POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails at the Ashburton Post Office close r; 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 Tinwald, 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 July, and remaining unclaimed on the Ist September 1878 Anderson, James Clough, Robinson Doherty, Henry James Fergusson, J. H. (2) Gooch, W. Kelly, Cornelius O’Donnell, Patrick Palmer, William Rilly, James Sweetman, Michael (2) Spencer, W. Wallace, John Letters originating in New Zealand are not mow advertised, but are sent to the Dead ■Letter Office, after having lain for two clear ■eonths.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF LYTTELTON

ARRIVED. Sept. 3- -Adelplioi, barque, from Newcastle, Sept. 4 —Wanaka, s.s., from South. Sept. 4—Luna, s.s., from North.

SAILED. Sept. 3 —Columbus, barque, for London. Sept. 4 —Wanaka, s.s., for North. EXPECTED ARRIVALS. From London Crusader, Lutterworth, Waimate, Waimea, Waitangi, Langstone, Palala. From New York Star, Sothminster, .Olmstee. From Foo Chow—Rio Lodge, From Calcutta —Aries, Akbar. From Sydney via Auckland —Rotorua. From Melbourne, via South—Albion Sept. 5

The Evening Echo. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1878.

School Committee. —At a special meeting of the School Committee last night, it was resolved unanimously to support the candidature of Mr. E. J. C. Stevens for membership of the Educa tion Board, vice Mr. Rolleston resigned.

The Recent House-Breaking Case. —At the J.P. Court yesterday, Messrs. Grigg and Beswick on the bench, Henry Grossman was com mitted for trial on a charge of house breaking and theft, the alleged offence being committed on the house of Mr. W. Cullen, carrier, last week, the articles stolen being earrings, brooch, sleeve-links, &c. Prisoner had been apprehended on Sunday last in the Kakhu Bush by Sergeant O’Malley, of Geraldine, and brought on to Ashbur ton. On being apprehended, prisoner, after some parley, admitted being con cerned in the larceny, but implicated another, whom he called Tommy Knuckle. Prisoner had driven Mr. Cullen’s horse and cart for some time.

Special Jury Exemption.—ln the Legislative Council last night a clause was introduced in the Juries Act abolishing the exemption from service on special juries of militia officers and another clause exempting Bank Mana gers.

Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The ad journed Committee meeting of this Association met at Scott’s Tinwald Hotel on Tuesday morning last, the president/Mr. John Grigg in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The pro gramme for the forthcoming show was then gone through seriatim , and it was decided to adopt it, and have it printed and circulated. The date fcr holding the show was fixed for November 12th, and the site chosen for the show ground was in one of Mr. Carter’s paddocks, close to Tinwald. After going through some routine business, and fixing the number of classes, &c., the meeting adjourned. Borough Election. —The polling dragged along all day without any excite ment, and as quietly as possible, and it was three o’clock before anything oc curred tending to show that something more than ordinary was going on. This was a procession headed by the band, and made up of a gig bearing a flag, followed by two. donkey carts, in the front of which was displayed a 41b loaf with the figure “ on the second the signboard of Mr J. R. Chapman, painter, and a board bearing the in scription “Putty, Paint, and Progress.” The. declaration of the poll will take place at the usual time. The Opening of the Through Railway. —At six o’clock this even ing (the telegraph informs us) the Hinemoa was to leave Wellington for Lyttelton with the members of Parlia ment who are to attend the opening of the Christchurch - Dunedin Railway. The visitors will leave Christchurch on Friday morning by a train leaving at six o’clock. They will arrive at Ash burton at 5 minutes before 8, and leave again at 8.15, giving twenty minutes stay for breakfast. Sitting accommoda tion has been provided for them in the Town Hall, in which building the lessee of the refreshment rooms will supply breakfast for about 300, at the expense of the Government. The ladies of the party will breakfast in the railway refreshment rooms. Mr. Con yers expresses his sorrow at the short time allowed at Ashburton, but the necessity is imperative of pushing on that the /line may be clear for the ordinary traffic. The Governor and suite come from Wellington to kytteb tot? fey H.M.S, Nymphe.

Rumored Defalcations. —It is current that the result of an inquiry into the accounts of a well-known Government official has brought to light laches of a grave character. —Evening Chronicle.

Wonderful Escape from In stant Death. —As the Hutt train that arrives at half-past seven o’clock was nearing the Ngahuranga station, a drunken man who was sitting on the rail on the platform and making hideous noises, much to the annoyance of the passengers, lost his balance and fell off. Fortune seemed to be in his favor, as the guard and some of the passengers who saw the accident met him coming along towards the station as if nothing had happened that might have seriously changed the current of events for him for all time.—Wellingon Cluoniclc.

Poor Tucker. —The Wanganui Chronicle says : —A pretty affair came to light last week. It appears, that a certain employer of labor brought some men up from the Empire City some little time back, and agreed with them for so much a week and board. They very soon found, however, that nothing sup plied to them in that establishment was calculated to tempt dainty or fastidious appetites, and moreover, that they were not expected to come again. They possessessed their souls in patience, dragging out an existence for a time ; but at length human nature could en dure it no longer, and five men and a boy resigned in a body, rather than sub mit any longer to the slow starvation process.

A N.'Z. Hospice of St Bernard, —The following paragraph is taken from the West Coast Times of the ioth in stant :—As confirming the report given by Mr Cassidy of the overland road be tween here and Christchurch, we give an extract of a letter received by us from Mr M'Mullin, overseer on the Christchurch road, Otira Gorge. He writes - “ I have been 13 years on this road, and I am certain more snow has fallen this winter than for the past 12 years, all put together. We were four days battling with the snow, trying to get the mail through. We cut through some tunnels fifty yards long. On Monday last, in particular, the wind, drift, and snow were something terrible —in fact beyond description. Nothing with life could stand against it. Settlers on the Hokitika aud Teremakau rivers may look out this spring for a very heavy flood, unless the thaws come in piecemeal. There is a poor man with an accomodation house up here, who deserves public recognition. How he manages to keep a family, I do not know. Four or five hard-up men came and stopped here lately, as is frequently the case. They are never denied tucker, although they have no money. In fact, there would have been lives lost this winter, but for this accomodation house.

Roman Remains near Berne. —lnteresting news comes from Berne of the discovery of the remains of an old Roman military encampment in a woody peninsular in the Aar, near the town of Berne. A number of houses in good condition have been unearthed, and a large" quantity of interesting archaeological remains, vases, weapons, &c., have been found. Curiously enough, the half of a large vase, which forms part of the trouvaille, is found to be the wanted portion of a broken vase which is already -in the British Museum — Examiner. The Growth of London. —An important just been issued by the Metropolitan Board of Works shovv the “ number of inhabited houses, population, and rateable. annual value of the parishes and districts comprised within the metropolitan area in the years 1856 and 1876, or as near those dates as can be accurately stated.” According to this return, it appears that the total rateable annual value has more than doubled itself within the 20 years. In 1856 the amount was and in 1876 it was 111,313. The total number of inhabited houses has increased from 306,086 in 1851 to 419.642 in 1871, but in this column a decrease is shown in respect of the City of London. The number of inhabited houses in the City in 1851 was 14,483, but in 1871 there were only 9,236. In 1851 the population of the Metropolis was 2,363,405, and in 1671 it had in creased to 3,266,987. The figures given in this respect of the year 1871 are of course those of the last Census. This return has been issued in view of a possible readjustment of the represent ation of the several Vestries and District Boards at the Metropolitan Board of Works.

A Kitten, —A boy at school, on be ing asked to describe a kitten, made the following statement: “ A kitten is chiefly remarkable for rushing like mad at nothing whatever, and generally be fore it gets there ! ” That boy got a prize that half,— -Judy,

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Ashburton County Council was held in the Council’s office to-day. Present: Messrs. YV. C. Walker (chair man), E. G. Wright, J. C. Wason, A. Saunders, T. Bullock, C. Reed, and Coster. The Chairman said Since last meeting I have attended the Con ference of County Council representa tives in Wellington. The Conference considered from all points of view the Acts relating to County Councils, and other questions interesting to counties. A copy of the minutes have been forwaried to this Council, and I trust the proposals therein contained will be approved of. Of course many of them were compromises, as from the first it was evident that the opinions and interests of the different counties were very different. Government have in troduced amendment Acts already, embodying some of the technical amendments proposed. With reference to the memorial to Government for the accrued land fund, I found that neither the Government nor Parliament would adopt the course suggested by the Premier to the Council; and by a letter from the Premier’s secretary, it will be seen that he was willing to carry out his proposal in event of the Road Boards concurring. As the Council is aware, the Road Boards have all entered very strong protests against such a course. Under the circumstances, I felt it to be my duty no longer to refrain from acting as Commissioner, and accordingly, before leaving Wellington, I apportioned the surplus- land fund accrued to the county account prior to 2nd December, 1877. In doing so, I took into con sideration the fact that the parts of the county near the sea and main line of railway are supplied with bridges and arterial communication, and that in the interests of the whole county, it was desirable to consider the more out lying parts of the county, which do not now possess such advantages. I considered also, that bridges are dis tinctly within the powers of Road Boards, and I allocated the surplus Lana Fund accordingly, so as to give those Boards -who had rivers un bridged within their districts the power . and opportunity of remedy ing that want at once. I found the Minister for Public Works favorably inclined to place the long promised branch railway from Ashburton to Mount Somers and Alford Forest on his list of. Government-proposed rail ways, and the Council will have seen that it appears accordingly in the Pub lic Works Statement. It. will remain with the Council to press the early con struction of this much required work on Government as soon as possible. With respect to reserves, Government does hot appear to contemplate absolutely vesting any of those in local bodies, but to hand over the control of those con sidered proper to be so dealt with to the respective local bodies. The County Council Conference, however, distinctly urge the vesting of such re serves in the Councils and local bodies, and it is to be hoped that this mat ter may be reconsidered by Govern ment. With respect to planting reserves, the Minister of Lands expressed him self as desirous of seeing those as soon as possible under the control of the Council, with a view to carrying out the object for which they were made. I have to acknowledge most gratefully the valuable assistance given to me by Messrs Saunders and Wason, in inter viewing and consulting Ministers.

The Chairman then reminded the Council that provision would have to be made for conducting the elections in November, in view of the alteration by the formation of the Ashburton borough, and congratulated the inhabitants of Ashburton on the proclamation.

Lettters were read from the Colonial Secretary stating that parliamentary papers, copies of Hansard, and copies of Bills of local and general interest would be forwarded.

From Mr A. Saunders stating that as the Conference had disallowed more than one vote to a county, he had chosen to represent the Kaikouras County at its request. This arrange ment admitted Mr Wason to the Con ference, though without voting power. From the Chairman of the Upper Ashburton Road Board respecting the inspection of the Rangitata Road Bridge and from the clerk of the Geraldine Road Board on the same subject.

From the Chairman of the Ashburton Road Board requesting reasons for the Council trying to obtain possession of the accrued land fund. From the Clerk of the Mount Somers Road Board forwarding copy of resolu tion protesting against the action of the Council in trying to obtain pos session of land fund.

From the Under-Secretary, Crown Lands’ Office, stating that the survey of

unsold sections had been ordered, and the department had been urged to umlertake the work at once if possible. Resolved that the matter was of great importance to the township of Ashbur ton, and surveys should be proceeded with without delay. From Messrs. Thornton and Bull, asking for an extension of time in the completion of their water supply survey contract, owing to interruption by in clement weather, and . also asking if the Council desired an estimate of the cost of a water scheme. The extension was left with the chairman to deal with, also the estimate of cost.

From the Superintendent of Constab ulary requesting the Council to appoint an inspector of slaughter-houses, and recommending the appointment of Sergeant Felton. The Council adopted the recommendation and appointed Ser geant Felton. From the Secretary of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association thanking the Council fo r their grant to that Society. From Mr John Grigg Longbeach, drawing the Council’s attention to the desirability of a grant of land as a re serve for a domain or recreation ground near Tinwald, and suggesting that ap plication should be made in a resolution of the County Council. Resolved—“ That the necessary ap plication be made to the Government by the Council for 50 acres, to give effect to Mr Grigg’s request.” From the Poundkeeper, . suggesting the erection of a dwelling-house near the Pound, so that he may be always near to receive and assist in putting up cattle, &c., brought to the Pound. The Council could not grant the Poundkeeper’s request, and referred him to the terms of his contract.

A petition was presented from a large number of ratepayers in the western portion of the South Rakaia Road dis trict, praying that the Rakaia Riding of the Ashburton County Council might be divided, and that portion set forth in the Gazette notice as applied to be declared a new Road Board district, under the name of the Mount Hutt Road Board district, might be declared a new riding of the Ashburton County Council, under the name of the Mount Hutt Riding. On the motion of Mr. Wright, se conded by Mr. Reed, it was resolved that a special meeting of the Council be called for Friday, 13th September, to adopt the following resolution :—That the Rakaia riding be divided into two ridings, having the same boundaries as the proposed new Road Board dis tricts of South Rakaia and Mount Hutt, and each riding to return a new member.

The Council then adjourned for lunch.

TELEGRAPHIC.

[By Submarine Cable.]

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

London, August 27,

The first innings of the Australians closed for 260. Bailey, 106 ; Murdoch, 73. The second innings of Hastings, 82. Spofforth took twelve wickets. The Australians won in one innings, with forty-seven runs to spare. August 29.

A unaminous resolution was passed by the Associated Chambers of Commerce at Sheffield, that the present Australian mail service is unsatisfactory, and urg ing that steps shall be taken to quicken it. The Pope intends expelling the Jesuits from the Vatican. Owing to the European outcry regard ing Bulgarian atrocities, the Russians despatched troops to Gamboli to pro tect the Turks and Jews. The Bulgar ians resisted, and severe fighting en sued. Many were killed and wounded on both sides.

September 2. The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter.

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, Sept. 3. There-have been severe engagements at New Caledonia ; thirty natives were killed, and many wounded. They first retired, and then returned for their dead. They were again attacked, and thirty killed, and several wounded. Five soldiers were killed. The war continues. Seven convicts attempting to escape, three were shot dead. The Ranee has returned to Noumea from China. Maize and potatoes are rising. It is positively stated that 100 were killed in the engagement at La Foa, New Caledonia. The Government deny that there was any loss, but it is disbelieved. The friendly and hostile chiefs are holding secret communica-

tion, and a general rising! Eleven hundred troops are! and reinforcements are beinl the front. The settleme* insolvent. 1 The liabilities of Lloyd, t flour merchant, are it is stated that 17,000 ar

INTERPROVINCIAL

[Per Press Agenc’

DunedinJ A man named Christie, I coach driver at Outram, po self this afternoon by taking of laudanum. An inquest’ to-morrow. . | It is proposed to amal South Dunedin and St. Ki palities. ' Invercargill; Great indignation is felt] proposition to construct a j Greenhills to Totois. A] ing is convened to discuss

The Bluff Harbor Board sitting this ' rnosS rnittee. Thirty-five applicr position of chief pilot at th considered, and Captain Ge< son, some lime a settler at but an old sailor holding hi ials, was selected for the! John McDonald appointed With regard to Professor 1 cation for a part of the Bfl dovvment, it was resolvel aspersions had been cast! assurance should be col that the Board was of ol was quite justified in act! done, and it was evident! apprehension arose thro! in the names. H

Blenhi The Liberal Refor passed the following night: That this meet learn that the Governme excludes Marlborough a participating in the pi schemes : that the poli( to benefit only a portioi while every portion wil the burden of taxation ing further regrets to members are powerless amelioration of the sch Marlborough and Neb Port Chalm The Schooner Jessie! from Macquarie Island Captain Donald Sinclai who have been sea-e for the last nlnSTvionths. Captain Sinclair’s rifle the ball passed througfij rendering it useless. 'ij heavy sea swept awaj* J carrying with.it the ffl together with 15 of their labors. The;Mj arrival of the Jessie 'Hi 18th, on a few biscuiHl and sea-elephants’ island on 28th AuguMl

morning.

The Eveiiihg Echo, Wednesday, September 4, 18*78



lshburton trade directory. A ICOUNTANTS AND COMMISSION AGENTS— Charles Braddell, Montgomery’s Buildings H. J. Bristo, Prospect Buildings, East-st. W. R. Boyle, Moore-street. A ICHITECT AND CIVIL ENGINEER — S. W. Brown, East-street S. Farr, Montgomery’s Buildings B. Mountfort, East Street A JCTIONEERS — Bullock and Co., East-street Saunders Bros., Ashburton B IRRISTERS AND SOLICITORS— Mr. Branson, East-street .Mr. E. G. Crisp, Montgomery’s Buildings B rtCERS, Confectioners, Etc.— Thomas Hicks, Tancred-street Taylor and Lill, East-street, B tNKS — Bank of New Zealand, East-street Union Bank of Australia, East-street Boarding House Keepers— J. G. Anstee, East-street Eagle’s Dining Rooms, Havelock 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 G. Compton, Builder, Moore-street. B ■'oksellers and Stationers— A ; Weston, Prospect Buildings, East-street Furr.ess and Dixon, Stationers’ Hall, East street South Bootmakers— J. Chambers, Prospect Buildings, East-street M. Nealas, East-street Brewers— Wood and Co., Cameron-street CABINETMAKERS AND UNDERTAKERS— James Baker, Havelock-street G. Parkin, Moor-street Thomas Williams, 1 inwaid 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 F. P. Leßreton, Burnett-street. Drapers and Clothiers— Aitken - and Co., Havelock-street Orr ard Co., East-street John Fowler, Tancred-street Firth, Pass, and Co., Old Bank Store, East street W, Gavin, East-street T. Quinn & Co., Moor-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 street Ireet Plumbers, J, C. Dolm Joseph Hyde, S. Hardley, " Saddlers— Thomas Dudso; Surveyors— C. E! Fooks an Tailors- Aitken and Co., Tentmakers K. Sando, East-stree? Tobacconists— A* Pearse, Moor-street E. A. Garnett, East-street A. Wsston, EgsLslreet Hotel, near Railway Hotel, East-street ablishment — Street. cd-street Biers — ' it-street insmiths, Etc. Lreet ’eet tt-street it-street rock-street



NOTICE. Advertisements for the Evening Echo must be sent in not later than 3 p.m. with the number of insertions written plainly on the copy, or they will be inserted till counter manded, and charged accordingly. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m. for insertion over the Leader, but will be charged double scale.



It is expected t! Railway, From Duni will be completed WJ the present time. I



PLOUG About 4 Miles fi TENDERS are invi Ivaiapoi Borough 1 of 500 acres each, to be whole. SAUNDE Ashburto Tenders wanted 1 about 20 acres for the same three times, acres of wheat with hea on Allan Maclean’s land, work to be completed b to be sent in on or before H ASHBURTON TE| COMPANYT NOTICE TO SH AS the Directors hav the Hall from tli give notice that all Calls or before Thursday, th proceedings will be take CANTERBURY CAV. The Members of thij be required to owing to the to attend. 1 TO BUI ENDERS are intf Five Roomed |M ; Road, Ashburton jer. Plans, &c4ffj ill Sept, io, on wl)| ►gl