A RAGGED REGIMENT.

!k The regiments stationed at Malta are | just now being minutely inspected by Sir James T. Aircy. The ist jptoyal Scots, which arrived out from the Curragh last month were in a con i' dition miserable to behold, made up to I the full strength for foreign service by [ Extensive levies before leaving home from the various reformatories and ■ charity schools in the kingdom, The v result was a regiment looking upon its arrival in Malta more like a shoe-black brigade than a battalion of British sol diers, the majority being mere lads of seventeen or eighteen, and clad in regimentals of the dirtiest and most untidy description. Now, however, the men have been licked into somewhat better trim, and tjiey presented a toler-

ably decent appearance upon inspec tion. It is lamentable, nevertheless, to think this is the class of soldier we actually designed —as was indeed de signed at the date the ist Royals left ‘England—to represent the glory of British arms in the East, and to cope

with the disciplined forces of Europe. A military man long resident in the island tells me “Never was such a regiment as this seen before in Malta.” We estimate our army as comprising such and such in numbers, but y/c for get to extend the classification into so many soldiers and so muny workhouse boys.

THE COALFIELDS OF CHINA.

In a contribution of the Austrian Monatschrift f. d. Orient , Baron von Richthofen reckons the coal production of China at 3,000,000 tons annually. The anthracite beds of Shansi represent 1,000,000 tons, the bitumenous ,coal of that province 700,000, the province of Hunan 600,000, Shantung 200,000, and Chi-li 150,000. Exact statistics would evidently increase the total quantity. All the eighteen provinces contain coal; and although the extent of the coalfields and the age and quality of the coal vary, yet China may now be regarded as one of the first coal countries of the world. Evidently the area of the coal-fields of China exceeds the wonderful extent of those of North America, and with the greatest of them—that of Shansi —no other coal region can be compared in the union of the most fortunate condi tions as regards position, quality, and quantity, all the more that, along with coal, brown iron ore is found in great quantitiy. With a yearly output of 300,000,000 tons could this extensive bed of anthracite alone cover the whole present demand of the world for 2400 years. But the working of the Chinese coalfields is yet so much in its infancy that the output at present, in spite of the tnost favorable circumstances, is only equal to about i t sth of the coal pro duction of Germany or the United States. Richthofen—and no one has a better right to pronounce an opinion—does not, however, doubt that in the near future it will rise into importance, and since nowhere such cheap fuel is com bined with so inexhaustible a supply of cheap and, at the same time, intelligent and effective labor as in China, should tke Chinese only desire it, centres of production of the first rank must in a short time rise in the' neighborhood of the coal-fields.

Now that the telephone makes it possible for" sounds to be canned the same as Beef, milk, lobsters, fruit, etc., missionary sermons can be bottled and sent to the South Sea Islands ready for the table, instead of the missionary himself. 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 ef their land. The late Sir Donald M‘Lean would, doubtless, 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 all kinds, and for sale at such low figures.—Advt.

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, 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 belmr 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, Io that the most inexperienced buy their goods ft tb« war prjet? *3 ih*

The Evening Echo, Friday, July, 12.187.



WANTED, an Active BOY for the Print ing Business. - Apply Echo Office. tcTservants. tT T ANTED, a respectable GIRL. Apply, W ’ MRS, JORDAN, ; ' East-street. TOWN SECTION. WANTED, to purchase, m or near East street, a Quarter-acre SECTION. Apply, by letter, stating price, &c., A. 8., office of this paper. FOR SALE, A Second-Hand American CABINET ORGAN, by Mason and Hamlin. It has five stops and a knee swell. Elegant case. Suitable for Parlor or Church.. Price £35 cash. Apply, Echo office. THE ' ASHBURTON NEW TOWN HALL W ILL Formally be OPENED by a BALL on MONDAY, 22ND JULY. TICKETS ios. 6d. Ball Stewards—-The Town Hall Direc tors, from whom TICKETS may be obtained. Dancing to commence at 9 o’clock. ASHBURTON COUNTY PLOUGHING MATCH. THE Annual Match, under the auspices of the Ashburton. Agricultural and Pastoral Association, will take place on WEDNESDAY, JULY 17TH, 1878, at Mr. Hay T. 'Smith’s. Farm, about half-a mile from the Town. Champion Classes. Single and Double Furrow. Entrance fee, ios. Open to all comers. Double furrow, Ist prize, £6 6s, and the Association’s Medal; 2nd prize, £s. Single Furrow, Ist prize, and the Association’s Medal; 2nd prize, £4. First Class Triple Furrow. Entrance fee, 7s fid. Confined to the County. Ist prize, £8 ; 2nd, £6. First Class Double Furrow. Entrance fee 7s. 6d. Confined to the County. Ist prize, £8 ; 2nd, £6 ; 3rd, £4. First Class" Single Furrow. Entrance fee, 7s. 6d. Confined to the County. Ist prize, £ 6; 2nd, £3 ", 3 r( L £ 2 ' Second Class Single Furrow.—Entrance fee, ss. Confined to the County. Ist prize, £4 ; 2nd, £2 ; 3rd, £l. Boys’ Class Single Furrow. Entrance fee, 2s 6d. Confined to the County. Ist prize, £4; 2nd, £3 ; 3rd, £2 ; 4th £l. Eighteen inch marks will be drawn for Double or Triple Furrow Ploughs. Entries will be received by the Secretary, or any member of the Working Committee, until 7 p.m., on Monday, 15th July. Working Mr. Jas. Campbell „ H. T. Smith W r . H. Zouch ~ T. Atkinson ~ G. M. Robinson Committee. Mr. G. Gilmore ~ T. Taylor „ J. Bell „ Jos. Hunt ~ J. S. Bruce RULES: 1. All teams to be on the ground at Nine a.m., to start at Ten a.m., and finish at Three p.m. 2. That the ground be ploughed not less than five inches deep. Each man to gather one thiid of his land, and split the remainder. 3. Any person having taken Ist prize in Ist Class Single or Double Furrow, must compete in the Champion Class. 4. That no person be allowed to compete in the 2nd Class who has ever won a prize in the Ist Class, or a first prize in the'2nd Class. 5. That no boy who has ever won a first prize in the Boys’ Class, will be allowed to compete again in the same. Boys over 18 years of age cannot compete in the Boys’ Class. 6. That each ploughman shall commence and finish with his own team. 7. That the decision of the Judges shall be final. 8. No false cut allowed. B. METCALFE, - Hon. Sec. THE NEW ZEALAND CL/E/ST/AN RECORD , Edited by Rev. Lindsay Mackie, Dunedin, and Rev. John Elmslie, Christchurch. -13 s. per Annum. 3s. 6d. per Quarter. May be obtained from K. Sando, East street, or from the Head Office, Otago Bible, Tract and Book Society, Dunedin. “Jealous China, strange Japan, With bewildered thought I seaft 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 influenqe of her almighty dollrr. 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, i



PAPERS by the San Francisco Mail now on Sale at the Echo Office, Stationers’ Hall, East Street:— Lloyd’s Weekly Pictorial World The Farmer Home News The Field Reynold’s Newspaper Illustrated London News Penny Illustrated News Police News Punch PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. GIFT A U C T I ON. TUESDAY, i6th INSTANT. OPEN AT n A.M. I. O. O. * F., M. U. m V* m MAMCUKSTJEK. UNITI tat xvnxjpxiwtivrr anzvut car odd rttxxAiwa 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. ]elfs,V.G. „ W. Ledbrook, E.S. ' ~ Chas. Brown ~ H.'A. Gates. - „ William Price, P.S. ~ James Wilkie, Chairman. 1.0.0. F., M.U. LOYAL ASHBURTON LODGE. THE usual Fortnightly MEETING will be held on FRIDAY EVENING, July 12, at the Library Hall. By order, WILLIAM PRICE, P.S. NOTICE. O c. FARR, ARCHITECT, &c., can be consulted at Messrs. W. Montgomery and Co.’s Buildings, Ashburton, EVERY SATURDAY; or any communications left at Mr. Charles Braddell’s Office, will be promptly attended to. - v Ashburton, July 12, 1878. MR. BRANSON, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, East Street, , ASHBURTON. E. G. CRISP, gARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, Has removed his Offices to MONTGOMERY'S BUILDINGS (Ist Floor), BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. JAMES BAKER, BUILDER, CONTRACTOR, AND UNDERTAKER, HAVELOCK STREET, Ashburton. FUNERALS FURNISHED ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE. W. R. BOYLE, g STATE AND GENERAL AGENT, MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. [A Card.] PRIVATE LESSONS TO YOUNG LADIES, Four times a Week in MUSIC, French, German, and Drawing, at MISS STEANE’S, Oxford Villa, Burnett treet. CHEAP FUEL. SPRINGFIELD COAL, NEWCASTLE COAL, AND FIREWOOD. SPRINGFIELD Coal can'be highly recom mended for every purpose, and the fact of its being used on the Railway must be a suffi cient guarantee of its quality. G. PARKER & Co., Near Railway Station, Ashburton. RUBBER STAMP INK. SMALL or Large Bottles sold at the Even ing Echo Office, East Street. A LPHABET CARDS and Boxes, Mayor’s Ji\. Spelling, Royal Readers, Slates, Pencils, Copy Books, Drawing Books, and other school Requisites to be obtained at our premises. East-street, Ashburton. FURNESS AND DIXON, Stationers’ Hall.



FIREWOOD. FIREWOOD. Jg LA C K P % I N E FIREWOOD On Sale at Kayes’ Timber Yard. J. R. CHAPMAN^ PAINTER, PAPERHANGER, SIGN WRITER, GENERAL HOUSE DECORATOR, ETC., TANCRED ST., ASHBURTON, (Nearly opposite the Union Bank). A CHOICE selection of Paperhangings, at 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 1 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, Ashburton. 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 the 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 £1 per 100 gallons, fitted with Brass Tap. ' Spouting supplied at Christchurch prices. Don’t forget the Address— SAMUEL HARDLEY, IKOITMOITG-EE, Tin, Iron, and Zinc Wot ket, EAST STREET, NEAR ECHO OFFICE, Ashburton,



STATIONERY, BOOKS, STATUARY,iFANCY GOCDS 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 t at prices’never before heard o£ 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, Drawing Pencils and Pins. Drawing Papers, Tracing Paper and Cloth, Indian Ink and Colors. Hair Brashes. Combs, Oil, Perfumery, Scent Bottles, Hair Pins, Brooches, Earrings, Bracelets, and numerous other useful articles. " . is# All to be sold very cheap, at THE STATIONERS’ HALL, Evening Echo Office, * f EA'SjT STREET, SOUTH, ASHBVRTQN,



NOTICE! NOTICE!! NOTICE -(REMOVAL. . Firth 3 Pass, & Co Beg to inform the Inhabitants of Ashburtc and surrounding districts that they have REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES Next the Union Bank of Australu EAST STREET. piRTH, PASS, & CO. take this oppo; tunity of thanking their numeious custemei who have so liberally supported them hithertc and to solicit a continuance of their pationag at the NEW PREMISES, TO BE CALLED The Old Bank Stores (late union bank). Orders entrusted to our care will r< ceive prompt attention. Families waited on for order weekly. FIRTH, PASS, AND CO 1 Grocers, Drapers, Ironmongers, WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, &< East Street. NOTICE OF REMOVAL. VICTORIA FRUIT DEPOI East Street, near Orr & Co.’s, WILLIAM BIRTWELL PROPRIETOR, BEGS to inform the inhabitants of Ashbu ton and surround’ng districts that, havii removed to more central premises, is now pr pared to supply, at the lowest price for cash,- Fruit of all descriptions Confectionery of best quality ~ Vegetables & Herbs, rll kinds Potatoes, not to be excelled Poultry, regularly supplied “ Cheese, &j., &c. Pastry of the best quality kept in stock. The Central Foundry PETER STREET, ASHBUR T O. N . # W. J. HESSEY, BEGS respectfully to inform the public Ashburton and surrounding districts th he has nearly completed his foundry in Pet Street, where Castings of every description in Iron, Brass, and other metals, will be carried on under his own superinteni ence,* and from the many years of practic experience he has had in America, Englam and the Colonies, can guarantee to turn 01 work satisfactorily. Highest prices given for old cast metals and brass. Orders can be left at the Foundry. W. J. HESSEY, Proprietor. FURNESS and DIXON have on Sale Choice Assortment of Interesting ar Popular Works, including the following:— Saved from the Sea, by Kingston. Robinson Crusoe, ioo Illustrations. \ Swiss Family Robinson, 300 Illustration 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 Corner Cupboard, By Hesba Stretton, — Fern’s Hollow. _ Cassy. Max Kromer. . Little Meg’s Children. Fairy Frisket. The Silver Casket. Aunt Jane’s Hero. Richard Hunne. With the Tide. The Fairy Spinner. • General Beckwith. * . Barriers Bulbed Away. The Teacher’s Handbook of Questionii on the Gospels. Men Who Have Made Themselves. The Sword and Garment. Grace for Grace. L'ieofD. 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 Sket of the Rise and*- Progr. 's of the Mo' merit amo. j the Agricultural Labour* of England. 1 s;: Martyr Graves of Scotland, A Cloud of Witnesses. . . - Tales of QJ4 Ocean,