ASHBURTON TRADE DIRECTORY:

Architect and Civil Engineer — S. W. Brown, East-street S. Farr, Montgomery’s Buildings

Auctioneers — Bullock and Co., East-street Saunders Bros., Ashburton

Accountants and Commission Agents Charles Braddell, Montgomery’s Buildings

Barristers and Solicitors — Mr. Branson, East-street Mr. E. G. Crisp, Montgomery’s Buildings

Bakers, Confectioners, Etc.— Thomas Hicks, Tancred-street "TSjrloi and Lill, East Street,

°iANKS Bank of New Zealand, East-street Union Bank of Australia, East-street

Boarding HoUse Keeper— J. G. Anstee, East-street Builders, Contractors, Etc. — James Baker, Havelock-street Geo. St. Hill, Burnett-street West G. Parkin, Steam Saw Mills, Moor-street Matthew Smith, Moor-street Thos. Williams, Tinwald

Booksellers and Stationers — A. Weston, Prospect Buildings, East-street Furr.ess and Dixon, Stationers’ Hall, East street South

Bootmakers — C. Chambers, Prospect Buildings, East-street M. Nealas, East-street

Brewers— Wood and Co., Cameron-street Cabinetmakers and Undertakers — 1 James Baker, Havelock-street G. Parkin, Moor-street Carrier — G. F. Scott, Cameron-street Chemist and Druggist— J. M. Cambridge, Montgomery’s Buildings Coal and Firewood Merchants — G. Parker and Co., near Railway Station A. Hayes, Firewood and Timber, near Rail way Station

Drapers and Clothiers— Aitken and Co., Havelock-street Orr and Co., East-street John Fowler, Tancred-street •Firth, Pass, and Co., Old Bank Store, East street

Engineers and Founders— Edwards and Lee, Engineers, Smiths, etc., Burnett-street W. J. Hessey, Central Foundry, Peters-st

Furniture Warerooms — A. Spillard, Tancred Street Grocers, General Dealers, Etc.— Aitken and Co., Havelock-street Orr and Co,, East-street Firth, Pass, and Co., East-street John Fowler, Tancred-street K. Sando, East-street

Greengrocers— W. Birtwell, East-street J. Mooar & Co., East-street Hairdressers— E. A. Garnett, Tancred-street A. Pearse, Moore-street

Hotels— Quill's Commercial Hotel, near Railway Station Shearman’s Somerset Hotel, East-street

IP Ironmongers- Orr and Co., East-street Aitken and Co., Havelock-street Hardley, East-street

.'Painter, &c. — J. R. Chapman, Tancred-street Printers and Publishers— Furness and Dixon, East-street

Plumbers, Gasfitters, Tinsmiths, Etc, J. C. Dolman, Tancred-street Joseph Hyde, Tancred-street •'S. Hardley, East-street Saddlers— Thomas Dudson, Burnett-street

Surveyors— C. E. Fooks and Son, East-street

Tailors— Aitken and Co., Havelock-street Tentmaxers— K. Sando, East-street Tobacconists— A. Pearse, Moor-street ■ E. A. Garnett, Tancred-street A. Weston, East-street

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails at the Ashburton Post Office close a; follows : For Christchurch and North at io a.m., 4 p.m., and 7.30 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10 a.m. daily. For Rakaia at 10 a.m., and 4 p.m. daily. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers,- and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 10. 15 a.m. and 3 p.m daily. For Tinvvald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily.

UNCLAIMED LETTERS.

The following letters are advertised at the Post Office, as having been received from places beyond the Colony, during the month of April, and remaining unclaimed on the Aat july, 1878 Banks Williiam Binder, L. C. Caclle, W. C. Cairns, John, care of David Johnston Christie, Samuel Dunne, William Fitzgerald, John (2) Hall, John Harris, Mark Harris, Joseph Hayward, William Leahy Patrick (2) Leggatt, W. L. Orr, Robert Tourgis, A. (2) Letters originating in New Zealand are'not now advertised, but are sent tq the Dead after having lairt ',&r two dm

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF LYTTIsi/t^Ni ARRIVED. Tuly 17 —Taiaroa, s.s., from Oamaru. July 17—Clematis, brig, from Hobart 1 own, SAILED. July 18—Taiaroa, s.s., for North.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST. s. d. s. d. Sutter, inferior to best, $K> I o to I 2 Eggs, dozen - -2 6 to 0 0 Bacon, prime smoked, #lbo 10 to o 0 Hams in cloth, slb - 1 o to o o Cheese, prime quality, $ It) O 8 to 010 Flour in bags, F ioolb 15 0 to o o Oatmeal. $ ioolb - 26 o to o o qard, tflb - - ' O 9 to 0 0

The next outward San Francisco mail wil close at Christchurch on Friday, the 19th.

The Evening Echo. THURSDAY, JULY 18, 1878.

The San Francisco Mail will close at the Ashburton office to-mor row (Friday), at 10 a.m. Accident.— We regret to learn that Mr. Samuel Holland met with a severe accident last evening. He was getting out of his dray opposite Messrs. Fried lander Bros/ store in East Street when he slipped by some means and fell, breaking his arm above the wrist, having at the same time a very narrow escape from one of the wheels passing over him.

Opening of the Rakaia Town Hall.—The Town Hall Com pany of Rakaia formally opened their new hadron Tuesday evening with a drawing-room entertainment by Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins (Miss Florence Colville). A large number of visitors were present, so that the hall, roomy as it is, was filled. Mr. Hoskins selected for the first piece on the pro gramme, “ The Happy Pair,” and “ l he School for Scandal,” the wind-up being “Nothing to Wear.” The perform ances were received with frequent rounds of applause. After the theatri cals, a’dance brought a pleasant even ing to a dose. It is hoped that Mr. and Mrs Hoskins will give a few enter tainments in our fine hall here. The design of the Rakaia Hall is by Mr Farr, who also designed that of Ash burton, which it closely resembles, though much smaller, the seating ac commodation being for 270. The dimensions of the hall are 50x20 feet, with a stage 7 x 14 feet; height of stud, 14 feet. The builder was Mr. Bennett, of Leeston, and the amount of the contract £6OO. Severity of the Weather. —As an instance of the unusual severity of the season, we see by the Press of this maorning that yesterday and the day fagfere there was an area of six or eight acres of ice in Lyttelton Harbour from an eighth to a quarter of an inch thick. Such a thing was never known before. The weather here has been most severe, and round the base of the hills snow lies to a depth of several inches.

THe Wife Murder at Oxford.— The man Eguirs Hoff was brought up yesterday before the Resident Magis trate’s Court at Oxford, and committed for trial at the Supreme Court on the charge of murdering his wife; his demeanour was very quiet. At various points of the evidence he nodded his assent to the correctness of the testi mony. When his wife was stated to have been kind to him, he gave a nega tive shake of the head, and smiled in a cynical manner. When the portion of the medical evidence was given in which it was stated that the wounds which caused death were inflicted either by a shingling hammer, cleaver, or tomahawk, he pointed to the head of the latter, from which the handle had been burnt, asj the instrument with which the deed was committed. The only statements which he denied where those of the man Barrett. The ac cused did not seem to realise his situa tion. He reserved his statement of the affair till brought before the Su preme Court. An extensive dealer in confectionery from Dunedin lately visited the North, and at Maketu was presented with a petition from Maori children, of which the following is a translation : —Mr Greetings to you. We, the Native children attending Maketu School, de sire when you go up South, that you should send us a box of lollies. This is all we have to say. Signed by the children attending the Maketu School. He had brought her the very things .she wanted from the supper-table to .her safe retreat on the stairs, and she was moved to say, half-laughingly, “ You are a man after my own heart, Mr. B. .” “ Just what lam after,” , he flash, covering

PLOUGHING MATCH.

THE DINNER. The annual dinner in connection with the Ploughing Match held by the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association Was held last night in the new Town Hall.. Mr. Shearman, of the Somerset Hotel, was the caterei, and his efforts were attended with thei usual high degree of success. About 100 persons sat down to the repast, and Mr. John Grigg occupied the chair, the duties of vice being discharged by Mr. Joseph Clarke. On the stage a place for the Brass Band was found, and its members acquitted themselves remark ably well in the matter of music, only perhaps the influence of the drums was a little too strongly felt. After the cloth was removed, The Chairman proposed “ the Queen, and other loyal and patriotic toasts, making reference to the intended visit of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to these colonies, and expressing a hope that he would be suitably received. In giving the toast of £ the Governor, he said that the grand and bloodless victory which had lately been gained m Europe would outshine the fame of Waterloo. Mr. Joseph Clarke proposed ‘ the Judges,” in a complimentary speech, but. either from the bad acoustics of the room, or from the hilarity of the meeting, his speech was entirely in audible to your reporter. He was understood, however, to compliment them highly on their day’s work. Messrs Bailey and Edwards responded Mr T. Taylor, Waterton, proposed “the Successful Competitors.” He was much pleased with the work done that day by those who had entered the lists. The winners. had gained well earned honors, but he hoped those who had been unsuccessful would not be discouraged, but work on till they too attained such a skill as would earn for them like honors with their more fortunate compeers. He would couple the toast with the name of Mr. Lockhead. (Cheers.) Mr. Lockhead sang a song in ac knowledgment. The Chairman then distributed the prizes to the successful competitors, as under : CHAMPION CLASS —SINGLE FURROW. Ploughman Owner. Maker. 1. John Lockhead E. Thomas Blyth 2. Charles Hill O. Hill Hornsby CHAMPION CLASS —DOUBLE FURROW. Ploughman Owner Maker 1. Sam. Millar Owner Duncan FIRST CLASS—TRIPLE FURROW. • Ploughman Owner Maker 1, James Man hall John Grigg Ransome 2. John Thompson do. do, FIRST CLASS —DOUBLE FURROW. Ploughman Owner Maker 1. Walter Soall John Grigg M‘Connell 2. Roger Gill do. Ransome 8. G. Bennison W. Bennison Elder & Young

FIRST CLASS—SINGLE FURROW.

Ploughman Owner Maker 1. Sam. Foreman W. Bennison Plornsby 2. Thos. John Chas. Reed • 3. J. M'Loughlin Grigg and Guild „ SECOND CLASS —SINGLE FURROW. Ploughman Owner Maker 1. John Gudsell John Gudsell Keetley 2. Edward Brett 3. George Smith H. T. Smith Blyth BOYS’ CLASS —SINGLE FURROW. Ploughman Owner Maker 1. W. PI ay man 2. Alfred Grey W. Grey Hornsby 3. G. W. Cox C. P. Cox

SPECIAL PRIZES,

For best ins and outs —Mr Hunt’s prize of £l — Peter Good. For best feering-—Set of backhands and blinkers given by Mr Jordan, saddler, Ashburton — John Lockhead. For best work on the ground with double furrow lever plough —Mr Black’s prize of £$ —Walter Soall. For best kept harness—Swingletrees, given by Mr Reed —George Bennison. For best groomed horses—-Messrs A. O. Aitken and Co.’s prize of £2 2s —Geo, Bennison. For best team of three horses —Cruet stand, —W. Soall. I'or best finish for boys—Pair watertight boots, given by Mr T. Chambers, bootmaker, Ashburton —Alfred Gray. For best finish on ground—Backhands, given by Mr J. Anderson, saddler, Ashburton — John Lockhead. For best team of two horses—Horse cloth, by Mr Knud Sando, tentrnaker, etc., Ash burton —Samuel Foreman. For best feering in Ist or 2nd, single, or boys classes —Silver cup, given by Mr Dudson, saddler —John Cairncross. Mr. C. P. Cox gave “ The Working Committee.” There was a large amount of trouble attached to their duties, and much time had to be spent in making the necessary preparations. We were always ready to point out faults in the arrangements, and to say such and such might have done better, but we never thought of the time spent and the trouble taken by those who had done ail the tedious and seldom thankless work of the preliminaries. The success of that day’s match proved that the Cpmmifte deserved well at

theif hands, and had their best vVith the toast he would couple the name of Mr. Joseph Hunt. Mr. Hunt replied. The Chairman proposed “The Clergy of the District.” It was just as impos sible to separate religion from daily life as it was to separate living soul from living bofy- He was glad to see the clergymen of the district lending their countenance and presence to such gatherings as they had that day wit nessed, an i mingling with the people in their p.casu;es. He coupled with the toast the names of the Rev. Mr. Paige and Rev. Mr. Burnett. Tne Rev. Mr. Paige would copy an excellent example which had been set that night, and not make a long speech. Thire were several reasons why he would not occupy their time much. Some people thought they heard enough of the parson on Sunday \ and some acted on the belief and took the other side of the street when he came along. He always liked to mingle with the people in their daily life, and took an interest in the progress they were making. Though he had not the skill of the Judges he liked to see a straight furrow in a ploughed field, and as the ffirrow sqould be straight so a man’s dealings. It was said the parsons went about the country begging, and that they never spoke but they wanted something. He was not sure whether that was true or not, but he was always glad whether the asked it or not to re ceive aid for the cause he served in this district. (Applause.) The Rev. H. B. Burnett, in thanking them for the toast of “The Clergy,” said he felt he was one of the pioneers of Ashburton, and he was not a little proud of the honor, He came of a race that liked to be in at the first of everything, and was pleased to be pre sent at the first meeting in that hall. Mr. Grigg had made the first speech in it, and Mr. Davies, of Waterton, had sung the first song, and doubtless many of those who had received prizes that night would feel not a little proud that they had been handed to them on the occasion of the first public dinner held in the new Town Hall. The rev. gentle man referred to the happy and peaceful ending of the Eastern difficulty and said that it was not during war but in peace that a land advanced —it was not the sword but the plough that made a country, and the plough had made this country what it was. Still the men of the plough owed not a little to the parsons. (Laughter.) He did not mean in Mr. Paige’s sense of the word, but referred to the real pioneers of New Zealand’s greatness —the missionaries. To them was due much that made New Zealand great; for they brought with them their educational and other liberal institutions. Mr. Stout, the Attorney- General, had a few days ago said that the people did not take enough interest in the politics of the colony. He (the speaker) came from a country where the people took great interest in its politics— some folks said too much ; but they would never mind that. He hoped the people of this colony would realise that virtually they governed the State, and that their duty was to exercise their franchise, and never forget to register themselves as electors, so as to be in a position to record their votes. Mr, Bullock proposed “ The Agricul tural Interests.” When they looked around and saw what had been dong in this district during the last five years, they were tempted to say, “who’d have thought it ?” Just that time ago he had walked over those plains with some friends and they together had said ten or twelve years’ inugt elapsg before an acre of them would be settled, The change had been amazing.. This j ear they would have double the extent of gound under crop that had ever been before, and it was the agricultural in terest of Canterbury that had brought it about. He hoped the prosperity would continue, for in this land many had ob tained freeholds, and almost any man could obtain a freehold, who could never have hoped in the old country to secure a home of his own,

Mr. Joseph Clarke replied. He was indeed astonished at the work done within the past lour or five years. The time was when those plains were all laying idle and unproductive. It was not far past yet; but hp was sure the time was not any further in the future when, to use a farmer’s phrase, every acre would feed a man, He had not the figures by him then, but he was sure this year the produce of grain would be doubled. We were to have no European war. He was glad of it. War would have given a temporary ad vantage to them, but it was better to have a large harvest and plenty of it at a low price than that the sufferings of war should be endured by any country, especially their own. He had no doubt the agricultural interests would continue to prosper—certainly such was his hope. He would now ask them to drink the liealth of the "Mercantile Interests,’’

without which they cbtild hot find Markets for theif grffiri, and without Which they could riot prosper, any more than they could do without the clergy, the ploughman, or the plough. He would couple the toast with the names of Messrs. Orr, Friediander, Bullock, and Edmiston.

Mr. A. Orr responded. Without the co-operation of the farmers the business people could not succeed. Ashburton was a proof of this. It had made its great and rapid progress as a town solely because its neighbor farmers were prospering. The farmers had the success of the town in their own hands. So long as they patronised their town neighbors for articles they wanted, the town could not fail to go on, and busi ness people would make it a point to keep a good article and deserve their patronage, (Hear, hear.) Canterbury was the Best provincial district in New Zealand, and he did not think he would outrage their feelings if he said Ashbur ton was the best district in Canterbury. (Laughter.) He had been to other parts of New Zealand, and he must say that the farmers in the Ashburton were the most upright and honest dealing class of men he had met in the qolony. Mr. Bullock, in a complimentary speech, proposed the “ Health of Mr, Hay T, Smith,” Mr, Smith had kindly on all occasions lent ground for the use of the public when such was required. They all knew the serious drawback a piece of land encountered when a ploughing match was held upon it. It was always a long time after before it was serviceable, but Mr. Smith was always ready with a piece when it was wanted, and not seldom did he go further than that, and find refresh ment- also.

Mr. Hay T. Smith suitably replied, stating that his only regret was that no better ground was? offered to the Com mittee, His ground, when he had any available for such purposes, would always be available to the Committee as long as he was in Ashburton,

Mr, Bullock proposed “ the Ladies,” to which Mr. Crisp responded. Both gentlemen gallantly laid all the credit of every good thing at the feet of the fair ones. Mr. Crisp “ spoke like a clergyman in utter ignorance of his text.” Had he been like the Vice- Chairman, the father of a flourishing family of thirteen, he might have been able to expatiate on the glories of the sex, or had he even had the blissful anticipations of the gentleman who had honored him with the duty of responding he would have been better able to do justice to his fair subjects, but as he was only a bachelor he could but fall in with the general admiration and respect accorded to the sex, and speak, at a respectful distance, of their good ness and their graces. Mr. Crisp wound up a very polite speech with quotations from Hood and Burns. Mf Crisp in a highly eulogistic speech gave the “Secretary, Mr Metcalfe,” who suitably replied. Other toasts followed, aud during the evening several excellent songs were sung and recitations rendered; and the company dismissed at about eleven o’clock,

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. The Eastern Situation. [By Submarine Cable.] London, July 16. The Government made a statement that the Berlin Treaty \yould be signed on the 18th July. The Conservatives are preparing an ovation for Earl Beaconsfield with a banquet at the Mansion House. The B-fiofiope insurrectionary move ment has collapsed, July IS- New South Wales at the Paris Exhi bition obtained a special prize for wool, in addition to a medal. Jn the House of Commons, Mr Sulli van raised a question \yhether Sir B. O’Loghlen’s acceptance of office in the Victorian Government does not vacate his seat in the House of Commons, to which he was elected by an Irish con stituency. The Attorney-General re plied fog decision on the question rested with the Hopse. Tfi® subject will be renewed 911 Wednesday. July 17. The leaders of the Liberal party jn both Houses of Parliament intend to challenge the policy of Government. Earl Beaconsfield and the Marquis of Salisbury have arrived. London is very crowded, apd an enthusiastic meeting is to be held at Sydenham Palace £0 wel come them.

The Berlin convention gives Great Britain the right to interfere in Turkish affairs far beyond that conferred by the Treaties of and *B7l.

The reception of the Prerriief and Earl Salisbury at Dover and London was most enthusiastic.

The Foreign Office writer,- charged with stealing a copy of the* agreerrienf between Salisbury and ScHoUvciloff lias been discharged. A despatch from Salisbury to the British RepresentativeatConstantinople states that the Berlin treaty is Turkey’s last chance.

Wimbledon meeting is being held. The weather is splendid. The Queen’s prize was won by a private of the 13th StirlingVoluntees with 78'points. There was an increased attendance.

In the match with the Leicestershire, the first innings of the Australians closed for 130. A. Bannerman was unable to play through an accident to his hand. In Leicestershire’s second innings there were four out for 127. The attendance was about fourteen thousand.

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, July 17. After the Garonne struck, the life boat with a crew was sent to Aden (400 miles) for assistance. It was picked up by the steamer Merioneth, which went to Rashafoon to assist, but the Garonne had then gone. The steamer brought the boat’s crew to Galle.

The Underwriters’ Association, under date London, 15th, report the arrival of the Waitara from the Bluff.

INTERPROVINCIAL

[Per Press;,Agency.] Auckland, Wednesday. A letter from the Colonial Secretary stated that until local provision is made for charitable aid the Government will continue the present system. The Council resolved to discontinue a direct subscription in money to the Fire Brigade, on the ground that a free water supply, and maintenance of fire plugs was sufficient contribution, and the insurance companies should pay more. 'The Mayor was requested to bring the question forward for discussion at the Municipal Conference, with a view to obtaining legislation, as in the Australian colonies, for the support of fire brigades. Wellington, Wednesday. At a meeting of the West Wanganui Coal Company held to-day, it was de termined to register the company, and call for tenders for having a steam collier built in the colony. Wednesday. Another deputation waited upon Ministers to-day re site of goods station. The Attorney-General complained that the merchants of Dunedin were hum bugging the Government in reference to this matter, and said that when two al ternative plans were submitted to the Chamber of Commerce no definite reply was returned. He stated that the Go vernment would net grant a station for each end of tfie town. Mr Macandrew said that the station would be erected north of Jetty-street in three months, or as soon thereafter as possible. Messrs Stout and Macandrew leave for Wellington to-morrow. Another plan in connection with the railway passenger station and goods shed is to be prepared, and will pro bably be accepted by the Harbor Board, City Council, and Chamber of Com merce, and be endorsed by the Govern ment. Invercargill, Wednesday, The election for Invercargill to-day resulted as follows=Feldwick, 230; J. W. Bain, 219. There was tremendous excitement in town all day, most strenu ous exertions being made to bring up every available vote. Mr Feldwick is one of the proprietors of the Southland News, and a thorough supporter of the Grey Ministry. Mr Bain, the proprietor of the Southland Tiwes is on the op posite in politics. Sad Loss of a Boat’s Crew, Invercargill, Thursday. The Maori steamer arrived from the West Coast at 8 a.m. She reports ar riving at Big Bay at 7 a.m. on the r6tli, where a man named Fisher, a digger, reported that on the 13th June, wheq. alqng tfie beach to the northr ward, he fqand a tent and blanket about five miles up the harbor. he found the dead body of a stranger. He returned to camp and obtained assistance. At daylight next morning he returned to the scene of the accident gqd found the bqdjes qf Mf Williarqsoq grid James Dalziel. He rer moved the bqdies above high water mark, and reported the circumstances to Captain Brentley, Martin’s Bay. A search party was organised and the beaches searched, when the bodies of Jeremiah Dalziel or Yell and John Q-afiriel were found. Buried the bodies, and searched again, but unsuccessfully. It appears the deceased party had sailed from Jackson’s Bay in an open boat with a quantity of tools. The boat was degjjly laden, and had been swamj)gjj

Jrfig Eveling i&hd, l Thtlfsday, July 18,1878/