MIXING UP THE BABIES.

The unjustifiable conduct of some young men who were present at a dancing pax ty near Waco, in Texas, the other evening, has created much, unpleasant feeling in the neighborhood. It seems that most of the ladies who took part in the festivity brought babies with them, and the noisy perversity of the infants prevented their mothers from enjoying- the dance. A number of young men, actuated apparently by kindly motives, gallantly volunteered to take charge of the little ones while the parents indulged in a Virginia “break down.” These mischievous young men, however, when left in charge of the babies, immediately set to work and changed the clothes of their innocent charges, giving the apparel of the one to the other. At the conclusion of the dance the mothers, anxious to return home, hurriedly snatched up each a baby in the dress of her own, and started off, some to their homes, ten or fifteen miles off, utterly unconscious of the trick that had been played upon them. At daybreak there was a general commo tion in the district. Mothers discovered to their horror that a single night had changed in many instances even the sex of their babies, and then commenced “ some of the tallest female pedestrianism on record.”' Living miles apart, it took three or four days to unmix the babies, and fears are entertained that it will take as many months to restore the indignant mothers to their naturally sweet disposi tions. In the meantime, by latest accounts, it is unsafe for any of the baby-mixers to venture into the neighborhood.

New Zealand’s Financial Position. — The London “ Morning Post ” writing on this subject says:—The rise in the revenue which has lately taken place might per haps be attributed to extra taxation, or to a lavish disposal of the public domain. Such is not the case. The revenue has increased in a legitimate way, and is owing to the natural progress of the country. Tho estimate for the past year, made by a previous Government, amounted to £3,153,685, but the elasticity of the revenue was such that this sum was ex ceeded by no less than £761,630, the total net revenue being £3,915,315. In nearly every department there has been a large excess over the estimate.”

'SATURDAY, December 7, 1878-]

The. evening echo.



New Advertisements. WESLEYAN Church, Cameron Sreet, —The Rev. W. B. Marten will preach in above Church To-morrow Even ing. Subject tion. Mr. Buchanan in the morning. 118 WESLEYAN CHURCH. BAZAAR - AND Gr IFT j^ XJCTION IN THE TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, ON Tuesday, Wednesday, <fc Thursday, DEC. 17TH, 1 Bth, and 19TH. In aid of the Building Fund. I ijj j WANTED, a Smart Active LAD, about 14 years of age. Apply before 10 a.m. on Monday to 119 BULLOCK & CO. TO CARTERS. WANTED, Tenders for CARTING Timber and other Building Mate rials to Mr. Twentyman’s Farm, North Rangitata. Particulars can be obtained from the undersigned, by whom tenders will be received up to noon of Saturday, 14th ; inst. ROBT. POWRIE, Builder, j Cox Street, Ashburton. 116 EAGLE’S BOARDING HOUSE. JJIHIS House will be CLOSED from To-night until further notice. 117 G. EAGLE. . • TO LET. A TWO-ROOMED COTTAGE, East Town Belt. Every convenience. Apply to JOHN COUTTS, 112 At Mr. Sealy’s, Nurseryman. THE QUEEN’S HOTEL, 1 Corner of Cashel and Manchester Streets, CHRISTCHURCH. R. SMITH BEGS to inform the public that the above Hotel has lately been renewed, and fitted up in the Best Homo Style, with every attention to comfort and convenience. Water laid on in every room, with excellent bath. Private Suites of Rooms. Commercial and Sitting Rooms. Liquors of the very best brands. Terms Moderate. R. SMITH, Proprietor. Comer of Cashel and Manchester Streets, CHRISTCHURCH, 111



Fruiterers. Oranges, Oranges. Ex “ Rotorua,” Just Arrived. 70 CASES ORANGES in FIRST-CLASS CONDITION, and SPLENDID FLAVOR. 70 W. BIRT WE L 1., WHOLESALE & RETAIL FRUITERER, AND DIRECT. IMPORTER, FROM THE AUSTRALIAN AND TASMANIAN ORCHARDS. 104 FRUIT IMPORTED DIRECT FROM SYDNEY. yf OO A R AN D C 0., # lV± WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GREENGROCERS & FRUITERERS, REMOVED to EAST STREET, (Shop lately occupied by Mr. Cambridge. J UST ARRIVED A LARGE STOCK OF Oranges, Pine Apples ' Lemons, Bananas Apples, Vegetables Confectionery &c., &c. Delivered to all paits of Ashburton. W. T. DAVISON, . GREENGROCER AND FRUITERER, Wholesale and Retail. Fresh from Christ church daily, from one of the Largest Growers. MOORE STEET, Ashburton. 47 Business Notices. ASHBURTON BOTTLING STORES. MOUNT SOMERS ROAD, Ashburton. QUINTON BROS. BEG to inform the inhabitants of Ash burton and surrounding districts that they have COMMENCED BUSINESS in the above place, and trust by attention to business, to merit a share of patronage. Bottlers of the Best Brands of Ale and Stout. 91 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. GIRLS’ 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. . 96 NOTICE. HAYES’ TIMBER YARDS, ASHBURTON. IN consequence of the WAIMATE MILLS having been BURNED, the above Yards will be Closed for about Six Weeks, until Re-Erection of same. Mr. F. Pavitt is authorised to collect all outstanding accounts until further notice. ALPHEUS HAYES, per W. H. COLLINS, Manager. Ashburton, Nor. 23, 1873. 67



Business Notices. Tea ! Tea ! Tea ! ioo BOXES 50 HALF-CHESTS The above will be found Pure. combined with strength and Fine Flavour. ORIENTAL TEA COMPANY’S In lib. and packets. We are Agents for 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—! Exp.s. “Tongariro,” 8 x 1% Totara for Wells Ex “Clifton,” from Invercargill, 240,000 feet first-class Boards and Scantling Ex “ 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, And EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. H. BUDDEN, SEED MERCHANT, Etc., Etc., NELSON, N.Z. Fruit and Forest Trees, Ornamental Shrubs, Roses, Seeds, Plants, etc. —Packed to any part of New Zealand. QHRISTMAS CARDS, Elc., For transmission to Friends in England and Elsewhere via outgoing ’Frisco and Suez Mail, at A. WESTON’S EAST STREET, Novelty Depot.



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. .thur.-*:-' LOOK OUT FOR THE GRAND CHRISTMAS TREE.- ; 101



QRICKET! QR 1.0 KE T! ! Clubs and others requiring any of the requisites for this universe game, go to WESTON’S EAST STREET NOVELTY DEPOT. CHRISTMAS. CHRISTMAS. FANCY GOODS, in Great Variety, for CHRISTMAS, Selling at .Remark ably Low Prices, for Cash, at MRS. MOREY’S Fancy Repository, Tancred Street, Ashburton, near Chapman’s. Remember the Christmas Tree on the 24th—Tickets only 1/- each. 100 WANTED KNOWN—That the cheap est and neatest CARDS may be had at EVENING ECHO OFFICE. East Street. TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION. JUST RECEIVED, and on Sale k ~, Demy Deed Paper, ruled. Deed Parchment. Writing Inks. Pens, Rulers, &c. Cartridge Envelopes. WEEKS & DIXON, “EVENING ECHO” OFFICE, East St., Ashbubton.



General Stores. COAL AND FIREWOOD, OATS AND CHAFF, IN LARGE OR SMALL QUANTITIES. F. DOHERTY, BEGS to; remind his Customers and Friends that he is Selling Every Article in Stock at the LOWEST Possible PRICE for CASH. SPRING & 'SUMMER DRAPERY AND READY-MADE CLOTHING, Just Arrived, OF THE LATEST STILES ONLY. WASHING MACHINES Just Imported, of the Latest Improvements for Saving Labor. AMERICAN TUBS, all Sizes, Iron & Wood. CAMBRIDGE ROLLERS in Stock. FARMERS’ REQUISITES GARDEN TOOLS, And Seeds of every description. In Stock and to Arrive. F. DOHERTY, GENERAL STOREKEEPER, IMPORTER WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANT. Peter Street, Ashburton. gANDO AND FAMILY GROCERS, TENT, TARPAULIN, AND HORSE CLOTH MAKERS, AND GENERAL STOREKEEPERS, EAST STREET, ' ASHBURTON. Orders Delivered to of the Town. 0 LSEN, FLAGS of ALL NATIONS Sup plied to Otder and Let out On Hite. Note the address— SANDO & OLSEN, EAST SWEET, ASHBURTON. Cabinetmakers. WOOD TURNER AND VENETIAN BLIND MAKER. JOSEPH RULE Moore Street. T S prepared to execute all orders for Wood L Turning, Venetian Blinds, Bedsteads, Tables, and every class of Furniture. Window Poles on hand, or made to any sixe.



THE ASHBURTON PICTURE GALLERY, PETER STREET. T. A. GATES, CABINETMAKER, PICTURE DEALER & IMPORTER, PICTURE FRAME MAKER, &c. o— FURNITURE REPAIRED AND POLISHED. MAPS AND PLANS MOUNTED AND: VARNISHED. o PICTURES OF ALL KINDS ALWAYS ON SALE.



Business Notices. SONS OF TEMPERANCE BENEFIT SOCIETY. rHIS useful institution meets every alter nate Friday in the New Templar Hall, Moore Street. New members invited. All information can be obtained from Bros. G. W. Andrews, East T.own Belt j K. Sando, East Street; Thos. Williams, Tinwald. Next meet ing on the 6th insl. A. J. ANDREWS, R,S.



Drapery. yy ANTED KNOWN, that A. O. AITKEN & CO., are Selling, their Cloth ing, Boots and Shoes, &ic., - CHEAPER THAN ANY HOUSE IN ASHBURTON. yy ANTED KNOWN, that A. O. AITKEN & CO. have opened up a Splendid Lot of Fichus, Manilla Hatß, and a Large Assortment of FANCY GOODS. yy ANTED KNOWN, that A. 0. AITKEN & CO. are paying Particular Attention to their DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT, which is superintended by a Lady whose Experience has been gained at some of the Best Houses in New Zealand. yy ANTED KNOWN, that A. AITKEN & CO. have determined, prior to removing to their New Premises, now in course of erection, to reduce their present stock as much as possible, to effect which, they are now offering all Goods at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES.



NOTICE. PO R SALE AT T. QUINN & GO’S, DRAPERS and CLOTHIERS, MOORE-ST. ASHBURTON. 75 Men’s and Boys’ Suits, at 30s per Suit 40 doz. Silk Handkerchiefs at is each. 20 doz. Straw Hats, 7s per doz. T. QUINN & CO., Moore Street, Ashburton. Business Notice. THE HORSE BAZAAR. LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES BURNETT-STREET, ASHBURTON. W. B. COMPTON, Proprietor. First-class accommodation for Horses and Vehicles on most liberal terms at these Stables, with eveiy atten'ti m and civility. Saddle Horses or Buggies on Hire. Horses Bought and Sold on Commission. FISH. FISH. FISH. MICHAEL DARCY begs to announce the opehing of his new FISH STORE, Adjoining the Echo Office, East Street. Fresh Fish Daily. Crayfish, Cockles, Moki, Groper, &c. Dried Fish always on Hand. Orders by post or otherwise punc tually attended to, and familes waited on. F IREWORKS ! JpiREWORKS ! For Sale at WESTON’S EAST STREET NOVELTY DEPOT.



Wants, &c. WANTED, , to . Rent a COTTAGE, in or near' tbWn. Apply to 76 SANDO & OLSEN. WANTED, a General Servant. Ap ply MRS. PAIGE, ‘ 61 Parsonage, Ashburton. WANTED, a Good Shoeing Smith. Apply to 14 ROBB & BLYTH. TO LET. ONE SHOP and Several Convenient OFFICES in our new buildings. 64 SAUNDERS BROTHERS. Tenders. ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. TENDERS are invited for the follow ing Works : 138. Shingling Surveyor’s Road, 140 chains more or less. 139. Shingling Boundary Road, 110 chains . 140. Formation Great South Road from Windermere to Hinds Railway Sta tion, 240 chains. 141. Formation Windermere Road, 80 chains. Tenders -will be received till 10.30 a.m. on MONDAY, DECEMBER 16th, en dorsed with the number of the work ten dered for, and enclosing £6 if under £2OO, and 2£ per cent, on the value of the wor if over that amount. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. By order of the Board. JAMES WILKIE, 113 Surveyor to the Board. Entertainments. YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSO CIATION, ASHBURTON. THE SECOND LECTURE of the series will be delivered on WEDNESDAY EVENING, December 11th, 1878, in the Town Hall, by' T. S. MANNERING, Esq., of Rangiora. Subject : “A Ride Through Palestine,” being a description of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, illustrated with diagrams. Admission— Single, lecture, Is.; series of six lectures, 6s. ; Children half-price. Tickets can be obtained from members of the Association, and at the Echo Office. The dates and subjects of future lecture# will be duly announced. 106



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 : MR. J. T. M. SMITH (Conductor of the Christchurch Harmonic Society,. &c.) A Subscribers’ List will be .ready for signature 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 ss. 95 in i i ———— Musical. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Tuned and Repaired. . J. C. HUGHES, TEACHER of Pianoforte and Harmonium, Cox Street, Ashburton. Orders can be left at the Echo Office. Business Notices. “HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY,” (As the man said when he returned the Stolen Sheep), AND, as we wish to PAY our BILLS, must respectfully urge that till Accounts due to the undersigned, be paid by the 6th Dec., 1878. Short Reckonings and Long Friends. TAYLOR & LILL, Bakers and Confectioners. East Street, Ashburton, Nov 30,1878. 88 _____ THE undersigned begs to give notice that in future all accounts must be settled monthly, and requests that no money be paid to any of the men in charge of the' carts, but settled direct with him or at the shop. All accounts overdue must be pauj : within one month from date, or they may bo liable to proceedings without further notice. THOMAS HICKS, Baker, 89 Ashburton. .