from the Ashburton Goldfield.  He is very reticent and will not disclose
any particulars concerning either the find or the field generally.

THE COLLIE RIVER COMMERCIAL COAL CO.

In our advertising columns may be found the prospectus of the above
company.  The capital is set down at £10,000 in 40,000 shares at 5s each.
A number of opinions on the coal are also published, which are highly
favourable, and indicate that the company's area gives promise of
excellent results on development.

NORTHAM NEWS.

THE WEATHER.

NEWS FROM THE GOLDFIELDS.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)

NORTHAM, May 20.
We are having grand rains again.  The farmers are busy with farming
operations.  There is a large breadth of fallow here this year, much of
which is virgin soil.  The grass is growing rapidly, everyone is hopeful
as to the season, both for farmer and sheep-owner.

Roller flower continues in active demand, and the multiplicity of these
mills must stimulate production and render us, possibly next year,
independent of importations.

Mr Riseley's coach leaves here on Thursday with full load of passengers.
Teams returning from Southern Cross report that the country is boggy, and
that the feed is growing wonderfully.  The Hope's Hill Company is resuming
active operations, and everyone on the field is most sanguine.