COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. Bf. Matson and Co. report—On Tuesday, we held our usual fortnightly sale at the Ashburton Yards, when a very large number of sheep, mostly merinos, were entered for sale. Our catalogue con sisted of 2460 sheep, 17 head of cattle, 12 horses and a very large number of sun dries, the property of a farmer leaving the district. In sheep, we sold 110 merino ewes and lambs* all counting* 4s. 6d • 161 three-quarter fat merino wethers at os; 11 lambs, ss. 6d; 46 crossbreds at 7s. 3d ; and 100 store merinos at 4s ; the balance of our entry being turned out unsold. In cattle, we cleared our entry at fair prices. In horses, we sold two at L3O each and one at L 8 ; the clearing sale of sundries being fairly satisfactory.

[by telegraph.]

Dunedin, April 16.

Prime beef, 20s. per 1001 b.; mutton, 2d. per lb. Good samples wheat, 4s. 3d. to 4s. 6d.; fowl wheat, 3s. to 3s. 3d.; oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d.; barley, 43. to 4s. 6d.; feed, 2s. 6d. to 3s. Potatoes, L2 15s. to L 3. Old hay, L 4 ; new oaten hay, L 3 55.; chaff, L 3 ; straw, L2.; bran, L 3 10s.; pollard, L 4; flour, LlO 10s. to LlO 15s. -per ton, large sacks ; pearl barley, L 22 ; oatmeal, LlO. Onions, 65.; new cheese, sd. Bacon, rolled, 10d.; hams, Is.; sides bacon, lid.

MAIL 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, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. 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, Rakaia, &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”). SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 1880.

Drunks. —Two drunks were disposed of by the R.M. this morning—one was fined 55., and the other 405., with an alternative of 48 hours in gaol.

“The Victorian Review.” —We have to acknowledge the receipt of this month’s number of the above valuable periodical, which contains several papers of general interest.

Hospital.— Mr. and Mrs. Madden, late of the Timaru Hospital, have been appointed Master and Matron respectively to i, the Ashburton Hospital. They are spoken very highly of by those who have known them officially in Timaru, and we think we may congratulate the County Council in having made a wise selection from the number of appications they had to deal with. Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission sat in the Pro vincial Hall, Christchurch, on Thursday and Friday, and examined the General Manager of Railways, Mr. Back, the manager of railway stores, the engineers, Messrs. Cuthbert and Austin, and Mr. Knight, Inspector of Permanent way To-day they will visit the railway work shops and cattle yards. The Bellringers. —Perhaps the most talented company in their particular line that have ever visited New Zealand are the Lynch family of bellringers, and we are glad to notice their intention of giving two entertainments in Ashburton in the Town Hall—one to-night,the other on Mon day night. The fame of the campanologists is so well established, and their extraordi nary powers are so well known that it is needless for us to speak of the pleasant even ings we have spent in listening to them. They are not alone, however, and do not wholly depend upon their own manipula tion of their little “peals” for keeping the good graces of an audience—though they might well do so—and in the com pany is to be found an excellent ventrilo quest in Mr. C. Lyndhurst, and Mr. Alfred Santly, comique.

Guide to the Property Assessment Act. —Messrs. Lyon and Blair, Lamb ton Quay, Wellington, have published a “ Guide to the Property Assessment Act, 1879,” by Mr. Chas. M. Crosbie, Deputy Property Tax Commissioner, Wellington District. The cost is only a shilling, and we would advise all who are affected by the above Act to procure a copy, as the fullest information, and the most careful instructions are given in the little book.

Village Settlements. —ln the “Gazette” of Bth April it is notified by an Order in Council that 83 acres town ship of Dromore, 114 acres township of Hinds, 75 acres township of Aylesbury, and 653 acres of reserve No. 265, town ship of South Rakaia, are set aside as village settlements upon deferred pay ments, under the Land Act, 1877, Amendment Act, 1879. These lands may be applied for at the Lands Office, Christ church, in allotments of not less than one nor more than five acres in extent, on Monday, 17th May next. The same “ Gazette” publishes an Order in Council, under the Public Reserves Sale Act, 1879, by which lands in the above townships are set aside for sale by public auction. Of this sale ample notice will be given, the upset prices per acre being—for Dromore, L 5; Hinds, L 5 ; Aylesbury, L 4 10s. ; South Rakaia, LlO.

Consecration of the New Masonic Hall.

The ceremony of consecrating the Somerset Masonic Hall took place yester day afternoon, in the presence of a large number of Masons, conducted by D. D. G. Master Bro. Henry Thomson and Grand Lodge officers, Bro. P. M. Webb acting as D.S.G. Warden, Bro. P.M. Shearmau as D.J.G. Warden, and Bro. Paige D. G. Chaplain. The lodge was first opened in the temporary lodge-room at Bro. Shear man’s sample rooms, after which the brethren marched in procession to the new hall in Tancred street, which was taste fully decorated for the occasion. On arriving at the new hall, the D.D. Grand Master and officers first entered, followed by the brethren of the lodges here and many visitors, numbering in all about 80. The officers and brethren having assembled in due form, the choir commenced with the anthem, “ Behold how good and joy ful a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” followed with prayer by the D.G. Chaplain, and “ Sanctus,” by the choir. The Lodge Architect then certified to the due completion of the hall, and was congratulated by the D.D.G. Master upon the completion of the very fine structure about to be dedicated to Masonry. The choir sang “ Hail, Eternal.” The Lodge was then first dedi cated to Masonry by the Grand Lodge representatives ; secondly, to Virtue ; and, thirdly, to Universal Benevolence ; followed by grand honors by all the brethren. The D. G. Chaplain then offered the dedication prayer, followed by musical response, and the ceremony was con cluded by the choir chanting the 100th Psalm. Before closing the Lodge the D.D.G. Master spoke of the grand principles of Masonry, and commended that of Charity one towards another, which should be particularly remembered among themselves as brethren, and also to all mankind. He then con gratulated them on having erected such a fine hall in so short a time, remarking that the building was ample for all the requirements of Masonry ; and now that all the outward work was finished, he would strongly urge them to carry on the true work of the Order in their hearts and put their principles into effect. After receiving congratulations and a vote of thanks had been given to the D.D.G. Master, the Lodge was closed and the brethren were dismissed to prepare for the ball. At the proper places in the ceremony the Masonic Choir sang the following pieces : “ Hail, Masonry divine ; ” “ Come, Charity; ” and “ Come holy Virtue.” the ball commenced at nine o’clock, and a very large number of couples were present. The hall was neatly decorated, and excel lent arrangements were made for the com fort and convenience of the brethren and their lady friends. The upper room and the two ante-rooms on the ground floor were devoted to the ladies, while a large marquee, erected at the back of the hall, did duty as a refreshment room, and was under the care of Brother Quill. A covered way was also made from the door of the hall to the marquee, so that the dancers could avoid the necessity of going into the open air in their passage to and from the hall. The music was supplied by an efficient orchestra from Christchurch, and altogether the event vras the most pleasant and successful of its kind that has yet been held in the township, and was fully enjoyed by all concerned up till a late hour in the morning.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, April 16.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) A DISPUTED CONTRACT. Guild v. Kingsbury. Claim, L6O, damages for breach of contract, entered into by the plaintiff with defendant, which the latter would not allow to be completed. Mr. Branson, instructed by Mr. Ireland, for plaintiff; Mr. O’Reilly for defendant.

Mr. Branson, in opening the case, said the facts of the affair were simply these : According to the contract entered into be tween Guild and Kingsbury, which was merely a verbal one, but to which there were two witnesses, the plaintiff was to cart and stack 400 acres of grain, which he was perfectly willing to complete, but after having stacked a certain quantity the de fendant stopped the men from working. George Guild, sworn—l am a con tractor, residing at Ashburton. I made an agreement with Mr. Kingsbury by word of mouth. This agreement was made on the 27th February, there being two witnesses present. The agreement was that I was to cart and stack at least 400 acres, at 6d. per acre. Defendant said he had 700 acres of grain, and I could stack as quick as I liked as long as there was any to stack. He wound up his remarks at the time by saying there would at the least be 400 or 500 acres for me. I started to cart and stack, but before the work was done, Mr. Kingsbury sent the men home. Kingsbury said he could not afford to have the whole stacked. At 6s. an acre, the profit would be about 3s. per acre.

Mr. O’Reilly here wished to show from

the statute that a bill of particulars should be put in, showing the amount of damages in detail, but, failing to find the section, Mr. Branson characterised his conduct as “ludicrous in the extreme.” The former gentleman then rose to his feet again, and claimed the protection of the Court from the remarks and interrup tions constantly being made by Mr. Branson, drawing attention to the fact that the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Ashburton was in bad odour throughout the whole country in consequence of the Bench allowing such conduct. Professional men from Christchurch were astonished at the way in which business was con ducted in that Court.

Examination continued—l engaged five workmen, two drays, and two horses. They were engaged to do the whole of the 400 acres. I paid the men Is. an hour. They worked on an average nine hours a day. It would have taken me about 15 days longer to have done the work. I had been ivorking seven days. One of the men is now out of work. I made a demand for damages, but was only paid for the 112 acres that had been completed. By Mr. O’Reilly—When the contract was made it was stated to be for carting and stacking grain. The defendant men tioned that he would go on threshing from the stooks. I refused to make any ar rangements to cart from the stooks to the machine. Defendant had carts of his own, and said he was going to start work in two or three days. When requested by Kingsbury to lend horses and carts, I refused, in consequence of my taking the contract, and if I had done so I would not have had sufficient power to get through my own work. I never was near the ground while the contract was proceeding, nor even went to see how it was getting on. It would sur prise me to hear that the contract did not go on -well as I had confidence in the men, who were trustworthy. By Mr. Branson—No objection was made to the contract when the 112 acres were paid for. By Mr. O’Reilly—l made a demand, in writing, for the balance of the work as damages. Richard Robertson, sworn—l am a con tractor at Rakaia. I recollect being at the Rakaia Hotel on February 17, when Mr. Guild, Mr. Kingsbury, a man named Fen ton, and myself were present. I knew Mr. Kingsbury prior to that occasion. At the interview in question, Mr. Kingsbury let a contract to Mr. Guild for carting and stacking grain to the amount of about 700 acres, at 6s. per acre. When Mr. Kings bury had done reaping, he was to com mence on the work himself. Mr. Guild was to cart 400 or 500 acres until it w r as all finished. Six shillings an acre was mentioned as the price. I -was not em ployed on the contract. There was no particular grain mentioned. By Mr. O’Reilly—l do not remember on the occasion whether wheat was men tioned. I remember every word that was said, and am certain wheat only was not mentioned. There was no arrangement made betwen the parties about defendant having plaintiff’s horses and carts, to assist in the carting. I understood that Kings bury was to start with his own team when he had done reaping. There were 700 acres altogether, 400 or more to be done by Guild, the defendant to assist in cart ing the balance. By Mr. Branson —There were 700 acres, 400 or more of which were to be done by Guild, and the defendant to do as much as he could.

James Fenton gave similar evidence. Samuel Kingsbury, sworn—l am the de fendant in this case, I saw Mr. Guild at the Rakaia, and made an agreement with him that he was to cart and stack 400 acres of wheat at 6s. per acre, and that I was to go on threshing at the same time from the 400 acres wheat. I had 700 acres grain altogether, but nothing was said about the oats and barley. I intended to cart the oats myself, and v r anted the wheat to be carted by the contractor first, as it w r as most valuable, and I did not want it to be subject to bad weather. There was no contract as to how many acres Guild was to cart. I was to go on carting to the threshing machine, and what Guild could not do I w r as to do. It was estimated there would be about 200 or 300 acres of the wheat for plaintiff to do if he started at once with five men and two drays. I was to start as soon as I got the threshing machine, which was about the 20th. I dismissed Guild’s men after 112 acres had been done, because I considered the grain safer in stoolc than in stack, in consequence of it being badly stacked. I told my brother to go and tell the men that the stacking would not do unless done better in the middle. I could not go to the men myself in conse quence of having to superintend the threshing machine. I did not know where Mr. Guild resided. I was told he might be in camp or at Ashburton. By Mr. Branson—l knew where Guild’s camp was ; it was about two miles from my place. I did not take the trouble to go and see him. I got adivce from Joynt and Percival. I gave them information that the stacking was done badly. [Mr. Branson here read Joynt and Percival’s letter to plaintiff, which made no mention of the work being inefficiently done.] It was no after-theught of mine to put in this defence. I thought of this defence while the stacking was going on. I allowed them to make nine stacks.

By the Bench—l gave Guild to under stand, when the contract was made, that if the men did not do the work properly, I should not complain to him, but send the men off.

Seth Kingsbury, sworn—l am brother to the defendant. The first day Mr. Guild’s men started, when they had com pleted about half a stack, I saw it was very flat, and went and told the men that my brother was not satisfied with the work. There was an improvement for a little while, but subsequently they fell back to their old style of work. About eight days were occupied in doing the 112 aci’es, and part of the time only three of Guild’s men were at work.

By Mr. Branson—Mr. Guild did not supply sufficient men, and my brother supplied two hands. My brother’s men did not help to build. I examined the whole of the nine stacks, and they were all bad.

Henry Bennett, sworn—l am in the service of Kingsbury. I saw the stacks which were made. I know when a stack is properly built. The stacks in question were badly built. The middle not being high enough would allow rain to settle and run into the stack.

By Mr. Branson—On one occasion I remarked to Mr. Kingsbury that one stack was damaged. I will not swear how

many stacks had the rain on them. It was not raining at all while we were threshing, but it rained heavily the Sun day night previous. Mr. O’Reilly, for the defence, argued that the work had been done improperly, and the defendant would have been per fectly justified in sending the men away directly ; but on account of the necessity for the wheat being got together quickly, in case of bad whether coming on, he was quite at liberty to retain them for his own convenience, even if the work they did was inefficient, seeing that he paid them for all the time they were there.

Mr. [Branson submitted that the evidence was very clear that 400 acres at least were to be carted and stacked. The defence set up was certainly an after-thought. Ac cording to the defendant he supplied Joynt and Percival with the information about the inefficiency of work done, but it was certainly peculiar that in their letter the solicitors did not refer to it in any way. There was no doubt that the contract was that defendant found it would be cheaper to thresh from the stocks than from the stacks. The plea of inefficient work was certainly absurd, and he (Mr. Branson) should not wonder if it had not been concocted in Mr. O’Reilly’s office. Mr. O’Reilly objected to Mr. Branson saying the defence had been concocted in Mr. O’Reilly’s office, as the statement was an aspersion on his professionul reputa tion.

Mr. Branson objected to Mr. O’Reilly again addressing the Court, and said that the document had been put together in Mr. O’Reilly’s office. After the counsel’s address, his Worship said he could not entertain the defence re garding bad building, as the defendant had permitted the building to go on. There had been evidently a guarantee for 400 acres, and the plea of bad stacking could not be entertained, as any bad stacking had been condoned by a portion of the work having been paid for. He would give judgment for the plaintiff, with costs.

Mr. O’Reilly said he desired to obtain a point on which to take the matter to a higher court, but his Worship denied that any point of law had been involved, as the judgment was given on the facts of the case.

Mr. O’Reilly said such a judgment pre vented him from obtaining any redress, as his Worship refused to give a point of law on which to appeal.

Mr. Branson said the statement was a most impertinent one for a solicitor to make, and was an insult to the Bench. Mr. O’Reilly, after consulting with his client, said he would appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Alleged Embracery at Auckland.

[By Telegraph.] Auckland, April 16,

It having been stated that an attempt was made to tamper with the jurors in the case of the man Hughes, charged with indecent assault upon his servant girl, some jurors, with whom influence was attempted, to-day waited on the Attorney- General, and stated what had actually taken place, as far as they could speak from personal knowledge. They respect fully urged upon him the necessity of causing an inquiry to be made, and of taking such steps as will protect jurors from any attempt at influence in future. The Attorney-General thanked the depu tation cordially for the straightforward course pursued in the matter by them, which was one that struck at the very foundation of the administration of justice. He would at once communicate with the Minister of Justice on the sub ject, with a view to having the whole matter investigated.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE-

(Reuter's.) The London Markets.

London, April 15.

Consols are unchanged at 98§ ; five per cent NeAY Zealand Loan (1889), 104]r ; NeAv Zealand Loan (1879-1904), 99J. The market for breadstuff's is unchanged. Australian talloAV remains at last quota tions.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's 7elegrams.) Adelaide Flour. Adelaide, April 17. Flour is Avorth LlO 2s. 6d. per ton. The Cuzco.

The Orient steamship Cuzco has arrived from Plymouth. The] Agent-Generalship' of Victoria. Melbourne, April 17.

Reports are gaining ground that Murray Smith will probably be offered the Agent- Generalship. The SydneySExhibition. Sydney, April 17. The receipts of the exhibition since the opening have amounted t0L42,462. The N.S.W. Education Bill.

His Excellency tlie Governor has assented to the Education Bill, which was introduced by Government.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINOIAL.

Native Affairs.

Hawera, April 17.

Tlie usual monthly Parihaka meeting takes place to-day. Titokowaru and a good many natives have gone to be present. Surveys of native reserves are going on favorably and without interruption. The constabulary are going on with the road works but slowly, as they have instruc tions to clear through heavy flax country, two chains wide. No one can comprehend the object of delaying the progress of the road work. They are doing all this extra and unnecessary land clearing on each side of the road. A Horse Thief Loose.

Napier, April 17.

The policemen have returned after an unsuccessful search for a horse stealer who is supposed to have stolen 12 horses. He was last heard of at Omahau, and he then got to Te Aute and stole another horse, and rode to Seventy Mile Bush. There all traces were lost.

Returned. Inspector Scully and Sergt. Marton re turned this morning after a compulsory trip to Auckland on their way to Poverty Bay. Karaitiana’s |Will. The Hon. Mr. Wilson left for Welling ton, and also several Maoris in connection with Karaitiana’s will case. Wellington Fire Brigades. Wellington, April 13. At the meeting of fire brigades last evening it was resolved to disband on Monday, without giving the City Council time to consider the question of subsidy. Only four chief officers and two others dissented. The meeting was very lively throughout. Discovery of Copper. It is reported that a valuable discovery ef copper has been made in Manawatu ranges. A prospecting party leave to night to make an inspection.

THE NELSON PERJURY CASE.

Adams Asked to Resign His Seat.

(by telegraph.)

Nelson, April 16.

Regarding the fracas outside the Club last evening, the police have summoned Messrs Percy Adams, Langley Adams, Bunny, and Teschemaker, for creating a breach of the peace. There is to be held to-night a public meeting to consider the late charge against Mr. Acton Adams.

Nelson, April 17.

At the public meeting last night there was a crowded attendance, and Messrs. Bunny and Pitt Avere present. The latter read some correspondence between Mr. Adams and himself, and the former gave a statement of his conduct re the proceedings against the lion, member for the city. The resolu tions passed Avere that the evidence in the case laid before the Minister for Jus tice, and that Mr. Adams be requested to resign his seat in the House.

THE DUNEDIN MURDER.

(by telegraph.)

Dunedin, April 17.

Inspector Mallard was submitted to a rigid cross-examination by the prisoner, Avho animadverted strongly on him question ing him (the prisoner) after he Avas charged Avith murder. The Judge’s remarks im plied that Avhilst a certain amount of dis cretion was left to the police, it Avould have been better if Inspector Mallard had refrained from questioning him. The Judge, however, made a memorandum im mediately afterAvards, that the evidence was admissible. Inspector Mallard said that he debated Avith himself for two hours as to w r hat course he should pursue, but he ultimately decided to make a memorandum leaving his superiors to censure him if they thought necessary. He, hoAveA r er, swore positively that the prisoner began the questioning. Inspector Mallard, on his examination in chief, de railed several conversations Avith the prisoner in March, when he came seeking the inspector’s assistance for obtaining employment. Butler discussed all the recent great crimes, particularly Peace and Moonlight’s, and observed how easy it was to destroy traces of crime by arson, adding, in conclusion, “If some great crime Avere committed here like this, I suppose you Avould blame me for it. ” Mallard replied, “No ; I should look for suspicious circumstances, and if they pointed to you, I should certainly be after you.” The case for the Crown is ex pected to close to-night. To-morrow the prisoner will enter on his defence, which he says will occupy a considerable time. He cross-examined the Avitnesses at great length, complaining that the prosecution had been conducted in a treacherous and vindictive manner.

Dunedin, April 17, noon.

Butler is addressing the jury at great length. He explains that his reason for leaving Dunedin on Sunday morning, the morning of the murder, was his belief that his arrest for Stamper’s burglary on the pre vious morning had been planned. The Judge sums up after the adjournment.

Loss of the Calypso.

[by telegraph.]

Dunedin, April 15.

A telegram Avas received in town to-day announcing the loss of the ship Calypso, Avhich AA r as run down off Margate. All hands Avere saved. The Calypso Avas com manded by Captain Hird, and left Port Chalmers for London on January 19th, Avith the following passengers —Mr. and Mrs. Grant, Mesdames Nichol, Gibbs, Imrie and family (5), Miss Thomas, Messrs. J. Closs, G. Montgomery, W. Will, J. Callagher, H. BeneAvith, T. A. Miller, and A. D. McConnell. Her cargo con sisted of 4,376 bales of wool, and sundries, of a total value of L 87,896. She was owned by Captain Leslie and others, and Avas fully insured, all the colonial offices having full lines upon her.

{By cable from Reuter's Agency.) London, April 15,

The Calypso, from Port Chalmers, w r as entering the Thames yesterday, when she collided with the General Steam Na\figa tion Company’s steamship HaAvk, near Margate. The HaAvk proceeded on her voyage, and the extent of injury she re ceived is therefore unknown. It is stated that the Calypso’s lights were not burn ing at the time of the collision.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

‘ l l am not yet so bald that you can see my brains. ” —Longfelloav.

It is certainly an unusual thing for Nelson—the “ Garden of New Zealand”— to have a row. But the quietest and smoothest stream that ever flowed “ adown its mossy bed” is bound at some period of its course to encounter a stone or other element of disturbance that causes a ripple. The stone that caused the ripple this time was lawyer Bunny’s head. I don’t know that Mr. Bunny’s head is any harder than other people’s, or that it is as hard even for that matter, but no matter whose head gets a cut over it with a riding whip, there is bound to be some sort of a ripple. The head of Mr. Lawyer Bunny got a cut over it this week, and the inevitable ripple followed, and it seems from the telegraphic

accounts to have been a bit of a scrimmage. Fortunately only laAvyers had to do with the shindy, and it is satisfactory to know that they Avere taking in out of each other. It appears that a case of perjury had been brought against Acton Adams, M.H.R., knoAvn in the House and amongst elec tioneering men in Nelson as the “Smooth bore,” a soubriquet he has earned because of his ability to pour out fluently long strings of nothing. Bunny is the Branson of Nelson, only somewhat bigger, and Percy Adams is Acton’s brother. The latter didn’t like one lawyer taking up a case against another, especially when the other was a blood relation of the Percy, so the Percy Avent for the Bunny with a riding Avhip. I rather guess the whippist regretted the part he played before the day Avas done, or may recollections of Charley Bunny are indistinct. The Jast “ ripple ” in Nelson Avas Avhen a black guard black barber was dragged through the streets with a rope round his neck, and Avould have died without the benefit of clergy had not the very muscular Bishop Suter stepped in and rescued the poor shaver from the crowd.

Speaking of barbers. He was a very conceited one —the one referred to above. A conceited barber is not an uncommon commodity, and no • one took particular notice of his most inordinate vanity, see seeing that in addition to his profession he was a nigger. But when a barber who is a white man puts on airs similar to Sambo, one is in clined to laugh. Whenlmake my bi-Aveeldy visit to the “salon de coiffure” of my tonsorial professor, I take a delight in letting him know that I prefer plain English to “ high falutin.” He is above saying “ It’s a fine day’” He must “apolo gise for folloAving up the conventionalities of the age by repeating the hackneyed phrase regarding the salubrity of the climate, and the specially benign smile to day of the clerk of the Aveatker.” By the time he gets all this rigmarole poured out, as glibly as comes his concoction of olive and castor from his “ phial,” he has adjusted the chintz rag round the neck of yours truly, and proceeds. He had just got this length with me one day last Aveek, when there entered to him two swaggers. Ist Swagger—“ I say, mate, is this a barber’s shop V’ Barber (in an attitude that Avas meant to convey that the rage of a Bengal tiger Avas boiling Avithin him) — ‘ ‘Barber’s sh-h-h-op!!! (menacing flourish of the razor and fearful elevation of the eyebrows) “ barber’s sh-h-op ! ! ! No ! you’ll find a barber’s shop further down the street. This is the establishment of a hairdresser who knoAvs the difference betAveen the art of cultivating the natural adornments of the human person and the barbarity of simply chopping hair off a man’s face with a Aveapon that might have been a tomahawk. ” I shrunk to a very small space, and the two swaggers, over awed A\dth so much barberous majesty, retired to hunt up the common barber, and pay their two bob to some shaver Avho shaved for money and not for honor and glory alone, and Avho could say “yes” to a question that required it, Avithout tacking on a dozen AVords that were not Avanted.

I was on lawyers a little ago. They are the only people making money just now, and I like to admire men Avho can make or unmake your fortunes in a day. lam therefore a frequent visitor at the teetotal hall Avliere- tl>ey—Worry-liis ■Worship every Friday, and lug decisions out of him. Poor man, I pity him : he has to stand umpire occasionally betAveen legal cham pions whom I every now and again expect to see becoming gladiators, and I do not Avonder sometimes that he, too, loses his temper. But there Avas a general losing of temper on Friday over a case of damages for an unfulfilled contract. Of course I am neither a laAvyer nor an R. M. —(thank goodness)—so I cannot give a legal opinion worth much on the cases I listen to. But I have come to the conclu sion that if ever I sue anybody it will be damages. They are about the most profit able thing to go in for. A short time since a man bought tAvo cows for Ll 3. One cow AA r as not in calf, as he had been led to be lieve, and the purchaser brought his action for damages in our R.M. Court. He received the price of the two cows as damages, and something over, so he had the tAvo coavs and their price and two calves to boot, for a second calf rolled up from someAvhere, but not, according to the evidence, from Avhere it should have come. Oh, Justice —&c., &c. Yesterday a man brought an action for damages, L6O, cal culated at 3s. per acre on stacking 400 acres’ crop. He said he had made 3s. profit on what he had done and had got paid 6s. per acre on 112 acres. Verdict for L6O damages. So this lucky litigant made 6s. per acre profit on the 112 acres. Yes ; actions for damages are a real good specu lation. More poetry. Will the stream ever CGcISG ? THINGS IN GENERAL. Hail, Muse, et cetera. On these spreading plains Noav plume your pinions for a glorious theme. Filed are our schedules, bagged is our grain, And still prosperity doth seem a dream. The lienist is active !—not in vain— His document is spread, his eyes, wide open, gleam Upon the still beleagered cockatoos He'll have their grain, and leave them in the blues. Two acts of fair and graceful celebration, The paper tells us, have been jnstperformed. Tavo lofty minds although in different station, Created admirers, in Avhose bosoms Avarmed The noble inctinct to create occasion To air themselves in print, and eager stormed The food and drink provided, Avhile each spouter, Proclaimed some other quite an out and outer. And cheap their fare —one gorgeous banquet cost A signet ring ; and as from Andes’ height The condor, hungry at his lofty post, Beholds a carcase, and like arroAv’s flight Darts to his odorous prey—so the host Of Avatchful spouters spy a coming toast. All health inspectors, sedulous to feed, And drink, aye—anybody’s health at need. The one a statesman, editor, aud laAvyer, To Gladstone, Delane, or Eldon almost equal; That is, he thinks himself so—a top saAvyer At everything. If Demosthenes you seek, Avell

He’s your man. Though rather Yankee, a famous jawer, And will be Mayor or Premier in the sequel. When the old knight is buried at Kawau, As foremost statesman Joe will make his bow T’other celebrity was Saunders’ cook— A man well skilled in his most useful art.

Saturday, April i 7» *BBo.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.



Butter inferior to best Egges



New Advertisements. TTT ANTED, a strong BOY, accustomed Yt to horses, and to be generally useful. Apply Herald Office. 666g-253c TTT ANTED—A good general SER- V YANT for the country. Apply at once, “ Herald” and “Guardian” Offices. 328 c WANTED to buy—Turkeys, Geese, Ducks, and Fowls in any quantity. —Quill’s Hotel. 308 c WANTED —By an experienced mar COOK, a situation in an Hotel or Boardinghouse. Good references. Ad dress “F.A.F,” care of R. Lancaster, Ashburton. WASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per lb. at the Herald Office. 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-GB4g WANTED, those in search of employ ment, to call and enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. TALE. —The Herald publishes a por tion of a readable story ever Even ing. Read it. T OST—This morning, between Ash -8 J burton and Rakaia, a Gold LOCKET. Finder will be rewarded on leaving same at this office. 320 c NOTICE. ACCOUNTS. * LL 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, 317 c Ashburton. NOTICE. IN consequence of Benjamin Ede re tiring from the Butchering business, all ACCOUNTS owing to him must be paid to Messrs. Poyntz and Co., before the 30th APRIL, and their receipt will be a sufficient discharge. 291 c BENJAMIN EDE.



10 LET—A TWO-ROOMED COT TAGE on the East Town Belt. Appiy, D. M‘KENZIE, 323 c Ashburton Hotel. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH Wills Street. —Divine Service will be conducted in the above Church to morrow Morning and Evening by Rev. Charles E. Barley, of Oamaru. 331 c PRESBYTERIAN PLACE OF WOR SHIP FOR TINWALD. A PUBLIC MEETING of all those in terested in the work already com menced in that promising locality, will be held D.V. in the Schoolroom, at Tinwald, on THURSDAY, APRIL 22nd, at the close of the usual week-night service. A. M. BEATTIE, Minister at Ashburton, 325 c Chairman. TENDERS. mo BE LET BY TENDER, the FEED -1 - 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. TINWALD -WINSLOW TRICT. ROAD DIS MEETING of RATEPAYERS in this District will be held on MON DAY, the 19th instant, 2 o’clock p.m., at Scott’s Hotel, Tinwald, for the purpose of considering a petition to the County Council, requesting separation from the Longbeach District. J. R. C. GRAHAM. 292 c ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. NOTIFICATION OF ELECTORAL ROLLS. "TATOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, in accordance with Clause 46 of the Counties Act, 1876, copies of the Electo ral Rolls of the following Ridings will be open for inspection from the 20th instant to the 15th May, at the undermentioned places, and copies of such Rolls will be also on view at the Council Chambers during the above period : Upper Ashburton Riding Road Board Office, Westerfield Mount Hutt Riding—Road Board Office, Methven South Rakaia Riding—Road Board Office, South Rakaia. By order, F. MAINWARING, Clerk. Ashburton, April 14, 1880. 726g-329c



PATRONISED BY ALL CLASSES, THE GREATEST DISCOVERY OF THE AGE. NINE B ’ S TRADE 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 u Niner’s Extract.” Sold in pints, quarts, half-gallon and one-gallon tins. Wholesale and Retail Agents for the Ashburton District— O R R AND CO., Ashburton and Rakaia. 316c-735g