The Evening Echo. SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1879.

Several long telegrams arrived too late for this day’s issue. San Francisco Mail. The Taiaroa, with the English and American mails, will reach Lyttelton to-morrow. The mails will thus be due. in Ashburton on Monday. “ Our Century.” —We have had the pleasure of looking through the book en titled “ Our First Century,” and we are glad to say that it comes well up to what was represented of it by the agents, Messrs Lane and Shaw- The work, we are told, has had a large sale throughout Canterbury and other parts of New Zealand. It is the intention of the above gentlemen to esta blish a branch house in this colony, through which all first-class American publications can be obtained at reasonable rates. In taking “Our First Century” for an introductory work, they have made a wise choice, for it is carefully compiled by a distinguished American writer, who has spent eleven years in grouping together the great events in American history. This work as a reference book will prove of value to the people of these colonies; who are being daily brought socially and com mercially nearer to America. The matter of the book is closely printed on good paper, and the mechanical execution is good, while the price, considering the in formation it contains, is very moderate.

Wesleyan Church Conference. —The general Conference of the Wesleyan Church is now in. session at Auckland, and from a private telegram received last evening we learn that the following is the first reading of the station sheet, the list having to be read three times, at succes sive sittings, before being finally adopted : —Auckland, Rev. W. Morley; Thames, Rev. W. Watkin; Wellington, Rev. W. Kirk ; Dunedin, Rev. J. Crump ; Law rence, Rev. J. A. Luxford ; Christchurch, Revs. A. Reid and W. Baumber; St. Albans, Rev. J. Richardson. No other changes have been made in the Canter bury district.—“ Times.”

The Canterbury Eleven. —The match against the Richmond Club began on the Richmond ground yesterday. The Vic torians made 195 in their first innings, while the New Zealanders have 111 for 4 wickets.

Thames Goldfield. —The amount of gold sold from the Thames District last year was 61,607 ounces, being 5192 ounces less than the quantity raised in 1877. During the month of December 2532 tons of quartz were crushed, yielding 4405 ounces 6 dwts. 12 grains melted gold.

ON THE DAUNDER.

“I foucht for my ain hand.” —llal o’ the Wynd. ■ „ . .. „ ■ . The mythical “ bull-pup periodically reproduced by Mr. Punch as robbing the “navvy’s” children of their milk, is, I presume, intended as an exaggerated illustration of the universality of the instinctive proclivities human beings have for the animal life surrounding them. I like to see a cove thoughtful for his beast. Hedgehogs, biaoli-beetles, and grizzly bears, should all have a nook in a Christian man’s affections, and beasts of burden should be ever as his own familiar friends. I regret that this thusness is not universal about our village. An idea appears to prevail here that the lower animals horse 3in particular enjoy about equal sensibility with an empty beer barrel. The clergy, as a body, are conspicuous for their injudicious eques trianism. They are proverbially rough on horses, and, unlike many proverbial deductions, this one is equitable; but from their position they should do much to ameliorate the condition of suffering beasthood. Let delicate points of doc trine do a spell, and direct the thoughts of practical worshippers to applicable goodness. The police, too, are ever vigilant in bringing the amiable crime of drunkenness before the seat of justice : let them look to the more serious and, I fear, equally prevalent offence of wanton cruelty to dumb animals. Half-fed horses, working in a suffering and thoroughly unfit condition, pass through our borough every day, and two horses yarded in Cox Street last week by a Hinds farmer would have been left absolutely without food or water for four days had it not been for the considerate attention of Mr. Buchanan, a complete stranger to the brutal owner.

Consequent on complaints made to me by a friend travelling to Dunedin last Tuesday, I have lately perused a most interesting little document—a neat manu script—showing the exact distance that each pile was driven for the Rangitata Bridge, and the number of strokes it took to do it, especially at the last inch. There were no abreviated piles, and none without iron or steel shoes, so that the majority of those which have recently unearthed themselves cannot be of the same lot, and must have come there by their owii exertions. Oh, ye dexterous piles !

Seafield has many distinctive features, amongst which the “savoir vivre” of its agriculturists occupies a happy promi nence. In the houses of those and similar pioneers I have enjoyed more exhilirating hospitality than any extended towards me in the habitations of the rich. I like those doughty sons of toil, and as I sit down at their festive board —it may be an inverted wash-tub—and join in the family sortie on the good things provided by a wholesome,’ cleanly housewife, I rate the modern civilised high-class social regula tions a fraudulent hampering of humanity. There certainly are little matters of table etiquette which are not oppressive, and possibly becoming, and I don’t hanker much after that free and easy life de scribed by Lever, where sitting on the saddle of mutton with feet in the soup tureen is a recurring tableau at even ex clusive dines. The other day I rode up to the hut of an honest Hibernian Sea fielder, and, without dismounting, asked a bare-footed girl in her early teens for a drink of water. She brought me a fruity looking beverage in a vessel, which in better days may have done duty as a tall hat or a fancy Balmoral, but the welcome accompanying it was so evident and so Irish, I gulped down the much-bodied liquor with less nausea than felt in younger days when struggling to acquire a taste for genteel Burgundy or Madeira. Some two years ago a friend of mine, a wayfaring tramp (a class from whom I select many intimates), experienced very different treatment in the same neighbor hood. Footsore and weary he called at a cottage, and desired a cup of water from the occupant. This was actually refused on the plea that the fluid was scarce, and that folk should provide for their own wants. This man—l prefer the mildest irony to vituperation—was then, and is now, a conspicuous member of a local Christian professing body, and this will probably meet his view. I feel thankful in my confidence that churches have few such ornaments.

In one of your last week’s issues there appeared a very manly and pronounced condemnation of that “ Maily” fragment about “ candid girls. ” I pined to know the author, to shake him by the hand, and thank him for the able expression he had given to my own sentiments, but until yesterday I sought for a clue to his identity in vain. Now I suspect a man, a fellow lodger, and an occasional contri butor to your columns. After about 26 years of perfect indifference to the accu mulation of dust, he borrowed my clothes’ brush, garnished the whole of his ward robe, and in the fullness of his heart blackened a dilapidated host of boots with the same instrument, purchased a quire of pink note, and a rhyming dictionary. In terrorem, I would suggest the advisability of journalists dealing gently with the softer sex.

Mr. Luckie might now well spell his name with a “Y.” I wonder if the “Even ing Post ” wants another editor. I gently intimate to Sir George that if he esteems me capable of fulfilling the duties and makes the appointment, his Government will speedily be accredited with all the cardinal virtues. A letter addressed to the office of this paper will find me. I see that Mr. Stout is going to have the Governor elected next year, but I ivill leave that to move ambitious men. Levees

and banquets are a good deal ip my line, but in these straightened times the stipend might be precarious.

. . . above the whistling wind I heard the welcome rain ; A fusillade upon the roof— A tattoo on the pane. I heard all this with very mingled feelings. I trust that a deep thankfulness to the All bountiful Giver was uppermost, but the weakly flesh would murmur, “ Why so late!” Patience and resignation have been preached to us by an abler ecclesi astic than those that usually expound these vernacular virtues. We have learnt the necessity of higher fortitude than that which stimulates physical heroes ; and those that come through the fire smiling, honest, and uncynical, have (to quote Bret Harte) their “ eddication squar’! ” Commercial men have at last an oppor tunity of retrieving their avocation from the odium which has surrounded it since the diplomatic Jacob outdealt the specula tive Esau. Let their hands be helping and lenient, with quiet courage, and many a depressed husbandman will rise up here after and call them blessed !

Lonehand.

YESTERDAY'S COURT.

Before A. LeGrand Campbell, Esq., R.M.

CIVIL CASES..

Cases withdrawn —Bullock and Co. v. Compton ; Lancaster v. Langford. Ad journed till next Court-day—George v. Bristo. Hessey v. Young.—Claim £llss. lor plaintiff, Mr Ireland ; for defendant, Mr Branson. This was a claim for the cost of making some wheelbarrow wheels, at the foundry of the plaintiff, in Peter street, to defendant’s order. The claim was disputed on the ground that the account had been allowed and settled by a previous action. Judgment for defen dant, with costs. Baker and Brown v. M‘Rae.—Claim £l3. Mr Ireland for plaintiff, Mr Bran son for defendant. £3 7s was paid into Court. The claim was for an alleged balance due on the price of hansom cab built by plaintiffs to defendant’s order. The claim was disputed on the ground that the vessel had been turned out in complete. Mr Brown, of the firm of Messrs Baker and Brown—examined by Mr Ireland — said their firm had built the cab and turned it out complete. Mr M‘Rae objected to pay for the lamps. The cab was several times in their place for re pairs. Had seen defendant several times driving with more than two in it, and the vehicle was only built for two. De fendant never threatened to leturn the cab. By Mr Branson : Had built several cabs. A cab was complete without the lamps. Was requested to add lamps in this case, and did not say, when the first order was given, that the lamps would be extra. The wheels, if overloaded, would rub against the lamps. Did ask Mr M‘Rae to bring down the cab to be re trimmed. No charge was made for re trimming. Jacob Elz made the wheels for the cab in question. There were no nails in the spokes, which were of iron-bark or blue gum. H. J. Weeks had a conversation with M‘Rae when he first got his hansom. Went to see it the first day it was on the street. He seemed perfectly satisfied with it. Jacob Cantor had seen four persons in the cab at one time.

J. M‘Rae, defendant, examined by Mr. Branson—ln last June I asked Baker and Brown if they could build a hansom cab. They said they could, and that they had good men. No mention was made of lamps, but witness understood they were to be included. When the cab was finished it looked very well. On the second morn ing after taking delivery took the cab back to the works, as the springs were too light for the vehicle’s weight. Had to take the hansom to the works four times before it met with its first accident. The lamps were too low, and had to be placed higher up. There is no cross spring in the axle : there should be. Brown said the cab would not weigh more than Slcwt. When weighed it was 9|cwt. The axle was too light, and another had to be got. The axle was broken one morning when wit ness was driving down the street with only one passenger ; it broke without any appa rent cause. One of the naves is about an inch longer than the other. When the order for the cab was given, was told the price of a first-class article would be from £BO to £9O. One day, in the works, Brown showed witness the lamps, saying they were expensive ones, and he might not like it. Replied that he was under the impression the lamps went with the cab, but was willing to pay for them if that was not so. Had since ascertained that lamps were usually supplied with new cabs, and not charged extra. The nails in the wheels —intended to secure a split spoke—must have been put in before the cab was painted.

John Davidson was present when the order was given. M'Rae ordered a cab of the best material, not to exceed £9O, to be made like the Christchurch cabs.

Joseph Jackson, coachbuilder, had been in the trade for 28 years. The workman ship displayed on M‘Rae’s cab was of a very low class. £9O was far more than the value of the trap when new. He (wit ness) could build a better one for £65. The springs especially were inferior. Doubtless, the sun upon the cab from day to day would help to spoil it. James Blyth testified to the weakness of the axle, etc., for a cab with a fare of three people.

Mr. Branson, in his address, contended that the sum already paid for the cab was more than its value. It was unfit for the work it was required to do.

Mr, Ireland held that the oab hs4 b.egu injured by M‘Rae’s own rough handling of it, and carelessness. Judgment was given for the amount paid into Court, and costs were allowed to defendant.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual meeting of the School Com mittee was held last night in the new wing of the school house : Present : Dr. Stewart (Chairman), Messrs. Bullock, Parkin, and Roberts. Correspondence with the Board of Education was read. The Board acknow ledged receipt of Secretary’s letter reporting result of ratepayer’s meeting and the re-election of Dr. Stewart chairman; also notified to the Committee that, no objection having been taken to the boundarief of the new district of Ashburton suggested by the Board, the householders having the right to object at their meeting if they saw fit, those were now the legal boundaries of the new district; also forwarded quarterly allowance for incidentals, &c, and called attention to the clause of the Act which necessitated an audit of the Committee’s accounts before the 4th day of January in each year. The Chairman stated that he had re ceived a letter from the Board stating that a sum had been voted for a new house for the master, and asking the committee to recommend a site. A small sub committee consisting of Mr. Bullo ;k and himself, with Mr. Ward, had decided to recommend to the Committee a site em bracing 4 sections in the unsurveyed ground between Wakanui road north, and Burnett-street north.

The Committee decided to apply for the land at once, and to adopt the sub committee’s recommendation ; and the Clerk was instructed to see the surveyor for the Government at once, and obtain a tracing of the site proposed ; failing the surveyor, to ask Mr. Fooks to make the tracing. The accounts in connection with the prizes and treat for the children at Christmas, amounting in all to about £SO were passed. It was also reported that a sum sufficient to cover the amount had been raised by subscriptions, &c. Resolved to recommend to the new Committee the enforcement of the com pulsory clauses of the Act. They were now in a position to enforce those clauses, having plenty of school accommodation, and a paid Secretary. Some talk took place on the advisability of establishing a new school in the town ship, but it was considered better to let the matter rest until the promised master’s house had been built.

Resolved to re-open the school on 3rd February. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the last ordinary meeting of the Committee.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[special to association.] London, Jan. 16. Count Gola, the Italian representative on the Turkish Frontier Commission, has been murdered at Stamboul. General Primrose has been ordered to advance from Candahar to Ghuznee. A definite treaty of peace was signed to-day between Russia and Turkey. A dividend of 6s 8d is payable by the Glasgow Bank on February 28. Hew Zealand fives are at 101. Flour is Is 6d lower.

AUSTRALIAN

[By Submarine Cable.] Melbourne, Jan. 17. Disastrous fires occurred at Rarahu and Alburi yesterday. George Martin and Co. have suspended payment. They were involved by M‘Commas and Co. of London.

From Malsbury it is reported that three armed men, supposed to be the Kellys, took possession of a house in the neighborhood. Further intelligence is expected. The English Cricketers start for Sydney to-day. The failure of Martin and Co. caused much comment. The liabilities are stated to be £150,000. Brisbane, Jan. 17.

Mr. M’lllraith’s motion of want of confidence was carried by 32 to 30. The Douglas Ministry have resigned. An agitation has been started in sup port of the locked out Bulli and Woolongong miners. The miners at Lambton, Newcastle, are considering the hub system. Mr. Morshead, the owner, threatens dismissal if they join. Sydney, Jan. 17. The boys engaged in the Hamilton col liery in the Hunter district have struck for higher wages. The French war steamer Victorieuse, with the Admiral for the Pacific station, arrived yesterday. The Bulli lock-out is still unsettled. A meeting yesternight expressed sym pathy, and promised assistance to the miners. Mr Green, one of the owners in the Orient line, has applied to the Govern ment for certain concessions to the Com pany’s steamers, in return for valuable services rendered the Colony. Sir H. Parkes requested further information. Hennessy, 345, quarters, 9s 6d ; kero sene, diamond, Is 8d ; Devoe’s, Is 9d ; Patna rice, 26s ; Adelaide flour here, £l2 to £l3 10s ; wheat, 5s 2d to 5s 3d ; Ade laide wheat, none ; oats, 3s 6d to 4s ; Raven’s tobacao, Is 6d to Is 7d ; candles, j 9d.

INTERPROVINCIAL

F,RdM THE New Zealand Press Asso ciation to the “Echo.”

Auckland, Friday. The sixth annual meeting of the Wes leyan Conference commenced its sitting this evening in the Pitt-street Church. There was a large gathering of ministers from different parts of the Colony. The session being open to the public, a large number was in attendance, the church being well filled. After calling the roll, the retiring President (the Rev. J. Crump) delivered a comprehensive address in re view of the past year. No death had occurred in the ranks of the Ministry, and there had been an accession of eight candi dates. During the year great progress had been made by the Church Extension Society, but a loan fund was much needed. The Conference then proceeded to the election of its office-bearers, with the fol lowing result Rev. W. Morley, Presi dent ; Rev. R. Bavin, Secretary ; Rev. J. Richardson, Assistant-Secretary ; Rev. W. A. Lee, Journal Secretary ; Rev. H. Bull, Corresponding Secretary. The President elect delivered a very able speech,. thank ing the Conference for the honour con ferred upon him. He pointed out the chief features of work to be done, and re ferred to the fact that twelve additional ministers were immediately required. Wellington, Friday.

The Royal Commission to enquire into the Jackson’s Bay special settlement leave here in the Stella on Jan. 28.

H.M.S. Nymphe is likely to leave for England to-morrow. The National Bank has declared an in terim dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum for the half year ending Sep tember 30.

The boy Bacon has made a written con fession of the Anchor Office robbery, and has been further remanded.

In the Special Jury case, M‘Lean v. Nicholson, an action for defamation and as sault —a verdict was given for the plaintiff for £250 on the defamation count, and for defendant on the other.

The Government have received a petition in favour of Walsh, and also a certificate from a doctor that Walsh has been and is suffering from mania. A commission of three other medical men has been ap pointed to examine and report on him. Timaru, Friday.

A marked improvement has taken place in the crops during the last fortnight or three weeks, and on higher grounds some splendid paddocks are now noticeable. It is believed that the yield, partly owing to the increased area sown, will be fully equal to last season. Invercargill, Friday,

The official declaration of the Mataura poll took place at 12 o’clock to-day, and Mr Shanks was declared duly elected.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

London, Jan. IG.

The French Ministerial statement was made to-day. It declared that Ministers, actuated by pacific motives, will take vigo rous measures to make the Republic profi table. A termination of existing com mercial treaties was necessary, and, therefore, that had been brought about without departing from the principle of free trade. Changes of an anti-Republican nature would be avoided, unless such avoidance was detrimental to the interest of the country. The statement was coldly received.

The Cuzco arrived at Aden yesterday.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Saturday. The immigrants by the Mareville, both single girls and men, are a fine, healthy lot, but the bulk of the married people are past the prime of life. Orchard-robbing has become a science. A boy named Gibbons got off scot-free, owing to the anxiety of the justices to have him flogged. He was remanded after pleading guilty, and had, of course, to be discharged. Wellington, Saturday. A woman named Hickey has been arrested for abducting two girls, sisters, under 13, for purposes of prostitution. The Education Commissioner has ap pointed the following Committees :—Uni versity Committee on secondary schools ; a Committee on professional and technical schools ; and an endowment and financial Committee. The Hinemoa, after leaving Ministers in Dunedin, goes to Pustgate Point to test the new lighthouse. Kumaru, Saturday. The following houses were destroyed by fire last night in the main street: — Reefton Hotel, Dangar and O’Brien’s Hotel, and the Beehive Store. The whole street was in danger, but a splendid working brigade confined the fire to the above buildings. Insurances :—Reefton Hotel, £IOO, in the South British ; Dangar and O’Brien’s, £4OO, in the South British ; Beehive Store, £2OO (office unknown). Invercargill, Saturday. The Rev. Mr. Byng, of Dunedin, opened the new Invercargill theatre last evening with a lecture on the “ Archives of the Universe.” The building is a handsome one, with fine interior decora tions of papier mache. It is capable of seating from 1000 to 1500 persons. A man named John Hayes was killed at Oreti bush by a dray wheel passing over his body. He was discharging firewood and the horses becoming restive, Hayes ran to their heads. His foot tripped in a hole and he fell. It was a pure accident. The Horticultural Society for the first time for years have a balance in hand after paying expenses. The show this season was wonderfully successful. The ship Waitara sails to-day from the Bluff with a full cargo for London.

SATURDAY. Jawww sB,

fHfi EVENING ECHO



Business Notices, THE PRINCE ALBERT BOARDING HOUSE AND DINING ROOMS, Wills Street, Near Railway Station, Proprietor ... ••• Thos. Clark, Is now open for the convenience of Boar ders, Commercial Travellers, and • . the Public. The house is entirely new, and beauti fully fitted up with All Comforts. Every attention will be paid to patrons. ’ FIRST-CLASS TABLE, AND terms liberal. Families accommodated with private rooms. Breakfast, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. ; Dinner, 12 (noon) to 2 p.m.; Tea, 5.30 to 7 p.m. 'M E A L S Breakfast or Tea, Is. ; Dinner, Is. 6d. SERVANTS REGISTRY OFFICE. No Charge. FRANK BROWNE, ,.’''”\."•' ; Manager. , .. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO YOU ALL ! GHRISTMAS PRESENTS and NEW YEAR’S GIFTS in end less variety, at WESTON’S. EAST STREET NOVELTY DEPOT. Those in want of New Novelties in Christmas Cards, GO TO A. WESTON’S. Gift Books, at all Prices, GO TO A. WESTON’S. Albums, a Choice Lot, AT A. WESTON’S. Children’s Books and Fancy Stationery, GO TO A. WESTON’S. Silver and Plated Jewellery, GO TO A. WESTON’S. Beads, Fans, and all kinds of Ball R/6Q uisrfccs« GO TO A. WESTON’S Piesse and Lubin’s, Gosnel’s and Rimmel’s Choice Perfumery, GO TO A. WESTON’S. All kinds of Fancy Goods, Books, Sta tionery, &c., go to A. W. WESTON, HAIRDRESSER, TOBACCONIST, AND BOOKSELLER, East Street, Ashburton. PHOTOGRAPHY. MILLION PRICES. jy£R. E. TEAGUE begs to announce that he intends reducing the price of Photographs for the Holidays to— Cards ... ... 9s. per dozen. Cabinets... ... 255. ~ Notice.—This Gallery will Permanently Close on 14th’instant.



TREYORTON BUTCHERY. JmASKER begs to inform the , X public of Ashburton _ and district that he has commenced business as a BUTCHER, in his HIS NEW PREMISES, TREYORTON, And hopes by strict attention to business, combined with cleanliness and civility, to merit a share of patronage. N.B.—None but the best quality of meat supplied. ; Families waited upon daily for orders. 202 ...NOTICE. WEEKLY CUSTOMERS ARE requested to pay up all ARREARS, for the Evening Echo to the 4th Jan, 1879, to the Collector. In consequence of the large circulation it is found impracticable to send the collector. Weekly subscribers are there fore requested to pay the runners every Saturday after the above date. New quarterly subscribers should send in their names at once, commencing with the New Year. WEEKS & DIXON, Proprietors. Dec. 31, 1878. J. CAMPBELL, BOOT AND SHOE MAKER, MOORE STREET, J>E.GS to announce that he has com menced business, and is prepared to make every description of Boots and Shoes of the best material at moderate prices. To arrive—Boots and Shoes of every description at very low pi ices. Remember the address. 210 HAMS. HAMS. SPLENDID CHRISTMAS HAMS At * ORR & CO.’S



ADVERTISEMENTS for the Evening A Er.i'io must be sent in not later that] 3 P* in> with the number of insertions written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted till countermanded, and charged accqrdingly. Subscriptions—Quarterly in advance, 6s. ; posted, Bs. 6d. ; per annum, in advance, 225. 6d. ; posted, 355. d. ; weekly, paid to collector, 6d. Delivered to any part of the town, and at any of the Railway Stations Special notices can be received up to 3-3° p.m. for insertion over the Leader, but will be charged double scale. Special Notices. PRELIMINARY NOTICK Alfred harrison begs to announce that on or about the Ist Feb., 1879, he will open a NEW AUCTION MART In Baring Square. A. H. will make a specialty of Sales of Furniture and Effects, Sales of Stock and Merchandise. ALFRED HARRISON, AUCTIONEER, COMMISSION AGENT, &c., HAVELOCK STREET, ASHBURTON, Near the Town Hall. 213 ~~~ THE ~ J^CHO NEWSPAPER AND GENERAL PRINTING OFFICE, Has Removed to new buildings, East street North, near Post Office, and next Quill’s Hotel. THE LARGEST STOCK OF MACHINE CASTOR OIL IN ASHBURTON !! COME to SANDO & OLSEN’S if you want to buy really good machine castor oil, and oil-feeders. 246 WE have much , pleasure in intimating to our friends and the public generally that we have this day taken into Partnership Mr. Thomas Hooper, who has for some time past been connected with our Firm. The Business will in future be carried on under the name and style of “ HOOPER, AITKEN, & C 0.,” who will cany out all arrangements made by the late firm. Dated at Ashburton, this 9th day of January, 1879. A. 0. AITKEN & CO. MILLINERY AND DRESSMADING. MRS. WILLIAM ADAMS, assisted by a first-class Milliner and Dress maker, is prepared to make up Ladies’ and Children’s Dresses in the Newest Styles and lowest possible charges. Mrs. Adams devotes special attention to Millinery. jSST-COX STREET, ASHBURTON. (Mr. Powrie's late Residence,) 272