YAKOOB KHAN.

The proclamation of Yakoob Khan, a.-. Ameer of Afghanistan, by the Ghilznes, is an event of great importance. But in order to understand it we must look at .ho constitution of society in that country. It is peopled by tribes, each 01 which is a complete commonwealth within itself, the Khan being its chieftain, while its subdivisions are governed by a subor dinate chief called “ sping hirai,” or white beard, the whole of the tribes acknowledging allegiance, paying tribute, c v nd furnishing an armed contingent to the Ameer. All the tribes profess to be descended from the father of King Saul, and the most numerous are the Durani or Western Afghans, a pastoral and nomadic people who look upon the holy city of Oandahar as the centre of all the earth. A'ext to these in reputation rank the Ghilzaes, who are divided into eight tribes, and are very impatient of authority exercised outside of their own body. When Dost Mahomed, the former ruler of Afghanistan, died, in 1863, lie left behind him sixteen sons. The third of these and his favorite, Shere Ali, he appointed as liis successor. His two elder brothers contested the succession with him; and in the civil war which ensued the other thirteen ranged them selves on what they believed would prove obe the winning side. Mainly by the aid of his second son, Yakoob Khan, Governor of Herat, who exhibited great ourage and ability in this emergency, Shere Ali was enabled, after five years of internecine strife, to plant himself firmly on the throne of Afghanistan. Ko sooner did he feel himself secure than he made provision for the succession, pass ing over his eldest son, ungratefully disregarding the inestimable services rendered to him by the second, and adopting as his heir Abdoola, the favorite son of his favorite wife. This son died, we may remind our readers, greatly to the grief of his father, in August last, bearing the just resentment of Yakoob Khan, Shere Ali endeavoured to deprive him of his office as Governor of Herat; but the young man rebelled. Owing to the intervention of Lord Mayo, something ' Ike a reconciliation took place between father and son, and the latter was rein stated at Herat in 1871. ;he crafty old Ameer invited Yakoob Khan to Cabul for the purpose of discussing family matters with him ; and, having got Kim there, threw him into prison. After some months spent in con finement, Yakoob Khan procured his liberation by consenting to acknowledge Abdoola as the rightful heir to the throne ancl he received the governorship of Balkh, as the reward of his acquiescence. When Abdoola died it is said that the reconciliation of the Ameer and his second son was completely accomplished, and there are reasons for apprehending that Yakoob’s nomination to the sovereignty of Afghanistan is the effect of Russian intrigue. The new Ameer has always been described as a bitter enemy of the English, and as the pro vince he governs is conterminous with the Russian territory and, as the embassy under General Abramoff must have been admitted by Yakoob Khan through Balkh it looks as though the Russians were putting up this potentate as the most Capable and warlike ruler of Afghanistan and the be3t instrument they can use against a power which they are going to fight under a mask and domino, just as they fought Turkey during the Servian war. -

Two years ago, Colonel Yalentine Baker urged upon the Indian Government the occupation of Quettah, the settlement of the Afghan succession, the garrisoning of the passes leading to India with British troops, the employment of British officers with an Afghan or Turkoman frontier force, and the settle ment of residents at Cabul, Herat, and Candahar, as indispensable to the safety of our Indian Empire. It would now appear as if the whole of these precau tions will be forced upon us by the logic of events.

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT.

•: The “New York Herald” of a recent - date says “ Mr. Edison has successfully divided the electric light, and made it, for illuminating purposes, as far superior to gas as gas is to the tallow candle of the past. His marvellous invention gives a light, soft, yet brilliant light, pleasing to the eye, clear, steady, and without blemish, and at a cost less than one ■’ third required for gas. Those who have . S eon the invention pronounce it wonder -1 ful. Already a company has been formed, . composed of a number of wealthy capital ists, and Mr Edison’s lawyers are engaged in completing final arrangements for the > legal transfer. Before long, therefore, the work of introduction will begin. ” A » “ Herald” reporter has learned the sys > tern proposed to he adopted after the , patents are all granted. First, the Pro fessor will light up all the houses in ■ Menlo Park gratis, and from his labora fj? tory watch the light’s progress from night to night. When all is in readiness for # general introduction, central stations wdll s probably be established throughout New i, York city, each station controlling a - territory of perhaps a radius of half a mile. In the central stations will be the * magnetic-electric generating machines run i by Wires will then be run in l iron pipes underground after the manner of gas pipes, connecting with dwellings, stores, theatres, and other places to be : " f lighted. The gas fixtures at present used, instead of being removed, will be utilised , to inclose the wire. In the place of the burner will be the invention, and meters will be used to register the quantity of electricity consumed. Their form is not

•’<?.{, AletenninGti upon. The amount of ■'if/1 it can be regulated in the same way as ■an that from gas. To turn off the light the spring is again touched, and instantly ,]] is darkness. Ko matches being used, and there being no flame, all the dangers incident to the nse of gas are obviated. The lbdit gives out no heat. It is simply a pure white light, made dim or brilliant at the fancy of the person using it. I lie announcement of -this discovery has caused an immediate fall in gas stock of from 1J to 25 per cent, all over the United States. Keither is there any abatement in Eng land in the interest excited by new inven tions for utilising the electric light) and experiments are to be tried on the Inames Embankment, Waterloo Bridge, and Bil lingsgate Market. At Sheffield four lights, equal to 8000 standard candles, illumin ated an area occupied by 30,000 persons witnessing a football match. Mr. Edison, now resident in London, announces that his new invention will be exhibited directly the patent is secured.

A ? . SATURDAY.

TUB SVBWW® SCHO



New Advertisements^ TTTESLEYAN CHURCH, Cameron VY Street.—The Rev. W. Tn f T Tinsley, of Christchurch, will preach in this Church To-morrow —Morning and Even ing 253 WANTED, at once, a SMART Errand BOY. Apply ECHO OFFICE. Miscellanuous. Ashburton road board finan cial STATEMENT, January, 1879. Receipts : £27928 16 7 447 3 5 639 113 8 Unexpended bal ance 18834 1 11 6869 19 8 £27928 16 7 245 Business Notices. THE TOWN HALL. GREAT BARGAINS! GENUINE & USEFUL GOODS IN JEWELLERY & WATCHES ! ||/fR. GROSSMAN will sell at the LVJL Town Hall—English Patent Lever Vatches in Gold and Silver Cases ; Gold nd Silver' Earrings, Brooches, Chains, nd Lockets at JNUSUAL REASONABLE PRICES !! ituds, Spectacles, Field and Opera Glasses, ,nd many other articles too numerous to larticularise— For a Few Days Only. An early inspection solicited. All articles warranted. 238



Bread. Bread. Public that from the Ist January, 1879, their BREAD -will be Sold for sd. Cash, , from the Counter, and sid. monthly accounts. 187



THE SOUTHERN PROVINCES ALMANAC, DIRECTORY, YEAR BOOK, & DIARY FOR 1879. Sold by WEEKS & DIXON. SONS OF TEMPERANCE BENEFIT SOCIETY. rlllS 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 Town Belt; K. Sando, East Street; Thos. Williams, Tinwald. Next meet ing on the i7th insl. A. J. ANDREWS, R.S.



Ironmongery, ' ORR & CO. Would call Special attention to THEIR STOCK OF IRONMONGERY. A Fine assortment of Carpen ters’ Tools now landed. I RONMONGERY, Parties Furnishing should in spect our Stock of Plated Goods — TEA POTS, CRUET STANDS, BUTTER DISHES. TEA AND COFFEE SETS, TABLE CUTLERY, &c., &c., &c. IRONMONGERY. STOVES, RANGES, GRATES, FENDERS, and FIREIRONS. These Goods are imported di rect by ourselves, and will be sold at prices below anything hitherto offered in Ashbur ton. IRONMONGERY. Harvesting Tools — Hay Forks, Rakes, Scythes, &c. McCORMACK’S Reapers and Binders. N o farm should be without one. Can cut and tie even if the Straw is only 9 inches long. No necessity for wire. BUY A McCORMACK, AND SAYE YOUR STRAW. 200 DOZEN HORNSBY’S PLOUGH SHARES, Landing ex “ Hurunui.” Orr & Co., EAST STREET, ASHBURTON.



gugjjvggjji Notiesg. : THE PRINCE ALBERT BOARDING HOUSE AND DINING ROOMS, Wilis Street, Near Railway Station, Proprietor ... ... Tnos. 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. MEALS— Breakfast or Tea, Is.; Dinner, Is. 6d. SERVANTS REGISTRY OFFICE. No Charge. FRANK BROWNE, Manager. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO YOU ALL! CHRISTMAS 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, GCKfo A. WESTON’S. Beads, Faipj, and all kinds of Ball Requisites, 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. jyj-p. E. TEAGUE begs to announce that he intends reducing the price of Photographs for the Holidays to— Cards Cabinets... 9s. per dozen. 255. „ Notice. —This Gallery will Permanently Close on 14th r instant. TREVORTON BUTCHERY. H mASKER begs to inform the J. X public of Ashburton and listrict that he has commenced business is a butcher, in his HIS NEW PREMISES, TREVORTON, 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 ot meat supplied. Families waited upon daily for orders. NOTICE. ' WEEKLY CUSTOMERS ARE requested to pay up all A ARREARS, for the Evening Echo o the 4th Jan, 1879, to the Collector, n consequence of the large circulation t is found impracticable to send the :ollector. Weekly subscribers are tliere ore requested to pay the runners every Saturday after the above date. New quarterly subscribers should send n their names at once, commencing with he New Yeai. WEEKS & DI xON, Proprietors. Dec. 31, 1878. J. CAMPBELL, BOOT AND SHOE MAKER, MOORE STREET, EGS to announce that he has com enced 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 piices. Remember the address. 210 HAMS. HAMS. SPLENDID CHRISTMAS HAMS At - - ORR & CO.’S



|rmi iarora. W. BIRTWELL, WHOLESALE & RETAIL FRUITERER, AND DIRECT IMPORTER FROM THE AUSTRALIAN AND TASMANIAN ORCHARDS. 104 LOOK OUT FOR NEW FRUIT ! J. OOA It AND CO., WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GREENGROCERS & FRUITERERS, REMOVED to EAST STREET, Shop lately occupied by Mr. Cambridge. 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. MO OREST EE T, - Ashburton. 47 Easiness Notices. 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, perW. H. COLLINS, Manager. Ashburton, Nov.. 23,1878. 67



COALS. COALS. COALS. - LL kinds of COALS & FIREWOOD delivered at the shortest notice in any Quantities and at reasonable rates. GEORGE PARKER & CO. , a Springfield Coal Depot, P 33 • Ashburton. “HONESTY.IS THE BEST POLICY,” (As the man said when he returned the Stolen Sheep), vr - • AND, as we wish to PAY our BILLS, must respectfully urge, that all Accounts due to the undersigned, be paid by the 6th of the month. - Short Reckonings and Long Friends. TAYLOR & LILL, Bakers and Confectioners. , East Street, Ashburton, 88 NOTICE. . 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 paid within one month from date, or they may be liable to proceedings without further notice. . THOMAS HICKS, Baker, 80 Ashburton. BREAD. BREAD. *.. BREAD 6d. per 41b. Loaf. ' . THOMAS HICKS, Baker and Con fectioner, Tancred Street, is .now supplying First-class Bread,’ at 6d. per 41b Loaf, delivered to all parts of the District; or at the Shop. j£©*\Please note— ’ THOMAS HICKS,] , j THE PIONEER BAKERY, Tancred Street, Ashburton Winslow. GEORGE LAD.BROOK, GENERAL STOREKEEPER AND PRODUCE DEALER, - EGS to announce that he has JUST] jl, OPENED a General ’Store' at Wins nw, near the Railway Station, aiid hopes to.merit a.share of public support. I; r r .. A cart will wait upon families for orders regularly. Goods supplied at Lowest Current rates. ■ : Note the address— GE 0R G E LA DB R OdK, GENERAL STOREKEEPER, ' . .winslow: 1 * December 3,1878. 98



Wants, &o. TTTANTED, a respectable intelligent : • VVi BOY as an apprentice to Printing. ‘ECHO OFFICE/ WANTED, to Rent, for a term of • 12 months, from January Ist, 1879, a Tliree-roomed COTTAGE, withi: a con veniont distance of town. Apply early, “ Cottage,” ECHO Office. ' 15® WANTED, an Active Young MAN, for a General Store. None but a steady man need apply. Apply ~ 207 SANDO & OLSEN. TO LET. ONE SHOP and Several Convenient OFFICES in our new buildings. 64 SAUNDERS BROTHERS. T OST, a Dark Bay COB ; main cropped I J (badly cut) ; white face.; three weeks missing. One pound reward to anyone returning the same to c. ■.v T. CLARK, , 252’ ' Trevoffcon.. Kntertainments. ESLEYAN (JhURCH ANNIVERSARY. TEA-MEETING POSTPONED • ■ ’ •' " TILL . ■: , , .■> THURSDAY, January 16t*. Particulars in future advertisement,, 199 Miscellaneous. ASHBURTON TEMPLAR HALL COM PANY (LIMITED.) •• NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS. TAKE NOTICE, that the SCRIP in : the above Company will be issued on‘the Ist day of February,, at tire Com pany’s office, East Street, to all Share holders who have paid their shores’ in fUIL . K. SANDO. 247 : Secretary. ASHBURTON TEMPLAR HALL COMPANY (LIMITED). N O T I C E. - HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that unless all CALLS are paid up in full, before ie Ist day of February, 1879, the shares, ith unpaid calls upon them, will be for- By order, r . K. SANDO, Secretary. ASHBURTON TEMPLAR HALL : COMPANY (LIMITED). NOT I 0 E . nnHE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS' 1 MEETING will be Held in the [templar Hall on WEDNESDAY, the sth >f February, at 7 '3O p.in. By order, >49 K. SANDO, Secretary. NOTICE. IN consequence of the large amount of 4 SICKNESS now prevailing,' and to meet the requirements of Patients, I have recently erected and opened a DISPENSARY, : in Burnett Street (next Friedlander Bros. Grain Store). Medicines, Ac., may always be obtained there after the usual business hours, and during the night when urgently required. M CAMBRIDGE, 25i Medical Hall. PUBLIC NOTICE rHE Westerfield Mill lioacl, by Mr. Sargent's will be Stopped for Traffic mtil further notice. R. D. PULLAR, Clerk to Upper Ashburton Road Board. D3cember 9th, 1878. ; 135 Business Notices. T. S. TUCKER, v;;;- pAINTER, OLAEIER, pAL’ER. ■ hanger^ GENERAL HOUSE DECORATOR, SIGN AND TICKET WRITER, Moore Street, near Templar. HalL., 244 Estimates given. Ir'j;,- S . TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION. JUST RECEIVED, and on Sale A - Dexny Deed Paper, ruled, Deed Parchment. _ . [ ! Writing Inks. . Pens, Rulers, &c. Cartridge Envelopes,, ;WEE K S : & DI XO Nji | HyENING ECHO” OFFICE, : East St. , AssßtfjMW.