Silcock and Mr. F. Guinness, and to them the members are, we should say, indebted for initiating the movement. We may safely prophesy from this movement, if it is energetically carried on, huge benefit to the farming interest in the county. While the Society simply existed, and limited its work to arrange ments for an annual ploughing match and a cattle show, it did no more for the farmers than what on a smaller scale our Games Committee or Racing Club do every year for the townspeople —that is, supplied a little enter tainment, and gave an opportunity for an outing. Certainly we do not for a moment mean to place the results of a cattle show for one moment on a level with a race meeting or an athletic competition—but so far as the work of preparation is con cerned the one is just as arduous as the other, and when the Association stopped at its shows, it was not fulfilling all the mission it came into existence to accom plish. Now, however, we may look for some real benefit to flow from the meet ings suggested in Mr. Silcock's resolution, and we hope that no effort will :be spared on the part of the Committee to make these meetings eminently useful. Not many days ago we had enquiries from a gentleman in Christchurch, who takes an interest in this district, as to whether a Farmers’ Club existed here, as he would be willing to read an interesting paper before such a club. We were forced re luctantly to tell him that no such club met in Ashburton, but new it will be with much pleasure that we will communicate to him the fact that a Farmers’ Club has been instituted, who may perhaps accept his offer.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE (Reuter’s.) The London Market. London, April 14. New Zealand securities remain firm at last quotations. 5 percent new loan, 109; 4| per cent loan, 98L New Zealand wheat remains at 475. 3d. to 475. 6d. per 496 lbs, ex warehouse. Adelaide wheat and flour unchanged. Australian tallow—Best beef, worth 32s ; best mutton, 345. A v/ould be Regicide Executed. Madrid, April 14.

Francisco Otero, who was found guilty of attempting the life of King Alphonso on 30th December last was executed to day.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) Sugar. Melbourne, April 15. Sugar market firm.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

The Dunedin Murder.

Dunedin, April 15. Butler’s case is being taken in the presence of a crowded Court. The prisoner, who is undefended, exercised the full right of challenge, and the Crown chal lenged two jurors.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE {Reuter's 1 degrams.) London, April 12. In view of the approaching resignation of the Ministry, Lord Lytton, Viceroy of India, has been raised to an Earldom. The training ship Atalanta, with 300 cadets on board, is reported missing. She left Bermuda at the end of January, and was returning from a cruise. Great anxiety prevails regarding her safety. The Channel Squadron has been ordered to search for the missing vessel. Paris, April 12. It is announced that a vessel conveying French exhibits to the Melbourne Exhi bition will leave in May. London, April 13. Three per cent, consols, 98§. The homeward mails, via San Fran cisco, were delivered in London to-day. The “ Standard” publishes a paragraph stating that the present Ministry only delays its resignation in consequence of Her Majesty being on the Continent, but further states that its resignation will be tendered immediately the Queen returns.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams. ) Sydney, April 14.

The following additional awards have been made :—Messrs. Reid and Gray, Dunedin, broadcaster j Ferand, Clyde, syrups; Kempthorne, cherry brandy; Moffett, Invercargill, ginger brandy; Smith, Nelson, wine, —all first. Mr. A. It. Stevens, who was injured some time ago on board the Wakatipu. is now improving. Sailed—Wakatipu, s.s., for New Zea. land. Arrival of the City of Sydney. The City of Sydney has arrived from Auckland. Destructive Fire. A destructive fire occurred at Bathurst last night. The flames were only mastered after great exertions,

Rejection of Sir Alfred Stephen’s Bill. The Legislative Council has thrown out the Bill introduced by Sir Alfred Stephens to restrict its powers. Melbourne, April 14. New Zealand oats are slow of sale at 2s 3d. Sugar at auction has realised LI per ton higher. It is stated that Messrs Money Wigram and Co.’s steamship the Norfolk will, on her next trip from England, go direct to Lyttelton and Wellington. Victorian Politics- Melbourne, April 15. The Hon. James Service, Premier, addressed his constituents at Baringheep, in the electorate of Maldon, last night. In the course of his address, he said that his programme would be unchanged, and the question of the reform of the Consti tution would be just as it was introduced into Parliament, and he was confident his measure -would be carried through during the present session. Mr. Service inti mated that further re-instat6ments of the Black Wednesday victims would be made wherever the dismissal was proved to have been unjust. The South Australian Parliament. Adelaide, April 15. The South Australian Parliament will meet for despatch of business on the 21st May.

Meeting of Parliament Postponed. Brisbane, April 15. Mr. Mcllwraith, Premier, .who is now at Home, telegraphs he is unable to leave London until May. The meeting of Par liament is therefore postponed till July. Albany, Aptil 13. The P. and 0. Company’s steamship Hydaspes arrived in King George’s Sound to-day from Ceylon, with the inward Suez mail. Passenger for Dunedin : Mr. Scott. The Hydaspes brings the news that the P. and O. steamer Travancore had run ashore at Otranto, on the Italian coast, a few miles south of Brindisi. She was exyected to become a total loss.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Grahamstown, April 14. Mr. Oliver comes to the Thames, via Waikato. Mr. Sheehan accompanies him.

The Government have forwarded L3OOO to the county for the construction of a road through Tukukino’s land to the Upper Thames. An active canvas is to take place for put ting qualified persons on the roll. It is anticipated that over five thousand electors will be registered. Auckland, April 14. At the Supreme Court sessions the na tives charged with forcibly entering the premises of Wilkin’s Hotel, Ohinemutu, were fined LlO each.

Tinne, the local member of the Local Industries Commission, the Mayor, and the Working Men’s Political Association, are exerting themselves to obtain infor mation on the subject for the Commission. Wellington, April 14.

It is understood that the City Council are about to adopt a system of retrench ment in every possible way, which will consist of rigid economy in all expendi ture, including a pro rata reduction in all salaries and wages. Twenty single and five married men are to be engaged to send to Wanganui for the purpose of working on the Wanganui and Murimutu road.

At a meeting of Licensed Victuallers this afternoon, the question of forming a Licensed Victuallers’ Insurance Company was discussed. The matter was allowed to stand over. However, in the mean time, data will be collected and presented at a Conference which meets early in June. A deputation was appointed to wait on the Commissioner of Police, to request that active steps be taken in con nection with sly grog selling. A fire broke out at one o’clock this morning in a three-roomed cottage in Cuba street. The flames, when first ob served, had a good hold on the building, which was totally destroyed. The house was empty, the inmates having removed the previous day. How the fire originated is unknown. The cottage was owned by Mr. Henn.

The cottage burnt down this morning was insured for Ll5O in the South British. It is stated that the Colonial Insurance Company will declare a dividend of 10 per cent, at the annual meeting on Monday next. The report is also said to be satis factory. The proprietor of the Victoria Hotel was fined L 5 for Sunday trading. Balclutha, April 14.

At the Magistrate’s Court this morning, Isabella Hamilton was charged with the murder of her new born infant on the 6th March, in a water closet, at the Stirling Hotel. The post mortem examination showed that the child had breathed. When the accused left Mrs. Atkinson’s service on February 15th, she was preg nant, and made efforts to conceal it. She was remanded till Saturday, bail being allowed, herself in LIOO and two sureties of LSO each.

Dunedin. April 14. A painter named Totterill, living at Mornington, tried to cut his throat this morning. He is now out of danger.

Arrival. —The English ship Palala arrived yesterday at Lyttelton from the Downs, with 42 passengers, all well. She brings two thoroughbred brood mares for Mr. Stead.

Try and See. They had their usual evening quarrel as they sat by the hearth. On one side lay quietly a blinking dog, and on the other a purring cat, and the old woman pleaded with her growling husband: “ Yust you look at dot gat and tog, tey nefer guarrels und fights like us.” “Yoh,” said the old-growler, “ I knows dot, but yoh yust tie tern togeder once, und den you see wot.” “ A Spelling Bee.”— -The ingenuity exhibited in the different modes of spell ing quite a common name is curiously illustrated in the folowing incident. A lumber dealer in Minnesota, whose given name was Isaac, had quite an extensive correspondence. His book-keeper made a memorandum of every time his name was mispelled in letters directed to him, and the list reads as follows :—lsiac, lisac, Icaack, Iscac, Ysac, Isaag, Izic, Isiace, Icac, Isach, Isic, Isiaac, Isaacc, Icaas, Icks, laasic, Aisee, Isaac, laasac, Isaach, Iceic, Isaas, Isica, laac, lassac, Izk, I Sic, Issach, Isac, Isiclc, Issacc, Isaace, Iseke, Issick, Isaac, lisace, Isak, Isaack, Icaac, I Sick, Isich, Jsaac, Isace, Isoac, Isice, Isaic.

Thursday, April 15, 1880.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



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All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. . All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor. ,



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.



Butter, inferior to best f&o io to Eggs, dozen - - I 6 to Cheese, prime quality, slb o 7 to Bacon, prime smoked, slb o 0 to Hams in cloth, slb o o to Flour in bags, ioolb 14 6 to Oatmeal, li? 251 b ■ 5 6 to Lard, &lb - - - o 9 to . d. 1 o o o o 10 o o o o o o o o O O



New Advertisements. —mill, a strong BOY, accustomed W to horses, and to he generally useful. Apply Herald Office. G66g-253c WANTED to buy—Turkeys, Geese, Ducks, and Fowls in any quantity. —Quill’s Hotel. 308 c •t-tt'ASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per ib. YY at the Herald Oeeice. Apply early. 59a MONEY TO LEND. —Several sums of money ready for investment at current rates. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tancred street, Ashburton. 263c-684g WANTED, those in search of employ ment, to call and enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Ib. TALE. —The Herald publishes a por tion of a readable story ever Even ing. Read it 1“ OST—This morning, between Ash- B J burton and Rakaia, a Gold LOCKET. Finder will be rewarded on leaving same at this office. 320 c J^OTICE —The “Ashburton Herald’, Is a Gazette for all notices under the Debtors and Creditors A rts TENDERS. TO BE LET BY TENDER, the FEED ING off 50 ACRES of SPLENDID TURNIPS, situated on Mr. William Liddle’s farm, Hinds, the Turnips to be fed off by the Ist JULY next. H. MOFFAT, Wakanui Mills, 304c-724g Ashburton. NOTICE. ACCOUNTS. ALL Accounts due to me up to 31st of December, 1879, if not paid on or before 24th inst., will be SUED FOR without further notice. . JOHN FOWLER, 817 c Ashburton. A THISTLE LODGE, S.C. niHE Brethern of the Thistle Lodge are I requested to meet at their Lodge Room, Saunders’ Buildings on FRIDAY, 16th, at Ip.m. By order of the R. W. M., RICHD. R. FARMER, 318c-7340 Hon. Sec., pro tern. ST. JOHN’S MASONIC LODGE. THE MEMBERS of the St. John’s Lodge are requested to meet at the Somerset Lodge Room, Burnett-street, m FRIDAY, the 16th inst., at 1.30 p.m., ;o take part in the dedication of the new Masonic Hall. By order, _ J. STANLEY BRUCE, 321 c Hon. Sec.



McSHERRY DRILLS. A SHIPMENT of these celebrated Drills is expected shortly to arrive. They will range in width from 6 feet 6 inches (12 Hoppers) to 10 feet (17 Hoppers). Orders taken by the undersigned, FREDK. PAVITT, Ashburton, For the SOLE AGENT, JOHN ANDERSON, 46g-240c Canterbury Foundry.



PATRONISED BY ALL CLASSES. THE GREATEST DISCOVERY OF THE AGE. ninee’s TRADE 0 MARK. PURE EXTRACT of KEROSINE WILL NOT IGNITE IF LAMP IS UPSET. Burns in any Kerosine Lamp ; gives a brighter light, lasts longer, is free from smell and free from danger. Sold by all respectable grocers and storekeepers throughout the colony. The next time you want Oil for your Lamp try a tin of “ Niner's Extract.” ‘ Sold in pints, quarts, half-gallon and one-gallon tins. Wholesale and Retail Agents for the Ashburton District— ORE. AND CO., Ashburton and Rakaia. 31Gc-735g



UNDER DISTRAINT FOR RENT. JJESSRS. J. E. BUCHANAN & CO. have received instructions to SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, ON FRIDAY, APRIL 16, On the farm occupied by Mr. Spring, North Ashburton, SEVERAL STACKS OF WHEAT, and OATS, About 1500 Bashel^ AELBT -1500 Without Sale at 12 o’clock noon. The farm mentioned above is situated about lg miles beyond Mr. Digby’s. J. E. BUCHANAN & CO., 319 c Auctioneers.