COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. J. T. Ford and Co report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, the 22nd inst., as follows At the Addington market yesterday, 6264 sheep, 445 head of cattle, and 40 pigs, were sent forward for the week s supply. • _ _ p , Mutton sold at lfd per lb, and beef at barely 20s per lOOlbs for the best cpiality, and had it not been for an outside buyer, prices would have been lower. Store sheep are in very good demand, especially crossbreds, and we are of opinion this class of stock will be in good demand for grazing purposes throughout the season. Crossbred ewes, for lambing purposes, are beginning to be inquired for, and if the harvest should prove a successful one, we feel certain there will he none too many in the market to meet the demand. Our entries were on account of Messrs. Gough, Rudd, Evans, Grier, M'Guire, Linney, Lewis, Castille, Colonel Packe, S. Garforth, H. Button, and others, at prices equal to above quotations. We also sold privately 25 head of steers on account of Mr. H. Overton, at L 7 10s. each. On Tuesday last, on account of D. Allan, Esq., we submitted, at our rooms, in Cashel street, the Cathallan township, and succeded in placing every section beyond the owner’s reserve, and during the week we have sold, on account of J. R. Aiken, Esq., his Glendore estate, comprising 2500 acres of freehold, with improvements, &c., for the sum of L 15,000.

On Saturday last, at our Repository, wo submitted the horses, farm implements, &c., in the estate of J. Blair, and disposed of everything at satisfactory prices. On Thursday at our skin and tallow sale, we had the usual attendance of buyers. Rough fat brought say If d, per lb ; lambs’ skins, Is. sd. each ; full merino skins, 4s. each ; pelts up to Is. 3d. each.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the Evening Echo”). SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1880.

Colonel Sckatciiley. —Col. Scratchley wlio lias just selected a site in Lyttelton harbor for a battery, and is making a tour of inspection of the leading harbors of the colony with a view to their defence, passed through Ashburton last night, per special train, en route to Dunedin.

This Ye Aids Thrashing. — On Wednes day next, at half-past three, a meeting of proprietors of thrashing machines in the county will be held at Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co.’s office, for the purpose of arranging an uniform tariff throughout for the present season. Such a combina tion cannot but be more satisfactory to all concerned, as farmers will have a definite fixed price to pay, without the usual bargaining with various owners and the consequent loss of time. Short, Sharp, and Decisive. —The way in which a crop near Dromoro fell before the reapers and binders at this early part of the season, is a very good criterion of what may be done where energy and capital are combined with the means to carry out advanced ideas. On the sth of the present month Mr. Black, manager for John Grigg, Esq., left the homestead at Longbeach and travelled with the necessary reaping appliances, Ac., to a 030-acre crop of barley at Dromoro. By the 21st the whole crop was stacked, and the engine and combine is now busy at its portion of the work, and another day or two will see the whole of the grain in the railway trucks. The reapers and binders are again homeward hound to operate on the Longbeach crop.

Professor Wallenburg. —The public lias heard a great deal, through the columns of the press, of Professor Wallen burg, a gentleman who makes a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear. Some extraordinary instances of his success South are record d —so extraordinary that unless actual personal knowledge of tlio cases is xiossessed, one is inclined to be exceedingly sceptical of their truth. Pro fessor Wallenburg is now in Ashburton, and in response to an invitation from him we attended his temporary consulting rooms in Quill’s Hotel, when six of his patients were under treatment. The Pro fessor fixed half-past five as the time for our visit. At that hour, he said ho would have some of his best cases in hand, but he would be employed with cases the greater part of the evening. We chose rather to visit the Professor at haphazard, and went at about seven o’clock. He was

then, as wo have said, attending to six persons. We were invited to question them. They were all known to us, with one exception, and we happened to know personally the history of most of the eases and can therefore vouch for their bona tides. The first we interviewed was old Joseph Goodman, an inmate of the Old Men’s Home, a lively, jolly old man of 65, whom every visitor to the Home must know. He has been in the Home for two years and a-half, and during that time he has been totally blind in one eye, and , partially so in the other. His want of sight incapacitated him from any kind of work, though otherwise he is quite strong and able-bodied, and in consequence of the failure of his eyesight he was compelled to seek admission to the Home as a man laid on the shelf for life. Mr. Madison, the master of the Home, offered to pay the Professor’s fee out of his own pocket if he would cure old Joseph and another. The Professor would not accept payment from Mr. Madison, but undertook the two cases gratuitously. Joseph visited the Pro fessor for the first time last Wednesday. Then, as we have said, his eyes were of little use to him. Last night be was able to thread a needle, and could point out to us minute drops of spray upon the table that were not immedi ately apparent to our thirty years younger visuals. Joseph’s gratitude as may be imagined mas perfound, and his naturally high spirits were at boil ing point over his restored sight, which he says is as “ clear as ever it was,” and his previously totally blind eye is rapidly getting as clear as the other. Stephen Coppinger was the other man from the Home. He is an able bodied man of 40 years, a native of Pittsburg, Pennsyl vania, U.S.A. By an accident in early youth his left eye was wholly destroyed. His right eye gave way last year, after he landed in Lyttelton from a sea voyage, being a sailor. He was for four months in Christchurch Hospital, from which he was discharged as incurable, or at least with an admission on the part of the medical men that they could do no more for him. This is his own story. But we know he has been in the Home for a con siderable length of time, and that to all intents and purposes he was blind, and required two pairs of spectacles to aid him in groping his way about. He and Good man came to the Professor together, and Coppinger can now see as well as ever he did, but he is naturally short- sighted. Both will now probably leave the Home and earn their living. Mr. G. F. Rickards, farmer, Wakanui, had been weak in the eyes since he was four years of age, and was gradually getting worse, the lids being nearly closed over the pupils. He was in the operating chair when we saw him, and after he rose his eyes were somewhat inflamed under the treatment. He told us that previous to his first visit to the professor he could not distinguish objects at a greater distance than three yards from him. As the pain of the treat ment assuaged he was able to distinguish objects several chains away. Mr. Lewis, veterinary surgeon, Timvald, is a well known gentleman. Fourteen years ago, when girthing a horse up, his hand slipped and struck his open right eye, which was so much injured that he had to use his left when shooting. After the first opera tion by the Professor Mr. Lewis felt relief, and he does not expect to require more than another visit before his sight is fully restored. Another case was one of deaf ness. Mr. R. H. Curry, a stranger to us, however, said he was as deaf as a post in his right ear when lie visited the Professor last Wednesday, and to hear with his left it was necessary that words should be bawled into it. He had been in this state for six years. When we saw him last night he could sustain a conver sation with us, carried on in ordinary tone of voice. The cases mentioned above we can personally vouch for being bona fide, and as they seem to us to be extraordinary we publish them, in the belief that we are doing afflicted ones a kindness. We know nothing of Professor Wallenburg beyond what we saw of him yesterday, but he is evidently as clever in liis treatment of diseases of the eye and ear as lie is enter taining as a conversationalist.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

“I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains. ” —LONGFELLOW.

All in tiie Family. —The “South Can terbury Times,” says:—“The Ashburton Jockey Club, which, like the Ashburton Borough Council, is chiefly in the hands of a family clique, held its annual meeting on Saturday last. The balance sheet is described as highly satisfactory. This, if we mistake not, is the first statement of accounts, satisfactory or unsatisfactory, that the Club has exhibited for some years.” I cut this from the “Ashburton Mail.” The editor of the “South Canterbury Times ” is the same Hogg whe edited the

“Evening News,” and in the dearth of news he seems to be feeling just now, be returns to his wallowing in the mire. Everybody knows why the par. should appear in the “Mail,” the proprietor of which claims to be a man fond of speaking his mind. It is not a virtue to speak one’s “ mind ” when we know that “ mind” to be false, and a man who aims at being Mayor of the town, and sporting enough to bet on his chances of being so, ought to be con versant enough with the township’s history to know that every year since he came to it balance sheets have been published by both the Steeplechase Committee and the Racing Club.

The collective wisdom of the County, which, I take h, is embodied in the County Council, is no more infallible than our R.M. Court is said to be, and, in fact, it has fallen into the common error of con sidering that letting all kinds of work by public tender, and to the lowest tenderer, is the essence of legislation. But it don’t always turn up trumps. Previous to last year the valuation lists for the various ridings of the county were made up by the Road Boards, and it was admitted by all who professed to be judges of the matter that they were very bad rolls indeed, as they possessed all the faults which were necessary to ensure their being condemned providing the ratepayers would take the trouble to go through all the necessary red tape to make the legal objections. But when the County Council assumed the reins over this and other matters, it was felt that a new era had dawned, and that business transacted by the superior body would be unassailable. I am sorry to observe the valuation lists furnished to the Road Boards by the Council’s con tractor do not bear out the ideas of perfection anticipated. In fact

the Boards who have as yet made any reference to the rolls supplied to them, have used tolerably strong language as to their incompleteness and uselessness for tlic purpose intended —i. e., enabling them to strike a rate. Probably your farming friends will not feel excruciatingly grieved at that fact. But now that the days of subsidies are past and gone, and rates are the only funds from which re venue is derivable for the maintenance of roads, perhaps it might have been as well if the County Council bad appointed a man competent to do the work, even if he was not the lowest tenderer.

The General Government, though, have their eyes more widely open than the County Council. They don’t intend to let the chance of turning an honest penny slide. The latest notion is quite unique. Hitherto it has been the custom of far mers to put four bushels of grain in each sack, and, for the purpose of doing so exactly, a weighing machine invariably accompanies the threshing engine, and the bag man’s duty is to put in four bushels and no more. A movement was made last year in Christchurch on the part of the grain merchants to persuade the railway authorities to weigh all grain on its receipt at the station. This was not conceded to, on account of the amount of traffic during the season. Now, however, they seem to have altered their minds ; as I notice they advertise the fact that they intend charging extra for all sacks con taining over four bushels. So, bagmen, you will have to be careful and not give too good weight this season.

An unfortunate drunk yesterday couldn’t raise 10s. to save, not his life, but 48 hours’ of his liberty. I admired the innocence of his answer, and it reminded me of a similar case up north a good many years ago. The then stipendiary Magistrate, now long gone to where drunks are un known, was a huge portly man, the very embodiment of Sir John Falstaff, with his fat rubicund visage, portly appearance, and gruff voice. Old John, as he was familarly known, never wasted many words on a drunk—his convictions were very summary—but he sometimes was had. One of his most frequent visitors at Court was an eccentric old gardener who religiously tried all the taps in town when he did his marketing, and very often got run in. On one occasion when brought up he was duly fined 10s. or 24 hours, and he replied in answer to the question if he was going to pay, “ Well, my lovely old boy, you can fine me if you like, but you’ll have to take it out in apples ” and the bargain was struck. Chispa.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

AN EXTRAORDINARY JUDGMENT.

To the Editor.

Sir, —In this morning’s “ Guardian” I see a letter from “ Justice,” which pur ports by its heading to answer mine on the same subject. As I wrote so that I might obtain information, I hoped to find some in “ Justice’s ” letter, but all I find is a dark allusion to some paragraphs, a letter, blank cartridge, a very common place assertion that courts of law do some times make mistakes, a eulogium on Mr. Guinness, and a suggestion. Now, sir, if “ Justice,” instead of rambling about in this manner, instead of writing about so general a truth that judges sometimes err, instead of giving Mr. Guinness a good character, when no one said he had a bad one, had, from his personal acquaintance with the judgment as it actually is (for he appears to have read it) corrected the “garbled” judgment reported in your paper, his letter would have been of some use. It is a significant fact that the judg ment appears in the same “ garbled ” form in each of our local newspapers. As I have not “attacked” Mr. Guinness and had no reason to do so, I am sorry if Mr. Guinness feels aggrieved ; but if he does, though he cannot, as “Justice” says, reply to my letter, there is nothing to prevent him sending his judgment as written by himself to the local papers for publication. Verbum sap.—l am, &c., An Inquisitive Reader. January 24th, 1880.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[Reuter's ) London, Jan. 22. Bank Returns. The total reserve of notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 5,937,500 Jan. 23. The Marchioness of Lome. The Marchioness of Lome returns to Canada to-morrow. St. Petersburg, Jan. 22. The Nihilists at V/ork Again. The “ Golos ” of to-day announces that the Russian Government have received authentic information that Odessa has been discovered to be undermined to a great extent, and the city is believed to be in imminent danger of destruction. The Panama Canal. Work in connection with the Panama Canal scheme has been commenced. Berlin, Jan. 22. Another Increase. The German Government lias intro duced a Bill in the German Parliament to increase the army another 00,000 men. (Argus Sfieeial. ) London, Jan. 20. The Orient Company and the Mails. The Orient Company announce that they will not carry mails. It is understood the Company will tender, and then the captain will refuse to embark the mails. The Post Office will then prosecute, which, it is expected, will lead to an expression of public opinion in favor of adequate payment.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Renter's Telegram.) Sydney, Jan 23. The Paramatta Collision.

The railway traffic manager, Carlisle, who was recently censured and fined for his conduct in connection with the Para matta railway collision on Boxing Day, lias’ been ordered to exchange positions with Read, traffic auditor.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Jan. 22. False Pretences.

At the police court to-day, Wm. Ander son, baker, was charged with obtaining money under false pretences from Herd wick, grocer, and was remanded, bail being allowed. Death of an Old Settler.

William Henry Turner, aged 84, formerly of Taranaki and Nelson, died yesterday. Friendly Societies’ Fete.

The following societies take part in the Friendly Societies’ demonstration on the 19tli :—The different lodges of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity), Rechabites, Ancient Order of Foresters, Independent Order of Good Templars, Hibernian Australian Catholic Benefit Society, National Order of Oddfellows, and Local United Friends. It is expected that 25 lodges will take part in the fete. Wellington, Jan. 24. The Blacklegs. Three men found with instruments for gaming in their possession, were sen tenced to four weeks hard labor. The Irish Relief Fund. Dr. Lemon has received the following : —“ Colonel Glover has sent the following message to the Mayor of Sydney, and I shall be glad if you hand the same to the Press Agency for publication, and also forward to the Central Committee for relief of the distress in Ireland :— £ Lord Mayor of Dublin, to the Mayor of Sydney Return grateful thanks for second munificent subscription. As dis tress increasing fearfully the Committee lias telegraphed to Melbourne, and asked that it should make known wants. Since receipt of the above another telegram has been received through Colonel Glover from an M.P., Dublin, to an M.P. at Brisbane, asking what is doing in Bris bane for the distressed Irish. Dunedin, Jan 24. The Irish Distress. Over L 250 were collected for the Irish famine fund, including LSO, one-third of the gross proceeds of a circus performance last night.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[Argus Special.) London, Jan. 22.

Latest news from Afghanistan states that a force of 20,000 men chiefly Ghil zais, is advancing on Cabul. General Roberts telegraphs that it will be neces sary to maintain a strong British force. A German convict settlement on one of the most southerly of the Navigator Is lands is contemplated. Earl Beaconsfield is suffering from a severe attack of bronchitis. An explosion of fire damp occurred at Hartley colliery, near Newcastle. The number of killed is 150. Polynesian shares are being largely taken up in Germany, except in Ham burg. [Special.) London, Jan 22. Arrived—The steamship Sultan, from Australia. The fortnightly service of the Orient Steamship Company with the colonies commences with the departure of the Chimborazo on the 7th February. In future Orient Co. ’s steamers will not carry mails either to or from Australian ports.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Jan. 23. At the morning sitting of the United

Methodist Free Church district meeting it was reported that the Auxilary Mission Society had raised during the year L2OO. Gunner Pearce, A Battery, was elected sub-lieutenant vice Hyde, left for service at head quarters in Wellington. Denis Bergon, on four charges of in decent exposure of person in the Domain was sentenced to three years’ hard labor. He was employed at the Hospital. A severe accidentlias happened to Mr W. Rowe, formerly member for the Thames. He was coming down the stairs of the Greyhound Hotel when his foot slipped, and he fell heavily to the bottom and re ceived a rather bad bruise on the temple, and was for a few minutes insensible. Dr. Hooper was was sent for. Mr. Rowe walked home afterwards without assis tance. Business during the past week has been up to the average, the opening price of wheat is about ss. for prime, delivered in good condition. It is too early to speak of yield per acre and quality, but it will not come out so well as last year’s crop in either respect. Wellington, Jan. 23. It is intended to ask for a new trial in the libel case Anderson v. Kirkbride. The reply to the issue whether plaintiff ill treated his wife should be —“ No evi dence of any personal ill-treatment or violence, but his wife sought the protec tion of Haggard.” The brigantine Progress, owned by Owen and Co., of Auckland, went ashore at Palliser Bay this morning during a thick fog. At 2 o’clock this morr ing, when a messenger left the wreck, the bottom was almost out of the vessel, and she was breaking up. The crew reached the shore in safety. No information has been received as to the cargo (if any) or from what port she is or her distillation. A heavy sea is running on the beach, and probably the vessel will go to pieces fast. Nelson. Jan. 23.

Mr. Robert Pollock, an old settler, who was a member of the Provincial Council, and latterly Provincial Auditor, and at the time of his death secretary to the Nel son College, died last night. Chki.stchub.ch, Jan. 23.

Colonel Scratcliley has fixed upon posi tions for batteries on the north shore of the harbor. He leaves for Dunedin to day. Timaru, Jan. 23. Messrs. Jonas, Hart, and Wildie held an important sale of wool, skins, hides, Ac., to-day. The attendance being numer ous, the result was exceptionally satis factory, the prices being higher than have been obtained for 18 months past. Merino wool, 7cl , 7-Jd., and 7£d. ; crossbred, 7d., 7-gd., and 7id. ; merino skins, 3s. 2d. to 4s. lOd. ; crossbred skins, 3s. 3d, to 4s. lid. ; lamb skins, 9d. to Is. 10s.

Dunedin, Jan. 23. The directors of the Colonial Bank have issued their report. They propose-to pay a dividend of 8 per cent., add LIOOO td the reserve fund, and carry forward L 2500. In case of deficiencies fi’om ac counts in liquidation, they propose to transfer L 20,000 from the reserve fund to a special suspense account, until it is seen how the securities held against these accounts realise, but the directors express a belief that a considerable portion of this fund will find its way back to the reserve fund.

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

[By Telegraph.]

Wellington, Jam 23.

Eighty-four members of the Armed Con stabulary left for Opunake this evening in the Stella.

The “ Post ” to-night, in a semi-official m an n er, says that after long and careful con sideration Government arrived at a final and definite decision on Wednesday as to a course of action in reference to the native difficulty on the West Coast, in cluding the Waimate Plains. The Hon. Mr. Bryce, Native Minister, and Major Brown, Civil Commissioner, left for the West Coast on Wednesday, Mr. Parris having gone there a day or two previously. The Stella was to have left for Opunakoon the same day with 90 A.C.’s, but her boilers being found out of order her depar ture was deferred until this evening. This will increase the strength of the Armed Constabulary in the vicinity of the Waimate Plains to about 800 men With this force it is intended to quietly, but at the same time steadily and cer tainly, push on the main road from Hawera to New Plymouth along the coast, crossing Waingongora and passing Opu nake. The Armed Constabulary in the first instance will do no more than roughly form the road, after which is completed metalling will be let by contract. This road, although it necessarily would be of great strategetic value in any case of difficulty, is intended merely to facili tate a peaceful settlement of the country, and no opposition is anticipated from the Maoris. There is to be no taking pos session of the Waimate Plains in an ag gressive sense, for general confiscation of the plains has never been challenged, and no question as to the validity of the confisca tion has been or will be entertained. Government assume that they have always been in legal possession of the land, to be utilised when desirable, but instead of advertising the land for sale, and proceeding to survey off-hand, with out making a road through it or lay ing off reserves, or ascertaining what Native right? had to be provided for. Government have expressly instructed Major Brown to assure the Natives that ample reserves will be made for them, and their wishes consulted as to where they shall be situated. The Royal Com mission will investigate all alleged Govern ment promises brought before them by Maoris, who are to be urged to take advantage of this, probably the last, opportunity they will have of raising such questions, which will be dealt with fairly, and impartially ; and every sound claim equitably redressed. Major Brown is also instructed to take every possible op portunity of personally explaining these points to the Natives (including Te Whiti himself, who will be kept officially in formed of all that is done), and to circu late Maori translations of the Act and proclamation. By the time the road is made, the commission will have reported, and Government will then be in a position to proceed with the survey and peaceful settlement of the Plains, after making due provision for all valid Native claims. It will be remembered that it was the reckless intrusion on some private Native holdings last year that mainly provoked forcible resistance. This is to be studi ously avoided, and indeed the utmost care will be used not to wound the feel ings of the Natives or provoke their op position. It is believed there will be no such opposition, but that Te Whiti, being convinced that Government is the stronger of the two, Avill quietly accept the posi tion. In any case, however, Government with 800 troops and 1500 Volunteers on the spot, is master of the. situation.

THE STORY-TELLER.

Eugene Morton. A Talt of the Indian Warfare on the American Frontier. CHAPTER XVl. — Continued. IN WHICH AN HUNTER’S NERVES ARE TESTED Ii is difficult to imagine a more fearful situation than the hunter’s at this moment. He was literally environed by death ; for it was at his head, his feet, and above him, and there was no escape below. He had just learned that his death was or.e of the objects of the Indians, so that to back out into their clutches would be nothing less than committing suicide. To re main where he was, would be to disregard the second and last warning of the coiled rattle snake. What was to be done ? Manifestly nothing but to die like a man. Haldidge de cided to risk the bite of the rattlesnake ?

Despite himself, the hunter felt that the rep tile was exerting its horrible fascination over him. Its small eyes, gleaming like tiny, yet fiery stars, seemed to emit a magnetic ray— thin, pointed and palpable, that pierced right into his brain. There was a malignant subtlety—au irresistible magnetism. Now the small, glittering point of light seemed to recede, then to approach and expand, and then to wave and undulate all around him. Sometimes that bright, lightning-like ray would shiver and tremble, and then straighten out with metal-like rigidity, and insinuate itself in to his very being like the invisible point of a spear.

There was a desire on the part of Haldidge to shake off this influence, which wrapped him like a mantle. There was the desire, we say, and yet there was a languid listlessness— a repugnance to making the effort, The feel ing was something similar to that produced by a powerful opiate, when we are first recover ing from it. Thete was that dim conscious ness—that indistinct knowledge of the outer world—that certainty, that we can break the bond that holds us, by one vigorous effort, and yet the same sluggish indifference that prevents the attempt.

Haldidge drew his breath faintly and slowly, yielding more and more to the (fatal subtle in fluence. He knew he was charmed, and yet he couldn’t help it. It was now impossible to shake off that weight which pressed him down like an incubus. That outer world—so to speak—had now receded, and he was in an other, from which he could not return without help beside his own. He seemed to be moving,

flitting, sinking, hither and thither, on a wing of fire. The spell was complete. The extra ordinary power which instinct holds over reason —that wonderful superiority which a reptile sometimes shows he can exert over mm, the snake now held over the hunter. At this point, from some cause or other, one of the savages struck the log a violent blow with his hatchet. Haklidge heard it. He diew a long breath, closed his eyes, and when he re opened them, looked down at his hands upon which his chin had been resting. The charm was broken ! the hunter had shaken off the fatal spell ! Like the knocking at the gate in Macbeth, which dispels the dark, awful world of gloom in which the murderers have been moving and living, and ushers in our own world, with all its hurrying tide of human life and passions ; so this blow of the Indian’s tomahawk broke the subtle, magnetic spell of the serpent, and lifted the heavy mantle-like influence which wrapped Haklidge in its folds. I He looked downward, and determined not to raise his eyes again, for he knew the same power would again rise above him. The ser pent, seemingly conscious of its lossofinfluence, rattled once more, and prepared to strike. Haklidge stirred not a muscle, in fact he had scarcely moved since entering the log. But the snake did not strike. The continued death-like stillness of the hunter, evidently seemed to the reptile to be death itself. He coiled and un coiled himself several times, and then lifted his head crawled directly over his neck and body, and passed out of the log ! Here he was killed by the Indians. Now that the hunter was himself again, he prepared for further action. The Indians had arisen from the log and were at some distance. He could hear the mumbling of their voices, but could not distinguish their words. After awhile these ceased, and he heard no more. Haklidge was now filled with apprehension for the others. He had enough faith in the power and cunning of Seth to feel pretty con fident that he would neither lead any one into ambush or fall into one himself, let it be pre pared as skillfully as it might be; but then he could know nothing of the Indians in the rear, who might surprise Haverland and Graham at any moment.

The hunter at length grew so restless and uneasy that he emerged from his hiding-place as rapidly and silently as possible. He looked cautiously around, but no savage was in sight. Filled with the most painful apprehensions, he hastened through the wood, avoiding the trail of his friends, however, and finally came in sight of them. Before making himself known he concluded to reconnoiter the place. While doing so, he saw the head of an Indian rise slowly above a bush, and peer over at the un conscious whites. Without losing a moment, he raised his rifle, took a quick but sure aim, and fired. Then calling out to Haverland and Graham, he sprang for an instant into view. “ Make for cover! ” he shouted; “ the In dians are upon us ! ” In an instant, every one of the whites was invisible.

CHAPTER XVII.

ENCOMPASSED BY DANGER.

At the first warning of Haldidgc, Haverland comprehended the danger in an instant. Catch ing Ina in his arms, he sprang into the wood, sheltering himself behind a tree so quickly that Ina, till that moment, did not comprehend the meaning of the startling movements around her. “What is it father?” she whispered. “Keep quiet, daughter, and don’t move.” She said no more but shrunk beneath his sheltering form, believing that his strong arm was capable of protecting her against any foe, however formidable. Graham, at the alarm, had leaped toward Haklidge, and the two sheltered themselves within a few feet of each other. The shot of the hunter had been fatal, for that yell, which the North American Indian, like the animal, gives when he receives his death-wound, was heard, and the fall had also reached his ears.

Minute after minute passed away and nothing further was heard of the savages. This silence was as full of meaning, and as dangerous as any open demonstration on the part of the Indians. What new plan they were concocting was a mystery to all but themselves. At length Graham ventured to speak : “What do you suppose they’re up to, Hal didge?” “ Hatching some new plot, I expect.” “ It seems it requires a good while to do it.” “ Don’t get impatient; they’ll show them selves in time.”

“14 ave you any idea of their number ? ” “ There were something like half a dozen prowling around.” , . ■ , “ There is one less now at any rate.” “ I suppose so ; but there’s enough left to occasion a little trouble at least. Where did Alf go with the gal ? ” “Off yonder, a short distance. Hadn’t we belter get closer together ?” “No ; I don’t know as there is any neces sity' for it. We’re as safe, drawn up in this style, as in any other I can imagine.” > “I am afraid, Haldidge, they will make an attempt to surround us. In such a case, wouldn’t Haverland be in great peril ?” “ They’ can’t get around him without run ning their heads in range with our rifles, and Alf is a man who’ll be pretty sure to discover such a trick without any help. “ Where can Seth he ?” “ Nad very far off; that shot of mine will be pretty sure to bring him. “ Haldidge, how was it that you discovered these Mohawks ? Did you know of their pre sence before you fired ?” “Yes, long before. I’ve an idea they’ve been tracking you for an hour or two. ” “Why, then, was their attack deferred?” “ They made no attack, remember. I dortt believe they had any such intention. There 13 an ambush somewhere ahead that they have laid, and it was their idea to walk you into that.” “ What was their notion in watching us so closely. ” “ They were hunting for me, for I heard them say as much, and, I suppose, in case you didn’t walk into their trap, why they were going to make the attack.” " Can it be that Seth has fallen into the: snaie?” asked Graham in anxious tones. “No, sir; such a thing can’t be. He isn’t: such a fool as that amounts to. He is making: himself generally useful; you can make your mind to that. He is a smart chap, for all he; is the most awkward, long-legged, gawky per son I ever came across.” “I am puzzled to know who he is. It seems to me that he is only playing a part- Several times in conversing with him, he has used language such as none but a scholar and polished gentleman would use. At others and most of the time, he uses that ungainly mode of expression, which in itself, is laughable. At any rate, whoever he may be, he is a friend • and the interest which he takes in the safety of A Haverland and his family, is as efficient as it is singular.” “ Maybe the interest is in Ina,” said Haldidge with a sly look. “ I understand you, but you are mistaken- He has assured me as much. No ; there scems= nothing of that feeling at all in him. He loves her as he would a child, but no more.” “ How was it he made that awkward tumble into the Indians’ hands, when they gave you such a hard run for it ? ” “ That was all through my blundering. He was cautious enough, but I bccameso impatient and careless that I precipitated him into the danger which would have been fatal to any one else. It Was no fault of his.” “ I am glad to hear it, for it. seemed odd to niC. 4 . ' V-; .--1 .• This conversation which we have just rc-

Saturday, Tanu ary 24, 1 BSo. |

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



Mew Advertisements. LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AX THE ‘ EVENING HERALD ” OFFICE. Farmers requiring hands can engage men through the “Evening Herald ” Registry for 1/- each, prepaid. LABORERS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can engage through the “ Herald ” Registry Office by paying 1/-. SERVANTS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can get them by applying at the “Herald” Registry Office, and paying !/-• ENGAGEMENTS will be POSTED UP every day at 12 noon and 4 p.m., by numbers given to the applicants, who will learn the address on enquiring. SPECIAL or URGENT WANTS will be inserted in the “ Evening Herald ” in the registry column on payment of Six pence additional in advance, for each issue. Further Particulars on application at the “EVENING HERALD” REGISTRY OFFICE. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, EAST ST., ASHBURTON.



V. R. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) NOTICE TO FARMERS AND GRAIN MERCHANTS. IVTOTICE is hereby given that where XN bags contain more than four bushels of grain, the excess weight will in all cases be charged for. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager’s Office, Christchurch, Jan. 23, 1880. 977 a NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Capital ... ... £1,000,000. Paid up £50,000. Reserve FuikV£Bs,ooo. A LOCAL INSTITUTION. TRIBE Department. —City, Suburban, §' and Country properties, Flour Mills, Mills, Breweries, Barns, Stables, &c., insured on the most favorable terms. Grain in Stook or Stack. Steam Thresh ing Machines, in yard or at work, insured at the lowest rates. MARINE RISKS of all kinds effected at current rates. PA. CARRICK, • Manages, HEREFORD STREET, CHRIST CHURCH. This Company covers risk of explosion of gas. 975 a IN CONSEQUENCE OF DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. ALL accounts due to the late firm of W. Hartnell & Co., Rakaia and Chertsey, if not paid to the undersigned before the first day of February next, will be SUED FOR without respect of persons. W. HARTNELL, South Rakaia. January 21st, 1880. 966 a MEETING. THRESHING MACHINE OWNERS. A MEETING of threshing machine owners is hereby convened to be held on WEDNESDAY, January 28th, at 3 p.m. at Messrs. Buchanan and Co.’s auction rooms, Baring Square. Business : To consider and arrange, if possible, a tariff for the current season. A G. EARLE. 43'la' THOS. CLARK. TO LET—TWO OFFICES in East street, central, rent low. Apply to Branson & Purnell, solicitors. 971 a



New Advertisements. WAN! ED, a RESPECTABLE YOUNG MAN who has a know ledge of Bookkeeping. Salary, LSO for first year, advance according to merit. Apply “ Books,”Box 42, Ashburton. 944 a WANTED, at once, a HOUSEMAID. Good wages. Apply Herald Registry. 980 a WANTED, a good strong BOY, to Milk, and make himself useful at Westerfield. Apply Herald office. 898 a XA PAN TED, ROBERT COOPER, last * ™ heard of in Waimate, to know that his brother ISAAC COOPER, is in Ash burton, wishing to hear from him at once Apply Ashburton Post Office. 974 a WANTED TO SELL, To-Night, 50 p ec i cs GREEN PEAS, at SEVEN PENCE per Peck, cash. W. T. Davison’s, Tailored street, next Chapman’s. 978 a WESLEYAN CHURCH, Cameron street. —Divine Service will be ' conducted in the above Church To-morrow Morniug by Mr. H. M. Carson, and in the Evening by Mr. J. E. Buchanan. 979 a PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH Wills Street.—Divine Service will be conducted in the above Church to morrow Morning by Mr. Isaac Scott and Evening by the Rev. A. J. Smith—subject Pride, overcoming Want. 97fia A RARE CHANCE. FjpENDERS are invited for LEASING, jj_ for a term of three years, the A.SH BURTOB RACECOURSE, consisting of 146 acres of first-class land, within a mile of the Ashburton Railway Station. Tenders will be received till SATUR DAY, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. The terms are very liberal, and all particulars can be obtained at the “ Guardian” office, on application to JAMES WILKIE, 958a—4090 Hon. Secretary. WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. RATE NOTICE. ALL RATES for the year 1880 are collectable during April, and OVERDUE RATES MUST BE PAID forthwith. JAMES WILKIE, 418g—9G8a Collector. BUTLER’S FAMILY HOTEL, ASHBURTON. J. F. BUTLER (Late of Arahura, West Coast) JgEGS to inform his friends and the public generally that he has opened the above large and commodious hotel, which is situated at the CORNER OF CASS AND HAVELOCK STREETS, And is convenient to the Railway Station. Excellent accommodation for travellers, families, and boarders. All wines and spirits of the best brands. One of Alcock’s best billiard tables. 965 a WANTED Known, the “Ashburton Herald” circulates throughout the Provincial District of Canterbury.