THE ETHNOLOGY OF THE AF GHANS.

(from the Sydney Echo.)

The following passage on the ethnology of the Afghans is (says the “ Sydney Echo ”) from the unpublished sheets of a work by Mr. Talboys Wheeler : —" To all appearance the Afghans are. of J e vvtsii origin—not Jews of the orthodox type, the outcome of Jerusalem and the Temple worship, but Jews of the old', turbulent, stiff-necked type, who revolted at Shechem against "Rehoboam, and set up golden calves at Bethel and Ban. The Afghans claim to be descendants of Saul, the son of Kish. They are divided into tribes, clans, and families. .«■ They distribute con quered lands by lot, perform the ceremony of the scapegoat, and build shrines on high places. Their features are unmistakeably Jewish ; but their language is not Hebrew, nor anything akin to Hebrew. It is con jectured that they are the descendants of ithe ten tribes whom the King of Assyria carried away to the city of the Medes ; but the loss of all traces of the Hebrew lan guagebnilitates against this theory, and’ it is iii|pdSSible' to verify the identity. . In modem times they are Mahomemdans,; of the Sunni religion, and traditional toes of the Persians or Shiahs.” In a footnote referring to the Jewish type of feature exhibited by the Afghan, the author re marks; that this, to his mind, outweighs the evidence of language. He goes on to say that “ the face of Shere Ali Khan, the present Ameer of Afghanistan, reveals not only the Jewish features, but the melan choly mania that belongs to the character of Saul.” In the fourth volume of his “ History of India,” Mr. Talboys Wheeler mentions the spirit of revenge in which the hereditary feuds of early Afghan his tory were carried on. He observed that this national charaderis'.ic is a proverb in India. “Homan is said to be safe from the revenge of on elephant, a cobra, or an Afghan.”

BISHOP MOORHOUSE ON THE CHINESE.

The Right Rev. Dr Moorhouse, Bishop of Melbourne, speaking a few days ago at the annual meeting of the Church Missionary Society in that city, said : “ All thoughtful persons agreed that the future of the Chinese people was the principal problem of the present time. As yet, only streamlets from the great ocean of their race had reached us, but the question was, what shall, we do with the great multitude which would follow in the footsteps of the pioneers l The Chinese had proved themselves industrious, orderly, and virtuous citizens, and had be come formidable competitors in our labor market. First of all, as to those which tlireatened to come, should we try to wall them out, or, admitting them, re duce them to a separate and inferior class, or give them the benefits of our Christi anity?. We could never wall them out. English people, last of all, should endeavor to do that. We had swarmed to every place on the face of the earth, and had broken open the walls of China. We ought, therefore, not to object if the Chinese return the compliment. If ad mitting them, then, were we going to re duce them to an inferior class \ People who adopted that course, in the long run had to suffer for it. In these lands we had not the protection of caste, and could not prohibit intermarriage or social intercourse. We should, therefore, soon find that the plague that we created in our midst would spread with dreadful rapidity. There re mained only the third alternative, to give them the benefits of our civilisation • and Christianity. In support of this obliga tion, he appealed strongly to the meeting, and asserted that if we neglect such our duty, we should 'convert what were patient, industrious, and intelligent animals, by the higher force of our civilisa - tion,.into .active . and powerful agents of the kingdom of evil.

THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT’S FUTURE WIFE.

The Paris correspondent: offthe “ Balti more|i§un;” writes as follows :—“ This bringfEme to speak of the marriage of the Duke ofConnaught to the Princess Louise, daughter , ofi the Prince . Frederick and Princess Maria of Prussia! The Princess is reputed to be the most practical of any in Europe. She keeps her accounts accu rately, balances her books periodically, works on a sewing machine occasionally, and constantly indulges in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and comfort ing the afflicted. She is one of those very rare young ladies in Europe, andin America for that matter, who appear to have an object in life. It is marvellous the large number of ladies whose lives are a perfect blank as far as any aim is considered. The exception is so charming and so small that wo are brought to regard the large body oi female ciphers not at all from an exalted position—-I mean that class who have no family or household cares, but who sit from one end of tbe year to the other with their hands in their laps, and their-’ heads * nowhere. ’ Of such is not the fair Prin cess I speak of. She hhS founded an insti tute for the teaching and providing for the portionless daughters.of poor members oi the nobility, and I -have good reason to know her clients are neither few nor far between. This institution has none of the features of objection that mark .poverty— fhe crime of Europe, as well as of England, as Sidney Smith would say! It is now a self-supporting establishment. The young ladies are skilled in the fine, arts, and some light industrial ones, and the results of their accomplishments are to be found in a liberal supply of dollar?. I must say that these practical lessons have beer; taught by the mother, the Princess Maria ft Pru**rt f but the}.ibwihterhaabe^uite

an active co-operator. She has a forte it the fine arts, and that is in archilec lid deigns and colours. Berlin is nr ignorfmt' of her utilitarian talent in th i regard. The family of her father c. Prince Frederick —has appealed but lit> at the Prussian Court, they preferring ti country to. tho city. Their large mahsio or their chateau enabled them to have. tl. young lady students alluded to ahva; under one roof, and that of the founder this ideal school, where the gracious so veillance of their moral and and mater! eclucatiori never wavered. Many of thee young-ladies,■ in consequence, have mad excellent court or aristocratic marriages, as it has been regarded as a guarantee o their worth, both as housewives and moral mothers—a fortune in wives rather thar. .with them —to have been scholars of the Princess Maria. Thus the Duke of Con naught may be called a lucky man, and Queen Victoria a happy mother. In this age, when the tongue of European scandal wags most wofully ov.er court and camp personal intrigues, such instances to the contrary are grateful to note. ”

THURSDAY, December 12, 1878.]

THE EVENING ECHO



We Want This.-— The “ WalcatipMail” of Thursday last says :—“The season is now more like spring, although a very wet one. Scarcely a clay or night passes without rain. At the head of the Lake the rain has been much heavier,' and the rivers continue very high. This state, combined with the large quantity of snow which is thawing and has to thaw on the higher ranges, keeps, and must keep, the Lake unnecessarily high for some time to come ; in fact, the Lake is now within two feet of the top of the Queenstown jetty. Many are surmising that as big a flood as any will - yet be witnessed before another month elapses, but it is only sur mise, and we do not think likely to be realised. ■ .2 . ; The pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Ningpo, China, is a native, who has promised to provide for his salary without aid from the missionaries. Strangers coming to reside in Ashburton ire often at a loss to know which is the best Establishment to visit for the purchase of Drapery, Clothing, and House-furnishing Iron nongery, and General Stores. Orr & Co. rffer special advantages to the public that can be met with nowhere else in Ashburton. They teep at all times the largest and best-assorted Stock of every class of Goods, imported direct from the leading manufacturers at home, which being bought entirely upon cash terms, are enabled to ofier goods of siwh sterling value as cannot be equalled by any other house in the trade. Ever) article in stock is marked at the lowest price, from which no abatement is made so that the most, inexperienced buy their goods fit the same pi ices as tlie !>est judges.—Advt



New Advertisements. THISTLE LODGE S. C\, No. 627. Lodge of instruction To-Night, at 7.30. By order of the Master of Instruction. - W. ; K. HURST, 135 Hon. Sec. Lodge of Instruction.



SOMERSET LODGE, E. C. THE Brethren of the Somerset Lodge are requested to meet on FRiDAY IS EXT, 13th inst., at 6.30 instead of 7.30 p.m. By order. CHARLES BRADDELL, 133 Secretary.



X¥7'ANTED, .Tenders .for Building T t Concrete Cellar at Waterton. Lowest or . any tender not necessarily accepted. Information can be obtained from W. K HURST, 134 Saunders’ Buildings. A TO LET, TWO-ROOMED COTTAGE, East Town Belt, with every convenience. Apply MR. SEALY, Nurseryman. A MEETING * of those interested in the Ashburton Athletic Sports will be held at the Somerset Hotel on MON DAY EVENING next, at 8 p.m. W. H. ZOUCH, 130 Hon. Sec. COALS. COALS. COALS. ALL kinds of COALS & FIREWOOD delivered at the shortest notice in any quantities and at reasonable rates. GEORGE BARKER & CO,, Springfield Coal Depot, 138 * Ashburton. Miscellaneous. harvesters, and binders. Bullo.ck and go. have on sale : OSBORNE’S HARVESTERS AND BINDERS. 1 Farmers are requested to make early application, as we have a limited number only. . . Brice £7O in Lyttelton. BULLOCK & CO., Auctioneers. 130. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Tuned and Repaired. J • C. H UGHES, TEACHER. ,p| Pianoforte* and; Harmonium, Cox Street, Ashburton. Orders cap be left at the Echo Office,



Fruiterers. ■ Oranges. . Oranges. Ex “ Rotorua,'’ Just Arrived. ! /0 CASES ORANGES 70 in FIRST-CLASS CONDITION, and SPLENDID FLAVOR. W. B I RTWELL, WHOLESALE & RETAIL FRUITERER, AND DIRECT IMPORTER FROM THE AUSTRALIAN AND TASMANIAN ORCHARDS. 104 FRUIT IMPORTED DIRECT FROM SYDNEY. FOOAR AND C 0., i WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GREENGROCERS & FRUITERERS, REMOVED to EAST STREET, (Shop lately occupied by Mr. Cambridge. J UST ARRIVED A LARGE STOCK OF Oranges, Pine Apples Lemons, Bananas Apples, Vegetables Confectionery &c., &c. Delivered to all paits of Ashburton.



W. T. DAVISON, GREENGROCER AND FRUITERER, Wholesale and Retail. Fresh from Christ church daily, from one of the Largest Growers. MOORE STEET, Ashburton. 47 Business Notices. ASHBURTON BOTTLING STORES. MOUNT SOMERS ROAD, Ashburton. QUINTON BROS. BEG to inform the inhabitants of Ash burton and surrounding districts that they have COMMENCED BUSINESS in the above place, and trust by attention to business, to merit a share of patronage. Bottlers of the Best Brands of Ale and Stout. 91



CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE CHILDREN OF ASHBURTON, AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. MRS. MOREY begs to inform parents that she will have a CHRISTMAS TREE ON TUESDAY, 24th DECEMBER. Tickets —One Shilling Each. All Prizes, and NO BLANKS. For • convenience of ladies residing in the country the first drawing will take place at 2 o’clock and continue until half past 6. GIRLS’ TREE. Ist prize Yery Handsome Dressed Doll, value two guineas. Other prizes— Large China Tea Sets, Doll Houses, Cradles, Cots, Work Boxes, Writing Desks, with a variety of other beautiful toys. BOYS’ TREE. Ist prize—Rocking Horse. Other prizes ; —Cricket Bats and Balls, Garden Tools, Writing Desks, Horses and Carts, with a variety of toys suitable for boys. Christmas comes but once a year, So give the children some good cheer. A REAL CHRISTMAS TREAT FOR CHILDREN, TUESDAY, 24th, At 2 o’clock sharp. Not less than 1000 Prizes. .MRS. .‘MOREY, Tancred Street, Ashburton, Next to Mr. Chapman, House Decorator. 96



NOTICE. HAYES’ TIMBER YARDS, ASHBURTON. IN consequence of the WAIMATE MILLS having been BURNED, the ihove Yards will be Closed for about Six Weeks, until Re-Erection of same. Mr. F. Pavitt is authorised to collect .ill outstanding accounts until further notice. ALPHEUS HAYES, per W.. H. COLLINS, ’ Manager, Aflhhuyfcen, Nov, 23, 1878, $7



Business Notices. Tea ! Tea ! Tea ! too BOXES 1 50 HALF-CHESTS The above will be found Pure combined with strength and Fine Flavour. ORIENTAL TEA COMPANY’S In lib. and packets. We are Agents for this Tea, and would advise the public to give it a fair trial, as it is highly spoken of. Orr & Co.



SPECIAL NOTICE. WE ARE NOW LANDING— Ex p.s. “ Tongariro,” 8 x Totara for Wells Ex “ Clifton,” from Invercargill, 240,000 feet first-class Boards and Scantling Ex “ Drover,” from Bluff, 120,000 ditto ditto \ Ex “ Wave of Life,” from Thames, 50,000 feet Flooring, Lining, &c. Ex “Flora.” from Kaipara, A splendid assortment of 95,000 feet Kauri Timber MONTGOMERY & CO. (Limited), CHRISTCHURCH, And EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. H. BUDDEN, SEED MERCHANT, Etc., Etc., NELSON, N.Z. Fruit and Forest Trees, Ornamental Shrubs, Roses, Seeds, Plants, etc. —Packed to any part of New Zealand.



TOYS. TOYS. TOYS. MRS. MOREY, having purchased a Large Lot of Toys, for Christmas Presents, is selling Very CHEAP, for one month. Address—Tancred Street, next Mr. R. Chapman’s. LOOK OUT FOR THE GRAND CHRISTMAS TREE. 101



“HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY,” (As the man said when he returned the Stolen Sheep), AND, as we wish to PAY our BILLS, must respectfully urge that' all Accounts due to the undersigned, he paid by the 6th Dec., 1878. Short Reckonings and Long Friends. TAYLOR & LILL, Bakers and Confectioners. East Street, Ashburton, Nov 30, 1878. 88 NOTICE. THE undersigned begs to give notice that in future all accounts must be settled monthly, and requests that no money be paid to any of the men in charge of the carts, but settled direct with him or at the shop. All accounts overdue must be paid within one month from date, or they may be liable to proceedings without further notice. THOMAS HICKS, Baker, g 9 Ashburton. Winslow. GEORGE LADBROOK, GENERAL STOREKEEPER AND PRODUCE DEALER,. EGS to announce that he has JUST jIV OPENED a General Store at Wins ow, near the Railway Station, and hopes io merit a share of public support. A cart will wait upon families for orders regularly. Goods supplied at Lowest Current rates. Note the address — GEORGE LADBROOK, GENERAL STOREKEEPER, winswy, , Dspembav 3 f 1878, t .93



Drapery. R ANTED KNOWN, that A. 0. AITKEN A CO., arc Selling their Cloth ing, Boots and Shoes, &e., CHEAPER THAN ANY HOUSE IN ASHBURTON. A 3 ANTED KNOWN, that A. 0. AITKEN & CO. have opened up a Splendid Lot of Fichus,' Manilla Hats, and a Large Assortment of FANCY GOODS. RANTED KNOWN, that A O. AITKEN & CO. are paying Particular Attention to their • DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT, which is superintended by a Lady whose Experience has been gained at some of the Best Houses in New Zealand. ANTEDKNOWN, that A. O AITKEN & CO. have determined, prior to removing to their New Premises, now in course of erection, to reduce their present stock as much .as possible, to effect which, they are now offering all Goods at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES. i



NOTICE. PO R SALE AT T. QUINN & GO’S, DRAPERS and CLOTHIERS, MOORE-ST. ASHBURTON. 75 Men’s and Boys’ Suits,..at 30s per Suit 40 ddz. Silk Handkerchiefs at is each. 20 doz. Straw Hats, 7 s per doz. T . QUIN N & CO. ,' Moore Street, Ashburton.



Business Notice. TH E HORSEJAZAM. LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES - BURNETT-STREET, ASHBURTON." ‘ ’ W. B. COMPTON, Proprietor. ' FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATION for Horses and Vehicles on-mosl liberal terras at these Stables, with every attenti >n and civility. Saddle Horses or Buggies on Hire. Horses Bought iid Sold on Commission. FISH. FISH. FISH. MICHAEL DARCY begs to announce the opening of his new A FISH STORE, Adjoining the Echo Office, East Street. Fresh Fish Daily. Crayfish," Cockles, Mold, Groper, &c. , • 0 Dried Fish always on Hand. by post or otherwise punc tually attended to, and familes waited on. 78 Christmas; Christmas. FARCY GOODS, in Great Variety, for CHRISTMAS, Selling at Remark ably Low Prices, for Cash, at MRS. MOREY’S Fancy Repository, Tancred Street, Ashburton, near Chapman’s, is.y ■■ ■' ''■ ; ;r A :i,r: , Remember the Christmas Tree on thb o*»ly. ' ’ ■ ; - 100



Wants, &c. w 132 ANTED, a NURSE GIRL. • Apply ECHO OFFICE. WANTED, a Smart Active LAD, about 14 years of age. Apply to 119 BULLOCK & CO. WANTED,; to Rent immediately, for twelve months, A Fourrßoomed COTTAGE, within Ten Minutes walk of Post Office. Apply ECHO office. / ITTUANTED, a Good Shoeing Smith, t W ; Apply to 14 ' ROBB & BLYTH WANTED, by the Ashburton Borough Council, a WORKING FORE MAN ; wages £2 10s. per week Applica tions to be sent in to the undersigned by noon, on Saturday, 14. th December. CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. j Ashburton, 9th Dec., 1878. 123 TO LET. ONE SHOP and Several Convenient OFFICES in our new buildings. 64 SAUNDERS BROTHERS. Entertainments. . WESLEYAN CHURCH. G BAZAAR . : AND I F T A UCTION A IN THE ’ ■ TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, • -ON Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, DEC. 17TH, ißth, and 19TH. In aid of the Building Fund. 115 Business Notices. TO THE PUBLIC OF ASHBURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS.-' W. WESTON, in returning 1 than! s | for past favors, begs to inform his numerous Patrons and the Public gene rally, that he HAS OPENED, in connec tion with the Tobacconist Business, THE AMERICAN Hair Cutting Saloon. HAIR CUTTING Done in all the Improved Styles. Shaving—Clean and Cakeful. SHAMPOOING. . v. This Refreshing Toilet done on the American principle, including the CELEBRATED . '! FLORIDA SPRAY HEAD BATH- For the address,; you u’thodox Barber’s Pole in Establishment, East Street. will find the front of my 129



NOW PUBLISHED, THE . S OUTHERN PRO V INGES :y. ' A L;M A?N A . DIRECTORY, YEAR BOOK, & DIARY : FOR ; 18 79. , Being the Twenty-sixth Year of Publication. THIS ALMANAO is admitted to Be the best published in New Zealand, and every endeavor has been made to render the*lß79 edition superior to any of its predecessors. It contains a COLORED MAP - ■ "’"-OF . CHRISTCHURCH AND ITS SUBURBS, Consisting of the new Borough of Syden ham, the Townships of Addington, Philipstown, St. Albans, Knights town, Bingsland, and Avonville. Also, A MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ASHBURTON. Amongst the contents will be found THE GARDEN CALENDAR, TRADE DIRECTORY For Town and Country, and a carefully REVISED CUSTOMS’ TARIFF.



A complete list of Societies, Religious Bodies, Trading Companies, &c., &c. THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT ... . . OFFICIAL DIRECTORY akDjKELiable information on Postal matters ; : • ;V r Electric Telegraph Customs’ Duties, carefully revised. '* Stamp Duties ,/ ~ ; _ Railway Arrival and departure of English ! Mails; . ~„. Together with a large quantity of other valuable and. useful information, ----- *■ . Sold by' .. wlAVfl S DIXON/? <: ■. ECHO OFFICE, - - ‘ ■ -