The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1880. Tussocks.

The' Borough Council have at last seen fit to adopt a suggestion.we made some time ago, and that had been made often before-—namely, to enforce the by-law regarding the clearing off of tussock from unoccupied sections.. Before they do so, however,- they have resolved.to set a good, example to pro prietors tussocky sections, and are to call for tenders for stripping their own unoccupied reserves of their “ yellow agony.” Mr. St. Hill is a spit of steam tug to the Council’; he is always drag ging them along with him in some new direction of reform, and it is to him that we owe the initiation in ihe Council of the anti-tussock movement. We shall be glad to see the tussock curse re pealed, and feel grateful to Mr. St. Hill for thus setting about it. But, while we entertain gratitude to him for his step and to the Council for follow ing him, and while we heave a sigh of relief tlat a few more days and all danger will be removed of conflagra tions arising from spontaneous com bustion or other untraceable cause amongst the winnowed tussocks, we regret, at the same time, that the wisdom of the Borough Council cannot devise some scheme by which the word “ unoccupied” may be changed to its opposite, and dwelling-houses and dwellers therein take the place of the grass that is to be swept away. One pleasant reflection in the matter, how ever, is that the removal of the tussock will supply a few days’ work at least for some of the laborers about town whose time is anything but fully employed.

Spring Goods. —Messrs. Everett Bros, and Co. ’s new advertisement will appear to-morrow.

An Offensive Cemetery. —So offensive have the odours become that arise from the Wellington cemetery and the drainage from it that flows into a neighboring, creek, that steps are being taken by the City Council to have the burying ground closed in the interests of public health. A Soup Kitchen Incident. —A rather amusing incident occured at the Christ church Soup Kitchen one day last week. An eccentric individual applied for a bowl of soup, ate it, and on departing, laid a half sovereign on the counter. The Bene volent Association are anxious to relieve a few more cases of this sort. Another Victim.— A body found at Broken River, West Coast road, proves to be that of William Henry Izon, formerly stablekeeper at Christchurch. He re cently received a remittance of some thousands from Home, and was on his way to Okarito Goldfield. He -was in the habit of drinking heavily.

Telegraphic Communication. The lines north of Christchurch have not yet been repaired, and telegraphic communi cation with Wellington is still interrupted. The work of repairing the lines, it is hoped, will be finished to-night, so that probably the papers ■will give the arrears of news to-morrow morning.

The Mails. —Mails for the United Kingdom, &c., via Brindisi (for specially addressed . correspondence only) will close on Wednesday, at 10.15 a.m., for despatch per express train, to connect with the Ro’-orua at the Bluff. Money orders should be taken out the previous day. The Brindisi late of postage for the United Kingdom is 8d per half ounce.

Accident at Methven. —An accident of a painful character occurred at Meth ven yesterday to a boy named George Whinon. He was working in a black smith’s shop, when a horse was being shod. Suddenly the horse kicked out and struck the boy in the face; fortu nately the full force of the kick did not reach him, or he must have been killed. He was brought to Chsistchurch, and taken to the Hospital, where he received prompt attention. The Water Supply.— To-day, from some unexplained cause the water that stood a foot deep yesterday in the Domain vanished like the early cloud and the morning dew, and a searcher has to travel a good way up the gully before he meets the stream, or rather the standing water, for the stream appears to have ceased flowing, and the supply to have been cut off somewhere at the head of the works. The recent freshet, which sent down the water with a rush scoured out the ground deeply just above the cricket ground. The scour has laid bare the skeleton of some old cow that at some time or other in the existence of prehistoric Ashburton had incontinently cheated the butcher, and taken her beef underground with its mission unfulfilled. We do not know who was her sexton, but he must have been a bold man to bury a dead car case in the Domain of which Dr. Trevor is the moving genius, and, if we mistake not, health officer of the township at the same time.

A Whirlwind. —At Westport on Friday last, a whirlwind, travelling E. N. E., passed over the town, unroofing several houses, and tearing trees up by the roots. ► Entertainment. —Last night the pano ■rama of New Zealand, which for some time past has been advertised ill. .- our. columns, was exhibited at the Town Hall to a rather thin audience. The various views were described by Mr. Bevan, and the’proceedings were enlivened by. : .the rendering of several duets and trios,.the? •parts taken by Mr. Bevan and two qf his .children, a son and a daughter. The views’ were good, the light:, giving them great brilliancy, and as a-wind, up some comic, sketches were introduced, The panorama will- : he repeated at Rakaia to-night.

Train Alterations. —On .the- Ist of September a . new time-table will come into -force on idle railway. 'Tile alterations are as follow :—Christchurch to Ashbur ton —Present times, 8. 20 a.m. (express), 2>lo p.m., and 5 p.m.; altered to 8.0 a.m. (express), 3.5 p.m.. and 4.20 p.m. Ash ■Durton to Christchurch—Present'; times,, 6.45 a.m., 9.30 aim., and 5.37 p.m. (ex press) ; altered to 6.0 a. m., 10.30 a. m., and 5.48 p.m. (express). Ashburton to Timaru—Present times, 10.48 a.m. (ex press), and 5.25 p.m.; altered to 10.36 a.m. (express) and 4.50 p.m. Timaru to Ashburton—Present times, 6.45 a.m., 3.15 p.m. (express), - and: 4.55 .p.m.; altered to 7.0;a.m., 3.20 p.m. (express), and 4.35 p.m." v ■ :1 ' 1 ‘ - ” -

; The Kaiapoi Woollen Factory.— Yesterday Mr. Wood, the manager of the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory, visited Ashbur ton on his journey south, with a view to laying the proposal to form a limited liability company to work the factory moreuextensively and more profitably, before the merchants and business' men of the town. The. proposed capital ,of : the company is LIOO,OOO in 4000 shares of L 25 each. 825 of these shares, fully paid up, go to; the, present shareholders, in exchange" -Tor. the shares now held in the concern by them, and of the remainder only 1,600 are proposed to be placed in the market at present. Nearly one-half of the latter have aleady been applied Rr in and around Christchurch, and we learn that Mr. Wood’s visit to Ashburton has not been an unsuccessful one. . The, pro moters of the company do not desire to see the shares taken in large numbers in single lines by individuals, but would prefer to see a numerous proprietory of small holders, thereby spreading a personal interest in this native industry amongst the colonists. Intending share holders and others aro referred to an advertisement elsewhere.

Government Land Sale.— To-dav the land known as the old railway reserves was put up to auction in the Town Hall, by John Mar.slim an, Esq., Commissioner of Crown Lands. There was a very good attendance, and. for 3uch lots as were disposed of there was a fair competition. The following was the business done : Land for immediate payment : —Reserve 350—between the river Hinds and a road about three miles south-west of Tinwald— Lot 66 ; area 42a. 2r. 32p.; upset price L 170; sold at L 199 ; to John McLean. Lot 69 ; area 81a. lr. 33p.; upset price L 330 ; sold at L36oq to John McLean. Reserve 350—between the rivers Hinds and Rangitata—lot 73 ; area 53a. Or. 16p.; upset price L 222;1 2; sold at L 212 ; to Wilkin and Carter. Lot-74 ; area 59a. 3r. Op.; upset price L 239 ; sold at L 239 ; to Wilkin and Carter. Reserves 1371 and 1650—0 n the north brink of the Rangi tata, adjoining the South road —lot 25 ; area 103 a. 3r. Op.; upset price L 207 10s.; sold at L 207 10s.; to John Studholme. Reserve 349—between the rivers Rangi tata and the Orari—lot 36 ; area 12a. Or. 23p.; upset price L 25 ; sold at L 25 ; to Smith and Denniston. Reserve 350 — opposite Recreation Ground, Tinwald— lot 4 ; area 20a. Or. Op.; upset price L 100; sold at LIOO ; to Joseph Scowen. Rural Section 34473—near Longbeach; esti mated at 15 acres ; upset price, L 5 an acre, at which price it was bought by Mr. John Grigg. Lands within the same Re serves, to be sold on deferred payments, in lots of similar area. Purchase money payable by instalments extending over ten years, without interest: —Reserve 350 between Hinds and Tinwald—lot 53 ; area 100 a. Or. Op.; upset price L4OO ; sold at L 44 0; to Thomas Hickman. Lot 67 ; area 02a. 3r. 36p.; upset price L 265 ; sold at L4lO ; to George Helms. Lot 68; area 48a. 2r. Gp.; upset price L 242 ; sold at L 490 ; to George McLean. Reserve 350—10 t 6;■ area 48a. 3r. 28p.; upset price L 365 14s. Sd.; sold at L 365 14s. Bd.; to Henry Poole. Applications maj now be received for the unsold sections.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Tuesday, August 24.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.)

Alexander Craighead, charged with allowing his chimney to. catch fire, stated, that the chimney had been cleaned a short time previously, but the top part which had not been cleaned had got alight. Fined ss.

Michael Kines was charged with as saulting two females on the night of Saturday last. Thomas Price said he was a carrier, and stated that he was in company with two young ladies in East street on Saturday night, and the accused came up and after catching hold of wetness, took hold of the females and used abusive language. One of the young ladies also stated that accused had followed her and annoyed her near the post-office. Isabella Hughes said she was walking in front of the post-office on Saturday night, when accused called after her, and followed her a few steps. Went up to Mr. Hodder’s and whils in company with Mr. Price and her sister, accused came up and endeavored to catch hold of her. The accused caught hold of Price, and witness and her sister left. There was a little wrestling between the prisoner and Price. Charlotte Hughes gave corroborative evidence. Constable Neill said he arrested the prisoner on Saturday night, and charged him with assaulting a female. He was quite capable of taking care of himself, although he was a little the worse for, liquor. His Worship sentenced the prisoner to two months’ imprisonment with hard labor. The charges of resisting the police and using obscene language were then heard. Constable Neill said that on arresting accused he walked a short distance, and on arriving at the Town Hall, prisoner caught hold of the verandah posts and swore he would not go a step further.

Witness handcuffed the prisoner, and after getting assistance, put the man into a cab and took him to the station. •%, Robt. (W. Shearman remembered seeing last to take accused to the lock-up .last Saturday night, and heard the lattervuse/very: abusive and obscene, language. ‘ ' : William Bartlett said—On Saturday: night: last, ’at -the request of Constable Neill, he took his cab, and saw the accused resisting: the constable and heard the ■ accused /use,very obscene language. ■ 4 ’ His Worship fined the prisoner L2 or forty-eight hours’ imprisonment, and also to pay the cost of the cab which conveyed him to the station. CIVIL CASES. •Branson’and Purnell, v. Anstee. —Claim LI 7s. Bd. Judgment by default for -amount and costs. . Hodder v. Maophersqn. —Claim L 3, for goods supplied. Judgment by default for amount and costs. Hasset v. Burns.—Adjourned,- on ap plication of. Mr. O’Reilly for* defendant, until Friday next.

Ashburton Borough Council.

At the usual fortnightly meeting of the above body, held last evening, there were present his Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Messrs. Roberts, Orr, Parkin, and St. Hill: ?f, : Tv T r\; O. : ’ mayor’s STATEMENT. His Worship the Mayor, in summarising the business of the evening, observed that the credit balance at the- bank was L 207 ss. 2d. ; rates collected since last meeting, Lll 55.; rents, L 5 10s.; licenses, L 3 55.; dog tax, LI 10s. The total collected from taxes wus L 126. It would be noted -that the credit balance at the bank was rapidly decreasing, and if they had to refund the Wakanui Road Board subsidy, it would leave the Council in debt. It behoved them, 'therefore, to be very, careful in commencing any fresh work; unless it was absolutely necessary. The Finance Com mittee hack not met, and Therefore Mr. Parkin’s motion would not be able to be discussed that evening. . With reference to a communication from the Crown Lands Office, his Worship said that two of the reserves granted by Government had been sold two years ago. In answer to Mr. St. Hill, the Mayor said that Mr. R. Friedlander and himself were the only members of the Finance Committee who had met. v RESERVES. A letter from the Under-Secretary for Crown lauds informed the. Council that Government declined to give reserve No. 774 for Borough purposes ; that on the sth May last Crown Grants for certain reserves had been issued, and in addition to the latter, sections 762, 764,. 765, 766, 767, 771, 772, 773, 775, and ?76 would be vested in the Borough for municipal purposes. Resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the Slayer to corres pond with the Crown Lands Office.

*Mr. Chas. Hay asked for an extension of time to remove his wliare off a Borough reserve, and asked that he be allowed to rent a section from the Council. To be acknowledged. Mr. James Bradley made application for section 610. : Applicant .was referred to the auctioneers advertisement. THE DEED OF EASEMENT. A letter from -Messrs. Garrick and Cowlishaw to Mr. E. G. Crisp was read, stating that the grant for the water supply had, been duly, executed, and would be handed over 011 the enclosed account (LlO odds) being settled. To be deferred for a fortnight. MORE LIGHT WANTED. From Messrs. Mutch and McKenzie, suggesting that a lamp-post be erected at the corner of East and South streets. To be acknowledged. MORS RED TAPE. A letter gfrom the Traffic Manager’s office, New Zealand railways, stated that the Council’s letter re the Railway Re serve, East street, had been referred to the Assistant Engineer. To be acknow ledged. MATSON, COX, & CO. *S SIDING. Messrs. Matson, Cox, & Co., forwarded further particulars re their application for a siding to their new store. Application granted, subject to the Engineer’s super vision. THE FINANCIAL POSITION. The Mayor said that the Finance Com mittee had not met, but he had prepared a rough statement. He thought that Mr. Parkin’s motion put too much work on the Finance Committee, especially with reference as to where reductions could be made in the expenditure. This portion, his Worship thought, should have de volved on the Works Committee. Mr. Friedlander suggested that it was possible money might be advanced by the Banks on the probable sale of the j-ipes. Mr. Friedlander, also, on behalf of the Finance Committee obtained leave to delay bringing their report until next meeting. THE ENGINEERS’ REPORT Referred to the channelling being nearly completed, to the water in the Domain having reached the reservoir, to the work at which the labor gang had been en gaged, and to Messrs. Matson, Cox & Co. ’s application for a siding. The report concluded by referring to the very little progress which was being made with the Burnett street west contract. BURNETT STREET WEST. Mr. St. Hill moved that the Clerk be instructed to give three days notice to the contractor for this work for its immediate completion ; and if on the fourth day the contractor had not started with it, the En gineer put on men to do the work, at the contractor’s cost. Carried. DOMAIN ENTRANCE. Mr. St. Hill drew the Council’s atten tion to the extravagant and useless man ner in which the posts at the entrance to the Domain near the reservoir had been put in. The posts were so wide apart that cattle could easily pass in and out. It was resolved to refer the matter to the Engineers. SENSIBLE RESOLVE. Mr. St. Hill drew attention to the num ber of unoccupied sections covered with tussock, and spoke of the great danger to the township in case of fire, especially during such windy weather as had been experienced during last week. It was re solved to advertise a notice to the effect that persons who owned such sections would be required to clear them at once, or they would be proceeded against under the By-laws. Mr, St, Hill said that, while on the subject, he would suggest that tenders be called for clearing the Borough sections of tussocks. The speaker then moved a reso lution to that effect, which was carried.

Mr. Roberts remarked that the Coun cil could hardly have the front -to prose cute others while thoy themselves were guilty. i; ■■'.■' RETROSPECTIVE.:” In reply to Mr. St. Hilly his Worship said no application h ad been, made by the pre vious Mayor or oth:r officer of the Coun cil for the Borough reserves, .'and one of the reserves had.been, lost through this neglect. ' v Mri St. Hill and his Worship obtained leave to: hold oyer; notices of motion-in their names'until’next meeting. THE INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES Reported serving notices on persons in East street with reference to water flowing from their premises in the locality of Saunders’ Buildings ; also, asking for in formation as to the proceedings he should take about persons riding and driving across footpaths. It was resolved to instruct the Inspec tor to lay informations against any de linquents who might be guilty of riding or driving across-any footpath.,

LICENSE. . Edwin Bartlett applied for a driver’s license, which was granted.

ACCOUNTS Were passed for payment, and one of the shortest meetings of the Council tern i nated.

Mysterious Disappearance.

Our Rakaia correspondent writes : Search was made for the missing young man, Bontan, but without any result. It is quite possible that too much importance has been attached to this young man’s not re turning to his work at Mr. Morrow’s, as he evidently had a wish to leave there, for on the. clay that he went to Christ church he said he was ill, and not able to work. He shortly afterwards said he felt better, and expressed a wish to go to Christchurch, ancl on obtaining leave he started off to walk to Rakaia, some eleven or twelve miles, as though nothing were the matter with him. He was to return on the Monday following, but he did not make his appearance till a week after, thus showing no particular haste to get back. The probability appears to be that he has engaged himself to someone in another part of the district.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Another Baric.

Invercargill, Aug. 24.

At a meeting at Riverton re the non completion of the Orepuki Railway, the following resolution was passed :—“ This meeting regrets Government has not seen fit to place a sum on the Estimates for the completion of the Orepuki Railway, although the same was recommended by the Railway Commission and promised by Government. This meeting strongly urge the Government to place a sum on the Supplementary Estimates for the com pletion of the same. ” Ancl it was also re solved to -wire the resolution to the mem bers for the district. Captain Barry. The celebrated Captain Jackson Barry lectured here for the Hospital last night, realising a good sum. Getting into Shape. Captain Dunclas, Canterbury Cavalry Drill Instructor, is now here, hard at work drilling the Hussars into shape. The Bullet Found. In the case of Louis Schmolls, recently sentenced to two years for shooting at his wife, the strong point in his favor was that the bullet could not be found, the defence being that the pistol was not loaded. His wife has now found the bullet embedded in a featherbed. It was a Terry rifle bullet, and Schmolls’ son, who is in the Invercargill Cadets, is armed with a carbine of that description.

ALFORD FOREST.

(From ouv Own Correspondent.) LOSS OF THE MAIL COACH.

The mail coach starting from here for Methven about nine o’clock on Saturday morning met with a mishap in crossing the NoUh Ashburton River. In conse quence of the approaches to the new bridge being unfinished, the mail driver, Henry Cross, took the usual ford with a pair of horses, just above the new bridge. The stream was swollen alarmingly by the snow-water from the hills and the furious nor’-wester, and when nearing the centre horses and coach were swept swiftly towards the piles of the bridge, striking which, the pole fortunately snapped, setting the animals at liberty. The driver clung tenaciously to one of the piles, and was rescued by means of a rope thrown to him by the bridge workmen. The horses anded safely, and two or three of the coach wheels were saved, but the coach body, with its contents, including the mail bag, were swept quickly down stream in the direction of Ashburton. Altogether the loss to Mr. Tisch, of the Alford Forest Hotel, who contracts for the conveyance of the mail, cannot be less than L4O, and it is considered very fortunate indeed that the driver escaped with his life. This is a positive proof that the recent improve ments by way of bridge communication have not been finished one day too soon.

Holloway’s Pills. —Pure Blood. —As (lie vital fluid, when in a healthy state, sustain and renovates every part of the living system, so, when it becomes impoverished or impure it exerts a precisely contrary effect. It is abundantly manifest that any medicine which does not reach the circulation can never exter minate the disease ; but any preparation capa ble of exercising a salutary influence over the blood, must with it be carried to every living fibre of the frame. The lungs, heart, livei, kidneys, and skin, all receive benefits from its more wholesome condition. Holloway t s puri fying Pills operate directly, powerfully, and beneficially, upon the whole mass of blood, whether venous or arterial. They strengthen the stomach, excite the liver and kidneys expel disease, and prolong existence.— Advt Multitudes suffering under a complication o disorders might obtain relief through these healing and purifying remedies, which should be employed without a day’s delay. When the weather is variaule and colds and influenzas are prevalent, this Ointment, well rubbed upon the throat and chest, gives the greatest ease, and checks all tendency to inflamation in the lungs and other organs. The Pills assist the curative action of the Ointment, inasmuch as they purify the blood and so quicken its circu lation that congestion is rendered almost im possible. Holloway’s treatment deals most successfully, too, with that very troublesome and often tedious aliment, indigestion, which is the bane ol thousands from overwork and fast living in the present day.— Advt,

THE HENDERSON TRAGEDY.

Full Details of the Painful Affair.

History of the Suicide.*;

A Brave Girl Wasted on a Wicked and Worthless Man.

Henderson’s Account of Himself and Ms Wife.

The Inquest—An Undecided Jury and a Jocular Coroner.

( Compiled from, the Wellington Papers.)

Wellington exchanges to hand per the jWanaka, give a full account of the Henderson tragedy*, a telegraphic sum mary of which has already been given to our readers, containing the main facts, which were shortly that Matthew Henderson came to ; Wellington with a Christchurch -lady named Blyth, intending to elope with her to San Fran cisco, under the names of Mr. and Mrs. Terry, he himself being already a married man. He was apprehended in Wellington on the information of a telegam from Christchurch, charged with wife deser tion. The Magistrate did not recognise a telegram as sufficient warrant for the man’s apprehension, and dismissed Hen derson, who was im mediately re-arrested on charges of larceny as a bailee, and of After his arrest two six-chambered revolvers and a sum of L2OO in gold- were found' upon him. These were detained, and were not re turned to him on his'liberation. He was liberated on bail, the Hon. W. S. Moor house being liis surety; for : L3OO. At Orr’s City Buffet Henderson took rooms for himself and the girl, lout was requested to leave on being identified. They then 'went to the Empire Hotel, where they asked for lunch. Here it was observed Miss Blyth wore a wedding ring. They stayed there over Tuesday night, and breakfasted in the morning. Henderson took a bottle of lemonade into the sitting - roo'm with him shortly after breakfast. This. was on Wednesday, and on that day he should have sur rendered to his bail at tlie R. M. Court at half-past ten. Having failed to do this a warrant for his arrest was issued, and it was in execution of this warrant that the fact was ascertained by the constable that the two unhappy individuals had taken poison, and were on the point of death, from which, as our readers know, only Miss Blyth was rescued, the man dying of the poison. Tlxe story of -

THE FINDING OF THE TWO by the constable is thus told by the New Zealand Times Detective Browne at once proceeded to the Empire - Hotel, where he enquired for Henderson. In reply he was. directed to the rooms occu pied by him. He knocked at the door, and failing to obtain admittance, tried to open it, but found that it »vas locked. . A gurgling sound then attracted his; atten tion. A moment’s listening convinced him that things were not as they should be, and he therefore hastily sought the land lord. The two then found that another door leading to the apartments was not locked, and they unhesitatingly entered. The sight that met them realised the detective’s suspicion to the fullest extent, for on the bed they saw Henderson and Miss Blyth lying, dressed as if they were about to take a walk, but writhing in all the agony which strychnine poisoning is well known to inflict. The position was taken in at a glance. Detective Browne ran downstairs, jumped into the nearest cab, and drove up Willis street, in order to bring down Drs. Harding and Collins, while a servant was at the same time despatched for Dr. Diver. Upon their arrival, Dr. Diver attended to Miss Blyth, while Drs. Harding and Col lins undertook to treat Henderson, De tective Browne and one or two others giving whatever assistance was required. Both were made to swallow emetics, the stomach pump being also freely applied, but it soon became apparent that there was no hope of saving the man, who had apparently taken a large quantity of the poison. Dr. Diver succeeded in making his patient vomit very freely, and he soon had reason for entertaining hopes that she would recover. Once she was understood to say, “He forced me to take it.” At other times she called upon her mother to forgive her for her folly. At noon there was good reason to believe that she would recover.

DEATH OF HENDERSON. All hopes of saving the man were abandoned at that time, for, although a large quantity of liquid was extracted from his stomach, his system had absorbed sufficient to defy the skill of the medical men. Gradually the fearful spasms which attend strychnine poisoning became more frequent, at the same time growing in violence, and at 12.30 he breathed his last. Miss Blyth continued to improve, and by three o’clock Dr. Diver, who had remained with her till then, was able to pronounce her out of all ordinary danger. Shortly after that time she was able to take some broth; and a little later on to speak, though in a very weak voice. She asked where “ lie” was, and being told that he was in another room, she again expressed regret for her foolishness, and said she wanted to go back to her mother. It was also learnt from her that the poison was brought up from Christchurch. HOW THE POISON WAS TAKEN. The bottle of lemonade which Hender son took into the sitting room was evi dently used to dissolve the strychnine. He probably poured a quantity of the liquid into a tumbler, and then put in the poison, and having stirred it up divided the mixture into two parts, giving one to Miss Blyth, he himself taking the other. As strychnine does not dissolve very readily, and sinks to the bottom in any liquid, it is inferred that he kept the tumbler containing the bulk of the drug, and that Miss Blyth swallowed a much smaller quantity than he imagined. On the table of the sitting-room were two letters 5 one from Henderson, addressed to his wife in Christchurch, and the other from Miss Blyth, to her mother at the same place, both containing statements to the effect that the writers contemplated suicide.

THE LETTERS. “ Wellington, 17th August, 1880. “ This letter is to be given to the per

son in Christchurch calling herself Mrs. Henderson...

“ You have produced a certificate of marriage and laid an information against me for deserting you. In the first place you knew I was going away because I told you, arid I also told you that I was not coining back to Christchurch any more. And, secondly, you know that you are not my iawful wife. When you enticed me into marrying you, I had a wife to whom I was lawful married, which you knew, and I left England tc escape a prosecution for bigamy. " I sinned, but repented long ago, and although you deceived me, I stood to you, and, for the sake of the two children,.have submitted to a life of agony,.- of torture of the worst description, from you, a woman 20 years-older than I am, a shrewd, calculating woman, a modem_ Jezebel of the lowest type' and worst de- ! scription, a regular attendant .at church', and partaker of God’s sacrament, but a hypocrite of the very worst kind. .You devoted your life to ruin me, and now you have accomplished it both body and soul, as you hope ; but I am not afraid to trust ' myself to God’s mercy. Oh, when I think of the past arid off your'Hypocrisy ,'f how you have tortured me in.your quiet,/- nagging, arid uncharitable’ words—cruel* J words—which I. have seldom answered,„ and how you have led' tlie : outside 5 world'

to deem you an angel off light,,, and how you have succeeded, it makes me think

there surely cannot be a God cognisant of such cruelty, such sin, or He would never have allowed it. lam riow going to die, and I leave you to the remorse of con science—if you have any—that you 1 are my* murderer. Yes, you have murdered me —for I told you I had sinned —that every man’s h ,nd had been against me, and what a hard struggle I had''had to keep the home together, and to make you and. the children comfortable, and I told ybu'if I was stopped it would be my ruin ; and you promised me you would’ say nothing. Ac the same time you were glorying within yourself how you would gloat over my downfall. What is it that is ; in you it cannot be lust, at your titne of' life, 60 years of age 1 May God forgive you!as il do—the dear children -whom, in years gone by I have loved, but whose affections you . have weaned from me, arid who, although you have taught them to 'treat me with contempt, are old enough to have seen your treatment of me, and will yet live, to" curse you. I cannot say any more, so good-bye, and may God yet bring you to' your sense?, and in His great mercy forgive you for Christ’s sake. Amen, v{. (Signed) “M. Henderson. ” The other, also in Henderson’s hand writing, ran as under ■

“ Wellington, 18th August, 1880.” “ My dear Mrs: Blyth, “I deem it my duty to ask your forgiveness, and to state that I am not the villain you would believe me to be. I took your, daughter from you, but. I love her and she loves me, and it is the first time in ,my life that I have known what love is. It will be necessary for me to go somewhat back in: my history, and explain to you that when very young I got married to a young lady whom I thought I loved, rind we lived happily together for three months, when she eloped with another man. I sold off' my homeland went to lodge with a widow, who had three children—a shrewd, cal culating woman of the world, twenty years my senior. I was very young and very foolish. She enticed me into marrying her, and I did—committed bigamy—and to escape the consequences I had to leave England. I could see my folly almost before the ink was dry that signed the marriage register, and, although I re pented,! stuck to my bond. I done my best for the woman who had deceived me, and for the past fifteen years have sub mitted to a life of torture at the hands of a woman who calls herself Mrs. Hen derson. Ho need for me to tell you more of this. I met your daughter, and knew what pure love was. You saw it, and have seen it all along, and have spoken of it. Why have you interfered, or helped to f interfere? We have resolved to die together, seeking and preferring to trust ourselves to God’s mercy than to man’s. You must forgive us for Christ’s sake. (Signed) “M. Henderson.”

In a very shaky hand, follow these words:—“Dear Mother, —Forgive me. Kiss my sisters and brothers for -me. I may not have loved wisely, but too well. [Here there is a cross, and the deceased’s handwriting is taken up as follows :—] Good-bye, dear mother your erring daughter, “ (Signed in Miss Blyth’s handwriting', “M. J. Blyth.”'

At the foot of the letter deceased again takes up the pen, and writes :—“ I wrote from the cross. Jenny could not finish it, but managed to sign her name.” SHORT HISTORY OF HENDERSON.

Regarding the chief actors (says the New Zealand Times) a good many facts have been brought to light. Henderson, who stood about 6ft. 3in. in height, and built in proportion, was about thirty-eight years old. He was a police trooper at Sandhurst, in ISB3, when Detective Browne knew him. He was dismissed from the force for some breach of the regulations, and then went to Sydney, where he again joined the police, being again dismissed, this time because he got mixed up in an assault case. About six years ago he was employed as a clerk in the railway depart ment at Christchurch, but was dis missed because he was unable to account for certain moneys which had passed through his hands. A charge of em bezzlement broke down in the Supreme Court. He was subsequently arrested and committed for trial on a charge of grossly slandering the wife of Mr. Bates, a cabinetmaker at Christchurch, but again got off, because Mr. Bates did not feel in clined to pay the costs of the prosecution. Since then he has made a living by keep ing books, and doing similar work when ever he could get it. He was occasionally appointed trustee in bankrupt estates, and it is said it was in connection with these that he embezzled the funds which led to the charges upon which he was last arrested. During the time he was at liberty here he told various persons that he committed bigamy when he married the woman who claims to be his wife, but that his proper wife is now dead. He therefore felt himself free to marry Miss Blyth. According to the young lady’s statement it appears that he told her something of the kind before they left Christchurch. There is, however, good reason to doubt the statement. The Chronicle says regarding Hender son : —When Detective Browne arrested Henderson, that officer was very much

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1880.



?^jmusements. To-Night!- T OWN HAL L, • H ; AK A I-A . TO-NIGHT (TUESDAY), ATJGUST 24th Albo irfl ;£g . || ll CHERTSEY, WEDNESDAY NI&HT. MONSTER PANORAMA OF NEW ZEALAND. Exhibition, amazing brilliancy , v , and beauty. The. Principal and most Charming Sceneries of the Colony. * Cities, Towns, Buildings, Gorges, Waterfalls, Rocks, Landscapes, Harbor®, Bays, Bridges, RiTers, Monuments, Hot fprings, Boiling Lakes, Gold Mines. First land . discovered ,by Captain Cook.' Scene where Cook first unfurled the British Hag and claimed New Zealand. Panorama of Christchurch in six views, &c., Aft-I OSi U ■■ r y i< i ") . = SPECIAL SCENERIES OF AUSTRALIA. attractions. See ' Posters. Admission-Front Seats, 25.; Body of Hall, Is. j Children half price. Commence, at 8 sharp in order to . get through 1 the lengthy programme. Descriptive Lecture ..., Mr. R. Bevan Manager J s - f ' H. .' " Mr.' T. Davies 774c-149g Christchurch.



Miscellaneous. .PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. 4 GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. & Apply office of this paper.- 641 c TTTTANTED I—An 1 —An Experienced' General ■\y ■ SERY ANT. Apply, at once to Mr. A. Orr, Tancred Street. 773 c Jolln 000 LEND, in sums to suit borrowers, at lowest rate of interest. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Ashburton. 424c-835g fjnENDEßS.—Tenders are invited for X the BUILDING of a PULPIT in St. STEPHENS’ CHURCH, Ashburton. Plans] may be seen at Messrs. Wood and Co.’s, Ashburton Brewery, where further information may be obtained. 784 c ~ , CROPPING. . , TENDERS' are invited for LEASING the Racecourse for one crop of Turnips and one of Grain. About 125 acres will be available for ploughing/ ‘ Conditions can be ascertained on appli cation to Mr. C. C. Fooks, or the under signed. Tenders to; be sent in addressed “ Secretary Race Club, Quill’s Hotel,” on or before FRIDAY, September 3rd, at noon. * ‘ •' JAMES WILKIE, 1 ‘ 787c-1480 Hon. Sec. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES OF THE INDUCTION OF THE REV. A. M. BEATTIE. r\ N SABBATH NEXT the REV. D. M‘KEE, of Christchurch, will Preach in the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ASHBURTON. Morning at 11 o’clock. Evening at 6.30. and at Wakanui at 3 o’clock. Special Collections on each occasion. LECTURE. The REV. D. M‘KEE will deliver a LECTURE on MONDAY EVENING, -30th AUGUST, in the TOWN HALL, Subject : “ CRANMER AND HIS TIMES.” Chair to be taken at 7 o’clock. The Choir will discourse some appro priate Music. Proceeds to he devoted to repair of the Church. 789c-146g In The District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, and the several Acts amending the same, and in the matter of the Bankruptcy of JOHN GEORGE ANSTEE, of Ashburton, Boardinghouse-keeper, a debtor. 'T'HIS IS TO NOTIFY that John George -»■ Anst'ee, of Ashburton, has this day filed a statement that he is unable to meet his en gagements with his creditors. The First Meet ing of creditors to be held at the District Court, Ashburton, on MONDAY, the 30th day of August, at 1 1 o’clock in the forenoon. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, Clerk to Court.. John George Anstee, Acting for self. 791 c



In the District Court of Christ church, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, and the several Acts amending the same, and in the matter of the Bankruptcy of JOSEPH WARD, of Ashburton, Butcher, a debtor, Notice is hereby given that the above-named Joseph Ward, of Ashbur ton, in the Provincial District of Canterbury, and Colony of New Zealand, Butcher, has this day filed in the above Court a declaration that he is unable to meet his engagements with his creditors. The First Meeting of creditors will be held at the District Court, Ashburton, on MONDAY, the 30th day of August, 18S0, at 11.30 o’clock in the forenoon. Dated this 24th day of August, 1880. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, 7si : w Clerk of the Court. E. G. Crisp, Solicitor for debtor. 790 c



Miscellaneous. ASHBURTON RACING CLUB. w mHE ANNUAiTmEETING will be JL held at Quill’s Hotel on FRIDAY, September 3rd at 1 p.m. \ //SC:! l Business : ' C . I f To receive Committee’s Report and. If- elect-; new \ Officers for the ensuing \ - year.. v •/; I, j igg| By order . If : i|N JAMES WILKIE, ' 7{fec-l4?«;r> - , f Hon. Sec.v ;a KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MANUFACTUR ING COMPANY (LIMITED ) CAPITAL £IOO,OOO IN' 4000 SHARES' OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF. NEW :SHARES. TiIORMS of APPLICATION FOR F SHARES,-, with, full information, can be obtained of -Mr. Weeks, Ashburton Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. ; -.fj \jj -.5 . Deposit, 20s. per share ; and 60s. per share; on allotment. August 23, 1880. 150g*-792c