RICHMOND THATCHER ON AMERICA.

In a long letter to “ Tahite” the dra matic critic of the Australasian , Mr. R. Thatcher gives an account of h s trip to America and England with Miss Ada Ward. He says : —“ We leave England for New York on August 6. Miss Ward is very anxious to get back to New Zealand and Australia, so anxious that she bade me yesterday cable to Sim monds, of New York, to stop making any contracts in the Eastern States. Those entered into she will carry out if obliged to do so, but she wants to get to San Francisco at once, and start early for New Zealand. Everybody I meet who has been to our part of the world is anxious to return. Carden is nego tiating with the Melbourne Royal man agement. Emmet, whom I met in New York, and with whom I had a delicious swim to-day (he opens to-night at the Alexandra), longs to see Melbourne, at least again, and so does his wife. William son sighs for another tour in the Colo nies. Dampier—who is engaged in a Chancery suit on behalf of his wife —will certainly make his way out, and no doubt settle. They all bear the sunny skies and generous hearts of Australia in kind remembrance. Climate is a great inducement. It is hotter here now than I ever recollect feeling it in Melbourne, and the winter must be dreadfully trying. I need scarcely say that I am nothing loth to hasten back. I should not care for an English winter, and as for stopping in America the thought appalled me. It is a great country and a line one —for Americans; but, to use their own term, ‘ I have no use for it,’ and I say so with no feeling of disappointment, for I saw the country —what I did see of it—at its best, and had ample leisure and means to find out its excellencies. It is a solemn fact, however, that fsis impossible for any that have been brought up elsewhere to avoid having their prejudices shocked at every turn. The manners and customs, the speech, the appearance of this strange people, are ail foreign ; and though i like individual Americans much, I must confess to a feeling ot almost aversion lor the collective Yankee and his msti tutions. If you are kind enough to publish this unusually long letter, may I ask you, in conclusion, te contradict a scandalous report circulated with regard to my connection with Levy. I heard it stated in America and here that 1 con nived at his bolting, which is a vile slan der. As soon as I met him in Hono lulu I expressed my opinion of his con duct, and the moment I landed in San Francisco I commenced a suit against him, and only compounded on receipt of ioo dollars and all expenses, because I was bound to get away to New York with Miss Ward.”

AN AMUSING ELECTION.

The Edinburgh correspondent of the Otago Daily Times, writing on the 29th of August, gives the following account of the contest for the Haddington burghs seat between Lord William Hay, in the Liberal, and Sir James Grant Suttie, in the Conservative interest: —“ The can didature of Sir James Grant Suttie was the broadest farce that has been played in Scotland for many a long day, and probably feiv candidates ever displayed greater ignorance, stupidity, or good nature than this son-in-law of the Duke of Roxburgh. The reports of the “ hecklings ” to which he was subjected must, however, to read themselves, as it is impossible to give even a faint idea of them in the compass of a paragraph. At Dunbar, Sir James was vociferously championed by a gaunt middle-aged fish-wife, named Mary Macfarlane, who twice put her arm round his neck, and patted him patronisingly cm the back. At the close of the meeting Sir James who said he had received permission from Lady Susan Suttie to do so, kissed his odoriferous admirer on the cheek,' amid the boisterous laughter of the spectators. In spite of this, however, and of the most open and strenuous sup port of the Established Church clergy and Romish priests, Sir James was de feated, his opponont polling 881 votes to his 651. That so many should have voted for such a total ignoramus and blockhead as he proved himself to be, shows how little knowledge or ability is thought to be requisite in a member of the Conservative party in the house of Commons. Sir James would have been a splendid type specimen of .Lon; Beaconsficld’s “ me«.h aticnl m .joriiy."

Blondin is giving performances in Paris, and it is said that the “hero of Niagara” never displayed more nerve than he does now. His performances are very popular, McArthur and Co., the great soft goods merchants of Sydney, Melbourne, and Glas gow, have formed their business into a limited liability company, with a capital of occ, A Noble Swindler.—A young man, who as a newspaper reporter was known as Mr. Cecil W, Carr, but was supposed to be Lord Ogilvy, son of the Earl of Airlie, has been arrested in New York, charged with

Toeing Down-Dr. Lyon Playfair sug gests that as the mere' phrase ' “'science frightens ministers, school hoards, and teachers, the simple phrase “elementary knowledge,” should be used in discussing the question of introducing science into the schools.

The Geometric Lathe is now exten sively used in making designs for bank notes. It produces in a few hours designs that would require several months of careful labor if pro duced by hand.

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 mongery, and General Stores. O.RR & Co. offer special advantages to the public that can be met with nowhere else in Ashburton. They keep at all times the largest and best-assorted Stock of every class of Goods, imported direct from the leading manufacturers at home, which beinp bought entirely upon cash terms, they are enabled to ofier goods of su<-h sterling value as cannot be equalled by any other house in the trade. Every article in stock is marked at the lowest price, from which no abatement is made so that the most inexperienced buy their goods at the same piices as the best judges.—Advt.

The Evening Echo, Thursday, October 17, 1878.



WESLEYAN CHURCH CHOIR. THE usual Weekly PRACTICE will be held THIS EVENING, in the Church, at 7.30. H. J. WEEKS, Organist. RAILWAY NOTICE. TRAFFIC will be RESUMED over the Rangitata Bridge, on the South line, as usual, TO-MORROW. B. PILKINGTON, October 17th, 187 S. Stationmaster. TO LET. A SHOP and DWELLING-HOUSE, in Moore Street. Apply to \V. R. BOYLE, House Agent. LOS T . A BUNCH of KEYS, no value except to owner. There were a number of Keys on Steel Split Ring, supposed to ire lost between Railway Station and Air. Shaun's House, Cox Street, eariy this morning. Any person returning same to Parcels Otuce, Rail way Station, will be rewarded, xyt.ii October, 1878. w ANTED, a Respectable, Intelligent GIRL, to look after Stationers’ Shop, Apply ECHO OFFICE. TO PRINTERS.—Constant work for a Steady COMPOSITOR. ECHO OFFICE. WESLEYAN HOME MISSION AND CHURCH EXTENSION FUND. A PUBLIC MEETING will be held in the Cameron Street Church on FRIDAY EVENING, commencing at 7.30 o’clock, in aid of the above Fund. Addresses will be delivered by the Revs. A. R. Fitchett, 8.A., of Dunedin, B. J. Westbrooke, W. B. Marten, and other gentlemen. Collection in aid of the Fund. ASHBURTON TOWN HALL COMPANY (LIMITED.) 'T'HE Fourth CALL of Five Shillings (5/) A per Share is now due and payable at the Registered Office of the Company, Mont gomery’s Buildings. CHARLES BRADDELL, Secretary. Ashburton, 16th October, 1878.



ODD FELLOWS AMATEUR Christy Minstrels’ FIRS'/: EiN 1 Li'D’A ! N MEET THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING, 17TH OCTOBER, i3/S._ Admission —Numbered Scats 3s. ; Fron Seats, 2.4. ; Back. Seals, is. ; Gallery, 2s. oci. MR. C. W. PURNELL, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR Chambers MONTGOME RY’S BUILDINGS. MESSRS, HARRIS & IRELAND, BARRISTERS and SOLICITORS Will shortly commence the practice of their profession in Ashburton. W, R. BOYLE, Estate and general agent • W9M STREET, ABSBURTPN?



WANTED, an APPRENTICE forAVood- Turning,.* Carpentering, and Cabinet?. making. Apply to JOSEPH RULE, Moore Street. WANTED —A Few Young Ladies as Apprentices to the Dressmaking. A. O. AITKICN & CO. WANTED —An Apprentice for the Print ing Business. None but a Respectable Intelligent Boy need apply. ECHO Office STRONG BOY WANTED to work at a Printing Machine. Apply b ECHO Office. £1 REWARD. ~ LOST, a Dark Bay MARE, five years old, no visible brand, white star on forehead, fired on oft side hind leg. When lost, had strap round neck and long rope. Any person found retaining this horse will be prosecuted. ■' ' F. P. LE BRETON. October 15, 1878. pOTATOES. POTATOES. FOR SALE, at A. O. AITKEN & CO. ’s, Havelock Street. FOR SALE. A QUARTER-ACRE SECTION in Have lock Street, on very easy terms. Apply ECHO Office.



E. A. GARNETT, HAIRDRESSER PERFUMER, TOBACCONIST, AND GENERAL FANCY GOODS DEALER, BEGS to inform the inhabitants of Ashburton awl District that he has removed to I, Montgomery’s New Buildings, East street, and has in Stock a GOOD ASSORTMENT OF TOBACCO, CIGARS, PIPES, Perfumery, Frizzets, Plaits, Etc., Etc. Note the Address,-- E. A. GARNETT, No. i, Montgomery’s Buildings, East Street.



Wood Turner and Venetian Blind Maker. JOSEPH RULE Moore Street. (S prepared to execute all orders for Wood Turning, Venetian Blinds, Bedsteads, Tables, and every class of Furniture. Window Poles on hand, or made to any sixe.



CHARLES BRADDELL, A CCOUNTANT& GENERAL AGENT, Agent for Press Company, Limited. Secretary Town Hall Company. Agent for National Insurance Company. Removed to Montgomery’s Buildings, entrance from. East and Burnett Streets. VVORNER'S EMPIRE BOARDING HOUSE (Opposite Parkins’s Steam Saw Mills). MR. G. WORKER begs to intimate to the public of Ashburton that he has pur chased the Boarding-house recently kep by Mr. T. Bradford, and having made extensive alterations, he is now prepared to supply first class accommodation to boarders, and others visiting Ashburton. Meals i /-, Beer given with dinner; Beds i/- Board per week, £\. G. WORNER, Proprietor. A. PEARCE’S CANTERBURY GUP SWEEP - Nonce, Lr Subscribers. 'i MI ROUGH having the i -‘‘’•tune to 1 be BURNED OUT, and a mnm _ ~ r the above Tickets being destroyed, I find it an impossibility to proceed any further with the above Sweep ; therefore, if holdeis of Tickets will make application to me with their Tickets, 1 will return their Subscriptions. Thanking the public for past favors, Your obedient servant, A. PEARCE, Ashburton. October 14, 1878. SONS OF TEMPERANCE BENEFIT SOCIETY. rIILS useful institution meets every alter nate Friday in the New Templar Hall, Moore Street. New members invited. All nformation can be obtained from Bros. G. W. Andrews, East Town Belt; K. Sando, East Street } Thos. Williams, Tinwald, Next meet ng on the 25th insl, - ■ 4 h H.S,



To Farmers & Others UNDERSIGNED HAVE CONSTANTLY ON HAND Farm Implements AND AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY Of Every Description. WOOL PACKS, SHEEP SHEARS, FENCING MATERIAL. GRASS & CLOVER SEEDS* JUST LANDED Ryland’s Best Fencing WIRE, 6,7, 8, 9 & 10. PORTLAND CEMENT, CHAFF CUTTERS, PLOUGHS, CAMBRIDGE ROLLERS, CORN CRUSHERS, HORSEPOWERS, ETC. Also, GOSPEL OAK Galvanised Iron, IN ALL SIZES, Which \vc arc now Prepared to Sell at . MOST REASONABLE PRICES. ta_CASH ADVANCES Made on Growing Crops, Shipments of Wool and Grain. FRIEDLANDER BROS E’AST STREET, Ashburton.



DRAPERY. NEW GOODS! NEW GOODS !! A. O. AITKEN & GO. Are now opening up, a large and choice assortment of NEW SPRING AND SUMMER DRAPERY, Which will be offered at PRICES LOWER THAN EVER. New Dresses New Fischues New Prints New Ribbons New Feathers New Flowers New" Hats New Bonnets -■ Note the address A. O. AITKEN and CO. The Pantechnicon, HAVELOCK STjREETfI Ashburton.



C. PERCY COX, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, AND VALUATOR, A S H B U R [T O PN pARMS to LET and .SELL, [of all Sizes and Descriptions, Improved and Unimproved, situated in all parts of the District. 3000 Acres, in Blocks to suit Purchasers, on easy terms. 150 Acres, with Stable, partly fenced, near the Hinds. Money Lent in Large or Small Sums, on Approved Security. AGENT FOR UNION INSURANCE COMPANY.



HOW TO PROCURE A SEWING MACHINE EASILY. ... ‘ 'JpHE GREAT ADVANTAGE OFFERED by ORR AND CO. By the TIME PAYMENT SYSTEM places the SINGER HOUSEHOLD and HOWE MACHINES within easy reach of all. Payments —Weekly or Monthly. ORR & CO., Sole Agents for the above Machines in ‘ Ashburton. *



UNION STEAM IRON WORKS, (Next the Horse Bazaar), BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Edwards & Lee, ENGINEERS, MILLWRIGHTS. AND GENERAL SMITHS. Orders for every description of Machinery executed in a workmanlike manner, and guar anteed to give satisfaction, at prices that will compare favorably with any in Canterbury. Important.—Ex erienced Manufacturers and Repairers of Reapers, Combines, Straw Elevators, Portable Engines, Wool Presses, <kc. Wind Pumps, Circular Saw Spindles, and Tables, made to order. General Smith, Wheelwright, and Shot ing umk warranted to give satisfaction. EDWARDS AND LEE, Proprietors. The Central Foundry, ASHBURTON. W. J. HESSEY, ) EGS respectfully to inform the public oi O Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has ON HAND and FOR SALE, Vorking Men’s Kitchen Ranges, cast or sheet iron ovens. imbriige Rollers, at Christchurch Prices. . ire Strainers. " n 1117 l Repairs of Castings in Iron-or Brass, of every description.



NEW DRAPERY ESTABLISHMENT GLASGOW HOUSE, MONTGOMERYS BUILDINGS, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. GAVIN HAS great pleasure in announcing to the inhabitants of the Ashburton County that he is now offering, at the LOWEST PRICES, New Spring and Summer Goods. Millinery, Prints, Hosiery, Children’s Frocks, Toilets Horrockses’ and American Long Cloths Muslin and Lace Window Curtains Marseilles and Honey Comb Counterpanes Haberdashery and Gloves Men’s Boys’ and Youths’ Clothing Shirts, Hats, Ties, etc. Goods marked in Plain Figures. One Shilling Off Every Pound Purchased for Cash. Motto —“ Small Profits and Quick Returns.”



TEA. TEA. TOO BOXES 50 HALF-CHESTS The above will be found Pure, combined with strength and Fine Flavour. ORIENTAL TEA COM PANY’S, in lib and tflb packets. We are Agents for this Tea, and would advise the public to give it a fair trial, as it is highly spoken of. OIR IR & 00.



NOTICE ! NOTICE !! NOTICE Hi REMOVAL. Firth, Pass, & Co. Beg to inform the Inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding districts that they have REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES Next the Union Bank of Australia EAST STREET. pIRTH, PASS, & CO. take this oppo? tunity of thanking their numeious customers who have so liberally supported them hitherto, and to - ; -it u eoniimr.ncs of ;heir patronage at the NEW PREMISES, TO BE CALLED The Old Bank Stores (late union bank). Orders entrusted to our care will re ceive prompt attention. Families waited on for orders weekly. 7 1RTII, PASS, AND GO., Grocers, Drapers, Ironmongers, WINE ANp SPIRIT MERCHANTS, &c, Street,