THE HARVEST OF 1878.

The “Live Stock Journal,” Breaking of the actual experience of some oOG correspondents regarding the harvest cl the current year, says : —“ Generally speaking, wheat is slightly under u\ erago —some 7or 8 per cent, perhaps taking the whole country through. If however, we take the larger wheat-growing coun tries, we shall find that wheat is gene rally described as an average crop, and that the majority of under-averages come from, comparatively, non - corn -growing districts. Barley is decidedly under average, and much of that which is re turned as average is declared to be of inferior quality. It is much to be feared that good malting samples will be very scarce indeed. Oats are very slightly above average, and decidedly the best crop of the 3 ear. Beans and peas are much under average, although we hear that there has been generally a good quantity of straw. All kinds of cattle food are most abundant. The root crops are, perhaps, more promising than for many years, while the crops of grass— most of it, we are happy to say, w r ell saved—have been enormous. This, very briefly, is the picture which our reports shows. The harvest has been most diffi cult to gather in, owing to the very catchy weather that prevailed during nearly the whole time of the corn harvest. The lesson of the year is certainly that we must in this country use all the machinery we can get for the purpose of gathering in the crops quickly, and pro tecting them immediately they are in stack. Much of the grain spoilt by rain this year has been spoilt because the thatcher did not happen to be present; and so the stacks, unprotected, were soaked by the first storm. This ought to be avoided. It is known that coni can be harvested, dried, and stacked indepen dent of the weather, and the perfect developement of this possibility would remove one of the most costly uncertain ties of the British farmer.”

SATURDAY, December 28, IS/B.]

THE EVENING ECHO.



Remarkable Case of Highland Superstition. —The “ Northern Ensign” gives an account of an extraordinary re ligious enthusiasm which occurred in the county of Sutherland, Scotland, about the period of the Jacobite rebellion, and almost culminated in a human sacrifice. It took place at the farm of Halmadary, on Loch Naver, in the parish of Farr: where the tenant, George Mackay, was in the habit of holding regular meetings for prayer in his own house. One of these was so protracted that the relations of those who were present at it sent to see what was the matter, but their messen gers no sooner entered the house than the spell came on them also, and they re mained. Their fanaticism reached such a height that they concluded that Mackay —“ Fear-Halmadary,” as he was called— was a prophet sent to warn them of God’s anger, and they determined to avert that danger by a human sacrifice. The victim selected was Mackay’s own son, a boy born in 1738, and then, perhaps, five or six years old. The child waß stripped naked, and laid on his father’s knee, and the father, who was to act as priest, had the knife actually raised to commit the deed, when the child’s nurse broke out with a dreadful shriek, which had the effect of exploding the spell that held the company. This incident is still spoken of with awe in the district as ‘ the lapse of Halmadary/ or ‘ the long meeting ;, and tradition says those that were pre sent at the scene stood, by order of the Presbytery, at the doors of the churches of the county every Sunday for a year, as a discipline for their offence. The only reference to it, however, in the Presbytery records occurs in a minute of date 28th March, 1749, which deals with irregular religious meetings, and alludes to “a melancholy scene that happened several years ago in one of these unathorised meetings at Halmadary.” The Tar and the Doctok. Doctor? looking learned and speaking slow? “Well mariner, what tooth do you wan* extracted ? Is it a molar or an incisor ?” Jack, short and sharp, replied, “It is on the upper tier, on the larboard side. Bear a hand, you swab, for it’s nipping my jaw like a lobster.” Strangers coming to reside in Ashburton need not be at any loss to find the best estab lishment to visit and purchase their drapery, clothing, and general stores. leaving the Railway Staticn and turning down Havelock Street, they will see the establishment of A. O. AITKEN & Co., who are now offering special advantages, which exceed any before offered to the public. Keeping at all times a very large and exceedingly well assorted stock of all classes of goods, bought in the best mar kets and on the most favorable terms, enables them —to use trade parlance—"to do the thing well ” ; in fact the goods offered by them are such as cannot be excelled either in quality or price by any house in the trade and are marked at such prices that making any abatement is unnecessary, and the most inexperienced are enabled to buy their goods as favorably as the best judges.— Advt.



NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. DAMAGE TO RANGITATA BRIDGE OWING to damage done to Rangitata Bridge by floods, goods traffic from all stations North of Ealing (South Rangitata) to stations Soath of Ealing, and from all stations Sdfth of Rangitata South to stations North of Rangitata South •will be suspended. Ordinary Passenger trains will continue to run between stations as above. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager’s Office, Christchurch, Dec, 27, 1878, 20$



New Advertisements, T'TT ESLE YAN CHURCH, Cameron \ \ Street.—The Rev. T. Fee, of Waimate, will preach in this Church To-morrow— Morning and Evening. 200 WANTED, a smart LAD, accustomed to ihe Butchery business. Apply J. TASKER, 203 Trevorton Butchery, Ashburton. TO LET. —A two roomed House, East Town Belt. Apply Mr. COUTTS, at Mr. Sealey’s Nurseryman, Trevorton. 201 ES LEY AN QHURCH ANNIVERSARY. SERMONS on SUNDAY, Jan. 5. TEA-MEETING on TUESDAY, Jan. 7, In the Town Hall. PUBLIC MEETING in the Evening ; His Worship the Mayor in the chair. A Most Attractive Programme !! ! Particulars in future advertisement. 199 TREVORTON BUTCHERY. JniASKER begs to inform the . X public of Ashburton and district that he has commenced business as a BUTCHER, in his HIS NEW PREMISES, TREVORTON, And hopes by strict attention to business, combined with cleanliness and civility, to merit a share of patronage. N.B.—None but the best quality of meat supplied. Families waited upon daily for orders. 202 TO JOSEPH HUNT, ESQ^ WE, the undersigned ratepayers of the Ashbui’ton Road Board Dis trict, on the occasion of your retirement from the Board through effluxion of time, desire to record our gratitude for the benefit which we have derived from your attention to our wants during your term of office, and therefore to express our earnest hope that you will consent to offer yourself for re-election. If you should comply with this request we pledge ourselves to use every effort in our power to secure your return : (Signed) Edward Jones George Lamb John Cochrane Henry Robinson William Innes Peter Innes ' James Droyer Andrew Letham Joseph Ivess A. G. Earle Malcolm Millar John Harrison Peter Chalmers John Chalmers Thomas Bullock 204



Business Notice. ASHBURTON AND LONGBEACH. TH. BREWER’S Royal Mail COACH , leaves Longbeach for Ashburton (vitt Waterton, Ashton, Wheatstone, and Tinwald) daily, at 7 a.m., returning by the same route on arrival of 3 p.m. train from Christchurch. Parcels and orders punctually attended to, T. H. BREWER, 195 Proprietor. HAMS. HAM S. SPLENDID CHRISTMAS HAMS At ORR & CO.’S CHRISTMAS TREE ASHBURTON TOWN HALL. Mrs. MOREY begs to intimate that, in consequence of the great rush on Xmas Eve, and the consequent disappointment of many of the ticket-holders, she has determined to hold another distribution of CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR GIFTS on January 30, 1879. All persons hold ing tickets can have them exchanged for new ones, or the money returned, on application to Mrs. Morey. Fuller particulars in future advertisement. 198 Bread. Bread. SANDO and OLSEN HAVE much pleasure in announcing that ANOTHER OVEN is just completed, and they are now pre pared to supply GOOD BREAD IN ANY QUANTITY. 187 YOUNG Ladies Journals.—We have just received, per ’Frisco Mail, a few copies of this Journal of Fashion for December. Price, 1/9 each, mail copies. ECHO OFFICE, RUBBER STAMPS. 'jpHESE Useful STAMPS, with Ink and Pads, are now being Manufactured at the * ECHO ” OFFICE and can be supplied any shape or size from 7s. 6d,



Tenders. TO CARPENTERS AND BUILDERS. TENDERS FOR MANAGER’S HOUSE. TENDERS are invited for the Erection of a House for the Manager of the Gas Works, Ashburton. Plans and Speci. fications may be seen at the Company’s office, East Street, Ashburton, and ten ders forwarded to Thomas Bullock, Esq., Chairman of the Company, not later than 10 a. in. on Monday, the 6th day of January, 1879. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. By order. 196 J. WARD, Secretary. TENDERS FOR FENCING THE SCHOOL RESERVE AT SEAFIELD. TENDERS are invited for Fencing the School Reserve at Seafield; also making gates. Tenders addressed to the Chairman, Seafield, where plans and specifications can be seen, will be received up till 10th January. MURDOCH BRUCE, 188 Chairman. ‘ TO PAINTERS, GLAZIERS, Ac. TENDERS are invited for the Painting, Glazing, Varnishing, and Hanging Paper for Shop and Two-storied Dwelling House for Mr. H. M. Jones, Ashburton. Plans and specifications can be seen at my office, in East Street, or at Mr. D. E. Jones’s, Builder, Burnett Street. Tenders will be received by me at my office up to the 28th of this month. The lowest or any tender not neces sarily accepted. S. W. BROWN, Architect, &c., 179 East Street, Ashburton. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. Applications are invited from gentlemen willing to act as Engineer for the Council of the County of Ashbur ton. Salary, £SOO per annum, with travelling expenses. The successful candidate will be expected to initiate and superintend all works under taken by the Council, also to reside in the County, and to devote the whole of his time to the business of the Council. Can didates are requested to state how soon they can commence duties. Applications with references endorsed, “ Application for Engineer,” addressed to the Chairman of the County Council, Ash burton, will be received at the Council’s offices, Ashburton, up to the hour of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the Bth day of Jan uary, 1879. W. C. WALKER, Chairman. Ashburton, December 10th, 1878. 140 ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. TENDERS are invited for the follow ing Works : No. 142—Shingling Christie’s Road, 85 chains. No. 143—Formation Cochrane’s Road, 40 chains. No. 144—Cutting at Wakanui. Tenders addressed to the Chairman, and endorsed with the number of the work tendered for, will be received till 9 a.m. on Monday, January 6th, 1879. Tenders to have £5 enclosed if the amount of the contract is under £2OO ; if over that amount, 2i per cent, on the value of the work. By order of the Board: JAMES WILKIE, 160 Surveyor to the Board. Miscellaneous.



THE L ONDON AND ANCASHIEE Fire Insurance Company. ASHBURTON AGENTS: SAUNDERS BROTHERS. THE HOLIDAYS. TRIP TO THE BEACH OR OTHER FAVORITE RESORT. THE undersigned having purchased a Large OMNIBUS, is prepared to undertake the Conveyance of Picnic Par ties to the Beach or other Favorite Resorts during th® Holidays, on the most reason able terms, which can be arranged. The Omnibus is capable of carrying from 30 to 40 passengers, and will be driven by the proprietor. Further par ticulars on application to JAS. W. McRAE, Cab Proprietor. 147



Business Notices.. THE PRINCE ALBERT BOARDING HOUSE AND DINING ROOMS, WILLS ST. (Near Railway Station), "vrow OPEN for the convenience of JLI Boarders, Commercial Travellers, and the Public. The House is entirely new and will be fitted up with every comfort, and the proprietor can guarantee that every attention will bo paid to patrons, with a good table, on the most liberal terms. Families can be accomodated with private rooms. THOMAS CLARK 149 Proprietor.



CHRISTMAS IS COMING ! CHRISTMAS CAKES. TA YLdR~& LILL, Bakers and Confectioners, BEG to call the attention of their numerous customers and the public generally, to their intention to make a very Extensive Display of Superior CHRISTMAS CAKES to suit all classes, ranging in price from Two Shillings upwards. The quality is guaranteed to be First-class, and second to none in Canterbury. The following different kinds of Cakes will be kept in stock for Christmas : Rice Cakes Cumberland Cakes The Lome Cakes Sponge Cakes, in great variety Seed Cakes Currant Cakes Queen Cakes &c., &c., &c. Fancy Biscuits of all kinds. Pastry in Great Variety. N.B. —Orders for Iced Cakes must be sent in at once. TAYLOR & LILL, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. All orders punctually attended to, and sent in early. 142 C/3 < S H C/3 M X a u CHRISTMAS CAKES. CHRISTMAS. O X X >-< w g > C/3 THE Manager of the Central Tempe rance Hotel wishes it to be known that he has on hand a Great Variety of Christmas Cakes, ranging in price from FIVE SHILLINGS TO Five Guineas. Inspection invited at the CENTRAL TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Havelock Street, Ashburton. 137 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO YOU ALL ! CHRISTMAS PRESENTS and NEW YEAR’S GIFTS in end less variety, at WESTON’S EAST STREET NOVELTY DEPOT. Those in want of New Novelties in Christmas Cards, GO TO A. WESTON’S. 1 Gift Books, at all Prices, GO TO A. WESTON’S. Albums, a Choice Lot, AT A. WESTON’S. Children’s Eooks and Fancy Stationery, GO TO A. WESTON’S, Silver and Plated Jewellery, GO TO A. WESTON’S. Beads, Fans, and all kinds of Ball Requisites, GO TO A. WESTON’S Piesse and Lubin’s, Gosnel’s and Rimmel’s Choice Perfumery, GO TO A. WESTON’S. All kinds of Fancy Goods, Books, Sta tionery, &c., go to A. W. WESTON, HAIRDRESSER, TOBACCONIST, AND BOOKSELLER, East Street, Ashburton. ~ PHOTOGRAPHY. MILLION PRICES. E. TEAGUE begs to announce that he intends reducing the price of Photographs for the Holidays to— Cards 9s. per dozen, Cabinets 255. „ Notice.—This Gallery will Permanently Close on 30th instant. Business Notices;



Fruiterers. Oranges. Oranges. Ex “ Rotorua, ’Just Arrived. 70 CASES OItAN GE S- 70 in FIRST-CLASS CONDITION, and ' ■ SPLENDID FLAVOR. W. BIRTWELL, WHOLESALE & RETAIL FRUITERER, AND DIRECT IMPORTER FROM THE AUSTRALIAN AND TASMANIAN ORCHARDS. 104 FRUIT IMPORTED DaRECT FROM SYDNEY. Jlf OO A R AND. CO., • i\jL wholesale and retail GREENGROCERS & FRUITERERS, REMOVED to EAST STREET, (Shop lately occupied by Mr. Cambridge. TUST ARRIVED A LARGE STOCK J of Oranges, Pine Apples Lemons, Bananas Apples, Vegetables Confectionery i &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. H.A YES’ TIMBER YARDS, ASHBURTON. IN consequence of the WAIMATE MILLS having been BURNED, the above Yards will be Closed for about Six Weeks, until Re-Erection of same. Mr. F. Pavitt is authorised to collect all outstanding accounts until further notice. ALPHEUS HAYES, perW. H. COLLINS, Manager. Ashburton, Nov. 23, 1878. . ■■. ' G 7



COALS. COALS. COALS, i .. LL kinds of COALS & FIREWOOD delivered at the shortest notice in any quantities and at reasonable rates. * GEORGE PARKER & CO., Springfield Coal Depot, 138 Ashburton. “ 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, be paid by the 6th Dec., 1878. Short Reckonings and Long Friends. TAYLOR & LILL, Bakers aiid 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, 89 Ashburton. . BREAD. BREAD. . BREAD 6d. per 4lb. Loaf. THOMAS HICKS, Baker and Con fectioner, Tancred Street, is now supplying First-class Bread, at 6d. per 4ft> Loaf, delivered to all parts of the District, or at the Shop. note—. - THOMAS HICKS, : THE PIONEER BAKERY, Tancred Street, Ashburton j Winslow. GEORGE LADBROOK, GENERAL STOREKEEPER AND PRODUCE DEALER,' BEGS to announce that he .has JUST OPENED a General Store at Wins low, near the Railway Station, and hopes to 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, WINSLOW. D@e*mb*r 3, 1878. 98



—1 ’ WANTED, a Young Manas WAITER. Apply . , ; 194 ROYAL HOTEL. TENANTED, to Rent, for a terra of W 12 months, from January Ist, 1879, a Three-roomed COTTAGE, withi' a convenient distance of . town. Apply early, “ Cottage,” ECHO Office.' 168 WANTED— An Experienced LAUN DRESS for the Somerset Hotel, either to come to Hotel to wash, or take it home. Apply to Mr. SHEARMAN, between the hours of 10 till 2 and 4 till 8 p.m. 160 FOR SALE, TERMS EASY. A FOUR. ROOMED COTTAGE and l\ |-acre Section on the North Town Belt, let r at 16/ per week. There is a pump fixed, and the land is fenced. 153 Apply ECHO OFFICE. TO LET. ONE SHOP and Several Convenient OFFICES in our new buildings. 64 SAUNDERS BROTHERS. TO LET. ONE Four-roomed HOUSE and one Three-roomed House, at Trevorton. ... '.Apply to 173 T. CLARK PUBLIC NOTICE ‘ THE Westerfield. Mill Road, by Mr. Sargent’s will be Stopped for Traffic until-further notice.- . R. D. PULLAR, Clerk to Upper Ashburton Road Board. December 9th,1878. 125 Entertainments. " A FANCY DRESS c Under the auspices of the FORESTERS COURT OF ASHBURTON, Will bejheld at the , , T.QWN HALL, ON NEW YEAR’S EYE. Tickets 12/6. . .. 121 A-LIOO giU, A UNITED SABBATH SCHOOL rpHANKSGIYING Of ERVICE s Will be held in the WESLEYAN CHURCH, Cameron St., ON t”: SUNDAY NEXT, Deo, Addresses will be delivered by Minister* and friends. . Service to commence at 3 o’clock; The parents and friends of the children attend ing the various schools are cordially invited. 191



Government Noti.ce V. R. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. CHRISTCHURCH SECTION. NEW YEAR’S DAY—TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS. . , . LY T T ELTON LINE. THE Ordinary Time Table will be sus pended, .and trains run as under From Christchurch —7-35 a.m. 8 a.m. 9 a.m. and at short intervals commencing .at 10 a.m. until-2.40 p.m. and at short in tervals from 4 p.m. until 7.45 p.m From Lyttelton 9.30 a.m. and at short- intervals com mencing at 10.30 am. until 2 p.m. and also from 3.20 p. in. until 8.20 _p, m. A LATE TRAIN' - will leave Christ church : at' 11 p.m. returning from Lyttelton at 12.40 a. hx.' " v NORTHERN LINES ANI) BLANCHES —ORDINARY TRAINS. SOUTH LINES AND BRANCHES. . Ordinary, trains with the following exceptions; ; — ' ; . .. The 4.15 p.m. Timaru to Ashburton* will leave at 6.5 p.m. “and be 50 minutes later at all stations to destination. The 4.20 p.m. Timaru to Oamaru.will leave at I 5.20 p.m. and be one hour later at all stations to destination. The 4p.m. Oamaru to Timaru will leave at 5'39 p.ih., and be one hour later at all stations to destination, • ALBURY BRANCH. The 3.30 p.m. Timaru to Albury, will not leave until 4.30 p.m. and be one hour later at all stations to Albury, returning from the latter place at 6.35 p.m. instead of 5.45 p.m. and be 50 minutes later at all stations to Timaru.'; V; WAIMATE BRANCH. The 5.20 p.m. Waimate to Waimate Junction, will not leave Until 6.20 p.m, and the 6;5 p.m. Waimate Junction to Waimate, will not leave until 7.5 p.m. GOODS TRAFFIC SUSPENDED ON ALL LINES.{ FREDK .BACK, General Manager.