POST OFFICE NOTICES.

The next mail for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will be closed at Christ church on March 27th, and will be duo in London on May 11th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a. m. 4.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4.39 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. Fx>r Temuka, Timarn, and South at 10.20 aim and 3.30 p.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 Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. Sx. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE, To-Morrow.

By Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gun dry, at the residence of 0. P. Cox, Esq., Tinwald, at 12 o’clock, .noon, superior household furniture, &c.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1880.

The Fire Brigade Grant.— We are informed that the legal advisers of the County Council have given their opinion to the effect that it is competent for the Council to pay the £SO grant to the Fire Brigade. Narrow Escape. —Just as the express train was leaving the railway platform at Rakaia on Tuesday morning a man, very much the worse for drink, in attempting to walk across the line fell on the rails directly in front of the engine. Fortun ately, the engine, although started, had not gathered much way, and the driver was able to pull up though not till about ten yards from where the man was lying.

Masonic Ball. — The Masons of Ash burton have decided to give a Masonic ball at the consecration of the new hall now erected in Tancred street. The ball is purposed to take place on Friday, 16th April. The following brethren are the committee for carrying out the arrange ments :—Bros. P.M. Shearman and Stephenson, Bros. E. Saunders, W. H. Gundry, W. H. Zouch, C. Braddell, T. Quill, R. Friedlander, S. B. Nelson, H. C. Jacobson, W. Sparrow, J. Bradley, and H. W. Felton. The new hall will be finished about the beginning of April. The consecration will take place on the afternoon of the 16th. The Gang Ploughs. —There was not much interest taken in the exhibition of the gang ploughs to-day, owing, probably, to the scant notice given of the event. Three machines turned up on the ground, viz., a treble-furrow and a double-furrow, manufactured by Carr and Hobson—very Yankee looking structures. The treble furrow plough was the only one worked of the two, and it is no doubt an admirable implement for light land, which has been previously operated upon by a heavier plough. The width turned over in the three furrows was about 2 feet 9 inches, and the depth 5 to 6 inches. A three-horse team did not seem to be very much distressed with the amount of work they had to do, as the horses went merrily along at about four miles an liouv. The price of this plough is, we understand, £3O, and that includes extra shares, &c. The only other implement exhibited was a plohgh by Davy and Sleep, and known as tile" “ Cornish one-way plough.” It did very good work, and would be ad mirably adapted for hilly country. It is a Rouble-furrow, and is easily drawn by two horses. The width and depth of the furrow can be adjusted at pleasure, and the cost is only £2O. Messrs. Poyntz and Co. are the local agents.

The Old Men’s Hone.— At the meet ing on Wednesday of the Christchurch Hospital and the Charitable Aid Board, Mr. and Mrs. Maddison, who have held the position of master and matron of the Old Men’s Home since the late Mr. Barrat relinquished charge, tendered their resignations, in order to assume more im portant positions in the Industrial School, 'Burnham. The successors of Mr. and Mrs. Maddison will be Mr. and Mrs. Harris, who for some time had charge of the quarantine station onßipalsland, Lyttelton Harbor, and they will take charge of the Home on the Ist of April. The master’s report on the Home gave 31 as the number of inmates. Tenders for the supply of medicines to the Home were opened, and that of Mr. J. M. Cambridge was accepted. One of the Home inmates, named Cun ningham, wrote to the Board, asking that his passage be paid to Melbourne, from which place, he said, he had been sent to New Zealand. It was resolved to ascertain if possible under what circumstances the applicant came to this colony, and whether he had been sent by any public body, Mr. Montgomery expressing an aversion to placing a burden upon another com munity.

The Mail Service via Brindisi. We have had some enquiries regarding the rates, of postage by the Suez mail, which some of our readers do not seem fully to understand, and it may be as well to place tlie rates as fully before the public as possible. All mails by the Suez route will in future be sent via Brindisi alone, the service hitherto made use of via Southampton having been discontinued, and the letter rate will be Bd. for each letter weighing less than half-an-ounce, and Bd. for each additional half ounce or frac tion of half-au-ounce. It must be borne in mind that letters must be specially addressed “ via Brindisi” if they are in tended to go by the Brindisi mail, and if they should by any mistake bear only the sixpenny stamp as formerly, they will be de tained till the next outgoing San Fracisco mail and sent by it. But should the letters be over weight, and bear stamps to the amount of Bd., they will be forwarded by Brindisi, if so addressed, and the rate for tlie excess weight, with a fine of the same amount, will be charged against the receivers of the letters. Thus, a letter weighing more than half-an-ounce, but bearing Bd. worth of stamps will be for warded, but the person to whom it is ad dressed will have to pay on receipt one shilling and fourpence—Bd. to cover the deficient postage, and Bd. of a fine. By the new arrangements newspapers will not be charged for as they used to be —Id. per single newspaper —but tlie rate will be 2d. for every four ounces. So that in future senders of the news will study economy by making up in one cover parcels of newspapers to the weight of under half a pound, when 3d. in stamps will cover the postage. The lowest news paper rate is 2d., and no newspaper, stamped with a penny stamp only, will be forwarded via Brindisi, but will be de tained till the next outgoing San Fran cisco mail. The rate “ per book post” &c. via Brindisi is 2d. for every two ounces or fraction of two ounces. Hopes are held out that the rate for letters by this route will be reduced by and by, but meanwhile the rates we have given above are those charged just now. We shall gladly give notice at once of any reduction in the rate as soon as we are apprised of it.

The Government Subsidy.— After de ducting hospital and charitable aid allow anres, Christchurch only receives L 620 from the Government subsidy to munici palities for the half-year to 30th June next.

Alford Forest.— Mr. John Tisch has assumed command of the Alford Forest Hotel, lately occupied by Mr. Morgan. Mr. Tisch’s hostelry is the only establish ment in the district wherein the weary traveller may obtain refreshment for self and beast. Mr. Tisch runs a daily mail from Methven, which is a convenience of great value to travellers in search of the Forest.

Another Large Railway Bridge.— The iron railway bridge which crosses the Volga from Sysran in the direction of Orenburg will soon be completed. It is nearly as long as the Tay Bridge, but it is more strongly constructed and has not the same elevation. It will have occupied about seven years in building. The engineers promise the Russian Govern ment that it-shall be ready before the spring, but it may be doubted if they can fulfil that promise. There is no question, however, that every effort will be made, because this completion of the Russian rail way system to Orenburg lias the greatest possible importance in connection with the military operations about to be resumed in Central Asia.

A Police Ball Incident. —A strange incident occurred at the police ball. All the men had to leave their coats and hats in a cloak room, and were expected to give their comrades who looked after them 'id. in coining out. Port wine served ad libitum had the effect of making even some of the “bebbies” a little troublesome. One of them presently went for his coat, and was asked for Gd. “ What,” said he, “ d’yer get sixpence for all of them ? (hie). Then I’ll take the money for yer (hie). ” And he planted himself in front of the plate. His brother constables bad —sad to relate—to “move him on” by main force to his hearth and home. —“ London Correspondent.”

A Wealthy Savings Bank. —The 64th annual report of the Liverpool Savings Bank, just published, shows that the total amount due to the 65,144 depositors at the close of the financial year was L 1,808,903, while the total amount to the credit of the bank was L 1,813,509, showing a surplus of L4,G06, besides the valuable bank premises and a sum of LIO,OOO on a separate sur plus account. In the past year 13,309 new accounts were opened, 5843 old accounts were reopened, and 556 dormant accounts were carried to “suspense.” The position of the bank has improved in the year by L 36,276 in the amount due to depositors, and by 1767 in the number of open accounts.

Dried Peaches. — l have just seen some dried peaches (American), which are very good, and suggest how much might be done in this way in countries where there is an over-supply of fruit. The drying process, which is now carried out to such perfection in America, is certainly much better than the “canning” one as regards wholesomeness of the products, while it avoids the expense of cans, and the carriage of much liquid matter, which is probably more liable to injury than the dried goods. The practice of drying fruit is carried on to a great extent in many parts of Germany and Switzerland for domestic use through out the winter, but does not seem to be in use with us. The dried apples now sent from America are excellent. — “The Garden.” The Revolver in English Streets. — A case investigated before the Liver pool justices recently show's that the reprehensible practice of carry ing loaded revolvers continues in that town. A young man named Trainer v r as seen firing a revolver in Sea grave street, about half-past one o’clock in the morning, and a bullet struck the wall of the neighboring bridewell. Being asked what he was doing, he said he was only using his weapon, which he w r as always allowed to do in America. The pistol was taken from him, and was found to be still loaded in four chambers. Be fore the magistrates he pleaded that lie was under the influence of drink, and did not know wliat he was doing. A fine of 405., with costs, was imposed.

Ascent of Heola by a Lady. —Miss Th. Petursson, a daughter of the Bishop of Reykjavik, Iceland, made an ascent of the great volcano, Hecla, before the end of the summer, for the purpose of making geological observations. The temperature of the sides of the larger craters she found had recently undergone a consider able increase; and from a number of very small fissures and boles on these craters there arose heavy white columns of vapour, the sulphurous character of which ivas much stronger than for a long time past. From these circumstances it is inferred that a new eruption of the volcano is to be expected. This is con sidered the more likely as since the last eruption the period of quiescence usually observed between the outbreaks of Hecla has already been long since exceeded. The last eruption took place in the year 1845. At that time, shortly before the outburst of flame, flava, and ashes, there was likewise observed a considerable rise in the temperature of the craters. An earthquake took place last September in the southern portion of tlie island, and as the direction of its motion was as though it set out from Hecla, it is not improbable that it had some casual connection with the recent changes observed on the volcano. In Reykjavik, too, rather smart shocks were felt, but no injury was done. In the south-east, however, their violence was less innocent, a number of buildings having been destroyed at Yigdisarvollir, near Krisurvik.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE-

(Renter's Telegrams. ) The London Market. London. March 9. Three per cent. Consols, 97-f. Wheat dull, prices unchanged. At the wool sales to-day, 6700 bales were catalogued. Biddings were firm.

The French Education Bill. Paris, March 9.

In the French Senate to-day, Jules Ferry’s Education Bill was under discus sion. The clause prohibiting education by the Jesuits was rejected, aEter a lengthy debate had taken placo on the subject. .

The Irish Church Surplus. London, March 10. The Royal Commission has approved of the proposal that the funds of the Church surplus should be applied to the purchase of waste land in Ireland.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL. The Royal Commissions. Wellington, March 11. Mr. Bums, formerly M. H..R. for Roslyn, has been appointed a member of the Commission on Local Industries. Mr. Parkinson has been appointed short-hand reporter to the Civil Service Commission. The “Roadmakers ” at Otaki. Hawera, March. 11. Everything is quiet at the camp at Otaki. The road has been considerably straightened near the camp towards Kau pokonui, by cutting across a swamp, and deep drains have been made, and the whole done in an exceedingly workman like manner. On the north of the camp, some 60 chains are already formed to wards Oeo. The Constabulary and the Militia contingent agree very well indeed, notwithstanding predictions to the con trary, and the latter are rapidly becoming adepts with the long handled shovels, under the instructions of the former, who are exceedingly-kind to their distressed brethren. -

Guthrie and Larnach’s Sawmill Burned —45 Persons Thrown out of Work. Invercargill, March 12.

Guthrie and Larnach’s large sawmill at Woodend, near Invercargill, was burned down this morning. The mill was safe at eleven last night, and the flames were dis covered at five this morning. In a short time the main buildings, with the smithy, saw sharpening and locomotive sheds at tached, were reduced to ashes. The plant was the most complete of any in South land, and the mill included a 40-liorse power engine, three of the newest patent iron saw-benches, sawing, planing, mould ing, and tenoning machines, &c., and these were all destroyed, as also a loco motive in the locomotive shed. In the main building were 20,000 feet of dressed timber burnt. Insurances —North British and Mercantile, L 250 on the building and LSOO on the machinery ; Transatlantic, L 250 on the machinery and LSOO on the plant ; New Zealand, L7OO on the build ing, L6OO on the machinery, and L2OO on the engine ; South British, LIOOO on engine and machinery ; LSOO of the last amount is re-insured in the Colonial. The foregoing are all the insurances knon n here. Mr. M'Pherson, manager, has, how'ever, L3O in the Transatlantic on his own private tools. The fire throws 45 persons out of emploment. New Meat Preserving Company. Meat preserving commences in the New Zealand Meat Preserving Company’s works at Woodlands. There are plenty of cattle obtainable on the company’s terms. Whitewashed. The creditors, yesterday, agreed to the application for discharge of Mr. Cuthbert son, of the firm of M'Rorie and Cuthbert son, who recently failed for L 16,000.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIAN.

The Rotomahana. Melbourne, March 10.

The Union Company’s steamship Roto rnahana got safely out of tlie Yarra during the night, and sailed to-day for New Zea land. Sugar. The sugar market is weak. Prices are LI pei ton lower. The Ministerial Policy of Victoria. The Hon. Mr. Service ac Maldon to night, expounded the Government pro gramme, which maintains his own scheme of reforms. The question of the franchise for the Legislative Council has not quite been decided upon. The Government propose to empower the Council to expunge those items involving motives of policy from the Appropriation Act, dealing therewith by a separate Bill. It is also pro posed to subdivide the Malee country into small blocks and rent them to the highest bidder, but all agricultural areas are to remain untouched, and the squatters are to be allowed to hold their land subject to selection. The administration of railways is to be entrusted to a Commission or Board. He announced that Civil Service reforms would take place upon the basis of a reduction in the salaries of all classes except new officials. He proposes the abolition of pensions, and the compelling of civil servants to insure their lives, for which every facility would be given them. In regard to the Harbor Trust, Mr. Service said that their power would be enlarged. He estimated the year’s defi ciency atL365,000, after the deduction of L 300,000 of lapsed votes. He said offi cials would be prohibited from interfering in politics, and that the Government would endeavor to remedy any injustice done by its predecessors wherever such was practicable. The Government would not interfere with protection, whilst re lieving the fanners and miners, nor would they alter the Education Act. The payment of members wag unmen? tioned in the bon. gentleman’s address. Tlie Tasmanian Upper House. Hobart Town, March 10.

The Assembly last night passed a reso lution declaring the action of the Legis lative Council in adjourning its sitting for three months, in consequence of the alleged discourtesy of the Government, to be unconstitutional. Fall in Wheat.

Adelaide, March 10. Wheat has declined, and tp-day is quoted at 4s. 8d

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, March 10.

Sickness is increasing at the quarantine station. There are eight cases of sickness at present, and active sanitary measures are being taken. The New Zealand Accident Insurance Company have had their first claim in Mr. Tiros. Brown, injured at the Whatapu saw mill. On bis arrival in Auckland, Mr. Brown was promptly paid his cheque. At the meeting of 0. Burton’s creditors it transpired that tlie debtor kept the books of the Queen street shop in cypher. Tlie proved claims amount to L 2351. The meeting adjourned for further investiga tion.

The Hon. John Hal], Premier, and the Hon. Mr. Whitaker, Attorney-General, left by the morning train, accompanied by a party of gentlemen, for MatavMata, reaching Hamilton at 1.30. The Premier, aided lyy elaborate maps from the Public Works Office, was enabled to distinguish the districts and their more important features on the journey. A telegram has been received by Auck land merchants, stating that the bills which they had held, accepted by Godde froi and Co. and dishonored, have been paid, and the new company will carry on operations on a grander Scale than for merly. Wanganui, March 10. The town is full of visitors for the races, and a l.arge assemblage is expected to-mor row. Hornby is now first favorite for the Cup, but local people are backing Otawa and Hailstorm. Wellington, March 10. A young man named Griggs, belonging to the Cadets, had a narrow escape of being killed this morning, by the bursting of a gun which he was firing at the butt. Chkistchurch, March 10. At the Police Court, Patrick Martin, on a charge of indecently assaulting a child was committed for trial. E. W. Terry, obtaining money under false pretences, was remanded.

Dunedin, March 10. A petition is to be forwarded to the Government from the Dunedin unem ployed, urging the necessity of opening more public works, to provide employment during the coming winter, and giving im mediate work to those in need.

SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

It is not often we have to record an accident on the railway between Ashbur ton and Christchurch, the country being so level throughout that the idea of a train being oft’ the track, unless in cases of gross neglect, would naturally be looked upon as an impossibility. However, yesterday afternoon, the goods train met with an unexpected accident, which considerably disorganised the traffic on the line. It seems, from the information we have been able to glean upon the subject, that the railway authorities are making a new station and siding on the top of the terrace about midway between Rakaia and Dun sandel. Most of our readers who are in the habi. of travelling by rail will know that at this point there is a tolerably steep incline, and it is the only spot on the Great South Kailway from Lyttelton to Rangi tata on which any heavy amount of steam is required to be .got up, or great pressure required to be put on the breaks to ease the train down. Strange to say, the rail way engineers have deemed it necesssry at this, the most difficult portion of the line, to lay out a fresh siding, which is immediately on top of the terrace. It has been necessary during the progress of this work, to put in a temporary loop line, and allow all traffic to go over it, stopping the main line at this point until the siding is completed. It is a question able proceeding on the part of the en gineers at any time to divert the traffic from a main line to a loop line, more es pecially when an express runs on the length without stopping ; and it is against all engineering laws to lay out a siding in such a comparatively dangerous place as the terrace in question is. It is a well known fact that, with the quantity of trucks a goods, train has to draw at this season of the year, an engine cannot draw its lead without facing the gradient with a good head of steam, and a considerable amount of speed to start with. But, of course, there are regulations, and these regulations must be adhered to ; and one of them is, that during the construction of this siding no train shall pass it a rate of more than seven miles per hour. At that rate of speed, one of the strongest en gines the New Zealand Government pos sesses cannot possibly surmount that in cline with an ordinary grain freight be hind her, and the engine driver, to keep his time, knowing that there are express and passenger trains to meet, is compelled, nolens volens to get up that incline so as to keep his time. Owing to the dilatoriness of the engineering, department, this siding, which was a necessary one, was left to be constructed at a time when it was in judicious to interfere in any way with the main line. However, the District En gineer undertook the formation of this siding, and he, being a professional man, will probably be able to explain why such a work was undertaken at such an un seasonable period of the year. The details of the accident are as fol lows. The afternoon goods left Ash burton at the usual time, and on ap proaching the cutting where the tem porary loop-line is laid, ran off the rails, the reason being at present unexplained, and there will be an official enquiry as to that part of the business. Eight trucks followed the engine in its exploration for a new route, and the rest of the trucks and carriages remained on the line. Informa tion was at once telegi'aphed to the line inspectors, and Mr. Innes, who was down south at Winchester, took the first train back to put the permanent way in fit condition t,o travel on. Ml’- Stevenson, the locomotive foreman stationed here, had received word by 3 o’clock, and had at once proceeded to the scene of the acci dent ; and by the time the express arrived, some one and a-half hours after her due date, a tempoiary line had been laid, and the trains were able to get through. The engine, which is off the rails, is one of the large English goods engines, known as the J class, and as they weigh some 36 tons, it will require some knowledge of gravita tion tp get the monster back into her place. There are also eight trucks off the line, one being freighted with sheep, and the re.st with old sleepers for firewood. Strange to say, the truck of sheep was next the engine, and not a pelt was injured. The passenger carriage was at the tail end of the train, but owing to the drag on the engine there was no shock felt by the passengers, who were unaware of the fact of the engine being off the rails until they were informed so l)} 7 the guard. We could not learn the exact amount of damage done to the engine and trucks, but we understand that is slight, and easily remediable. The local staff are deserving of all praise for the promptitude dis played in getting all their available hands concentrated on the work, and it speaks well for their efficiency that under such circumstances the. delay did not extend over two hours,

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Arrival of the Zealandia at Auckland.

The Zealandia, with the inward San Francisco mail, arrived at Auckland last night. She was detained by thick weather coming up the harbor. GENERAL SUMMARY. A Bill, making it a misdemeanour for females to engage in walking matches, is before the New York Senate. Exertions are being made to abolish the charge 100,000dols for carrying the Aus tralian mail across the Continent, and suc cess is expected. The United States Go vernment is now considering the matter. At Londonderry, a lad named Dalling ham was arrested for shooting his aunt, and confessed the crime. D. Stanton, an Englishman, has -won the bicycle race for a purse, and the championship of America. He made 50 miles in 3h. 6mins. lisec. The French Government officially denies any responsibility for De Lesseps’ inter oceanic canal scheme. No political signi cance is attached to the plans. These de clarations avert any pretext for inter national complications, which before wore considered probable.

Mr. Parnell addressed the United States Congress, at an informal meeting, on tlie present' condition of 'lreland. He “ be lieved that the force of American public opinion would bring about the desired re forms.

Colonel Bob Ingersoll, in Chicago, lec tured on Thomas Pain, whom he extolled for his freedom from religious belief and American patriotism. The “ New York Commercial Bulletin” in an elaborate article shows that the De Lesseps’ canal scheme is chimerical, and the tonnage passing through it at 4 dols. per ton, as proposed, would fail by 6,600,000 dols. to pay the annual interest charges, to say nothing of working ex-! penses. The calculation is based on an estimated • cost of 260,000,000 dols., and the tonnage passing through yearly at from two and a-half to three millions. The Rev. Adolf Baltozer, President of the German Evangelistic Synod of North America, died near Marthaville on Jan. 29. . He was a classmate of Prince Bis marck. The Mormons seek to have Utah ad mitted as a State, which, as they hold the power, would enable them to expel their opponents by taxation. They are also making overtures to several Indian tribes for an alliance. M‘Yicker’s Theatre in Chicago is illu minated by electric light, a local electri cian having anticipated Edison and over come the difficulty of dividing the current. Mackay, the Bonanza magnate, gives 10,000 dols. to the Irish relief fund, and the Nevada Bank of San Francisco 2,'500 dols. The heavy cannon in the dominion are being converted into rifled guns. At Ottawa, a victim to small pox was rescued alive from x coffin after the grave digger had partially covered it with earth. He heard a noise, and inquiring into tlie cause, succeeded in saving the unfortunate. The people of Lucan, Ontario, suspect ing a family named Donnelly of numer ous acts of incendiarism and other offences, formed a Vigilance Committee, attacked Donnelly’s house, and murdered all the inmates (five in number), fired the building, and consumed the bodies. It was a horrible affair, and caused great ex citement. Four arrests have been made, one of them a constable.

The Queen opened Parliament in person. The ceremony.lasted 15 minutes. Lords Beaconsfield and Salisbury were Hot present. The Queen’s reception by the crowd was most enthusiastic. The Address in Reply to the Queen’s speech was moved in the House of Lords by the Earl of Onslow, seconded by Earl Ro3s, and in the House of Commons by Mr. John Robert Mowbray, seconded by Mr. Corry. Mr. Chamberlain (Liberal) moved an amendment to the address, to show his sympathy with the Irish, who were suffering from the land system. He did not believe Government had spent £IO,OOO on relief, and they were in no way alive to the gravity of the situation. The amendment was voted down by 216 to 66, and the address agreed to. Mr. O’Donnell, M.P., for Dungaroon in the House of Commons, stigmatised the abuse practised by Government after Go vernment, as worse than treason. He became much excited, and wept when describing Mr. Parnell’s services to his country. Mr. Plimsoll, M.P., will introduce a Bill with the object of diminishing the loss in life and property from shifting cargoes by loading grain in sacks. The “ National Zietung ” reviews Mr. Farnell’s tour to America, and considers it disgraceful, for Home Rulers to make political capital out of their country’s troubles.

It was announced at a meeting of the Dublin Mansion House Committee, on Jan. 31, that L 33,000 had been received up to date, and L 15,000 disbursed. Com plaints were made of attacks on the manager of the fund by agitators in America, and letters from Roman Catholic bishops in Ireland testified to its impartial distribution. The receipt of L 2,000 ad ditional from New South Wales was announced, making a total from the Aus tralian Colonies of L 21,000. Government intend making a grant for seed for the smaller Irish fanners. The loss by the failure of last year’s potatoo crop is esti mated at L 462,400 up to the week ending Jan. 20. Three deaths from starvation are reported near Parsonstown, County Louth. The Right Hon. T. Lowther, Chief Secretary of the Lord-Lieutenant, denies this. The Irish and English land lord question has increased in importance. Mr. Bright’s colleagues accept sub stantially his scheme to aid tenants in buy ing farms by Treasury loans. The Lord Mayor of Dublin writes that the English people fail to realise the gravity of the Irish crisis, and except prpmpt assistance be forthcoming, tens of thousands of Irish people must die of starvation. He com plains that England has contributed less to the Mansion House fund than Mel bourne. The Baroness Burdett Coutts, has sent LSOO to Ireland by a special agent, to ensure its proper distribution. Quar rels have arised over the management of the various relief funds, and it is hoped that means will be devised of concentrat ing the charities under one head. Davitt, Daly, and Killen will be tried in March. In the meatime the former will be sent to the Continent to enlist sympathy and material f(?r the Irish suL

ferers. Subscriptions have been opened in Bombay. One native banker gives LIOOO. The French bishops have appealed to the cures to collect funds for a similar purpose.' James Keene, of New' York proposes to send a shipload of wheat to Ireland ;as his donation. Under the presidency of the Archbishop of Paris, an Irish Relief Committee lias been formed.

A petroleum basin, said to be as exten and prolific as that of Pennsylvania, has been discovered by borings in Hanover. One well yields 400 cwfc. of nil per day.

Mr. Archibald Forbes attacks Lord Chelmsford in the “ Nineteenth Cen tury.” It is semi-offiicially asserted that Lord Lytton has not desired to leave India. Mr. J. Russell Low'ell’s appointment as American Minister to England gives general satisfaction in the British capital.

THE NELSON PRIZE FIRING.

(By Telegraph.) Rifle Camp, Richmond, March 10.

In the cavalry tournament, third con test, each competitor was required to start at a gallop for post practice, each ring taken counting as one point, and each nock cut fairly through as one point. Time allowed, 20secs.; 4 necks and 4 rings in tho Kno, Tho—•rei.nners_.are —l, Laird, of Alexandi*a, 7 heads 6 rings, "HrpoinUo ,

2, Mussen, of Alexandra, 6 heads 7 rings, 13 points (in the ultimate ties Laird’s total was 4, and Mussen’s 3) ; 3, J. Thurston, 'Wairoa, 4 heads 8 rings, 12 points. The others were Heggie, Alexandra, 11 ; Aitlcen, Wairoa, 11; Smith, Alexandra, 11 ; Hoivie, Wairoa, 8 ; D. Thurston, Alexandra, 5. Contest four pursuing practice ; squads of four men riding abreast; to start at a gallop out in pursuing practice ; half points for good dressing, and excel lence of swordsmanship. Winners—l, J. Thurston, Howie, and Aitken, of Wairoa— -13 points ; 2, Somerville, Heggie, and Laird, of Alexandra—l2 points ; 3, D. Thurston, Mussen, and Smith, of Alex andra—9 points.

At the conclusion of the tournment there was a parade, and the prizes won at the meeting were distributed by Mrs. A. J. Richmond, wife of Major Richmond, M.H.R. In presenting Sergt. Okey with the rifle belt, Mrs. Richmond said she had great pleasure in making the presen tation. The scores lie had* made in the late contest, combined with the high position he had secured in last year’s competition, convinced her that she was, in the name of the Association, conferring this much coveted honor on the right man. Three cheers were given for Okey, after Mrs. Richmond had placed the belt on bis person. That lady then presented Gunner Thomas with the car bine belt, congratulating him upon win ning it, and extending her congratulations to his corps, which, for the second time in succession, had sent the best carbine shot to the meeting. Three cheers were then given for Thomas, and also cheers for the ex-champion. Gold medals were presented to Ballin ger, Lieut. Gordon, Okey, and Thomas ; silver ones to Hutchison, Smith, Mapp, Purnell, Rogers, and Somerville ; and bronze ones to Sutton, Jamieson, Neill, Rule, Soper, Hood, and Gee, each being complimented with suitable remarks. The cup for the North and South Island con test was presented to the winners in the rifle and carbine matches, cheers being given for the winners, after which Major Baillie, on behalf of the volunteers attending the meeting, thanked the people of Nelson most sincerely for their wel come and reception. As regards shooting, he said he was surprised at its excellence. Col. Packe said he found this meeting had gone on without the loss of a single moment. The shooting was magnifi cent, and he complimented Okey on win ning the rifle belt, remarking that four years ago at Hokitika he shot remarkably well. He also congratulated Captain Wildman, of the Thames, who, for the second year had shepherded his men, and for the second time the carbine belt had been secured to his company. He warned the other companies that the Thames men would win it altogether, unless they were on the look out. He thanked the ladies of Nelson for their presence, and spoke in the warmest terms of Mr. Canning’s gene rosity in placing the grounds, luncheon, &c., at their disposal, and he thanked all the people of Nelson for their hospitality. Three cheers were given for Colonel Packe and other cheers for the staff officers. Cheers were also given by the Nelson men for their companions during the meeting. Thanks having been re turned, the force was dismissed, and the meeting was at an end.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

To the Editor. Sir, —There are a few questions relat ing to the management of this queer in stitution to which I should be glad to get replies. Perhaps you could furnish them. The questions are these : 1. Is the management of the library entrusted to a committee, or is it a strictly family affair ? (a). Who are the members of the Committee or (b) the family, as the case may be 1 2. Assuming that a committee exists, does it ever condescend to renderaccounts to the subscribers, or to meet the sub» scribers for general business ? 3. Is an annual meeting ever held; if so, when did the last one take place ?

4. Would it not be as well if the Com mittee were immediately to convene a meeting of subscribers, in order that may he done towards making the library a credit to the town, instead of a disgrace ?—Yours, &c,

Liter a rum Amator.

.Thursday, March ii, 1880.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. T OST —A White and Red GREY -1 J HOUND PUP, yesterday, in Ash burton. Any person bringing the same to E. Cookson’s Stable will be rewarded, and any person detaining the same will be prosecuted. 165 c 'T'Y'TANTED TO BUY —Fresh Butter YV and Eggs regularly. Apply, James Clark, General Dealer, East street, near Bullock & Co.’s 166 c TTT ANTED KNOWN, that VV EVERETT BROS. & CO., Have lock street, will make a GRAND DIS PLAY on FRIDAY, MARCH 12th, from half-past seven to eight. No ad mittance. Band engaged. 158 c A PRIVATE and Superior Ladies’ School for DISPOSAL. Can be taken with or without the Plant. Terms Moderate. Ladies about to commence scholastic duties would do exceedingly well by an early attention. Address— Guardian office, Ashburton. 154 c 592 g SATURDAY, MARCH 13. OPENING NEW STORE, East Street, Near Bullock, & Co’s. TAMES CLARK Begs to inform the Public of Ashbur ton and Surrounding Districts that he is commencing business as GENERAL STOREKEEPER, FRUIT ERER, BAKER, &c., And trusts by supplying good quality articles at moderate prices, to share public support. Note the Address— JAMES CLARK, PROSPECT BUILDINGS, East Street, Near Bullock & Co’s., Ashburton. 163 c HORSE FOUND. opposite Wakanui Mill, a I' HORSE, with saddle and bridle. Owner can have same on application to the undersigned, and. paying expenses. H. Moffatt, Wakanui. 146c-583g WASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per lb. at the Herald Office. Apply early. . 59a NEWS AND MAGAZINE AGENCY, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT. RE-OPENING. HM. JONES begs to inform his . customers and the public generally that he has re-opened part of the premises lately occupied by A. Weston and K. Sando and Co. for the sale of Newspapers, Magazinse, Stationery, Fancy goods, Toys, &e. English and Colonial papers, Periodicals, &c., by each mail. Licensed to sell Stamps. Lowest prices—Terms cash. Agent for “ Ashburton Guardian,” “Ashburton Herald,’, “Ashburton Mail,” “Lyttelton Times,” “Canterbury Times,” Daily “Press,” “Weekly Press,” “Otago Witness,” “ Australasian,” “ Town and County Journal.” Subscribers to “ Canterbury Times” and “ Weekly Press” can obtain their copies at the above Establishment. *l2lc NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he is prepared to* guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s. CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. Orders to withdraw or replace advertisements must be sent in in writing not later than 9 a.m. each day. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to Thi Editor.



Holloway’s Pills. —Mind and body are so closely entertwined that for tUe former to be vigorous the latter must be healthful. The first step towards the maintenance of health is to secure perfect digestion, which is readily obtained by this noted medicine, the most com petent effectually to restra'n every adverse Influence which can mar, impair, or vexatiously modify this all-important proeess.. The student, merchant, man of pleasure, and humblest labourer may each in turn derive vigour, ease, and strength from occasional doses, or a longer course of Holloway’s purifying Pills, However waveri gthe mind, orunstrung the nerves this fine medicine will track the derangement to its sourse, where it will over throw it and established order and purity in its ylace —Apvt.