POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails at the Ashburton Post Office close 1; follows : For Christchurch and .North a ! 10 a,m< \ p.m., and 7.30 p.m., daily. For Cbertsey at 10 a.m. daily. <£, For Rakaia at Fo a,m., and 4 p.m. daily. For Tinvvald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. , , For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeacn, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 10.15 p.m. and 3 p.m daily. Fof Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m. W. St, G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Evening Echo. TUESDAY DECEMBER 3, 1878.

To the practical pluck of Mr. E. G. Wright is due the most sensible suggestion that has yet been made for getting over the many difficulties that attend the safe work ing of the Ashburton Bridge as a means of conducting the road and railway traffic across the river. Doubtless the idea he threw out at the Road Board meeting yesterday has crossed the mind of many a timid Jehu as he piloted a skittish Dobbin along the wooden way, and occurred to many an impatient and belated passenger as he stood shivering at the foot of the approach for an hour or so on a cold night, until an expected train that seemed never to come should have passed ; and doubt less to many a teamster after he had done swearing at. his frightened horses, and the iron horse that caused their fright, as the diabolical yell of the -“Yankee engine” made the poor brutes fancy some demon had been let loose specially to try the strength of equine nerves. But Mr. Wright certainly has been the first to originate a movement in the direction of a new bridge for road traffic, .altogether dis tinct and separate from the bridge grossed by the railway line. His idea, as he gave it to the Road Board members, was not of the usual character of his schemes, for he introduced a slight absurdity which Mr. Thomas Taylor at one pounced upon and corrected, ' Mr, Wright would ha?q run

his bridge alongside the present one, making use of the existing approaches, and probably part of the railway bridge’: structure. But Mr. Taylor at once pointed out that for a trifle more money, new ap proaches could be raised, and ."the traffic bridge carried in a straight line over the river from the south encl of East street to the main road across the river. This would remove the road traffic away from the railway, and in a very great measure give horses an immunity from the in fluence of the railway trains upon their tendency to “ play up.” .We feel obliged to the Road Board for the movement they have made, and hope they will not allow it to stop at a simple suggestion, but will keep the ball rolling that they have set in motion. The bridge affords the only passage of the river to heavy or any road traffic over the Ashburton, and that traffic is now no in significant, thing. When the many blocks the road traffic is subjected to every day, by the passage of trains, is taken into con sideration, the crippling of the bridge's usefulness to the roadster will be at once allowed, and the necessity of a new. bridge is at once made apparent. The actual time occupied by the train in cross ing the bridge is not the measure of time lost to the passenger riding or driving, but long delays have to be put up with every now and again when trains not particular to a handful of minutes come bowling along perhaps half-an-hour after they are due. When they are due, the gate-keepers, who are invested with no discretionary power, and very properly act up to their duty, at once close the. ; gates, and the iron Monarch is king of the road. No horse or wheeled traffic of any description can pass the gates till the locomotive with his freight has gone safely on his “ terra firma ” way. The circumstances of the bridge require these arrangements, and while both road and rail traffic are carried over the one viaduct, the interests of public safety de mand that these arrangements should not only exist but be carried out to the letter. Still a new bridge would be more con ducive to public safety, by a long way, for it would altogether remove a prolific source of danger; while it would better serve the requirements of the great and everyday increasing.traffic between the important township of Ashburton, the rising township of Tinwald, and a wide and well populated district south of the river.

We hope that no*- 'effort will be spared, on the part of the public bodies with whom the matter rests, to find the means to erect an additional bridge, for it is most urgently required, and the necessity be comes greater and greater every day. For many accidents have already occured upon the present narrow tunnel, and there is not a driver on either bank of the river but has a hair-raising adventure to relate of his passage of the Ashburton bridge. The sooner these become matters of a his tory-history that does not repeat itself — the better for them and for the progress of the districts which the bridge connects.

Crowded Out. —Owing to the pressure on our space to-day, we are compelled to hold over our report of the Licensing Court and other matter.

The Manslaughter Case.—The man Williams was brought up before his Worship the R.M. this morning, but the case was with drawn, the Magistrate finding that the evidence was insufficient to proceed upon. Drunk in Charge of a Horse. -Michael Murphy was to-day mulct in 6s costs, for being drunk while in charge of a horse yesterday. Masonic Ball.—The Somerset Lodge, E.C., commemoiated their first anniversary with a ball in the Town Hall last night. The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens, interspersed with pot plants, &c. The ceiling was draped with a numerous array of flags of all nations, and on the side walls the ever greens were so worked as to form the different masonic emblems. The large stage of the hall was also very prettily decorated, forming quite a small garden, so profuse were the different kinds of flowers and shiubs displayed. The excellent band under the leadership of Mr Schwartz, was stationed on the stage, and was almost hidden from view. The music sounded softer than it usually does in this particularly unfortunate hall. The pot plants were mostly from Mr Smith’s nursery, and were kindly lent for the occasion. There were about 100 per sons present, including the visiting brethren of several other lodges, and the principal mem bers of the Somerset Lodge, all of whom were dressed in full masonic costume. Dancing commenced at nine o'clock, and continued with vigor until daylight. The whole of the arrange ments were excellenily * carried out, and the enjoyment was complete. Brother Shearman provided the refreshments in the hall, and these comprised all kinds of delicacies, and he also laid an excellent supper in the long room of the. Somerset Hotel—Mr Shearman's name is sufficient guarantee for its character. The Decoration Committee —Brothers Compton; Bradley, Stephenson, Savage, and King—per formed their duties in a manner that could not fail to be highly appreciated. Horticultural (By ye Light of ye Moon.) —“Thane,” a humorous correspon dent who occasionally drops us an item, sends us a scrap headed as above, and continuing as under -“Millar, a friend of mine near Ash burton, has a garden, which he cares for ten derly. A neighl our of his has a bull, which likes walking in said garden, and caring for it too —especially by moonlight. Millar does not believe in bovine horticulturists, and one night he interviewed this bull. Millar was attired in one article only —similar to the one angels are represented as generally airing themselves in. Taurus’ spiritual education must have been neglected. At all events he turned, and Millar turned also —veiy rapidly. Millar has since borrowed a beef-loving canine called Toby, who now walks in the garden by moonlight. The poetry of moonlight beams and starry heavens and the redolence of roses had not sufficient influence to harmonise the feelings of Toby and Taurus when they met yester eve, for Toby’s appetite craved beef, and through the dim night Taurus fled into the distance loudly bellowing, while Toby gratified his truly British" hunger by chewing at the bovine’s heels, Millar now admires poetically minded dogs, and pets Toby accordingly,

THISTLE LODGE, .No. 672, S.C.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS,

The annual installation of officers for this Lodge took: place' last ’ evening at 8 o’clock,, in the new TempkiJ Hall, where the 'regularmeetings .are how held, a very comfortable building, .and well adapted for masonic purposes. There was a very fair attendance, and several representa tives from other lodges were in attendance. The lodge having been opened in due form by the R.W.M., Bro. .Rev. James Hill, D.M., from Lyttelton, acting as Installing Master, commenced the ceremony by in stalling Bro. Joseph Fletcher, P.M., as Right Worshipful Master of this lodge for the ensuing twelve months. This was the most important part of the proceedings, and was conducted in a most impressive and able manner by the Installing Master; the musical part of the ceremony by Bro. H. J. Weeks. Afterwards the following were invested with the jewels of their re spective offices, with the usual lectures Bro. G. St. Hill, D.M. ; Bro. Hurst, S.W. ; Bro. Hayden, J.W. ; Bro. Garnett, ‘sec.; Bro. Quill, treasurer; Bro. 'Nelson, S.D. ; Bro. Chapman, J.D. ; Bro. T. Smith, J.G. ; Bro. G. Shann, .tyler; stewards, Bros. Macfarlane and Ewen, Bro. R. Cullen, D.M.,isto be installed at a future meeting, also, Bro. H. A. Gates, organist. The usual honors having been given to the officers elected by the brethren, with the lectures by the Install ing Master, the Lodge closed, and the Brethren proceeded to the

BANQUET. The members of the Lodge and visitors adjourned soon after nine o’clock to Quill’s Commercial Hotel. There was a fair number present, and considering the counter Masonic attraction of the Somer set Lodge’s Ball, the attendance may be said to be very large. The catering of Mr. Quill was generally admitted by the visitors to be really a splendid spread, and it was done full justice to. Bro. Fletcher, R.W.M., was chairman, and proposed the usual loyal toasts, and the Grand Lodges of the three Kingdoms. Bro. Simpson, R.W.M., Christchurch, proposed the Provincial Grand Lodge of New Zealand, S.C. Bro. Smith, R.W.M., proposed the Installing Master, compli menting him in high terms on the manner in which he had conducted the ceremony. Bro. the Rev. J. Hill, P.M., replied, expressing his', great pleasure at seeing such a large attendance at the lodge and banquet. He had the honor of opening that lodge twelve months ago, and the prosperity it had obtained was gratifying. With the very excellent Master that he had installed, and the assistance of the other officers the lodge must work well and successfully. Bro. Hayden, J.W., Bro. Garnett, Sec., and" Bro. St. Hill, D.M., replied. The rest of the evening was spent pleasantly.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Council was held last night. Present—His Wor ship the Mayor, and Councillors Saunders, Roberts, Orr, Campbell, and Ivess. After minutes, the Mayor delivered his introductory statement, and the Council proceeded to dispose of the CORRESPONDENCE. Letter of apology read from Councillor Shearman for absence. Prom Messrs. A. 0. Aitken and Co., asking liberty to enclose part of footpath in Havelock street during building opera tions at their new premises ; and also to erect a verandah over said footpath when the building was completed. Liberty was granted subject to approval of Works Committee. FIRE PREVENTION. From Mr. H. Dunsford, Secretary of the Insurance Companies Association, en closing cheque for £25. The Mayor stated, for the Council’s information, that the Associated Compa nies had voted £75 to the Borough of Lyttelton for purposes of fire prevention. ROAD BOARD COTTAGES. From Michael Hayes, complaining of the ruinous state of the Road Board cot tages, now vested in the Council. The chimneys of two of those cottages on the north town belt threatened to fall, and the roofs admitted the sain ; altogether the cottages were in a bad way. The matter was remitted to the Works Committee to deal with as they saw fit. RESERVES. From the Colonial Secretary’s Office, informing the Council that their applica tion for reserve No. 770 had been referred to the Crown Lands Department. The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr. Marshman asking him to recommend the matter to Government. From the Steward of Reserves, asking for a list of those within the' borough, their numbers, and the purposes for which they were reserved ; also, the numbers of those vested in- the Council, and operated upon by them. A marked map of the borough' was also asked for. The Clerk was instructed to furnish the information. THE MAYOR. —BYE-LAWS. From the Under Secretary, Department of Justice, notifying the appointment of the Mayor to the roll of Justices of the Peace. From the same, acknowledging receipt of letter notifying the Mayor’s re-election ; and returning corrected proof of bye-laws which had been forwarded to the Governor for approval without the borough seal being affixed to the document as required by law. ’ The Mayor stated that the seal had been affixed and the proof re-sent. RURAL LAND ENDOWMENT. From Mr. W. Turton, asking to be entrusted 'with the selection of the land for the borough’s rural land endowment. Resolved, that if the borough availed itself of Mr. Turton’s services, they would pay a commission of 1/ per acre on the Government upset price,

COURTHOUSE AND MUNICIPAL OFFICES. • " From the Resident Engineer, Christ church, regarding the Council’s proposed joint action with Government in . the erection of Courthouse for the borough, and Municipal Chambers, asking that the number and sizes of rooms required in the building for the use of the Council should be supplied to him, and suggesting that in such an edifice the upper floor should lie devoted to the use of the Council, and the ground floor to Courthouse purposes. Also, a letter from Mr. A. Le * Grand Campbell, R.M., stating that he would be glad to confer with the Council on the project, and giving a statement of the accommodation his Court would require— namely, comfortable and sufficiently com modious room for Court ; room for wit nesses, out of 'hearing of the Court*pro ceedings ; clerk’s office ; and Magistrate’s private room. The Mayor advised the Council to act independently of the Government in the erection of Municipal offices?' 4 £3OO was all Government had voted ; and from the size of rooms wanted by Mr. Campbell, that sum was totally inadequate to put up a sufficient building. Mr. Ivess was in favor of independent action as regarded Municipal Chambers, but thought that meanwhile the Govern ment should be urged to proceed with the erection or securing of a suitable Court house. He hoped to see another plan prepared by the Borough Engineer—one more in keeping with the requirements of the town. Ultimately the following reso lution was adojited in the matter: —“ That the Public Works Department be informed that the Council regrets its inability to see its way to co operate with Government in the erection of offices suitable for the joint purposes of a Courthouse and Muni cipal Chambers, as the accommodation required by the Resident Magistrate, as stated in his letter, would render the structure too costly ; and that £3OO voted by Government would go a' very small way towards the erection of the necessary offices.

The Engineer submitted a plan of pro posed municipal buildings for a site on the Havelock street reserve, adjoining Baring Square. After discussion, it was resolved that specifications, in accordance with this plan, be drawn up by the Engi neer, and that tenders be called for. WORKS. The Engineer’s report on works to be undertaken was read and adopted. Some discussion arose as to tlie protec tive works on the river reported on by the Engineer.

Mr. Ivess thought such.- works as that should be undertaken by the County Council and. the Road Boards, as it was outside the municipality. Mr. Fooks had said it would cost £250, and. that was too large a sum to expend for experimenting on the protection of the Ashburton river banks by the Borough Council. The Mayor said the whole of the Ash burton fiver should be under the control of a Board of Conservators, and steps should be taken to call such a Board into existence.

Mr. Campbell agreed with the Mayor and Mr. Ivess, but thought the work under discussion was sufficiently pressing to be undertaken at once, as one heavy flood would do a very great amount of damage, and the work done now might save that damage. Mr. Weymouth Roberts thought the Council were going into the Government’s province in undertaking a work like this. The first sufferer by a flood would be the railway, and the Council had no right to go spending money beyond the town’s limits:

It was resolved to urge upon the County Council the advisability of moving in the direction of having formed a Board of Conservators with charge of the whole river from source to mouth.

Mr. Ivess, for the Seal Committee, laid six designs before the Council. They were from the pencil of Mr. Stephen Watkins, of Akaroa, and with the substi tution of a windmill for a ship and the addition of a reaper, one of the designs was accepted. It was resolved that a working foreman be appointed for the town’s work. the £SOOO. Mr. Saunders drew the Council’s atten tion to the fact' that no reply had been received from the County Council in answer to the borough’s inquiries regard ing the £SOOO recently voted for a water supply to the town. CHANNELLING. The Clerk, in answer to Mr. Campbell, said no reply had been received to inqui ries as to the cost of channelling. FINANCE. Mr. Roberts gave notice of motion for next meeting —“ That the - Finance Com mittee submit at next meeting a, statement of the probable revenue for the next twelve months. ” , - A The Council then adjourned.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[Bv Submarine Cable.]

London, Dec. 1,

Mr. Gladstone at a banquet at Green wich oil Saturday, urged the Liberals to take united action in imitation of the Tor ies. He afterwards addressed a monster gathering ac Woolwich, and reviewed the policy of the present Government, con demning the secret treaties, and growing expenditure, the undertaking of the Af ghan war without consulting Parliament, and the general abridgement of liberties of the people. •» Constantinople, Dec. 1. It is reported that negotiations are pro ceeding between the Porte and Britain for a new convention, witli the object of en suring greater influence and the right of intervention in : Turkish affairs. Bombay, Dec. 2. General Roberts’ force advanced, found the enemy in Pirar Pass, made a recon naissance which disclosed the enemy’s position, and an engagement ensued, re sulting in the defeat of the Afghans. The British loss was slight.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

[Per Press Agency an’d Exchanges.]

Auckland, Monday.

It is stated that Mr. Sheehan will resign the portfolio of Minister of Justice, owing to the many duties of the Native Depart? ment.

An old man named David Buchanan, a waterman, was found dead. A verdict Avas returned of “ Natural Causes*’’ The news from Samoa reports great scarcity of food in the Tonga and Ellice groups, and considerable distress amongst the Natives. ' New Plymouth, Monday. The Hon Mr. Sheehan leaves here to morrow morning for Wanganui and Wel lington by way of the Coast. During the last 12 months upwards of £20,000 has been spent in New Plymouth alone in the erection of new buildings. The design of Kohn and Co.,Wellingtonj has been accepted for the Wellington Gold Cup. Competitive designs came from Melbourne, Dunedin, and Christchurch. Dunedin, Monday. A cake of gold weighing 548 ounces has been obtained from 328 tons of stone from the Cromwell Quartz Mining Company’s claim.

Sir Julius Yogel, in acknowledging the receipt of a copy of “The New Zealand Anthem,” writes to Mr. Woods, its com poser, “ I think the idea is excellent of associating our Colony in the minds of the children being educated, in this country with a pleasing melody they can never for get, and the remembrance of which will bring before them the Britain beyond- tho sea.” , . y,, ; , f ■ -.y. An inquest was held at the Taieri, to day on the body of a man named John Scanned, who avas found dead under mys terious circumstances. : The result of the inquiry went to show that,death was caused by exposure while under the influence of drink, and by asphyxia caused by tight ness of the shirt-collar.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

London, Dec. 2.

Mr. Gladstone, addressing his consti tuents at Greenwich, refuted the accusa tion of the Secretary of State for India that the late Cabinet was responsible for the Afghan difficulties, or that any action of the Liberals had caused estrangements between the Ameer and the Government. He added that the accusation was also unjust.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Wellington, Tuesday.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company have received the fol lowing advices, under date London, Nov. 29 .-—Wool—Cross-bred, easier greasy, firmer. Washed clothing lias declined 2d., and washed combing Id., since the close of last sales. Scoured has declined 1-Jd. to 2d. The Home traders are pur chasing sparingly. Trade in the manu facturing districts is unchanged. Up to date 00,000 bales have been sold.

NEW ZEALAND STATESMEN.

The Wellington correspondent of “ The Colonies ” (a journal published by Messrs. S. W. Silver and Co., London) discourses thus of Sir. George Grey :—“Since the commencement of the session several Bills have been brought in, of which the most important measure is the Electoral Bill. This provides for half-yearly registration, reduces the freehold qualification of £25, abolishes the old leasehold, and establishes in its place a uniform £lO household quali fication. It also introduces a new feature in the form of a residential qualification, the accompanying conditions of .which are manhood, two years’ residence in the co lony, and six months’ in the electoral dis trict for which the individual has been re gistered. The provisions of this Bill*, of course, accord in no particular .with the intersessional utterances of Sir George Grey and his often repeated promise that he. would bring down, a measure for man hood suffrage pure and simple, and with out any qualification whatever. ■ Such open and barefaced inconsistency as this must not surprise you. Sir George is not, h w ever, at all ashamed of the character which he has gained. As I . write this it may perhaps strike you as curious that ho should, being such as he is, have suffiicient influence to knit together a party, and to maintain <?rder in the ranks of hj«pupport»

TUESDAY, December 3, 1878.]

THE EVENING ECHO.



New Advertisements. Christmas. clißisTMAsr FANCY GOODS, in Great Variety, for CHRISTMAS, Selling at Remark ably Low Prices, for Cash, at MRS. MOREY'S Fancy Repository, Tancrecl Street, Ashburton, near Chapman s. Remember the Christmas Tree on the 24th—Tickets only 1/ each. 102 Oranges. Oranges. Ex “ Rotorua,” Just Arrived. 70 CASES ORANGES 70 in FIRST-CLASS CONDITION, and - SPLENDID FLAVOR. W. BIRtWELL, WHOLESALE & RETAIL FRUITERER, ' AND DIRECT IMPORTER FROM THE AUSTRALIAN AND TASMANIAN ORCHARDS. 94 CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE CHILDREN OF ASHBURTON, AND ' * SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. MRS. MOREY begs to inform parents that she will have a CHRISTMAS TREE ON TUESDAY, 24th DECEMBER. Tickets —One Shilling Each. All Prizes, and NO BLANKS. For convenience of ladies residing in the country the first drawing will take place at 2 o’clock and continue until half past 6.



GjIRLS’ TREE. Ist prize Very Handsome Dressed Doll, value two . guineas. Other prizes— Large China Tea Sets, Doll Houses, Cradles, Cots, Work Boxes, Writing Desks, with a variety of other beautiful toys. . , . BOYS’ TREE. Ist prize—Rocking Horse. Other prizes —Cricket Bats and Balls, Garden Tools, Writing Desks, Horses and Carts, with a variety of toys suitable for boys. Christmas comes but once a year, So give the children some good cheer. A REAL CHRISTMAS TREAT FOR CHILDREN, TUESDAY, 24th, At 2 o’clock sharp. Not less than 1000 Prizes. • MRS. MOREY, Tancred Street, Ashburton, Next to! Mr. Chapman, House Decorator. • ' 1 Oft



MUSICAL FESTIVAL. SHOULD sufficient inducement offer, it is Proposed to give at an early date in the ASHBURTON TOWN HALL, Handel’s Grand Oratorio, --the MESSIAH.” ' The soloists and instrumentalists will include some of the best professional and amateur performers in Christchurch, and to render the performance as complete as possible, the Band and chorus will consist of NOT LESS THAN FORTY PER FORMERS. Musical Director : MB, J. T. M. SMITH (Conductor of the Christchurch Harmonic Society, &c.) A • Subscribers’ List will be ready for Bignature at Mr. H. M. Jones’, Stationer, East-street, until Dec. 9. Subscribers’ Tickets to admit five per sons, £1; to admit three, 13s. 6d.; Single Tickets 6s. ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILD ING SOCIETY. THE monthly Meeting of the above Society will be held in Mr. Bullock s office THIS EVENING, from 6.30 to 8.30 for the purpose of receiving subscriptions and other money. 97 J. WARD, Secretary. TOYS. TOYS. TOYS. MRS, MOREY, having purchased a Large Lot of Toys, for Christmas Presents, is selling Very CHEAP, for one month. Address —Tancred Street, next Mr. R. Chapman’s. look; OUT FOR THE GRAND CHRISTMAS TREE* 101



Winslow. ' GEORGE LADBROOkT GENERAL STOREKEEPER AND PRODUCE DEALER, BEGS to announce that he has JUST OPENED a General Store at Wins low, near the Railway Station, and hopes to merit a share of public support. A cart will wait upon families for orders regularly. Goods supplied at Lowest Current rates. Note the address— GEORGE LADBROOK, ‘ GENERAL STOREKEEPER, WINSLOW. December 3, 1878. 98



Miscellanuous. 20 FENCING WIRE. TONS Just Received, and. on Sale at LOWEST PRICES. A. a AITICEN & CO., Havelock Street. Fish. Fish. Fish. MICHAEL DARCY begs to announce the opening of his new ‘ FISH STORE, Adjoining the Echo Office, East Street. Fresh Fish Daily. Crayfish, Cockles, Moki, Groper, &c. Dried Fish always on Hand. ■feg,Orders by post or otherwise punc tually attended to, and familes waited on. 3 78



£lO REWARD. WANTED, the Public to Know that a Rascally Attempt was made last night to mar the success of my Masonic Dinner, by Breaking Open the Meat Safes and Stealing therefrom the contents. Notice is hereby given, that a Reward of TEN POUNDS (£10) will be paid to any one who will give such information as will lead to the Conviction of the offender or offenders. THOMAS QUILL. 92 Commercial Hotel.



Board and residence in a Private Family for two respectable single men. Apply at the 99 ECHO OFFICE. BULLOCK & CO. ALTERATION OF DATE OF SALE. FJpHE Sale of Household Furniture, &c., advertised for Sale on the Premises of Mr. T. Jordan, East Street, will be held on FRIDAY, December 6th, in lieu of the sth, as previously advertised.



A Lady applying for admission to the junior class of an American seminary, being questioned by the President as to her qualifications, replied, “ I ain’t much of an arithmetiker, but I am an elegant grammarist.” - ' Strangers coming to reside in Ashburton ire 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. O.RR & 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 ofler goods of 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's made so that the most inexperienced buy their goods at the same pi ices as the best judges, —Advt