COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. Edmiston, Gundry and Co. re port for the week ending Friday, 14th inst.

There has been a fair demand for general produce during the week, the prices obtained being about the same as la3t week’s quotations.—Onions, to Id. per lb. ; potatoes, L2 ss. to L2 10s. per ton, bags extra ; cheese, sjd. to 6d. per lb. ; apples, ss. case ; peas, 23. 6d. to 3s. bushel.

At the Horse Bazaar on the Bth, the sale was well attended, though the bid ding was languid, and we had great diffi culty in disposing of really first class hacks from L 6 to L 9, che class of horses that require the most attention being light draughts from LlB to L 26. At the Ashburton Yards on Tuesday, '1166 sheep, 587 head of cattle,, and 44 pigs came to hand. There was a large at tendance, but the bidding weak, and a great many lots had to be withdrawn, not fetching the very low reserve placed upon them. We quote prime beef 17s. to 18s. 6d. per 100 lbs. ; good dairy cows, L 6 to L 8; stores, L 3 ss. to L 4 10s ; sheep, half bred, 9s. 9d. to 11s. 6d. ; cross breds, Bs. 6d. to 10s. ; stores, mixed ages, 3s. 6d. to 6s. 6d. ; pigs, sd. per lb. Thursday, 13th, we held a sale of pro perties at our Rooms, East street, when we sold the following sections at Tinwald : —Lots 521, 522, 534, 529 at Ll 6 each ; lot 529, L 27 10s. ; lot 525, Ll 9 ; lot 168 and a four-roomed cottage (by order of the mortgagees), for L 165. In the estate of E. Watkins, lots 23, 24, East Belt, with a four-roomed cottage, Ll3O ; lots 27, 28, near Gas-works, at Ll 4 103. each —the other properties being with drawn, not fetching owners’ reserve.

Christchurch Corn Exchange.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday, the 14th instant : The market for all classes of produce is extremely heavy. Wheat (which may be termed the farmer’s mainstay) has receded in price quite 6d. a bushel since the open ing of the season. The price of oats has come to such a pass that the farmer, be fore threshing out, takes it seriously into consideration whether it is not better for him to allow the grain to remain in stack. What between threshing, carting, railway carriage and often extra cartage in town, he has little or nothing left. Barley is now almost unsaleable, and potatoes have a fate very nearly akin to oats. Pur chasers in all these classes are extremely indifferent, and producers are unwilling to part for the money offered. In this state of things it is not difficult to under stand that sales are not easy to effect. The state of the market is almost precisely what it was the foregoing-week, prices re maining unaltered. Wheat. —Good milling quality, sound and fit for shipment, is saleable at 3s. 6d. per bushel f.o.b. in Lyttleton, large lines being more saleable than small. Sales of similar quality for local use are not numerous ; millers being well-stocked are therefore indifferent. Seed quality, of particular kinds, will command 3s. lOd. to 4s. per bushel. Chick wheat is in large supply; sales are difficult to make, the quality of this class of grain is so varied that a large disparity in price must be allowed, viz,, from 2s. 2d. to 3s. per bushel.

Oats. —This cereal, although so plenti ful, is not being rushed into the market so quickly as might have been anticipated. The reason for this is of course obvious, producers preferring to take the risk of what may turn up in the shape of a change for the better than thresh out and take the present prices. Good milling will not command over Is. 4d. to Is. 6d. per bushel; feed qualities, Is. 3d. to Is. 3|d. per bushel. Barley.—Large quantities are being offered, but are meeting with little or no attention. Occasional sales are being effected of choice malting samples at from 33. 6d. to 3s. 9d. per bushel, in some in stances good malting quality has changed hands at 3s. 6d. per bushel. Inferior and feed qualities are not saleable. Prices nominal.

Potatoes.—Business is taking place in this produce at prices very often withheld. A considerable amount of mystery seems to surround the value of the tuber this year. Large quantities are in the mean time being shipped which will ere long unfold a tale. Meantime prices may be quoted at from 255. to 275. 6d. per ton at country stations, sacks extra. Grass Seed.—Small sales are taking place at from 2s. 6d. to 2s. lOd. per bushel. Demand slack. Cooksfoot, 2d. to 2M. per lb. Cheese and Butter. —The first mentioned article is in plentiful supply with rather a slack demand at 4d. to 4|d. per lb. For the latter the supply is good with fair demand at B£d. to 9d. per lb.

[By Telegraph.] Dunedin, May 14. Prime beef, 225. 6d. to 255. per 1001 b. ; mutton, 2jd. ; good sample mill wheat, 3s. lOd. to 4s. ; fowl’s wheat, 3s. to 3s. 3d. ; oats Is. 3d. to Is. 4d. ; malt barley, 3s. lOd. to 4s. ; feed, 2s. 6d. to 3s. ; potatoes, L2 10s. ; old hay, L 4; new oaten hay, L 3; chaff L 3 ; straw, L2 ; bran, L 3 ; pollard, L 4 ; flour, LlO 10s. to LlO 15s. per ton; large sacks oatmeal, LlO ; pearl barley, LlB ; onions, 7s. ; new cheese, sd. ; bacon, rolled, lOd. ; hams, Is. ; sides bacon, lid.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : The outward mails for the United Kingdom via San Francisco, will close at the Ashburton Post Office, on Saturday, the 22nd inst., at 9 a.m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

Mails close at the Chief Post Offices for the following places (subject to the necessary alterations) as under : The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on June 3rd, and will be due in London on July 24th.

SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

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

A telegram from Auckland shows us how inveterate a disease is pleuro-pneu monia, the scourge which is now afflicting the farmers’ herds in the North, and

affords another justification of the steps taken by the County Council for the pro tection of the district. The steps were abortive, to be sure, but that does not in the least lessen their propriety, nor de tract from the credit due to the Council in taking them, even if in doing so they only sympathetically followed the ex ample of Geraldine. The telegram to which we refer informs us that on one property it was thought the disease had been stamped out in March, since when not a case had been reported until Thurs day last, when & post-mortem examination on a carcase showed that the animal had died from the dreaded disease. The re appearance of pleuro on this estate is attributed to the change from dry to wet weather, but when the seeds of it cling so closely to a locality, and spread so rapidly, too much care cannot be exercised in guarding against their dissemination.

Last session and the session before, Go vernment were besieged by applications from numerous municipalities that had not received the full extent of their rural land endowment, and were put to some trouble to stave off the applicants. Some were sent away with a small present of land, others —the Thames, for instance got the full allowance, while less favored ones had to “ whistle.” Both the present Government and the last used this sort of diplomacy in order to avoid making over land as rural endowments to municipali ties, and both incurred a certain degree of unpopulaifity with municipalities in this direction. It appears now, however, that something direct and definite is meditated in the coming session, for we find in a telegram that a statement is being com piled by order of the Government, and will be presented to Parliament, showing the comparative extent and value of the endowments, rates, and property of the various municipalities in New Zealand.

Chispa’s Letter.”— The usual Satur day contribution by “ Chispa” has been held over. Amateur Dramatic Club.— The Ama teur Dramatic Club have “Black-Eyed Susan ” in active rehearsal, and expect to be able to produce it in about three weeks. The “ Ticket-of-Leave-Man. ” —Over the production of this play by an Ama teur Dramatic Company some time ago, there was a financial deficiency. We un derstand that a entertainment is projected shortly with a view to wipe off one or two small debts that are still outstanding. Presentation. —At the usual meeting last night of the Presbyterian Sabbath School Teachers’ Union, Mrs. H. Cape- Williamson who, up to her removal to Cambridge, had been an indefatigable worker in the Sunday School, was pre sented with a handsome family Bible by her fellow teachers.

Court Pleasantries. —Were it not for the little passages at arms between the members of bar, and now and again between bar and Bench, ourRM. Court would be"a dreary affair. But these little passages are sometimes lively. In one case Mr. Ireland and Mr. O’Reilly were the contending counsel yesterday, and while Mr. O’Reilly was examining a wit ness Mr. Ireland was industriously taking notes. His pencil, however, was not equal to the speed of Mr. O’Reilly’s examination, and while he wrote he kept interrupting the witness to have answers repeated. Mr. O’Reilly, somewhat net tled at this, appealed to the Bench, and the usual exchange of legal compliments took place between the lawyers. In another case, Mr. O’Reilly gave notice that he would object to a copy of the Trespass Ordinance, which Mr. Purnell held in his hand being put in unless he were to see it. Mr. Purnell said that when the time came for the ordinance to be put in the propor document would be forthcoming, but at any rate Mr. O’Reilly had no right to try to snatch a paper from his hand. Mr. O’Reilly denied having done so, and if Mr. Purnell said he had he would tell a direct falsehood. Practical Watchmaking. —lt will, no doubt, be interesting to ourj readers to know that we have in our midst a practi cal watch and clock maker, in the person of Mr. Robert Murray, who has recently arrived in the colony ; and, as will be seen, has commenced business in Moore street. On paying his establishment a visit, we ivere shown several cl®cks and some jewellery which had been manufactured by Mr. Murray and his two sons from the metal as taken from the hands of the blacksmith and brass founder. We had ample proof of this on inspecting a clock which was being made from the raw material. Mr. Murray displays in his window the clocks of his own manufacture, and we question if any other town in the colony can boast of a like display, manu factured on the premises. The first which we noticed was a large astronomical clock, with Denison’s compensation pendulum, similar to that in the great Westminister clock, whereby variation of time, owing to change of temperature, is corrected—the object being gained by taking advantage of the relative expansion of the rods, formed of zinc and steel. The principal acting parts are jewelled, whereby the friction on the bearings is reduced to a minimum, as is shown by the clock and pendulum, which weigh 151b5., being kept working by a weight of 21bs. sozs, only, thereby insuring correct time-keeping and subjecting the clock to less wear. This clock is made almost entirely of iron and brass, and there are no less than 100 screws in it, all made and tempered by hand. In England this clock worked to a minute in twelve months, which will give some idea as to its accurate working. Another clock shown to us has a history attached to it, being a skeleton 8-day timepiece, with duplex escapement, on marble stand, inlaid with various colored stones found in Devonshire. This time piece was made in 1865, and formed one of a set of escapement clocks made by Mr. Murray, and shown during the Royal Agricultural Association of England’s Exhibition, held at Plymouth during that year. The escapement is shown on a pierced platform, with the Arms of Ply mouth, the globe (the insignia of the Royal Marines) Britannia, and the Beehive pierced on the covers, surmounted by a model of the Imperial crown of Britain. This very fine piece of mechanism will repay anyone a visit, and Mr. Murray is only too glad to explain the intricate work and the process it has to go through. We are glad to learn that our new tradesman is thoroughly satisfied wish his business prospects so far, and we hope to keep so valuable an artizan amongst us for many years,

A Flutter.— This afternoon, just as wo were preparing for press, Mr. George Willcock’s Longbeach coach went past our windows at speed that was sure to attract the attention of any constable, be he ever so dull. The reason, however, was ob vious. The fresh team were “ off.” Down the street they went in high feather, but with both George Willcocks and Tom Cotton on the box, it would be a very ram-stam four indeed that would be able to have it all their own way. At the old barracks they were pulled up, and brought back, both George and Tom breathless. Fortunately, beyond turning out all the town for a moment’s excitement, there was nothing extraordinary happened, and everything came back from the trip whole, and George was able to gasp out to us that “they take some holding.” We should say they did.

The Missing Manager. —The accounts of the Dunedin Building Society, of which Mr. J. S. Webb, .whose disappearance gave rise to some very unpleasant com ments, have been examined, and as there does not appear to beany defalcations, the reflections on his conduct appear to have been premature. Mr. Webb left Dunedin on a visit to some of his friends, and as we understand he left them the other even ing to returns to Dunedin, there seems to be more reason for alarm than suspicion.

Mount Hutt Road Board. — The usual monthly meeting of this Board took place at Metliven, on the 13th instant. Pre sent—Messrs. E. Chapman (Chairman), Jackson,Pannet, and M‘Millan. It was resolved that, as it was understood from the explanation given by Mr. Coster at the previous meeting that the Mount Somers Road Board had received a con siderable sum of money in excess, on ac count of the entire expense they would incur by bridging the river, this Board de clines to contribute towards the cost of the bridge over the north branch of the Ash burton. A letter was read from the chairman of the South Rakaia Road Board relating to the Boundary Road. The clerk was instructed to interview the clerk of the South Rakaia Road Board, and re port at next meeting. A claim was put in by Mr. Ritchie’s agent for two acres of land, at L2O per acre. It was resolved to offer LlO per acre. On a similar applica tion from D. Henderson, forLIS per acre, the Board decided to offer LlO also. Several accounts having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned until Thursday, 11th June.

Ashburton Agricultural and Pas toral Association. —A meeting of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s Committee was held at the Somerset Hotel yesterday to hear report by the Com mittee to whom the question of yards was entrusted. There were present, Messrs. Walker (in the chair), Stitt, Scott, E. F. Wright, Passmore, Hay Smith, Cox, Car ter, Hunt and Jameson. Mr. Percy Cox, in reporting for the sub-committe, said that the ground that found most favor with the sub-committee as a site for the proposed yards was vested in the County Council, and he suggested that that body should be at once communicated with, with a view to obtaining a lease of the land for that purpose. He believed there would be no difficulty with the Council, as the aims of both that body and their own were indentical in meeting the wants of the public. It was the sub-com mittee’s belief that the yards proposed to be erected would be more extensively patronised than those now existing on this side the river were, and the fact that now there were larger numbers of cattle, &c., offered for sale than there had been in the past justified them in this belief. The fees of Messrs. Matson and Co.. for the last six months had in themselves reached between L4O and LSO, and the bulk of these had accrued within the last two or three months. If the supply of stock at the yards were to be regular and ample, buyers from both South and North would be induced to attend, and the benefit of this to the residents would be great, as it would establish a sufficiently remunera tive and satisfactory mai’ket at our doors, both for vendor and purchaser. In the assurance he felt that there would be a larger revenue from the yards, he had pleasure in moving —“ That the Secretary be directed to write to Mr. Marshman, asking him to recommend that the land applied for by the Association as a site for cattle yards be vested in the County Council.” Mr. Passmore acquiesced in what had fallen from the last speaker, and threw out the suggestion of the advisable ness of erecting a building in which to hold meetings of the Association. At the last general meeting they had decided to hold a meeting every month for the purpose of reading papers on subjects of interest to the Society, but there was a difficulty as to where such meetings could be held. He had gathered some very useful informa tion at meetings of the kind in connection with the Christchurch Association, and suggested, that, in addition to what had been agreed upon, samples of grain, &c., should be exhibited from time to time. Mr. Passmore seconded the motion. With reference to Mr. Passmore’s sug gestion to erect rooms for holding the meetings of the Association in, Mr. Cox expressed his disapproval of such a course being pursued for the present, on account of the expense it would necessitate, though, in course of time, he was of opinion it would be advisable for them to entertain the idea. There was a new room in the Town Hall now in course of completion which lie thought would admirably serve the purpose, and the cost of which would be trifling. The Chair man promised that the matter should come before the County Council in due course, and expressed his opinion that there would be no difficulty with that body. The motion was put and carried. It was resolved — 1 ‘ That the Secretary write to the Ashburton County Council, requesting them to accept the reserve pro posed to be vested in them as a site for a cattle market, and to erect yards thereon and lease them to the Association on reasonable terms. ” It was also resolved to at once advertise for tenders for leasing the Tinwald reserve. On the motion of Mr. Passmore, seconded by Mr. Carter, it was decided to procure an Association Seal, similar to that of the Council, but with the name of the Association substi tuted. It was resolved that Messrs. Hunt, Cox, and the Secretary arrange for the first monthly meeting for the reading and discussion of paper?, the most suit able time being suggested to be about full moon. After some unimportant business, the meeting adjourned.

Resident Magistrates’ Court.

Friday, May 14.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) STRAYED CATTLE. Several parties were fined for allowing cattle to wander at large. ABSCONDERS. Two lads, who had run away from the Burnham school, and who had been arrested at Chertsey on asking the station master to give them a lift, were ordered to be sent back to the school. CAVIL CASES. Passmore v. Johnson.—Mr. Purnell ap plied to have the summons enlarged for three weeks to allow the summons to be served at defendant’s last place of abode, it being understood that he had left the district. Application granted. Mcßae v. Bates.—The same request was granted in this caseasin the last, on the application of Mr. Ireland, the time being limited to one week. A CLAIM FOR WAGES. Lloyd v. Hugo Friedlander.— Claim, Ll 5, for wages. Mr. Ireland for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for defendant. This was a claim for Ll 5 for work performed on the property of James Gardiner. Fried lander Bros, had a lien over the crop, and at the time when Gardner filed his schedule, the men on the farm, including the plaintiff struck work,and did not return to it, until Hugo Friedlander went out and guaranteed that they would be paid if they returned to their work. From the evidence it was shown that the plaintiff had received sums of money from Gardiner, and at the time the defendant made the promise Lloyd was not present. Mr. Friedlander admitted having given the guarantee, but the sums of money which he had given to Gardiner for the purpose of paying the men, completely covered all that he had promised. Mr. Purnell submitted that Lloyd was endeavoring to get the money out of the plaintiff, in consequence of there being no chance of getting it from Gardiner, who had filed in the Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Ireland argued that Mr. Friedlander had made a promise to pay whatever wages were required to get in the harvest, and submitted that as his client was then em ployed on the firm, he had a claim on the defendant. It was a case of great hard ship to Lloyd who had worked for such a length of time, the benefit of which had been reaped by the defendant. His Wor nonsuited the plaintiff, on the ground that Friedlander Bros, should have been sued instead of the defendant singly. Mr. Ire land hoped that costs would not be granted, as his client was in a very impe cunious state. Mr. Purnell pressed for costs, as these sorts of claims on business men in Ashburton were continually being made without the slightest ground for them whatever. His Worship granted LI Is. costs. AN INDUSTRIOUS BAILIFF. Meehan v. Friedlander Bros.—Claim, L 79 10s. Mi*. O’Reilly for plaintiff; Mr. Purnell for defendant. The plaintiff claimed the amount for services rendered as bailiff for the term of one year and one week. It appeared that the plaintiff’s brother was in partnership with a man named Thomas Nolan, over whose pro perty the defendants’ held a bill of sale. Twelve months ago Meehan and Nolan getting embarrassed in their affairs, had asked Friedlander Bros., as a favor, to allow them to place the plaintiff on the premises as bailiff, so as to secure them from the annoyance of executing credi tors. The defendant offered no objection to this proposal, and thought nothing more of the matter till last week, when the plaintiff demanded the amount for services rendered as bailiff for the last twelve months. The plaintiff, on being examined, admitted to having been em ployed on the farm during the whole term, and had received from his brother L2O. He had a conversation with Nolan a week or two since, and had told Nolan that if he didmot give him any money, he should apply to Friedlander Bros, for the amount. In reply to the Bench, plaintiff stated that he was not employed to do any work, but expected to get 235. a week for acting as bailiff. However, he had been working on the farm for the last twelve months, but did not look for payment on that account. His Worship dismissed the case with costs.

At the later stage Mr. O’Reilly applied to have the judgment altered to a non suit, but Mr. Purnell objected, and next Court day was fixed for hearing argu ment. WHO IS LIABLE ? Nelson v. Stalker and Johnson.—Claim L 7 45., for tieing wheat. Mr. O’Reilly ap peared for plaintiff, Mr. Ireland for de fendant Stalker, and Mr. Purnell for Johnson. /

Peter Nelson, laborer said the amount of L 7 4s was due between the defendants to him for tieing grain. Stalker had pro mised him Bs. per acre for tying, and pre vious to that promise having been made, Johnson, acting for Stalker, had made a similar promise. Had tied 18 acres and had asked Stalker for the money, who referred him to Johnson, who said Stalker had to pay. Between them no payment had yet been made. The grain was Stalker’s.

By Mr. Ireland—Stalker engaged me to do the tieing. Johnson was ploughing for Stalker, and he only brought me Stalker’s message. I understood I was working for Stalker. At this stage the name of Johnson waß dropped from the case, it having been ascertained that no partnership existed between him and Stalker, and that he was only working for him. Mr. Purnell here asked for Johnson’s expenses, and the expenses of one witness, but the Court would only allow costs to Johnson, the witness not having been sub poenaed. William Stalker, sworn, said—l am a defendant in this case. Plaintiff did the work for which he claims. Johnson had the loan of a reaping machine from me, on condition that he bound 18 acres of wheat for me. He never was in partnership with me, and he never had authority to engage Nelson for me. I understood Nel son was working out payment for John son’s loan of the reaping machine, and that he was .Johnson’s servant. Johnson was never in my service beyond doing a bit of contract for me in February. The 18 acres tied were mine, and I certainly had the benefit of Nelson’s work, but I did not engage him to do it. His Worship gave judgment for plain tiff with costs.

ROAD RaTES. Longbeach Road Board v. David Evans, Judgment for two years rates. L 3 16s.

AN IMPOUNDING CASE. Tooth v. Ruddick.—Claim LlO, damages for illegal impounding of sheep. Mr. Purnell appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. L. E. Corsbie, manager for Mr. Tooth, knew the land occupied by defendant, which adjoins Mr. Tooth’s run, and is partially fenced. A portion of the land has no fence whatever, and there is one part which has only a three-wire fence — His Worship—Land which is not com pletely fenced is unfenced. If a six-feet wall ran round the ground, and a yard of it were broken down, the land in the eye of the law would be equivalent to being unfenced.

Witness resumed—Remember some sheep of ours being taken in charge by Ruddick. Sent a shepherd named Wil liams for them, but they were refused to him. A second time he was sent and they were refused. Heard the sheep were in pound, and sent for them. Paid the fees and got them out. The fees amounted to L 3 14s. Id. There was no notice of the impounding given at the homestead, though a fee is charged for such notice. It is 1G miles from Ruddick’s place to the pound, and the sheep to get to the pound would have to be driven through the river. They would suffer injury from travelling over the country without a dog to keep them together. The sheep were taken by Ruddick on the sth April, and we recovered them on the 13th.

By Mr. O’Reilly—l am not competent to draw a map of the land in this box. But I have gone over the land, and have measured the fences. The best fence is a six-wire, the lowest wire being 7| inches from the ground. No part of the land has a “ legal fence” upon it. The poundkeeper having given evi dence, and explained that the reason why no notice had been given at the homestead was because nobody was at home when the messenger went, the shepherd, Williams, swore to being twice refused the sheep by Ruddick’s wife, unless they were paid for ; also to bringing 22 sheep from the pound, for which he paid L 3 odd fees. Robinson Ruddick, sworn—l am a far mer at the Ashburton Forks, and have the right of some land there. The land in no way adjoins Tisch’s, which is not fenced at the river, nor where it adjoins Tisch’s land, part of which I hold. I put up a banked fence in the spring, and the sheep of plaintiff broke through it. I have repeatedly given up to Mr. Crosbie sheep I had impounded, and never kept them when I knew they were being looked after. But when the harvest came on the shep herd was taken away to look after a machine, and the sheep were allowed to go where they would. The shepherd was half his time in the Spread Eagle Hotel. There is only 50 chains of fence round the whole of Tooth’s land. Mr. Corsbie himself confesses that no fence will keep out long woolled sheep. I have not measured any of the fences, and cannot say whether they are “legal fences” according to the ordinance ; but they are better than the average. I gave up keeping the bank in order when I found that it was continually being knocked down. I gave Williams, the shepherd, written notice about 13 sheep an hour or so after the sheep were taken. Could not say whether the sheep were taken on a week-day or a Sunday. The fences would keep out anything but Mr. Corsbie’s sheep. Williams re-called—Never got a written notice from Ruddick about the sheep, and what he says on that subject is false. I have not been drunk. I never fell off my horse drunk.

Mr. Corsbie—On the Sunday Ruddick says he gave Williams the notice about the sheep Williams was mustering, and he came came home quite sober. Ruddick could not have seen him that night. After counsel had addressed the Bench, his Worship gave judgment for plaintiff for L 5 and costs. The Court then adjourned. _______

Sir William Fox.

The papers throughout the colony, who do not see eye to eye with the present Go vernment, have been as usual somewhat lavish of their sneers at Sir William Fox, and his recent success at Rangitikei has not mollified them in the least. It has been industriously circulated that Major Willis onlj resigned to make room for Sir William, who was “ wanted ” on the Ministry. Sir William stoutly denies this rumor; infact, itscarcely wants any denial, and only shows what straits the Opposition are reduced to. Sir William Fox’s non success at Wanganui, at the general elec tion, was a loss to the present Government and his accession to the Rangitikei seat only restores to them what they lost at Wanganui. Notwithstanding what his foes say of him, the old man is a power in the House, and it was a pity that for a time he was shut out from taking part in it deliberations—at a time when his party so much required his aid. Without him they attained to power, succeeding in hurling from their position the men who had so helplessly allowed the colony to go back ward, and in securing the position they had vacated. Sir William Fox led the first attack on the so-called Liberal for tress, but he was withdrawn from the fight by losing the Wanganui seat. Now that he has been returned for Rangitikei he will be able to add his influence to his party’s fighting power, and his experience of native affairs, greater perhaps than that of any man now living in the colony, will be found useful in the highest degree. His invaluable services on the Native Commission have been most op portune, and now that the native problem is about |to receive, let us hope, a final and effective solution, Sir William’s re turn to Parliament could scarcely have happened at a more happy time.

The Ancient Custom of examining the chambers beneath the Houses of Parlia ment took place on sth February. R.M. Court, Rakaia.— At the R.M. Court, Rakaia, on Thursday, a man named Pluck was fined 20s. for assault. In eight cases of keeping unregistered dogs, fines of 20s. were recorded, but judgment was stayed for 14 days to allow of appeal. Hartnell v. Manson—Plaintiff to pay L2 per month,and in default go to prison for 14 days. Walsh v. George King—Judgment for amount claimed and costs. Markham v. M £ Lean and Winter. —Claim L 23 10s. 7d., for goods supplied to one Leslie on defendants’ order. Mr. Ireland, for plaintiff, produced a written order from defendants to plaintiff. This being unstamped, Mr. Branson, for de fendants, objected to its being taken in evidence, and after argument the plaintiff was nonsuited with costs.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) The Mails. London, May 13. The homeward English mails via Brin disi were delivered in London to-day. The Australian Cricketers. The Australian cricketers are playing a three days’ match at Southampton against eighteen gentlemen players of Hampshire. The weather is very fine. The Australian team went in first, and scored 250. Their playing was much admired. The top score was made by Mr. Murdoch, with 97. Mr. Boyle made 50. Both players were caught out. The English team went in, and have two wickets down for 43 runs. Monetary. The total reserves in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 15,875,500. Three per Cent. Consols, 99g ; Five per Cent. New Zealand Loan, 1889, Four-and-a-half per Cent. New Zealand Loan, 1879 to 1904, 99. The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day, 9,800 bales w r ere offered, making a total of 215,600 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the market showed less demand, and was occasionally easier. The with drawals amounted to 7,000 bales. Prince Leopold. London, May 14. Prince Leopold has started .on his tour through Canada and the United States. A “ Spirited” Policy Recommended for Ireland. It is stated that the Chief Secretary for Ireland, the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, recommends the adoption of a policy of coercion towards Ireland, with a view to settle the difficulties which beset govern ment in that country. The Markets. The ’market for Australian and New Zealand breadstuff's is unchanged, Ade laide wheat being at 525. ex warehouse, and New Zealand brands at 435. ex ship and 495. ex warehouse. Australian tallo w is, at last quotations, 325. 6d. for best beef and 345. for best mutton.

AUSTRALIAN.

{By Cable to Reuter's Agency.) Prices Current.

Melbourne, May 14. Hennessey’s brandy, case, 345. 9d. to 355.; bulk, quarters, 10s. 6d. to 11s. 6d. Kerosene, diamond, Is. 2d. per gallon ; Devoe’s, Is. oats, Is. 9d. per bushel; New Zealand oats, 2s. per 401b5.; maize 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d. per GOlbs.; Sugar Company’s No. 1 pieces, L 3 4; candles, D.R.J.S., 6fd to Bd. per lb. The Knowsley'Hall. Melbourne, May 14 The Hon Mr. Service says that no fur ther steps will be taken in regard to the missing ship Knowsley Hall, as the bottle found at Portland proves to be a complete hoax. Agricultural Statistics. Melbourne, May 15. The agricultural statistics show that the wheat crops in Victoria have yielded bushels per acre. The quantity produced shows an increase of 50 per cent. Victorian Politics. The Argus, in its leader to-day, com ments on the gravity of the political situa tion in Victoria, and declares that Mr. Service’s task is one of extreme difficulty. The speech of Sir John O’Shannassey in the Assembly on Tuesday, which was adverse to the Government, is much dis cussed.

Wheat. Adelaide, May 14. Adelaide -wheat, 4s. 4d. to 4s. sd. per bushel; flour, LlO ss. per ton.

NEW ZEALAND.

Pleuro [Pneumonia. Auckland, May 14. A fresh case of pleuro-pneumonia has occurred at Messrs. Ireland’s estate at Panmure. There have been none on it since the 12th March, and it was thought to have been stamped out. It is believed the outbreak was occasioned by the set ting in of wet weather. The Native Lands Court.

At the Native Lands Court sitting at Cambridge, little progress is being made with putting through the Patetere Block, and it will probably have to be sub divided.

New Railway. Wellington, May 15. The railway line to Masfcerton is expected to be opened in August. The line is now completed to within three miles of Car terton, to Avhich place the line will be finished in July. It is not, however, in tended to open to Carterton till the Mas terton line is opened. Wellington Naval Brigade.

The officers of the Naval Brigade en tertained the members at dinner last night. Two hundred persons were pre sent.

The Next Parihaka Meeting. Hawera, May 14. The Natives are again passing through here to attend the usual monthly Pari haka meeting on the 17th. The roads and surveys are progressing without op position. The late Mr. Maccassey. Dunedin, May 15. The Council of the Law Society have passed a resolution of condolence with the late Mr. Maccassey’s family. An Unpopular Removal. The Law Society Council express regret that the Government has called on Mr. Smith, District Land Registrar, to retire upon superannuation allowance, and ask Government to reconsider the matter, and allow Mr. Smith to resume his duties, which he discharged to general satisfac tion. Reward. The reward of L3OO is to be distributed among the witnesses who secured Cum mock’s conviction.

A Judicious Landlord. —The Marquis of Bute intends to set apart a portion of his rents to form a fund out of which as sistance will be given to his farm tenants.

Saturday, May 15, 1880.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



Miscellaneous PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH Wills Street. —Divine Service will be conducted in the above Church to morrow Morning and Evening by Rev. A. J. Smith. 463 c CHRISTMAS Number Young Ladies Journal, London Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, Boys’ Standard, &c. Just arrived. H. M. Jones, Sta tioner, Baring Square. SERVANTS requiring situations, call and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. ’ANTED—A General SERVANT. Good references required. Apply to Mrs. R. Friedlander, Tancred street. 461 c YXTANTED—A NURSE, to go with ’ » next steamer to San Francisco, to take care of a child eight months old. For further particulars apply to Mrs. J. S. ZANDER, Tancred street, 4GCc opposite the Parsonage. WANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805g —417c WANTED KNOWN —That Money can be saved by purchasing your Sti monery and Account Books, for cash, at the “Herald” and “Guardian” Whole tale Stationery Dep6t, Saunders’ Build ings, near Station. OFFICE and Pocket Diaries for 1880 H. M. Jones, Stationer, Baring Square. CHINIQUY’S LECTURES.—Just Ar rived, New Edition H. M. Jones, aring Square. Cl CHOOL Requisites and Artist M tte 1 n rials. H. M. JONES, Static xer, Baring Square. * JUST ARRIVED —Young Ladies’ Journals for APRIL, and other Magazines. H. M. JONES, Stationer, 360 c East Street and Baring Square. Lost— ten young pigs, just weaned. Anyone giving R. Lan caster their whereabouts will be re warded. Anyone detaining the same after this notice will be prosecuted. 451 c FOUND. BROWN GELDING, with white hind Fetlocks. Brand W near shoulder, GB off shoulder. Owner can have same on paying expenses. Apply, BALDWIN’S CENTRAL HOTEL, 454 c Ashburton, TO LET. SIX-ROOMED COTTAGE, with half acre Garden, East Belt. Apply, 441 c ORR & CO. ASHBURTON TOWN HALL COM PANY. TENDERS are invited for LEASING TWO SHOPS in the Town Hall. For particulars apply at the office of the undersigned. Tenders to be sent to the Secretary of the Town Hall Company, not later than 12 noon on WEDNESDAY, the 26th inst- The highest or any tender not neces sarily accGptod. 462 c C. PERCY COX.



UNDER DISTRESS WARRANT. BY ORDER OF THE BAILIFF OF THE R.M. COURT. Messrs, j. e. buchanan & Co. have received instructions from the Bailiff of the R.M. Court, to sell by Public Auction, at his Rooms, Havelock street, ON TUESDAY, 18th INST., g YEARLINGS FOAL M'SHERRY’S DRILL J. E. BUCHANAN & CO. 464 c Auctioneers.



TO RESIDENTS AT MOUNT SOMERS. rjjlHE SECTION OE RAILWAY now advertised does not extend be yond the neutral point at which the Railway may be turned across the Ashburton to the North Bank and through the Mount Somers Township. This is the route which was advocated when the line was first marked off by the County Council, and I shall en deavor to see it carried out. The de viation you desire can be made in the next section, whereas any agitation on the qeestion now will greatly re tard the entire work. 4G5c EDWARD G. WRIGHT.