The Evening Echo. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1878.

Burtons Circus. —To-night this circus will give its first of two performances in Ashburton. Its appearances elsewhere have been very favorably noticed and spoken of as being of the highest class. The Company is a strong one, with some of the cleverest artistes in its lists ; and the horses are said to be a fine stud of well trained animals performed with by su perior equestrians, while the whole fittings and appointments of the establishment have been got up regardless of expense. The C.K.B. Minstrels.— The attend ance at the C.K.B. Minstrels last night was not so good as the quality of the per formance warranted, the Hall being only about three parts full. "VVe feel bound to record that the pith and pleasure of an entertainment such as this is entirely marred by the atrocious acoustic proper ties of the Town Hall. The reverberation of the sound is such that voices and notes from the various instruments become blended to such an extent that each individually is indistinguishable, and un less the Directors of the Hall speedily adopt some means to rectify this we are afraid that companies of so high a class as the C.K.B. Minstrels will give the Ash burton a wide berth, for no other reason than that their best productions do not meet with the applause they merit. Of the entertainment, so far as we could judge, for the above stated reasons, we must pronounce it as the best of the class that has visited New Zealand. They are strong in vocalists, their corner men are particularly good (our old friend Bent being fully equal to what he was eight years ago), and the musicians are far above the average. The first portion of the entertainment was well received, the song “ Queen of the Night” being rendered in a masterly manner, and the accompani ment of piano, cornet, clarionet, and violin were the perfection of unison ; the Visit to the Emperor was one of those pieces which always hit the public taste, as any thing winding up with Rule Britannia is bound to be cheered to the echo ; the “Village Blacksmith” was really well sung, but we must say that it is an absurdity that a really good English song should be spoilt by a talented vocalist blacking his face; the voice was there, but the expi’ession of the face was hid in the black obscurity of burnt cork. The dancing and the jokes were both good and original, which is a great feature in these entertainments. The violin solo on “ The Last Rose of Summer” we have heard performed considerably better. Aileen Banana, a parody, was very good, and should be a caution to passengers passing fruit stalls in East street. Altogether we must give the C.K.B. Minstrels credit for froviding a most enjoyable evening, and ope that on their next visit the Hall will be altered so that, the audience can dis tinguish what is said on the stage.

. Presentation to Mr. Edwin Silk.— On Wednesday, Mr. Edwin Silk, who for a lengthened period held the office of station-master at Ashburton, and made many friends in the district, was enter tained in the Somerset Hotel, and pre sented by the Mayor in the name of the subscribers, with a purse of ninety sovs. In making the presentation, his Worship referred to the high esteem in which Mr. Silk was held, and the unfailing courtesy he had always shown to the public in the discharge of his duties, expressing a hope that the same high character would be gained by all who succeeded him in the office of siationmaster. Mr. Silk feelingly replied, and after his health and that of Mrs. Silk had been toasted in champagne, the meeting terminated. There were about 30 gentlemen present at the meet ing. New Shop.— The office hitherto used by Messrs. Fooks and Son, is to be re movedfromitspresentsiteto one on thetri angle at Wakanui road, and its place taken by a brick building, to be used as a cloth ing shop by the Messrs, Hallenstein Bros, ofthe Clothing Factory. We understand the contract for removal of Messrs. Fooks office and the erection of Messrs. Hallen stein’s shop, has been given to Mr. G. Parkin, builder, who has already com menced operations.

Choir Union. —This society held their first.meeting for practice on Wednesday evening last in the Wesleyan Church, where the meetings are to he held for the first month, and then for a similar period in one of the other churches. All the ladies and gentlemen present were en rolled as working members, and we understrnd a good number who were not present have signified their intention of joining, when it is expected the society will number at least forty members, making a good chorus to begin with. Mr. H. J. Weeks acted as conductor, and Mr. Hughes as organist. After some prelimi nary business, practice was commenced, the members soon getting heartily to work, showing at once that it only re quires a little time and attention on the part of the members to make the Choir Union a vary useful and interesting insti tution in connection with our churches. A pleasant evening was spent in rehears ing seme music suitable for Chsistmas. We hope the Society will have the support of all the musical talent in Ashburton srbo take m interest in church music,

The Crops. —Our peripatetic reporter states that the crops on the deep heavy soil on the Longbeach Estate, ap pear to have been more affected by the northwesters than those on the Wakanui plains. On the peaty land south of the Longbeach road, the crops do not appear to have suffered much as yet, but oh the north side and about Waterton the tops are scorched, and unless rain comes this week, the consequences'will be disastrous to the farmers. Through the swampy ground on the Toi paddock, crops are looking better than anywhere in the dis trict, notably the Messrs. Andersons’. This is easily accounted for, as the water is within a few inches of the surface, and the want of rain is not felt. On the bend of the Hinds near the sea beach, the wheat looks remarkably well, and will do very well if rain comes soon. Mr. Framp ton’s crop, near Longbeach homestead, also looks very promising. A large field of peas has a healthy appearance, and will in due course be converted into the now celebrated Longbeach hams and bacon. Mr. Grigg has sent 30 tons away this sea son, and to judge by the flocks of young grunters running about the estate, Mr. Grigg. evidently believes in pork. About 4000 acres are in crop this year on the estate, and a large area is now being sown in turnips. On the Wakanui side of the river, it is astonishing to see the crops look as green as they do ; far better and healthier on the average than those on the south side of the Ashburton. Some of them are showing a v r ell developed ear already, so that in all probability the harvest will be an early one. The whole of the farmers are particularly anxious to know when the great scheme of water supply is to start. It is certainly a great drawback to farmers to lose so much time as they do in carting water. It may be estimated that fully one day per week is lost by the great majority of them ; and the water at that is bad, the' Wakanui creek being so thick at times that it is a mystery how it runs at all. This subject will be resumed at a future time. Delivery of the Home Mail. —We learn that special arrangements have been made by which the San Francisco mail will reach Dunedin in time to be delivered in private boxes on Saturday evening. The steamer Taiaroa has been chartered

to leave Wellington on Friday at 1 p.m., reaching Christchurch next morning in time to catch the special train which reaches Dunedin at 7.45 p.m. The train on this occasion will have a sorting van at tached, and a couple of officers will be en gaged during the trip in sorting the mails with the view of delivering at each post office its separate portion. The various country districts will thus be upon an equal footing as regards early receipt of their mails with Christchurch and Dunedin.

“ Otago Daily Times.” A Native Claim. —The “ North Otago Times” says Various conjectures as to the title of the natives to the land claimed by them at the Upper Waitaki have been formed. With few exceptions the Maoris are in ignorance of their own right or title to squat on the disputed property, or how the right existed or sprung into existence. The most popular of these conjectures is that when the Pakeha was purchasing (at a penny per acre, we believe) the land between Palmerston and Ashburton, it was stipulated that he (the Pakeha) only purchased so much of the land as was con tained in the area between the sea coast and the utmost limit of his vision. This left all the land on the western and north western side of the ranges, extending from Palmerston to Ashburton, still in the hands of the native owners, and we are informed by one of the Maoris that they still claim this extent of country. If this claim were allowed, it might not altogether be out of the way to consider the advisa bility of placing another loan on the Lon don market, to purchase the fee simple of Mr. Horomono and friends in the concern. From the increased value of the land nowadays, nothing short of this would put the country in a position to guarantee the title of those who have purchased from the Government. Bank of New Zealand. —A branch of the Bank of New Zealand is to be opened in Port Chalmers on Monday next. The circumstance is indication, not only of the enterprise of this institution, but of the confidence felt in commercial circles in the prosperity and advancement of the Port, despite the vigorous efforts of the Harbor Board to bring the big ships up to Dunedin. —“ Otago Daily Times.” A Disagreeable Neighbor. —Says the “ Otago Daily Times” :—Residents in the neighborhood of Upper Maclaggan street, Dunedin, find the noise of the steam stone crusher such an infliction that they have memorialised the City Council to remove the machine somewhere “ where ear cannot hear its deep sound of tor ment,” to slightly alter Mrs. Hemans. Probably anticipating that their request might be replied to by the statement that the offending, machine, if a nuisance, was still a necessity, the memorialists add a mild threat by way of enforcing their petition, for they aver their belief that the quarry in which the machine is used is an encroachment on the town belt,.to put an end to which encroachment they need only take refuge in a “ deed of pro cess. ” This is an extreme step they have no desire to take, and therefore content themselves with modestly requesting the removal of the machine in the meantime, promising ever to pray, <&c., as usual. The Works Committee are to giye the memorial their best attention. Benevolent Celestials. The sec retary of the Dunedin Hospital has received a sum of £5 4s, as a donation to the Dun edin Hospital, collected by Joe Tie from a number of his countrymen, who are leaving the Colony for Hong Kong. This is the second donation within a few weeks, and a further contribution has been pro mised in » short time,

TO-DAY’S R.M COURT.

Before At LeGrand Campbell, Esq., R.M. Philip Tisch asked for an extension of license for this evening, the occasion being i ball to be' held' at the Spread Eagle Hotel.

An application for charitable aid was made by Mrs. Burns, a widow, residing at Graeme’s Road, South Ashburton. She. had six children and was consumptive.— Certificate granted. A similar application was made by Mrs. Pluck, the wife of a man now in gaol for default of rent. The woman resided at Rakaia. —Recommendation made for ra tions. Edward O’Connor, estreated £2 bail for non-appearance to a charge of being drunk and disorderly. Michael Griffin was charged with being drunk on the 16th instant. He pled guilty and was. fined; £l, with 4s. damages for cell furniture destroyed by prisoner’s wilful uncleanliness.

CIVIL.CASES,. .... Wilson v. Collison.—Mr Branson ap peared for plaintiff. This, was ; a test case to ascertain the legality of -a charge of 10s, made by defendant for driving, fees in the matter of some horses belonging to plain tiff, which the latter had impounded in the Ashburton pound. The question hinged on the sort of fence round defen fendant’s land on which the horses tres passed, which fence, plaintiff held, w r as not a fence within the meaning of the Act. Mr. Ireland appeared for the defen dant. Mr. Robert Jameson was the poundkeeper, but did not know about his being the ex-poundkeeper yet. He denied that any money beyond the pound fees (65.) had been paid to him. Mr. Branson said the witness had admitted to him that day outside the Court the receipt of the 10s. in question. The case thus fell through, but Mr. Branson said further proceedings would be taken, as Mr. Wil son averred the money had been paid. Harrison v. Drennan. —This was an action to recover the value of a mare (£4O) which had been killed by a gate being slammed upon her by defendant while he and a brother of the plaintiff were trying to catch her in a paddock adjoining plaintiff’s farmhouse at South Rakaia. Mr. Parnell appeared for plain tiff, and Mr. Thomas for defendant. From evidence given by plaintiff and his brother, it appeared that Drennan, the defendant, had been holding the gate of the paddock and had attempted to close it so that the mare should be secured, but that the animal had been caught by the gate and jammed against the post, by which she received injuries that were alleged to have caused her death seven hour’s afterwards. Meanwhile the mare had been put to stud. The animal’s body had been opened after death by plaintiff who was satisfied she had died from inju ries she received at the gate. The case occupied a long time in hearing, and the Bench was addressed at length by counsel, but his Worship non-suited plaintiff, with costs, not being satisfied that the mare, being put to stud for the first time, had not received the fatal injuries, in stinting.

A PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION.

A Sydney contemporary says:—Extraor- dinary decisions would appear, to judge from their frequency,-to be growing in favour with the Judges, as well as the Juries, of New South’ Wales. The last sweet thing in this line is the decision of a well-known, though rather short-sighted, District Court Judge in a recent slander case which was tried before him. It seems that a certain young widow, carrying on a millinery business, lately numbered amongst her assistants a young lady. The widow aforesaid was also the unhappy pos sessor of a brother, who, much to her hor ror, was “dead spoons” upon the assist ant. The young lady left the widow’s employ on the best of terms, but about three months subsequently, the latter com menced to damp her brother's ardour, and to heap abuse behind the back and upon the head of this lady she considered in the light of a designing female. The brother (male-like) declined to take her or “any other man’s ” advice ; whereupon the in jured widow made tracks for the house of an acquaintance, into whose ear she fully intended to pour the tale of sorrow. Her visit was interrupted by the arrival of the the lady, whereupon the widow’s tongue (not very controllable at the best of times) let loose a shower of violent vituperation directed against her quondam assistant, charging her with theft, and making a few other pleasant remarks, which she admit ted having previously stated to other friends of hers. The above facts were brought out in evidence in the case tried at the District Court, and His Honor, after paying his usual careful attention to tlie testimony of witnesses, and after lis tening to the addresses of the learned gentlemen who appeared for the respective parties, seemed to be rather undecided in. in his opinion, but ultimately nonsuited the plaintiff, on the ground (save the mark!) that the abovemontioned “ violent vitu peration ” was a privileged communication being made use of for the purpose of pro tecting her hapless brother.

A Phenomenon. —It is a most excep tional circumstance (says the West Coast “ Times ”) to hear of a bankrupt paying twenty shillings in the pound to all his creditors, and having a surplus to draw for himself from the trustee. Yet such a case has occurred in Hokitika this we’ek.. Mr. Johann Singer, after paying everyone the full amount of his claim against the estate, was the possessor of £Blls., which he had, by order of the Court, refunded to |him by the trustee. The question naturally arises,- what occasion was there for his becoming a bankrupt 1 but this is best known to the now happy creditors.

TELEGRAPHIC.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

[Per Press Agency.] Auckland, Thursday. Messrs. Conyers and Lawson to-day visited the Kaipara Railway to decide on the proposed alternate routes. They meet the Harbour Board on Monday to confer respecting harbour reclamation for Queen street railway station. " ~ Quantities of inferior kerosene are being sold, and accidents are frequent. At the annual Wesleyan meeting to-day ■additional agents were recommended for the Maori districts.

The following were passengers from London to Lyttelton by the ship Piako. Saloon—Mr. A. B. Shera, Mr. J. T. Buch anan, Miss Sinzely, and 300 immigrants. The Premier after a short rest at his Island residence, is expected to visit Whangarei, where arrangements are being made to banquet him. - ■ .I. . Gbahamstown, Thursday. :Tihe Premier and the Minister of -Public. Works have been’ communicated with by the local authorities, asking that. Messrs. Conyers and Lawson be instructed to visit the Thames to take steps to procure a survey of the Thames valley line. The Premier says he goes to Kawau for rest and quiet, and hopes Mr. Macandrew will attend to the request. Napier, Thursday.

A deputation from the Napier Hospital Committee interviewed Colonel Whitmore respecting the £IOOO promised by the Premier towards the erection of the new hospital. Colonel Whitmore stated that had application for payment of the money been made to the proper department, the Colonial Secretary’s office, it would at once have been remitted. He had now telegraphed to the Hon. Mr. Ballance that it was very important the amount named should be paid at once. This would have immediate attention, and the Secretary was to forward to Wellington immediately a statutory declaration of the amount to the credit of the hospital build ings fund. Colonel Whitmore further reminded the Committee that in view of the fact that for every pound additional raised by voluntary subscriptions or granted by local bodies, one pound would be paid by the Government to the extent of half the cost of maintenance, subscrip tions for hospital purposes should be invited in a more general manner. The deputation thanked Colonel "Whitmore for his prompt attention and suggestions. It is understood that a reply has been re ceived from Mr. Ballance stating that the £IOOO will be paid at once. The new buildings will now be proceeded with without delay. Wellington, Thursday.

The Government have given instruc tions that the immigrants per Fernglen (250) for Nelson, shall be transferred to Wanganui, where labor is very scarce. The “ Chronicle” to-night says : —“ The organisation of the Land Tax Department is proving, we understand, a work of con siderable magnitude, the time required to complete the valuation being limited, and the finding of qualified men as valuers being difficult. It is intended to divide the colony into six districts, three in each island. Commencing in the north, the first district will be Auckland; the second Hawke’s Bay, including the County, of Cook, and the third Wellington, includ ing Taranaki. In the south the first will be Nelson, including Marlborough ; the second Canterbury, including Westland, and the third Otago, including Southland and Stewart’s Island. Each of these dis tricts will be in charge of a Sub-Commis sioner.” The “Post” states that Sir George Grey has no present intention of visiting the Australian Colonies, New South Wales, and Victoria on a semi-official tour. To-night’s “Gazette” contains a pro clamation notifying the temporary reser vation of seven differant blocks of land in Canterbury Province for the purpose of gravel pits. Mr. Teschemaker, M.H.R. for the constituency of Gladstone, died here this morning of typhoid fever. Nelson, Thursday.

Messrs. Curtis and Sharp, M.H.R.’sfor Nelson City, addressed their constitutents last night, and received votes of thanks and confidence, especially in reference to their action in connection with the railway. Mr. Sharp announced his intention of re signing on account of a temporary absence from the Colony. Ah aura, Thursday.

During the past two months the rain has been incessant, and the public works, such as bridges particularly, have been delayed on an average one day’s work in six. General depression prevails. Dunedin, Thursday. The Hon. J. Macandrew arrrived in Dunedin yesterday. A slate deposit of very valuable kind has been discovered near Lake Hawea. Signor Morley has given £IOO to the Benevolent Institution. This amount is the proceeds of the second performance of “ II Trovatore.” The Albion, which left Melbourne yesterday, has been taken over by the Union Company The Tararua, Arawata, and Ringarooma will be transferred as they arrive in Melbourne from their present voyages. The Claud Hamilton is not purchased, but the Union Company get the use of her until one of their new steamers arrive. These are to be named Te Anau and Rotomahana.

, Mr. Macandrew to-day was interviewed by the Harbor Board with reference to certain matters respecting that body. In reference to a, piece of land which the Board wished to obtain, Mr. Tewsley said that Mr, Macandrew had Dunedin too much at heart to let it go to the cplony. Mr. Macandrew replied that his position made him consider railways only. Mr.

Tewsley replied that ir. Macandrew must not stultify himself in that way. Mr. Macandrew remarked that if the Board got what it. was asking for, it would have a larger revenue than the Colonial Govern ment. v - ■ / Walteff'Simmons, 18 years old, is sup posed to have been drowned in Waihola Lake while going to church. His coat and dingy have been found on the beach.

LIGHTNING CONDUCTORS.

During a thurider-storm we may notice that buildings having a rod of metal des cending from the highest' point into the earth, called “ lightning conductors,” are not injured by the storm. Can .we ex plain the reason of this % We have seen by our experiments that electricity, passes away from a conductor if it is connected by a metal ,chain with the earth, but not if it is connected by glass. Let us now work our machine till we get a spark when we bring our finger near it. If we now Jake a metal rod in our hand, and hold it close to our finger, .so' that i-u And coin cides with the point of the finger, aricT bring both near the prime conductor of our machine, we shall find we cannot now get a spark to .touch the finger ; it will in variably pass to the metal rod, and if the rod be long enough to reach the ground, the electricity will not pass through our body at all, but pass straight to .the earth by the metal rod. If, however, instead of a metal rod we take a glass one, and use it in the same way, the result will be very different. Now we shall not be able to get a spark to touch the glass at all;, it will invariably touch the finger, and pass tln’ough our body to the ground. If, there fore, we have a metal rod standing fixed in the ground beside us during a thunder storm, a flash of lightning coming would, like the spark from the conductor, pick out the metal rod and pass by it harmlessly to the ground, leaving us untouched. On' the other hand, were glass rod beside us, the lightning would leave the glass rod untouched, and pass through our bodies to the ground, most likely, depriving us of life in its passage. This is the whole principle of lightning-conductors. Know ing as we do, that metals are better con ductors than stone,.wood, &c., of which our buildings are composed,, we protect them by fixing a rod of metal connected with the ground to their highest point. It is found by experience that a rod erected in this way protects, a space all round it equal to twice its height. Thus a rod 50 feet high protects a space of 100 feet on every side of it. From the knowledge of the principles of lightning-conductors, we may know the positions of safety. The French paragreles are also other forms of lightning-rods. They are small conduc tors, set up by means of poles in the vine yards in France, to draw off the electricity from the atmosphere over them, and thus prevent the accumulations, which, when they occured, were found to generate hailstorms. Arago proposed that these conductors should be raised and supported by small batteries, connected by means of slender wires or chains with the ground. This plan, like some other ingenious ap plications of electricity, was found to act perfectly well in theory,; but proved im practicable, owing to the great expense of setting up and maintaining, such a . system over any great extent of country. Cases have been known in which a gold pin in a girl’s hair has been fused by lightning, or a bracelet melted off a lady’s wrist, without the wearer’s suffering, any actual injury. Sportsmen, owing to the iron of their weapons, are apt to be struck by lightning. Hence, some philosopher half in just, half in earnest—has proposed that a portable lightning-rod in connection with an umbrella should be provided for people liable to be caught in thunder storms. Such a Parapluie, if the ferrule were provided with a pointed metallic rod projecting into the air, and connected with a detachable chain or wire to drag on the ground behind, could bring the bearer and his paraphernalia of destruction safely through the electric tempest, even though the lightning should, play all round him. We must keep away from the neighborhood of bad or non-conductors, and near to good ones, if they are connected with the ground. A man clad in the steel armor of the. Middle Ages would be almost perfectly safe, especially if he had steel points on his ; boots -to stick into the ground, as he would' have a capital con ductor all round him. For. the same season, a man in an iron bed will be safe, especially if the bed be connected by metal to the gas-pipe, so as to make com plete contact with the earth. Standing near a high body like a tree is dangerous, because electricity always rushes to the highest points, and unless the body is a better conductor than a man or woman, the electricity will strike' out towards the man or woman.—“ Science far all.”

Who Got It ?—A curious controversy has arisen between the Republican “Siecle” and the Bonapartist “Ordre.” The latter, replying to some caustic re marks on the anniversary of Sedan, affirmed that Napoleon 111., before start ing for Wilhelmshohe, left his -troops 800,000 francs, being: all the amount at his disposal. The “Siecle” expressed surprise at such generosity being first dis closed eight years after date; but the “ Ordre” persisted in its statement. The Siecle” has since made enquiries among Generals engaged at Sedan, but-can dis cover no trace of such largess. It there fore maintains that either the Emperor’s intermediaries pocketed the money, and for ten days allowed the soldiers to famish, or that the “ Ordre” has impudently in vented the story. It-defies the "‘‘Ordre” to produce a single agent who - received the sum, ora single soldierwhohad any share of it.

FRIDAY, November 22, 18 78.]

THE EVENING ECHO.



Tinsmiths, &c. J. C. DOLMAN, TJ DUMBER, locksmith, bell- I HANGER, „„„ ZINC, and TINPLATE WORKER, Tancred Street, ASHBURTON. Aitcsian Wells sunk and Pumps fitted and repaiied. d.G. Guttering fixed at current rates. Electnc Bells supplied and fitteb- N.B.—Orders punctually attended to. "N TTAKDLEY, in tendering hia habitants of Ashburton and Surrounding 1 Districts for their past patronage, begs to announce that he is now SELLING OFF HIS PRESENT STOCK ~~ AT COST PRICE, to make room for a Fresh Shipment daily expected from Melbourne. Note the Address— S. HARDLEY, PLUMBER AND TINSMITH, EAST STREET.



PUBLIC NOTICE. JOSEPH PIYDE, PRACTICAL COPPERSMITH AND BRAZIER, TIN, IRON, AND ZINC PLATE WORKER, Begs to inform the inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has com :menced business in TAN C RED SI REE I, nvhere he hopes by strict attention to business, 'Combined with moderate charges, to merit a (fair share of public patronage. N.B.—Repairs neatly executed.



Business Notices. Tea ! Tea ! Tea ! noo BOXES 50 HALF-CHESTS The abov e will be found Pure. combined with strength and Fine Flavour'. ORIENTAL TEA COMPANY’S, In 11b. and jtflb. packets. We are Agents foT this Tea, and would advise the public to give it a fair trial, as it is highly spoken of. Orr & Co.



SPECIAL NOTICE. WE ARE NOW LANDING— Ex p.s. “ Tongariro,” Sxiji Totara for Wells Ex “ Clifton,” from Invercargill, feet first-class Boards and ’ Scantling Ex * l Drover,” from Bluff, 120,000 ditto ditto Ex “ Wave of Life,” from Thames, 50,000 feet Flooring, Lining, &c. Ex “ Flora.” from Kaipara, A splendid assortment of 95,000 feet Kauri Timber MONTGOMERY & CO. (Limited), CHRISTCHURCH, Anb EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. H. BODPEN, EED MERCHANT, Etc., Etc., NELSON, N.Z. ait and Forest Trees, Sbrubs, Roses, Seeds, Plants, etc.— Packed to any part of New Zealand. )OfATOES. POTATOES FOR SALE, at 0. AITKEN ft CO/s,



ENCOUBAGE LOCAL INDUSTRIES. AO. AITKEN & CO. have much plea • sure in informing the Gentlemen of Ashburton that they are prepared to take orders for New Spring and Summer Suits. A Perfect Fit Guaranteed, and at Christchurch Prices. A. O. AITKEN & CO., TAILORS,