POST OFFICE NOTICES

Mails at the Ashburton Post Office ‘close x; follows :

For Christchurch and North at io a. m. \ p.m., and 7.30 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10 a.m. daily. For Ralcaia at ro a.m., and 4 p.m. daily. For Tinvvald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timam, and South at 10.15 p.m. and 3 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton For ks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m. \ For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbcach, a 3.15 p.m. daily.

The next mail for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will close at Ashburton on Fri day, 28th inst., and will be due in London on the 15th of April. The next mails for the United Kingdom via Brindisi and Southampton will close at Ash burton on the nth of March. The mail via Brindisi will be due in London on the sth of May, and that via. Southampton on the 12th of May. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

CHRISTCHURCH NOTICES.

February 22. For Northern Ports, per s.s. Wanaka, For Otago, per Taupo.

The Evening Echo. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1879.

The careful consideration of the railway authorities for the safety of public life and limb is in the highest degree commend able, and we admire their patriotism and loyalty—their patriotism in that, with the consideration and care aforesaid. they waste so much steam in giving warning of a train’s approach to the town, and intima tion of its procession through it; and their loyalty in that, recognising in Mr. A. Le Grand Campbell the embodiment of the law’s wisdom and majesty, they adopt, without question, the fearful and won derful suggestion he recently threw out regarding the engine’s whistle. We ad mire the railway authorities for the grand spirit prompting them, but there is a possi bility of overdoing everything, and the rail way authorities have succeeded in proving the possibility of overdoing the railway whistle. With a glaring signal post at each crossing staring passers-by in the face, and bearing the warning, “STOP, Look out toe, the engine,” in letters large and staring enoughifor him who runs to read ; a power of yell in the Yankee engines that only the blast of the saintly trumpet mentioned in Byron’s Vision of Judgment could hope to drown ; and the fair opportunity the public have had for the past fortnight of learning the fact that trains sometimes run on the Ashburton rails, there is surely sufficient guard against accidents to reasonable men, with out torturing the ears of the public with the demoniacal Yankee whistle continu ously blown from the Bridge to the Station during the passage of a train. Respect the majesty of the law, if you .like, even if that majesty is shadowed forth in the .person of His Worship Le Grand Campbell, but it is not an absolute necessity that a thoughtless suggestion, thrown out by a man who is only once a week in Ashburton, and who possibly know n ot the nuisance he was inflicting upon the residents, should be adopted. A. Le Grand Campbell is neither the law nor the law’s wisdom, only a good-hearted gentleman, who will be just as wise and just as well pleased if the whistle never sounded at all. And if the highly patriotic engine-drivers will kindly revert to their old rules in blowing their whistles, we venture to state that, they will receive the hearty thanks of an ear-aching com munity, who feel that, however grand the whistle, may be in the glory, of its noise, they, at least, are paying.too dear for it.

A Habitual Drunkard. —Dr. Trevor, and Mr. J. Campbell, J.J.P., yesterday sent Mrs. Walsh to gaol for three months for habitual drunkenness.

Ashburton Police. — For some time past Sergeant Felton has been ill from low fever, and his continued indisposition has necessitated the temporary charge of the station being placed in the hands of Sergeant Pratt, of Rangiora, until Ser geant Felton’s recovery enables him to resume duty. Racing Club Meeting. —A meeting of gentlemen interested in holding f the Ashburton Annual Steeplechase on the' Queen’s Birthday took place at the Somerset Hotel on Tuesday. There were about a dozen gentlemen present, Mr. M. Friedlander in the chair. The Chairman, having briefly explained the object of the meeting, Mr. Hay proposed, and Mr. Grant seconded, “ That the Steeplechase be held, and that a committee now be appointed to make necessary arrangements for carrying the same . out. ” This was carried .unanimously, and a long discus sion of details followed, terminating in the appointment of the following gentlemen as a committoe : —Messrs. Crisp, Calvert, Campbell, Fooks, Ireland, Harrison* Wil son, and Harris,

Tobacco-growing in the North Island, —The Opotiki correspondent of “ Tkoßay of Plenty Times ” supplies the following interesting particulars re tobacco-growing in that district: —“ A speculation- which will work a great change in our local mar kets presents every appearance of success. I refer to the tobacco crop planted by Mr. E. W. Goteh, which lie also intends to manufacture here. Too much praise can not be given to Mr. Gotoli for the deter mination and perseverance he has evinced in his attempts to establish this industry in tiie Bay of Plenty. Having a thorough experience in the growth and culture, as well as the manufacture of the tobacco plant, Mr. Gotch became convinced, from personal observation, that the Bay of Plenty possessed the most favourable soil and climate of any part of New. Zealand for the purpose, and lie accordingly pur chased some land at Ohiwa, and planted a small crop, relying upon the natives' for obtaining larger quantities, to whom he offered every inducement to plant _ the tarore (a native tobacco) more extensively —even undertaking to supply them with seed, and instruct them in the proper method of cultivation. The natives did not, however, keep to their promises, and, finding all his efforts fruitless, Mr. Goteh then removed to Opotiki, where he has planted a handsome crop, which is thriv ing and healthy beyond expectation. Mr. Gotcli intends manufacturing the whole this year, and if be turns out as good an article as some which he made at Ohiwa, and which was fairly tested here, he will have no difficulty in entirely superseding the use of American tobacco in this part of the country. ” Curious “Indian Policy.”— The Go vernment of the United States is trying a curious experiment in “Indian policy.” It is transplanting a little colony of Indians from Dakota. to Hampton, .in Virginia, where large buildings are being prepared for the reception, in the first instance, of some fifty boys and half as many girls. The experiment at Hampton is said to be watched with interest in America. As one of the newspapers says, “It is well worth trying from an economical point of view ; for while it costs the Government not less than $20,000 to kill an Indian, less than S2OO a year will suffice to educate him at Hampton. Turf v. Telegraph. The following cricket challenge appears in the Marlbo rough “Express”: “Challenge—Eleven owners, trainers, and jockeys of horses running at M. R. C. Meeting play 11 of the Telegraph Club a game at cricket on Saturday next, 22nd inst.” Shrimps. —The “ Express” says : A large quantity of shrimps have been caught lately in the. Omaka river. One gentle man says they taste “ just like mud.” Copper Mining. Considerable pro gresses being ifijide with the works in con nexion with D’Urville Island "Copper Mine. By the end of the month, there will be seventy-nine feet of backs, when the connection between No. 1 tunnel, and the Manton shaft will have been com pleted. “To Cook—Not to Pray.” —The Pall Mall Gazette of December 7th says : “ The judge of the Brighton County Court was yesterday called upon to decide upon the right of a mistress to require the attention of her servant at family prayers. A young woman named Ridley, a cook, claimed a month’s wages, in lieu of proper notice of dismissal. It was admitted that she had neither neglected her work nor be haved improperly, but was dismissed for re fusing to join in the family prayers, which were held every day. Mr Martineau, the Judge said that unless there was an express stipulation with the plaintiff before her engagement as a servant that she was to include attendance at family prayers in her duties she was legally justified in refusing to join them. She went to her situation to cook, not to pray ; and in the absence of any stipulation on her part to join in tlie prayers, she was free to stay away. He gave a verdict in her favour, with costs.” Bush Fires. —Fires of a most destruc tive character are at the present time raging in various parts of the North Island. One of the most serious is on the Native lands south of Kaikohe, near Hokianga, where an extensive kauri forest is in flames. A gentleman who has just re turned from the district describes the fire as being of a most lamentable character, involving the destruction of millions of feet of kauri and other valuable timber. The gum diggers are supposed to have started the fire by firing the fern. The Waikato district has also been pretty well enveloped in either flame or smoke lately, miles of unoccupied land having been sxvept clear of fern, ti-tree, and all kinds of. herbage by the devouring element. Mr. R. C. Dyer, who had some houses des troyed in the Mahurangi district by a fire which was deliberately kindled, and spread beyond the control of those who set it going, is about to take legal proceed ings in the matter, for the purpose of clearly proving the responsibility of those ■ who may originate the fire. Indecency. —Before James Campbell, Esq., J.P., to-day, Maurice O’Connell was accused of being drunk and disorderly last night, and with indecently exposing his person. Prisoner stated that he was employed harvesting and had come into town, where having drunk too much, he had made the mistake charged to him. He was very sorry, but if let off would at once proceed to his work. He was fined £l. The Gisborne Fires. — Consequent up on the great fires that some days ago des troyed a whole street in Gisborne, the Borough Council has passed a bye-law prohibiting the building of houses in any other material than stone, brick, or concrete in the business and crowded parts of Gladstone Road, and roofing with inflammable material in the Borough.

THE 'VICTORIES OF CHRISTIANITY Last night the Rev. Rutherford Wad dell, M.A., of Prebbleton Presbyterian Church, delivered his lecture in the Town Hall on “ The Victories of Christianity a Proof of its Divine Origin.” The chair was occupied by Dr. F. Macbean Stewart, who briefly introduced the lecturer to an audience that might have been larger, but could not have been more attentive. Mr. Waddell said he would not attempt to theorise, as to com press a history of ’ Christianity into a sixty-minutes’ lecture was a difficult task, and he would, therefore, deal with facts only, running rapidly through the centuries over which Christianity had existed. He would endeavour to show from Christianity’s effect upon the human race that it must have been of Divine origin. At Calvary the new religion seemed stamped out ; at the Ascension Christ’s command, “ Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel,” must have found the disciples lonely and despairing. They were alone against the world—poor, igno rant, and nothing to recommend either themselves or their mission. Against them was a mightier combination than had ever impeded truth since Satan marshalled his hosts in Pandemonium. Their work was akin to that of the 300 at Thermopylae in magnitude, but the likeness ended at the result. Against them stood—l. Judaism with all its imposing ceremonial, and its glorious' history. Its votaries in the Pharisees and Sadduces hated the new light, and hounded on their partisans to attack and injure it; but the Cross triumphed, and planted its standard on the ruins of Leviticalism. In the fate of Judaism the prayer was indeed an swered —His blood be upon us and upon our children. 2. Paganism—mighty and mean, noble and base —presented an unbroken front against Christianity. Napoleon said God was ever on the side of the heaviest arms, but when he said so he forgot the history of the first three cen turies. In 300 years of persecution the religion of Christ was not crushed out, and Tertullian had truly said the blood of the martyrs is the seed of Christianity. It was aggressive as well as defensive, and the moral state of the world in that day was pictured truly in the Ist chapter of of Romans, against such wickedness as there referred to Paul declaimed.* . The lecturer then reviewed The social condition of Rome in apostolic times, describing the state of morality, and in stancing the Colisseum, where in one short reign 10,000 gladiators were “ butchered to make a Roman holiday. ” Christianity triumphed, because! it followers knew how to die. They were firm in the con flict, and their grand principles soon made themselves felt. By declaring the brother hood of man, slavery was abolished, and by proclaiming the sacredness of life gladiatorial conflicts ceased. The pro gress of Christianity was then traced to the ascent of Caesar’s throne by a Chris tian, and the spread [of the religion over Europe. How came it that such a religion, whose founder died as a felon, and whose earliest army was but twelve, could win this triumph ? It was only an illustration of the passage, 11 not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” saith the Lord. At the close of six centuries Mahommedanism rose, fighting its way by fire and sword. For 400 years Mahommedanism had been a running sore to Europe, but it was dying out fast and its weakness was manifest. The whole history of Christianity having been reviewed up to the time of Luther, the lecturer went on to say that that re former introduced no new principles, but only wielded the old long forgotten weapons, and with them pierced the evil through and through of a corrupt and de teriorated Church, just as that Church had before dealt with heathenism. Advancing the work of Luther as a proof of Divine agency in Christianity Luther’s firmness and bravery were noticed, his defiance of the Pope, and scorn of his threats.

The French Revolution was then re ferred to, Robespierre and his influence, and the now declining rationalism. Con trast was then made between the influence of Christianity and that of Paganism ; the founders of Christianity with Plato, Zoroaster, Confucius, &c. ; its effect with those of other systems : its votaries with them, and Christianity was prepared to abide by the comparison. Men say that Christianity has had its day, and must cease. In disproof, reference was made to Livingstone dying in Central Africa; to Duff in India, to Burn in China, to C. Paterson in the South Seas, to Boyd in the ' Pacific, to Williams, . McKenzie, Gordon, Elliott, Judson, Marsden, and others. These had been removed almost within our own memory. Others take their place of like spirit, and, with such memories as these, who shall say that Christianity is dead. It was more vigorous than ever. The Bible, read last Sunday in 200 different languages, was everywhere girdling the globe iviih its arms of love, and the banner of the cross was every where triumphing.

Mr. Waddell concluded his lecture with a strong appeal to young men to help for ward the cause by a study of the history of the Christian religion, and the biogra phies of its heroes, and ui’ged them to imitate the best and noblest of men “ chiselled by the hand of God.” The usual votes of thanks to the lec turer, &c., concluded the evening.

Our Excellent Police !—A great turn ing up has recently taken place amongst the leading officers of police in the colony, and nearly every change of officers from one place to another has brought down substantial recognitions by the public of the superlatively good qualities of the departing men. Inspector Jame 3, who went from Hokitika to Wellington, has had an illuminated address sent after him by the Hokitika Mayor, to be' presented to the honoured officer at the City Council meeting in Wellington to-morrow.

TEMPERANCE MEETING AT TINWALD.

An entertainment,. which was followed by the formation of a new Good Templar Lodge, was given at Tinwald last evening, the Rev. H. B. Burnett presiding. After the opening chorus —“ Come, friends and brethren, all unite ” —had been sung and a prayer offered up, the Chairman delivered a very appropriate address. He said he felt a deep sympathy with the cause of temperance, having been at one time a member of the Temperance League at Home, and he thought it would be well if our churches would speak out in favor of temperance. The men who had at first taken’up the cause, those had seen the evil, and found it a matter of pressing necessity. The first society of the kind was formed in the United (States of America ; from thence it spread to Ireland under Morgan, and to Scotland under Dunlop. It soon after found its way into England. He was sorry to see the stigma placed on the neighborhood of Ashburton by the* fact that so many had been sent from here to the asylum at Lyttelton suffering from the effects of alcohol. He was surprised to find on visiting the Kumara township, a short time ago that there were 50 public-houses to a popula tion of about 3,000 people. In Auckland the average amount that each individual spent on drink was £4 6s. per year. While in America he had been, struck with the difference between the Colonial and American hotels. In Pittsburg he did not find five public-houses, but hotels for accommodation of travellers, where drink was not put forward to entice, were innumerable. The authorities there passed a measure to compel. the police to take up all drunkards they found on the Sab bath Day, and keep them till Monday, in order to find out who supplied the drink, so that the seller might be punished as well as the buyer. He finished his remarks by speaking of the deterioration of the tissues of the body by alcohol. A song by Mr. Tucker followed which vyas well received. Mr. Scott then addressed those present in favor of Good Templarism. He had often heard it argued that the working men needed drink ; but no one questioned that those who abstained from intoxicating liquors did their work as well as those who did not. He also spoke of the influence of the. Gospel. With the advance of tee totalism the churches -would be increased, and would profit by the movement. After reading several extracts from a work pub lished by an Edinburgh magistrate, he asked all present to use their influence to put down drink, and learn to say “ no.” Miss Taylor, who followed with a song certainly deserves a word of praise for her rendering of “ We’d Better Bide a Wee.”

Mr. Geo. W. Andrews was the next speaker. He felt thankful that he had never .tasted, drink, and uaged upon all present who were fathers to show an ex ample to their children. The greatest hope was in the young. “ Beautiful Snow ” was then given as a recitation by Mr. Geo. F. Henry, after which Mr. Sando delivered a short address. He spoke on using the Legislature for the prevention of drunkenness, and quoted from a speech by the Hon. H. S. Chap man, of Dunedin, in support of this. The Scandinavians were, fifty years ago, the most drunken nation on the face of the earth, but were now, through different measures which had been taken, an ex ample to the world. A comic song by Mr. Gates followed, who as usual succeeded in pleasing his audience and gained for himself an encore. Mr. F. Yaughan then made a short speech, which was followed with a reading by the same gentleman. The programme was brought to a closeby a few words of encouragement from Mr. Williams (who has been chiefly instru mental in forming the new Lodge at Tin wald), and the singing the National An them.

Miss Hardley presided at the har monium, and rendered the accompani ments in a efficient manner.

After the entertainment twenty-two per sons joined the new lodge, which has been called the “Will and the Way Lodge.” Twelve of the members are “ initiations,” and ten transfers from other lodges. Several additional members will be added at the next lodge-meeting. The lodge will meet weekly, and Wednesday is the night chosen for its weekly assembly. After the initiation, tea, cakes, etc., were served, and all spent a very pleasant evening.

The following are the officers for the first quarter W.C.T., Bro. T. Williams; W.V.T., Sister Sanderson ; W.S., Bro. Donaldson ; W.F.S., Bro. Shearer ; W.T., Bro. Corrigan ; W.C., Sister K. Corrigan ; W.M., Bro. Teppett ; W.1.G., Bro. Mas son; W.0.G., Bro. C. Escott; W.R.H.S., Sister Teppett; W.L.H.S., Sister Ash ton ; W.D.M., Bro. Moody ; W.A.S., Bro. W. Escott; P.W.C.T., Bro. Selby ; Lodge Deputy, Bro. Galloway. The pro ceedings closed about 12 o’clock.

A Bankrupt Under-Secretary. —ln the bankrupt estate of Amelius M. Smith, Under-Secretary, liabilities are shown to the amount of £3,240 10s.' 2d., with assets to the small tune of £loo—deficit, £3,140 10s. 2d.

Saturday’s Cricket Match. —The fol lowing gentlemen comprise the team selected to represent Ashburton against Timaru in the cricket match to be played on Saturday, and referred to in our issue of Tuesday :—G. Andrews, A. Andrews, Denshire, Grant, Field, Barker, Ashwood, Priestly, Pearce, Westenra, and Saunders. As there is a probability of business engagements preventing either of the Messrs. Saunders sparing the necessary time to take part in,the match, Messrs. Harris and Broadbelt have been selected as emergencies.

TELEGRAPHIC.

The following telegrams appeared in yester day’s Second Edition ol liie nCHQ.J

* Auckland, Wednesday.

The Associated Insurance tariff has burst. . The New Zealand Co. now announces that it will take risks from is. fid. percent, upwards. Roberts, a clerk in the Bank- of New Zealand—formerly at the Tauranga branch —has disappeared. He is supposed to have gone by the mail steamer. He was not- embarrassed, nor charged with de falcations ; but tiie course of true love not running smooth with him, he ended the difficulty by leaving Auckland. Myas is at last got rid of. He returns by tne Sapphire to England, where lie will be court-martialed for desertion and breach of arrest.

A cowardly assault has been committed by two seamen of the sapphire on A. B. Donald and W.-Pritcharu, who interfered with them in their horse play towards a little lad who had made some remark respecting them in Upper Vincent street: Donald was severely cut about the face, and the Rev. Mr. Dutton, Primitive Me-, thodist minister, who was passing, ap pealed to the sailors, but tney turned, took his stick, and struck him on the face, and hurt him severely. The police sub sequently traced the offenders, Hay and Huxable, who were arrested.

THE WRECK OF THE TAUPO. Wellington, Wednesday. The following official ■ telegram was re ceived from Tauranga last night “ The Taupo would not float at high water. The cargo is still being discharged, and another effort will be made next tide. If the weather keeps fine she may be got off', but it is very doubtful. There are several holes in the steamer’s bottom, and she is now full of water. The least swell would probably break her back. The Hawea returns (South on Friday; the Napier mails will be sent overland ; those for the South will go by the Hawea.” •

At the Rechabite Annual District Meet ing yesterday, the election of officers for the ensuing year w r as proceeded with, and resulted as follows:- —D.G.R., Bro. W. Hislop; D.D.R., Bro. T. Sidey ; District Sec., Bro. F. H. Fraser ; auditors, Bros. Brown and Bennett. Bro. the Rev. J. W. Inglis, from Victoria, visited the Council, and conveyed to the assembled delegates the good wishes of the brotherhood in Victoria. Mr. h rankland, Government Actuary, attended, and gave information regarding the Government contribution tables for Friendly Societies. On the question of admitting female mem bers, it was resolved that any Tent having admitted ten or more than ten female members should be requested to form them at once into a separate/ branch, and that any Tent having a less number than ten should be requesied to obtain that number as soon as possible, with a view to the formation of a separate branch. It was further resolved that the district take no steps in making laws for mixed Tents until such time as the proposed Southern Board of Directors be formed, or until such time as provision ;be made for mixed Tents by tlie Board of Directors in England.

The' enquiry into the recent collision between the steamers Huia and the Go-a head has terminated. The judgment blames both captains equally, warns them to be careful, * and adjudges them to pay costs equally. Their certificates are re turned.

The Typographical Society recently de manded an increase of 6s. a week in day work, and one penny per thousand on night papers, with a corresponding in crease for overtime. The masters have remonstrated and several conferences have taken place, but the society insists on the increase from next Saturday. The whole of the masters, including the Go vernment Printer, have agreed not to grant the demands, and a general strike is therefore probable. Dunedin, Wednesday.

His Excellency the Governor arrived at Port Chalmers by the Ringarooma at 10 o’clock this morning. He was received by the Mayor and Council ors. The Naval Brigade presented arms, and thh school children sang the National Anthem. An address was presented by the Corpo ration, to which His Excellency replied, stating that he regretted leaving New . Zealand. Ho returned on board the - steamer, which arrived at Dunedin at two. Two addresses were presented to him, one by the Corporation, congratu lating him on the completion of the rail- .■ way to Southland, and the other by three friendly societies, setting forth their num bers and financial strength, and intimating that they are banded together to make man the brother of man, regardless of rank, class, creed, or condition. Fred J. Dooder, of Timaru, charged with kicking in the doors of the demi monde on New Year’s morning, had his case remanded for a month, as the sum mons charged him with insulting language, instead of malicious damage to property. The time of the Bench has for some time past been principally occupied with the punishment of disorderly women. The charge against a deplorable-looking old woman, recently exported from Hoki tika, was withdrawn in order that she might apply for admission to the Benevo lent Asylum. The police stated she was unable to work and would be no use in gaol.

AUSTRALIAN

[By submarine Cable.]

Melbourne, Feb. 19.

A diamond tiara, valued at 400 guineas was presented by the ladies to Lady Bowen.

Thuhsiuv, Fbjmuahy'sq,

THE EVENING ECHO,



General Storekeepers. T. R HODDER & CO., gEG to inform the Inhabitants of -Ashburton and Surrounding Districts that they intend OPENING THEIR NEW AND EXTENSIVE PREMISES IN SAUNDERS BROS.’ BUILDINGS, ON SATURDAY, MARCH ist, L\Vith a Large and Carefully-selected Stock, in the following Distinct De partments : GENERAL DRAPERY, MILLINERY AND SHOW ROOM, BOYS’, YOUTHS’, & MEN’S CLOTHING, TAILORING DEPARTMENT under the CHARGE OF A FIRST-CLASS CUTTER FROM MELBOURNE), BOOTS, SHOES, AND MENS’ HATS, GROCERY & PROVISION WAREHOUSE CROCKERY, GLASSWARE, & FANCY GOODS. IRONMONGERY of Every Descrition. T. R. H. & Co., in respectfully soliciting a share of the business in the rapidly-increasing district of Ashburton, -intimate that they can offer many advantages, having had extensive busi ness experience in every branch, being DIRECT IMPORTERS, and well established in the Home, American, and Colonial Markets, and having purchased largely from an over stocked market, especially in Cotton ---Goods, which will be Sold much under t ordinary List Prices. They have se cured COMPETENT HANDS for each Department, and with these Superior Facilities for carrying on busi ness, they - trust to give their customers the UTMOST SATISFACTION. WOOL, GRAIN, & DAIRY PRODUCE BOUGHT FOR CASH, AND TAKEN IN ACCOUNT. Indents received for every description of Agricultural Machinery, or any other commission promptly attended to by their LONDON AGENTS. % T. R. HODDER & Co., WHOLESALE AND RETAIL



Special Notice. Hooper, aitken and co. are prepared to make CASH ADVANCES ON GRAIN, OR OTHER' PRODUCE Placed in their hands for sale in the Home Markets. *390