•W-JSSggSg "'""* The discovery is nothing less than a means of converting steam into a port able gas, without the use of coal, coke, wood, oil, or any other such combusti ble" substance or liquid, and is due to the patient research and experimental • ising labors of Mr. John A. Stephan of Rainbowshill, Worcester,, who has with in the past few days demonstrated, in the most successful manner, this new method of producing artificial light. Mr. Stephan has, we understand, se cured a patent for his invention in this country, and also several foreign pa tents, but until it is fully secured it can scarcely be expected that his modus operandi will be completely divulged. At present, therefore, we are only able to state Mr. Stephan’s scheme m general terms. Briefly he generates steam- m an ordinary boiler, and passes the steam through perforated or honey-combed chambers into a retort, where it is con verted by the use of certain substances, into hydrogen, and subsequently into carburetted hydrogen gas, which passes through cold water previous to entering the gas-holder. V As may be inferred, the “ certain substances-” -in question constitute the secret of the whole affair. It is by their use that thegas is produced and made luminous, and the products which result from the manufacture we are assured represent enormous profits. These products are lubricating grease, ammonia water, and others (including lime and cement) of exceptional value. Mr. Stephan asserts that three of the most valuable products give a profit on the manufacture amounting to 150 per .cent! For these only a scientific chemist would carry on the manu facture 5 the gas and the minor products being of quite subsidiary consideration. Only a comparatively small quantity of the gas which is produced would be needed for supplying the heat to the boiler ; the remainder the manufacturer could afford to give away. What the extraordinary valuable products are the public will doubtless very shortly be informed; they will then be in a better position to judge of their value than at present: but as regards one of them lime—of course a fair idea may now be formed of its worth; the difference be tween the cost of the limestone, and the cost of lime for building purposes, re presents, we suppose, something very considerable. The production of gas will, of course, principally interest the general public. That the gas which. Mr. Stephan pro duces gives a capital light was made manifest on Saturday, and Monday evenings, at the small “ works ” which he has erected adjoining Webb’s Tileries Company’s premises at Rain bow Hill, Worcester. On Monday evening, a very numerous company of citizens of Worcester, including Aider man Woodward, Alderman Lovsey, Councillors Noake and Fisher, and the Rev. Father Waterworth, and a party of friends," assembled, and had good proof of- the illuminating power of the gas afforded them by the lighting of several burners both within and outside Messrs. Webb’s offices. The brilliancy of the light then shown was admitted on all hands, and, we were informed by Mr. Stephan that it was possible to produce a light of 40-candle power, and that the manufacturer would have a direct interest in producing good gas, inasmuch as. the more brilliant the light ‘ was made, the more valuable would the products from the retorts . become. A very remarkable feature of the process of manufacture is the fact that existing gasworks can easily and cheaply be utilised for the purpose. A pipe for the conveyance of steam into each retort will be required, but the purifiers and “ scrubbers ” now in use will not 'be wanted, and, in place of using coal, jets of gas will be needed for heating .the'boilers. A nice prospect 'for gas companies or Corporations possessing gasworks ! No outlay for fuel, but immerise - profits from “ residuary pro ducts. ” .

The adaption of the process to works on a large scale has yet to be tried, and until this has resulted successfully there will naturally he hesitation on the part of . many to accept the discovery at its full’(supposed) value. *■ Experiments on a small scale are frequently most satis factory but the . same resultis hot always attained when trials on a scale of great magnitude are 'attempted/' Mr. Stephan’s next step will be, we‘‘hear, to apply-his system of; manufacture to jgas works at. KnoWle, Warwickshire, and if the.. then . satisfactory, the lightingupk,Birmingham will then be attempted.. If Stephan succeeds at Birmingham, as we sincerely trust he will, the success of his.discovery \yill be assured without doubt.# Then will come the question whether..ther.results, finan cially,'wHL be as great as whether, supposing the new system is generally adapted, the tremendously jprgy prodqgtlop

valuable than they are now. Mr. Stephan argues that they are things of daily use in large quantities, and that there is nd difficulty whatever in finding purchasers for them. We hope he may have his Anticipations realised. Wt from the lighting question, what a wide field is open by. this dis covery of a means for producing steam without coal! The coal trade must of necessity be seriously interfered with. Users of steam and gas can; make both the one and the other ! A steamship instead of carrying hundreds of tons of coal each trip, will not require to do anything of the kind. Keep your gas jets constantly burning under your boilers, and you not only make steam for driving the machinery, but gas for lighting purposes, and for supplying the said jets. And then you have the residuary products for your trouble! This beats Alladdin’s lamp.

The Evening Echo, Wednesday July 3, 1878.



Some people’s prayers are ’simply a bulletin board for the benefit of the angels. They pre sume that the Almighty is not acquainted with the changes that occur, and are intended to give a great deal of valuable information to the beings of the upper sphere. The criticism of the little child is applicable in almost every lati tude “ God must be glad when prayer meet ing night comes, ’cause He hears such lots of news.” Everything in nature indulges in an amuse ment of some kind.. The lightnings play, the winds whistle, the thunders roll, the snow flies, the rills and the cascades sing and dance, the waves leap, the fields smile, the vines creep and run, and the buds, shoot. But some of these have their seasons of melancholy. The tempests moan, the zephyrs sigh, the brooks murmur, and the mountains look blue. Strangers coming to reside in Ashburton are often at a loss to know which is the best Establishment to visit for the purchase of Drapery 1 , Clothing, and House-furnishing Iron mongery, and General Stores. Orr & 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 offer goods of such 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 prices as the best judges.—Advt.f It is a well-known fact to all students of his tory, that some of the most important steps in the advancement of a young country have almost as it were been completed unobserved, although at the time of its commencement a great deal of bitter feeling has been exhibited In no case in our own experience has this fact been more apparent than in the successful negotiations now being carried on to their completion with the Maoris in the North Island for the settlement of their land. The late Sir Donald M‘Lean would, doubt!ess r have lived to see the fulfil ment of his wishes, but for- the acrimony and ill-feeling induced by the two parties in discus sion, yet how quietly now all is tending to a successful issue. Any of our readers will be astonished at the great advance in trade made by Ashburton, on paying a visit to the stores of Messrs. A. O. Aitken & Co., Havelock street, for nothing but a great advance, inducing an immense demand, could possibly justify such an outlay as has been necessary to procure so large a stock of goods of fill kinds, and for sale at such low figures.—Advf.



“ Jealous China, strange Japan, With bewildered thought I scan They are but Dead Seas of man.” SO sang the. poet, but come.- and swell the crowd of Weston’s admirers of the novelties he introduces from the country of the Heathen Chinee, and from the land of mystery and jugglery. “Boston is the ‘hub’ of the world,” and “ the United States is the heart of the uni verse.” Come and see Weston’s proof of America’s rapid strides of progress, of the power of her ingenuity and the influence of her almighty dollar. Of all nations in the world France has suf fered most from the embroilments of war, yet Weston can show that the mercurial French men have time to devote to the arts of peace. Napoleon 111. said that a country to be happy must be amused. Weston can find for you every species of game, and every means of fireside amusement. Come and: hear his music-box and see his novelties from every country under the sun. Q.C.E. Cigar Divan. Pipes of every form, variety, and price for every taste and fancy.



TO BUILDERS. ALTERNATE TENDERS in Brick and Oamaru Stone are invited for the erec tion of the MASONIC HALL, Ashburton. Plans and specifications may be seen at Mr. Charles Braddell’s office, until Monday, July 8. The lowest or any tender not necessarily ac cepted. M. D. H. DUVAL,-. . Architect, Timaru. THE NEW ZEALAND CHRISTIAN •; . RECORD , - Edited by Rev. Lindsay Mackie, Dunedin, and - Rev. John Elmslie, Christchurch. 13s. per Annum. 3s. 6d. per Quarter. May be obtained from Iv. Sando, East street, or from the Head Office, Otago Bible, Tract and Book Society, Dunedin. TOWN SECTION. WANTED, to purchase, in or near East street, a Quarter-acre SECTION. Apply, by letter, stating price, See., A. 8., office of this paper. .. . . A LPHABET CARDS and Boxes, Mavor’s A Spelling, Royal Readers, Slates, Pencils, Copy Books, Drawing Books, and other school Requisites to be obtained at our premises, sast?§treet, AsWwrton, {• ' v .fyprf



A Lady for many years a Teacher of Music A in Christchuch, wishes to resume her duties in Ashburton. Address E. C., Echo Office. FIREWOOD. FIREWOOD, gLA C K PINE FIREWOOD On Sale at Hayes’ Timber Yard. TENDERS. 'JpENDERS are invited for Building a Bridge across our Mill-race on Main Road. Plans and specifications may be seen .at our office. Tenders will close on Tuesday, July 9, 1878. SAUNDERS BROS. ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILDING SOCIETY. PAYMENTS will be received at the Office in East Street, lately occupied by Mr. Bowers, Artist. Attendance from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., and from 6.30 to 8.30. BY ORDER. JAMES BAKER, Builder, contractor, and UNDERTAKER, HAVELOCK STREET, Ashburton. FUNERALS FURNISHED ON SHORTEST NOTICE. THE W. R. BOYLE, j 7 STATE AND GENERAL AGENT, MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. / TUST PUBLISHED. The Christian Herald , Price 3d. The New Zealand Wesleyan , . Price 6d. Agents for Ashburton— FURNESS AND DIXON, Echo Office, East Street. I. O. O. F., M. U. MAUCHEfITX*. UNITY 1 ” oudjbm, 09 QUID IdiOWS LOYAL ASHBURTON LODGE. THE above Lodge will celebrate its Anni versary by a Public Dinner To be held at the Somerset Hotel, on TUESDAY, July 23rd, at 8 p.m. When all friends are invited. Tickets, 7s. 6d. each, To be had from the Committee : Brother J. C. Dolman, G.M. ~ J. Corbitt, N.G. „ W. Jelfs, V.G. ~ W. s Ledbrook, E.S. ~ Chas. Brown ~ H. A. Gates. „ William Price, P.S. ~ James Wilkie, Chairman. [A Card.] PRIVATE LESSONS TO YOUNG LADIES, Four times a Week in Music, French, German, and at MISS STEANE’S, Oxford Villa, Burnett treet.



FURNESS and DIXON have on Sale a Choice Assortment of Interesting and Popular Works, including the following:— Saved from the Sea, by Kingston. Robinson Crusoe, 100 Illustrations. Swiss Family Robinson, 300 Illustrations. Boys Book of Sports. Every Boys Annual. Ethel Clinton. Little Hazel. Polly and Jack. Nannette Dampier. Prince Übbely Bubble. Told in the Twilight. Aunt Martha’s Comer Cupboard. By Hesba Stretton, — Fern’s Hollo\y. Cassy.' Max Kromer. Kittle Meg’s Children. Fairy Frisk et. The Silver Casket. Aunt Jane’s Hero. . , Richard- Hunne. With the Tide. The Fairy Spinner. General Beckwith. Barriers Burned Away. The Teacher’s Handbook of Questioning on the Gospels. Men Who Have Made Themselves. The Sword and Garment. Grace for Grace. Life ofD. L. Moody. Church Life in Australia. Recreations of a Country Parson. The Land of the Sun. Military Heroes of England, . Enquire Within. The Revolt of the Field ; a Sketch of the Rise and Progress of the Move ment among the Agricultural Labourers of England, Martyr Graves of Scotland, ' . A-Clsmd ; 6f WU#^ } f ; - A -



RUBBER STAMP INK. SMALL or Large Bottles sold at the Even ing Echo Office, East Street. STRAYED on my premises, East Town Belt, a lIORSE, with SADDLE and BRIDLE, no marks visible on horse. If not claimed within fourteen days will be sold to pay expenses. Ashburton, June 24. T. MADDOX. J. R. CHAPMAN, PAINTER, PAPERHANCER, SIGN WRITER, GENERAL HOUSE DECORATOR, ETC., TANCRED ST., ASHBURTON, (Nearly opposite the Union Bank). A CHOICE selection of Paperhangings, alt Christchurch prices. Genuine White Lead Linseed Oil, raw and boiled Brushes of the best American and English manufacture A large stock of Glass, of various sizes and quality Kerosene, Putty, and Glue Copal, Carriage, Oak, & Paper Varnishes PAINTS Of every description prepared and supplied on the shortest notice. WATER COLORS, from is 3d to 255. Drawing and Tracing paper, Paper Binders, File Clips, Date Cases, Ink and Pencil Erasers, Black and Colored Pencils, Colored Inks, Quill, Steel, and Magnum Bonum Pens, Pocket Books, and Purses, in immense variety, at FURNESS AND DIXON’S, Stationers’ Hall, Ashburton. MATTHEW SMITH. Builder and Contractor, MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. Plans and Specifications carefully pre pared for all branches of the trade. Jobbing carefully executed. All kinds of Building Material on Sale at Wholesale Prices. M. S. being appointed Agent for the Victoria Steam Joinery Works, all kinds of Joinery Work can be procured for the Trade. RUBBER STAMPS ! RUBBER STAMPS! RUBBER STAMPS 1 THE only Manufactory in Ashburton for these very useful Stamps, which can be made any size, shape, or design. Rubber Stamps for Cheques Rubber Stamps for Receipts Rubber Stamps for Banks Rubber Stamps for Societies Rubber Stamps for Companies Rubber Stamps for Books Rubber Stamps for Linen Stamp, Ink, and Pads supplied at Moderate Prices at the EVENING ECHO OFFICE, East Street.



PIONEER BAKERY, (Next to Fowler’s) Tancred Street, Ashbur’eqjj. Thomas' hicks, FANCY BREAD & BISCUIT BAKER. PASTRYCOOK, AND CONFECTIONER. ' Pastry and Biscuits of the best quality always in stock. Tea meetings and parties liberally dealt with. Wedding Cakes made to order on the shortest notice. Families supplied daily in all parts of the town;



ASHBURTON SHEET IRON, TIN, & ZINC WORKS, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. SAMUEL HARDLEY, TINSMITH, IRONMONGER, &c., Having commenced business in Ashburton, begs to’ notify that he has just received his first consignment of Selected Goods from Melbourne, , consisting of IRONMONGERY, LAMPS, RANGES, ; TINWARE, ETC, To be continually supplemented by new ship ments from the best markets, which places him in a position to supply the public and trade at prices equal to any in the colony, and respect fully invites t*he residents of. Ashburton, and surrounding dstricts to give him one trial, which will be a sufficient guarantee as to work manship and price. Suitable Workships are being erected to carry on the business in all its branches. Water Tanks manufactured at per 100 gallons, fitted with Brass Tap. Spouting supplied at Christchurch prices. Don’t forget the Address— SAMUEL HARDLEY, X IE?. 01ST O 35T <3- lE3IR p Tin, Xwh an d Zinc Waiket , STREET, NEAR ECHO OFFICE, L" . . -



STATIONERY, BOOKS, STATUARY, FANCY GOODS School Requsites, &C., &C., JMPORTED direct from the best Markets, and Sold cheaper than any house in Town. A large stock of ACCOUNT BOOKS, . CASKETS OF STATIONERY, FANCY GOODS, PENS, PENCILS, &c., Just opened from London, marked off at prices never before heard of in Ashburton. Inkstands, Stationery Cases, Date Cases, Pen Racks, Writing Desks, Paper Weights, Office Bells, String Cases, Invoice Files, Letter Balances, and every Office requisite at very low prices for cash. Writing Papers, Envelopes, Pens, Inks, Blot ting Papers, &c., &c. Photograph Albums, Scrap Books, Purses, Ladies’ Bags, and a large number of Prize Books and Cards.



Church Services and Hymnals, Wesleyan and Presbyterian New Hymnals. Bibles, in various bindings. Color Boxes, Mathematical Instruments, Rulers, DrawingPencilsand Pins. Drawing Papers, Tracing Paper and Cloth, Indian Ink and Colors. Hair Brushes, Combs, Oil, Perfumery, Scent Bottles, Hair Pins, Brooches, Earrings, Bracelets, and numerous other useful articles. All to be sold very cheap, at THE STATIONERS’ HALL, Evening Echo Office, EAST STREET, SOUTH, A



NOTICE! NOTICE!! NOTICE,!! 1 ' > ■ ■\ ; REMOVAL. Firth, Pass, & Co. 1 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 oppor tunity of thanking their numeious customers who have so liberally supportedlhem hitherto, and to solicit a continuance of their patronage at the NE W 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. FIRTH, PASS, AND C0.,- Grocers, Drapers, Ironmongers, ’ J WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, &C. | East Street. i MR. BRANSON, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, East Street,. * j 1 ASHBURTON.. i NOTICE OF REMOVAL. I VICTORIA FRUIT DEPOT, I East Street, near Orr & Co.’s, /j WILLIAM BIRTWE^LT^ PROPRIETOR, I BEGS to inform the inhabitants of Aihbur* f ton and surrounding districts that, having I removed to more central premises, is now pre* | pared to supply, at the lowest price for cash,— f 1 Fruit of all descriptions Confectionery of best quality Vegetables & Herbs, all kinds Potatoes, not to be excelled Poultry, regularly supplied Cheese, &c., &c. Pastry of the best quality kept in stock.



CHEAP FUEL SPRINGFIELD COAL, NEWCASTLE ' COAL, AND FIREWOOD. SPRINGFIELIf Coal can be highly recom mended for every purpose, and the fact e its being used on the Railway must be a suffi cient guarantee of its quality. G. PARKER & Co., Near Railway Station, Ashburton. LATEST FROM EUROPE. [Per Weston’s Ashburton Press Agency.] Berlin, Yesterday. | J Disraeli, in spite of Russia’s opposition,! # maintains that it is time Ashburton was !ighted\ 1 with gas so that the public can inspect Weston’s H splendid stock of Books, Journals, Magazines, V and Stationery, Cards, Draughts, Dominoes, U Chess, and other parlor games, including 4, novelties from America, novelties from Paris, novelties from Europe, and novelties from China. , Constantinople, To-day. G~ The Sultan, on the advice of the American / Consul, has proffered his patronage to A./ Weston, for as a connoisseur he is satisfied that Weston’s cut and uncut Tobacco, Cigars, Pipe etc., are not to be surpassed. i -i Very latest. ,[f While Congress is sitting, and until further notice, the public can get Hot Pies and Coffee at A. Weston’s Q.C.E. Cigar Divan, East Street. . - The Central Fonndryf PETER STREET, ; / ’ -ASHB U R T W. J. HESSEY, BEGS respectfully to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that ! he has nearly completed his foundry in Peter Street, where Castings of every description in Iron, Brass, and other metals, will be carried on tinder his own superintend ence, and from the many years of practical experience he has had in America, England,. and the Colonies, can guarantee to turn out work satisfactorily. Highest prices given for old cast metals | • and brass. • . Orders cat* be left at the Foundry* . |Y, J, PfggiVf