SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF LYTTELTON,

ARRIVALS. Feb. 6.—Spray, schooner, from P.icton, with a cargo of timber, consigned to f \ Laurie. Feb. 6.—Prince Alfred, barquentine, from Pelorus Sound, with a cargo of timber, con signed to J. Goss.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mads at the Ashburton Post Office close i> follows :

For Christchurch and North at 10 a. m. I 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 Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 10.15 p.m. and 3 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, a 3.15 p,m. daily.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

CHRISTCHURCH NOTICES.

February 8.

For Otago, per Hawea, at 1.50 p.m. ; late letters, 2.10 p.m. For Northern Ports, per Southern Cross, at 3.15 p.m. ; late letters, 3.35 p.m. For Northern Ports, per s.s. Taupo, at 6.30 p.m. . For Kaikoura and Wellington, per s.s. Tui, at 4.45 p.m.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

The Evening Echo. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1879.

To-Day’s Court— The Mayor and Mr. Campbell were the presiding justices to-day, and the following cases were heard by them: —James Miller, drunk while in charge of a horse was fined £1 or 48 hours imprisonment. He was also charged with cruelty do the animal. Witnesses proved that accused had been very drunk, had chopped about the horse’s mouth with the bit, broken a bottle over the beast’s head, and dismounting had cruelly kicked its forelegs with his heavy iron shod boots. Their Worships fined him £2 for this offence, with an alternative of 96 hours in the lock-up. Mr. Ireland claimed his ex penses as a witness and handed the guinea over to the Old Men’s Home. Two drunks were fined £1 and 10s. respectively,- and another was dismissed with a caution. John Irvine on a rather serious charge of larceny was renianded for eight days, on a bail of two sureties of £25 each, himself in £SO. A stray horse cost his owner ss. Some amusement was caused in Court by a little chap about 10 trotting up to the Clerk, entering appearance for his father to whom the horse belonged, and tabling the fine. James Todd was charged with assaulting Wm. M'Lement, farmer, about a fortnight ago. It was evident some liquor had been about when the alleged assault was committed, and the case gave Mr. Ireland an opportunity of testifying from his own experience as to how long a black eye took to get well, he himself having “had one or two.” The case was dismissed with costs. Mr Bran son for complainant, Mr. Ireland for the defence. A man named Gibson charged his wife and others with assault. These cases were adjourned for a fortnight. Two or three unimportant civil.cases were also disposed of. / ' The Wheatsheaf Hotel. —This hotel, situated between Tiny aid and Waterton, is just about completed. It is a fine two storey building, finished and fitted up in a superior manner by' Mr G. H. Willcocks. There is a large hall in the centre of the building leading to the commercial-room (24 x 20), dining-room (24 x 20), ditto (29 x 15), smoking-room, and staircase. Up stairs there-are ten good bed-rooms and suite of rooms, all very nicely furnished, The bar is situated at the north-east comer, conveniently fitted up and sup plied with a new stock of liquors. In front of the bar door is an elegant and

artistic sign-board, hanging between two substantial posts, and on either side is a very good painting of an agricultural scene, with a large wheatsheaf in the centre. This fine picture is a masterpiece, and we learn that Mr Teague, of Ashbur ton, is the artist. At the rear of the building is a five-stall stable, and two loose-boxes are about to be erected. Alto gether, the premises are all that could be desired, and will compare favorably with any house of the kind in the county. The proprietor announces in another column that this hotel is now open to the public. Great Fire in Christchurch. —Last evening, about six o’clock, a fire occurred in the city, resulting in the total destruc tion of the large building in Liclifield street owned by Mr William Saunders, of the firm of Saunders Brothers, Christ church and Ashburton. The building was one of two storeys, with spacious cellarage, and its extreme dimensions were 100 feet by 60 feet. The upper storey was wholly occupied by Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewen, whose chief establishment is in Dunedin. Their stock was composed exclusively of drapery samples, the estimated value of which has not yet been ascertained. The front of the building was pierced by three en trances —the left entrance leading to the upper storey, the central and right hand doors giving ingress to the ground floor and cellarage. Mr Saunders stock was a heavy one, and consisted of large bulks of tea, sugar, rice, and other descriptions of goods usually stored in the wholesale premises of a general meachant. He occupied about two-thirds of the lower storey, while Mr H. B. Sorensen, who also dealt in general merchandise, retained the remaining third. In the cel larage was stored a large quantity of but ter, belonging to Messrs. King and Co., ancl upon this stock was a policy of insurance for £I,OOO. Mr. Saunders’ loss in the building and stock he estimated at £16,000. Against this there are insur ances in various offices to the amount of £II,OOO. Mr. Sorenson’s loss is given at £5,000, with an insurance of £3,000 ; and the insurance on Sargood, Son, and Ewens’ stock is £2,000. The fire w r as mastered in about two hours, and the Christchurch papers speak in very laudatory terms of the fire brigade’s efforts. Before the brigade had left the smouldering remains of the Lichfield-street fire they were summoned to another in Cashel-street,. on the premises of Twentyman and Cbusins. The building was' an iron one, occupying a somewhat isolated position, and the fire men were able to subdue the fire in a little over half-an-hour. The amount of damage by this fire has not transpired, but it is partially insured. No cause for the fire is assigned in the case of Mr. Saun ders’ building, but the fire on Messrs. Twentyman and Cousins’ premises is attri buted to incendiarism.

Horrible Accident.— A shocking acci dent happened recently in Australia to a fine chubby little fellow, two years old, named John Delahunty, whose parents reside on a farm, at Clarke’s Hill, Dean. “ After lunch-time,” relates “ The Cres wiclc.Advertiser,” “the child,- with two others, left the house to go to the creek, but wandered from the others, and went into the paddock, where reaping was going on, the father of the little fellow driving the machine, and his uncle putting off He walked into the standing crop unseen by anyone at work, and the first that was known of his presence was the sight of him on the machine with the sheaf. He was at once picked up, when the horrible discovery was made that both feet were cut off just above the ankle. One was completely severed, whilst the other was merely hanging by the tendons. He was at once conveyed to the hospital more dead than alive, but by means of stimu lants he revived. He is still in a pre carious condition.”

An Indelible Ink. —According to the “ Pharmacist,” an ink that cannot be erased even with acids is obtained by the following recept: To good gall ink add a strong solution of fine, soluble Prussian blue in distilled water. The addition makes the ink, which was previously proof against alkalies, equally, proof against acids, and forms a writing fluid which cannot be erased without destruction of the paper. The ink writes greenish blue and turns’black.

An Awful Change. —A full-bearded grandfather recently had his beard shaved off', showing a clean face for the first time in a number of years. At the dinnerrtablo his tliree-year-old granddaughter noticed it, gazed long with wondering eye, and finally ejaculated—“ Grandfather, whose head have you got on?” The centenary of Lord Brougham’s birth is to be celebrated next April at ■Cannes, that town regarding him as the founder of its prosperity. Precocious. — “How old are you?” a stranger asked a little fellow who was selling newspapers at the corner of a Paris boulevard, carefully reckoning up . his gains, and giving change with a" practised hand. “ Six,” was the laconic reply. “And how long have you been carrying on this business ? ” With a roguish look, and bending down to fold his newspapers on the pavement, as if to show how easy it was for him to attend to two things at once, he answered —“How long? Oh, ever since I was a child! ”

Strangers coming to reside in Ashburton ire often at a lose to know which is the best Establishment to visit for the purchase of Drapery, Clothing, and House-furnishing Iron mongery, and General Stores. Ojir & 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 ai'e enabled to ofler goods of sw-h 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 is made so that the most inexperienced buy their goods at the same piices as the best judges.—Advt J

TRIP TO LONGBEACH.

TRACTION ENGINE TRIAL. Yesterday morning was the time ap pointed for the trial of the new traction engine j ust imported by J ohn Grigg, Esq., of Longbeach, and in response to a kind invitation a number of gentlemen made their way to the Longbeach estate to witness the debut of the road stermer. The distance to Longbeach estate is about twelve miles along a very fair road, either by South Road or by way of Water ton, and the early part of the morn ing being fresh with the sun shining out, made the trip very agreeable. Harvest ing is actively going on in all directions, but there still is a great deal to cut, which will be extremely difficult if such a breeze as we had yesterday morning should recur frequently before the work is finished. In many places .where the wheat is ripe it was considerably “ shaken,” and of course this “ natural ” thrashing is not pleasant. So far, the rain has not had much effect upon the harvesting, but should it con tinue wet, damage must of course ensue. The reaper and binder is now a pretty generally used machine, in fact the reap ing hook is so thoroughly superseded as to be only a memento of the past. Arrived at the Longbeach Estate about 11 o’clock, the visitor was kindly received by Mr. Grigg. Mr. Noakes—representa tive of Messrs. John Fowler and Co., Leeds, England, the manufacturers of the traction engine—who was present to super intend the trial proceedings, kindly explained all the parts and capabilities of this monster road locomotive. The engine is of eight-horse power, and can be driven at two travelling speeds, but it is also available as an ordinary stationary engine for driving threshing machines, ploughing, or any other kind of work. Its consump tion of coal is lewt. per hour, and its bun ker is calculated to carry an eight-hours’ supply. Its weak point is the supply of water it can carry, only taking sufficient for four miles, so that the frequent creeks along the route from Winslow to Long beach will be found exceedingly useful.

The party having assembled, steam was got up, and the engine Started. Every thing seemed to be in thorough working order, and the steamer proceeded along the road for about half-a-mile. Here a successful essay was made at turning the train, which comprised the road steamer, a truck-load of timber, and a threshing machine. The turning was a complete reversion of the train’s direction, and was accomplished upon a radius of 30 feet, with greater ease and more expedition than if the traction power had been horses. The whole concern is driven and worked by one man, and the one in charge yesterday seemed to have thoroughly mas tered the details of working. The trial speed was from 4 to 4§ miles per hour, drawing (as above stated) a truck-load of timber and a threshing-machine, in all about 15 tons, besides the engine, which is 10 tons; and although a slight incline had to be travelled, the engine worked splendidly, and hauled the load with apparent ease. The. trial w r as confined to the farm on this occasion, but the traction engine will no doubt soon be at work regularly hauling to the Winslow Station. Everything worked well, and the trial was most satisfactory in every -way. It may bo added that the steam pressure was, to start with. .90 lbs., ultimately reduced to 70 lbs, before the trial was finished.

Mr Grigg then kindly showed the visi tors round the. estate, an account of which we purpose giving in our next issue, as also some interesting items regarding the stock, etc. Luncheon w r as then served at the cottage, and ample justice was done to the substantial repast, which was in keeping with Mr Grigg’s usual liberality. After lunch another trial of the engine was made, with satisfactory results, the engine being driven up an incline of 1 in 11. For climbing a gradient the 18 inch tires of the hind wheels, fitted with diagonal plates, have a great grasping power, and either climb or descend a slope with ease and precision. After the trial was over, the party dispersed and made for their respective homes, much gratified with the opportunity of witnessing so important an event —another step in the march of progress. It is only by the aid given to the agriculturist by the improved machinery of the present day that the vast tract of country around us can be brought under profitable and effectual cultiyation, and if Mr Grigg’s road steamer and Mr Passmore’s steam cultivator may be taken as evidences of what our proprietors • mean in regard to their land, the time is not far distant -when every inch of arable Canterbury will be under

“ Cere’s golden reign.”

The road to Longbeach via Waterton presents nothing of interest that we have not already noticed in these columns. In the township of Wheatstone the new hotel is now completed and in full swing, while at Waterton there is a fine building going up, also for a hotel, but beyond these there is not much improvement or change. Travelling further south along the coast line from Longbeach, the large area of land under wheat is noticeable. The grain is now being reaped, and show's a crop considerably above the average. The Hinds river finds its way to the sea by two outlets some three miles south of Longbeach, and one of its branches is the boundary between the Longbeach and Lowcliff estates. About five miles from Mr Grigg’s homestead, the home stead of Lowcliff is reached by the road running along the crown of the terrace by the sea, here and there, however, inter sected by gullies. The drive along this road is rather more attractive than is generally the case on the plains, being somewhat picturesque from the numerous gullies that have been cut by the sea giv

ing an undulating appearance to the ground nowhere met with inland. The Lowclilf estate, together with the neighboring pro perty of Isle worth, are worked conjointly under the supervision of Mr E. H. Dob son, and both consist of partly poor tus sock and deep peat land, upon the latter of which enormous expense hasp been entailed for drainage, and.it will still be some years before any substantial return will be derived from it, some portions having still upwards of 14 feet of peat upon the clay. The peat, however, is gradually subsiding and consolidating by regular and systematic drainage, and in time will form as rich land as any in the world. There is a large acreage of oats on the tussock land, but they have suf fered sadly from the drought, and look thin and scraggy ; but about GOO acres of turnips on the same land have a very pro mising appearance. Following up the road parallel to the Hinds, a block of buildings belonging to the Coldstream estate is reached, the property of Mr Studholme. A large crop of very heavy wheat is visible on the bank of the Hinds belonging to this estate, and eleven miles from Lowcliff the traveller arrives at the Hinds railway station, near which a new hotel is approaching completion, the pro perty of the Messrs Friedlender Brothers. This, and a blacksmith’s shop in full swing in the near vicinity, give indications that the place is leaving the state of wilderness in which it lay twelve months ago, and is gradually taking the shape of a township. Thence, taking the Main South Road to reach Ashburton, ten miles have to be covered, and in doing so the estates of Windermere, Chatmoss, and the villages of Winslow and Tinwald have to he passed. The crops along this ten mile stretch do not prepossess the passer by, and did lie not know that the poorest fields were those bordering tho highway, he would go away with an croneous im pression resrardiug this particular district.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

SPECIAL TO ASSOCIATION.]

London, Feb. 4,

The new French Ministry is—Lepere, Agricultural and Commerce ; Leon-Say, Finance; Waddington, President and Foreign Affairs ; Marcere, Interior and Public Worship; Admiral Jourkuiberg, Colonies and Marine ; Frecinet, Interior ; Greehy, War ; Fery, Education, Feb. 5. The Sirdars are leaving Cabul, and fighting for the succession. Turkey has ceded Khotona to Persia.

Astrakhan, where the plague is raging, is completely isolated, and surrounded by a military cordon. The head-quarters of the Union Bank of Cornwall are at Holston, and Fal mouth.

AUSTRALIAN

[By Submarine Cable.]

Melbourne, Feb. G.

Sir B. o‘Loughlin, Acting Premier, stated in a speech yesterday that he hoped the Prince of Wales would open the Mel bourne Exhibition. The work of clearing the site has commenced. Hr. Crooke’s illness is the result of intemperance, and is not suicidal. He took an overdose of chloral and morphia, and is now out of danger. Sydney, Feb. G.

A blackfellow, recently outlawed for murder, v 7 as shot down by the Glen Innis police. The Hon; Mr. de Salis has given notice of motion in the Council in favor of boun ties of £5,000 to encourage the exportation of wheat and meat. Brisbane, Feb. G. George Stephens perished of thirst in the scrub at Warago. His mate was saved by a passing traveller, after suffering ter ribly. He even tried to alleviate his thirst by sucking packets of Epsom salts. Adelaide, Feb. 6.

Wheat is dull, and falling. The settlers are unable to sell. Country flour sold at £lO Gs. per ton.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

From the Hew Zealand Press Asso ciation to the “Echo.”

Auckland, Thursday,

An inquest was held upon the body of Fred. Coombes, found drowned in a well yesterday morning. Lengthy evidence was taken, and an open verdict of “Found drowned” ivas returned. Some incline to the opinion that the falling in v r as quite accidental, while others think the case one of suicide, but for this no reasons can be assigned as he was receiving good salary, possessed some property, had his life in sured, lived on the most happy terms with his wife and family, and was withal a man of a cheery disposition, and an Odd fellow and Freemason. He has been over twenty years in the same firm, New Plymouth, Thursday. An Episcopalian Church is to be built at Waitara.

Over 1000 bags of grass seed was shipped per Wellington to-day. . Nelson, Thursday.

Considerable excitement has prevailed at the election to-day, The result of the poll was—Adams, 3G9 ; Pitt, 252. Westport, Thursday.

Major Roberts and Mr. G. S. Cooper, Commissioners, have concluded the in quiry into the charges against Warden Broad preferred by a Sergeant of Police. The charges completely broke down. Much sympathy is felt for Broad. Timaru, Thursday.

The body of John King, a shearer, was found in the llangitata river yesterday.

He bad been missing since the Ist Feb., and was the worse of drink when last seen. The second direct ship for London from Timaru this season will be the Lowes water, now at Port Chalmers. Dunedin, Thursday.

At a trial of reapers and hinders at Palmerston, McCormick’s was 1, Wood’s 2, Osborne’s 3.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Friday.

At tho Waste Lands Board, the Chair man stated that it would be about three months before the Te Aroha lands would be open for settlement. Arrived : Margaret Galbraith, from London. On November 25 she spoke the ship Western Monarch, London for Otago, with immigrants; on Dec. 2S, Northern Monarch, London for Canterbury, with immigrants. Invercargill, Friday. All expenses paid after the demonstra tion at the railway opening, a considerable surplus is left in hand. The Tararua was so crowded to-day that some passengers were unprovided with berths. She leaves at one. Mr Conyers is so far improved as to be able to sit up. Dunedin, Friday. In consequence of the absence of lead ing men of the sporting ring at the Wel lington races, betting has been very slack during the week. Templeton, Sinking Fund, and Chancellor are backed for small amounts. The announcement of Maritana’s success, yesterday in winning the Wellington Cup, caused her to rise rapidly in public favor. She is now backed at 100 to 10. Chancellor continues first favorite for the Dunedin Cup. . The Dunedin horses are out regularly for practice, but excitement will not com mence till the horses engaged in tho Wellington meeting arrive.

There was a clean sheet at the Police Court this morning. The “Times” publishes an amusing account of a scene between Mr Yarley and the “ Times” reporter. The reporter was told that he had steeled his heart against the Lord, and that his end would he deplorable. The latest telegrams concerning Mr Conyers state that he is out of danger, and progressing favorably.

; WELLINGTON RACES. Wellington, Friday. The attenance is smaller than yesterday, the Stand being very bare. The weather is fine, and the course is much better than on the first day, owing to the rain in the night. Derby : Merlin, 1; Dundee, 2. Hurdle Handicap : 1, Grey Momus ; 2, Argus ; 3, Eversley. Agent foil.

HORSE AND LOCOMOTIVE RACING.

The following incident, noticed in Pro fessor Blackie’s work on railroads, illus trates in a striking manner the progress of events :

“ In 1830, at the time when Mr George Stephenson, the inventor, was introduc ing his first locomotive in England, the active mind of Peter Cooper was also busy solving a like problem in this country. He had constructed a locomotive that was to outrun a horse. The Cooper engine could hardly be called more than a work ing model, as the whole weighed only a ton, and was of about one horsepower. The boiler, about the size of a common kitchen boiler, stood upright, and was fitted above the furnace, which oocupied the lower section. The cylinder was only three and one-half inches in diameter; the wheels were moved by gearing. In order to get the requisite pressure of steam in so small a boiler, a sort of blower or bellows was provided, which was kept in action by means of a drum attached to one of the cart wheels, over which passed a cord which turned a pulley, which in turn worked the bellows. “ When all was ready, the trial and test of the engine against the horse took place on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and resulted in a victory for the horse. The horse won the race, not by fooling on one side and a sell on the other, but by an accident—the slipping of the cord that moved the bellows.

“ Mr Cooper, who was his own engine driver, struggled hard and manfully to replace the cord without stopping his engine, but before he could do so the horse had won the race. There was, however, enough done to prove that the locomotive could outrun the horse, be cause the former was ahead of the horse when the accident occurred.”

FRIDAY, February f, 1879.]

THE EVENING ECHO,



s. Butter, inferior to best il? Ib I d. 0 to I 2 Eggs, $ dozen - - I 3 to 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb o Bacon, prime smoked, # lb o 10 to 0 0 10 to 0 0 Hams in cloth, # lb i 0 to 0 0 Flour in bags, ioolb 12 6 to 13 0 Oatmeal, $ 25ft - 7 0 to 0 0 Lard, lb - -. — 0 9 to 0 0



Miscellaneous POSTPONED TILL FEB. 14. CHRISTMAS TREE. ASHBURTON TOWN HALL. MRS. MOREY, not having returned from the North in time with the New Goods for the Christmas Tree to be held on the 30th January, it is unavoid ably postponed till about the 14th of February, in order to make the Very Best Arrangements. Lots or BEAUTIFUL GOODS COMING. Tickets, Is., still on sale at the shop in Tancred-street. 307 Builders. Ashburton steam saw mills SASH AND DOOR MANUFACTORY. G. PARKIN, Proprietor, BUILDER AND CONTRACTOR. Moore Street, Every description of Timber and Building Materials in Stock and supplied on most reasonable terms. Plans prepared and Estimates Given on the shortest notice. IMPORTANT TO PARTIES ABOUT TO BUILD.



THE undersigned has now on hand an extensive assortment of everything appertaining to the Building Trade, in cluding— Timber of all kinds. . Galvanised Iron. Ridging and Spouting. Doors. Sashes. Mouldings. Nails. Locks. Hinges. &c., &c., &c., Which ho is offering for Sale at Tinwald at the lowest current rates. The Inhabitants on the South side of the River will find it to their advantage to give him a call. THOMAS WILLIAMS, BUILDER, UNDERTAKER, CABINET MAKER, WHEELWRIGHT, &C., (Near Railway Station) Tinwald. Tinsmiths, &c. LICENSED GASFITTER. T. C. DOLMAN, PLUMBER, LOCKSMITH, BELL HANGER, ZINC, and TINPLATE WORKER, Tancred Street, ASHBURTON. Artesian Wells sunk and Pumps fitted and repaired. O.G. Guttering fixed at current rates. Electric Bells supplied and fitteb- N.B.—Orders punctually attended to. STTARDLEY, in tendering his # XX Sincere Thanks to the In habitants of Ashburton and Surrounding Districts for their past patronage, begs to announce that he is now SELLING OFF HIS PRESENT STOCK AT COST PRICE, to make room for a Fresh Shipment daily expected from Melbourne. Note tie Address— S. HARDLEY, PLUMBER AND TINSMITH, . EAST STREET. PUBLIC NOTICE. JOSEPH HYDE, PRACTICAL COPPERSMITH AND BRAZIER, TIN, IRON, AND ZINC PLATE WORKER, Begs to inform the inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has com menced business in TANCRED STREET, where he hopes by strict attention to business, combined with moderate charges, to merit a fair share of public patronage. N.B.—lJepairs neatly executed. Bottlers. ASHBURTON BOTTLING STORES. MOUNT SOMERS ROAD, Ashburton. QUINT O~N 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 \le and Stout. 91 ASHBURTON BOTTLING STORES. In connection with the 'ASHBURTON BREWERY, WOOD and CO. Have on hand a Large Stock of ALE and STOUT, in Bulk and Bottle.



NOTICE.



A travelling Post Office having been estab lished on the Southern line of railway, letters bearing a late fee of 2d. may be posted at any station in the mail carriage attached to the express train, and they will be included in the mails made up in transit for offices on the main line and branches.



Sydney. J. Dick, Chief Postmaster.



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, otherwise they will be inserted till countermanded, and charged accordingly. Standing advertisements may be altered once in three months; additional changes will be charged for according. to time .taken in sueh alteration. t Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m. for insertion over the Leader, but will be charged double scale. Subscriptions. Quarterly— Delivered in town In Advance. If Booked. s. d. s. d. ...6 6 6 6 ..80 8 6 ...80 86 99 Posted country



The statement that Sir Wilfrid Law son intends to introduce a resolution instead of tlie Permissive Bill in the ensuing session of Parliament is denied. Fifty tons of granite are carculated by the “ American Traveller ” to have been sold in bits to our Transatlantic cousins as portions of Cleopatra’s Needle. Strangers coming to reside in Ashburton need not be at any loss to find the best estab lishment to visit and purchase their drapery clothing, and general stores. Leaving the Railway Station and turning down Havelock Street, they will see the establishment ofA. O, Aitken & Co,, who are now offering special advantages, which exceed any before offered to the public. Keeping at all times a very large and exceedingly well assorted stock of all classes of goods, bought in the best mar kets and on the most favoiable terms, enables them—to use trade parlance—“ to do the thing well”; in fact the goods offered by them are such as cannot be excelled either in quality or price by any house in the trade and are marked at such prices that making any abatement is unecessay, and the most inexperi enced are enabled to buy their goods as favorably as the best judges, —Advt,