AN HERIOC GATEKEEPER AT A RAILWAY CROSSING.

Amidst fill the excitement and tiumml of the elections, the Parisians, and indeed Frenchmen generally, are finding- 1 me i<> talk of the devoted heroism of Ran Emp tier, a gatekeeper on the railway fine running through the Rive-de-Gier. Ins post was at a level crossing at one era of it, and on a recent night he was, as usual, on duty, expecting no evil, and very pro bably inclined to underrate the. hazard of his position. At all events, it seems a train unexpectedly approached him, and he had to use more than ordinary expedi tion to get his gates shut in time. That on one side of the line he had already closed, and was hastening to bar the high way on the other. But this, through some miscalculation of the moments at his . dis posal, he was unable to accomplish in time, and before he could swing back the heavy gate the engine, going at an express rate, rushed by, knocking him down, and. pass ing over his aim. Fortunately he did not faint with the pain and shock, but managed to get up on his feet, though, horrible to relate, his left arm, cleanly amputated by the locomotive wheel, remained, on the ground. His agony naturally was intense, and the horror of his situation was inten sified by the fact that his was a lonely post, and that it was a considerable time before he could expect to be relieved, the chances being that he would have bled to. death long before any succour could arrive in the ordinary course of events. . His first impulse probably was to make his way as he best could to the nearest habitation and have his stump tied up ; but he quickly remembered that the post he occupied, left without a gatekeeper, would most probably be the scene of another and more terrible accident. Instantly his mind was made up. He would remain on duty at any risk till he died or ivas relieved ; and, covering up his wounded aim as best he could, he prepared to go through his ter rible ordeal of duty. Fortunately, the driver of the engine that had injured Jean Plantier had noticed the accident, and at the next station gave informa of what he feared was a fatal casualty some miles back on the line he had come along. The station-master and some porters at once set out to see if assistance was yet of use, and, after an anxious tramp along the six-foot way, fearing each moment what ghastly sight would meet their eyes, had come on a pool of blood and the mutilated limb the brave gatekeeper had left where he fell. A moment after Jean Plantier knew that succour had unexpectedly come. His tone was almost apologetic as he answered the station-master’s questions—“ Yes, he was horribly wounded, and was suffering ter ribly”; but he hastened to assure his superior officer he had not left his post, a moment, and the train service had been in no danger. Such is the simple story of devotion to duty that, be it found in Frenchmen or Englishmen, or whom not, makes one’s blood run quicker, and one’s opinion of one’s kind wax higher and bet ter. The Paris papers are calling for a Cross-of the Legion of Honour for Jean Plantier ; and we can only say that it would be well if every member of that somewhat voluminous order, had done as much to deserve his decoration.

TURRET SHIPS.

“ We are beginning to learn something practical about our heavy turret-ships, remarks the “ Daily News,” of Nov. 7th. “ The first of these the Devastation, has just returned to Portsmouth yard, after a long spell of service in the Mediterranean. The second, a sister ship, the Thunderer, has arrived at Malta, to take the place of the Devastation. A third, the Dread nought, has already completed the trials of machinery and armament, and is to be commissioned at the end of the month ; while the fourth, and most formidable of all, the Inflexible, is to make a six hours’ run of her machinery in Stokes Bay next week. Each carries two turrets, in which are a pair of guns, consequently the whole armament of the ship is but four cannon. In the Devastation there are a pair of 35- ton guns in one turret, and a pair of 25- ton guns in the other, so that for a long time past she has carried heavier metal than any other battle-ship in the Medi terranean. The Thunderer, which has now replaced her at Malta, carries a pair of 35-ton guns in one turret, and a pair of 38-ton guns in the other, firing 7001 b. shot and shell. The Dreadnought, the third of the series, is armed with four 38- ton guns, which, however, fire 8001 b. projectiles ; while the last, the Inflexible, is to receive on board the four 80-ton guns now being finished at Woolwich, capable, it is said, of projecting tbree quarter-ton shot and shell. Nor is it only in respect to their guns and armour that the ships difier. The Devastation works all her guns by hand, while on hoard the Thunderer this is done in the case only of one of the turrets, the pair of cannon in the other being spo-ged and loaded by hydraulic machinery. In the Dreadnought all the guns, again, are worked by hydraulic loading gear, and this, too, will be the case with the very heavy weapons on board the Inflexible. This last-men tioned ship, finally, differs in one othei important respect from the others. In stead of the two turrets being placed in a line with her deck, on board the In flexible they are erected fore and aft in a diagonal manner. The object of this arrangement is to permit of the guns m both turrets being pointed dead ahead or astern. But if the Inflexible can do this, she cannot, it appears, cover more points of the compass altogether than her three lesser sisters.”

An Irishman has always an answer for anything. A Corkonian, on being asked at breakfast how he came by “ that black eye,” said “ he had slept on his fist.”

?HUAS»a¥i jAmwv }§.

Rt3HB,



Strangers corning lu reside in Ashburton ue often at a loss to kr.pw which is the best Establishment to visit for the purchase of Drapery, Clothing, and House-furnishing Iron mongery, and General Stores. ORR & Co. uffei 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 beinu bought entirely upon cash terms, they are enabled lo offer goods of siwh sterling value as cannot lie equalled by any other house in the trade. Ever) 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 pi ices as the best judges.—Advt



New Advertisement. ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. VALUATION LIST, 1879. T3UBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that |_ the Valuation List for the current year is now completed, and will be open for inspection until the loth February proximo, at the Office of the Board. Any objections to the above List must be made in the form and manner prescribed by the “ Rating Act, 1876,” and a copy of every such objection lodged with the Clerk of the Board at least seven clear days before the sitting of the Assessment Court, the date and place of which will be duly announced. JOHN EDGAR BUCHANAN, Valuator. Road Board Offices, Ashburton, January loth, 1879. 266 UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. VALUATION LIST, 1879. PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Valuation List for the current year is now completed, and will be open for inspection until the 15th February proximo, at the office of the Board. Any objections to the above List must be made in the form and manner prescribed by “The Rating Act, 1876,” and a copy of every such objection lodged with the Clerk of the Board at least seven clear days before the sitting of the Assessment Court, the date and place of which will be duly announced. ROBT. D. PULLAR, Clerk. Road Board Offices, Westerfield, January 15th, 1879. 267



EXPRESS CARRIER. THOMAS BRADFORD, HAYING aFIRST-CLASS EXPRESS, is prepared to Remove Goods, or any other orders entrusted to him, with CARE AND DESPATCH. Orders left at the Somerset Hotel, or Alford Forest Road, will receive prompt attention. 265 FOOKS AND SON, LICENSED SURVEYORS AND LAND BROKERS, HAVE REMOVED to their offices on the Triangle, Wakanui Road, near the Post Office. January 15th, IS7O. 264 gAUNDERS JgROTIIERS, GRAIN MERCHANTS, Etc., Ashburton, Christchurch, and London^ Make cash advances on all descriptions of produce placed in their hands for sale in the New Zealand, Australian, American, or European Markets. Indents executed from all parts of the world. AGENTS FOR— THE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND THE WALLSEND COLLIERY CO. Business Notices. LADIES’ AND CHILDREN’S R I M M E D JJ ATS ONE CASE JUST OPENED, From 2s. lid. each. MR S. MOREY, Tancreb Stre et, Next Mr. Chapman’s. 262 TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION. JUST RECEIVED, and on Sale Demy Deed Paper, ruled. Deed Parchment. Writing Inks. Pens, Rulers, &c. Cartridge Envelopes. WEEKS & DIXON, “EVENING ECHO” OFFICE, East St., Ashburton.



Drapery. ANTED KNOWN, that HOOPER, AITKEN, & CO. are Selling their Clos ing, Boots and Shoes, &c., CHEAPER THAN ANY HOUSE IN ASHBURTON. yy ANTED KNOWN, that HOOPER, AITKEN, & CO. have opened up a Splendid Lot of Fichus, Manilla Hats, and a Large Assortment of FANCY GOODS. yy ANTED KNOWN, that HOOPER, AITKEN, & CO. are paying Particular Attention to their DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT, which is superintended by a Lady whose Experience has been gamed at some of the Best Houses in New Zealand.



RANTED KNOWN, that HOOPER, AITKEN, & CO. have determined, prior to removing to their New Premises, now in course of erection, to reduce their present stock as much as possible, to effect which, they are now offering all Goods at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES. NOTICE O R SALE AT T. QUINN & CO’S, DRAPERS and CLOTHIERS, MOORE-ST. ASHBURTON. 75 Men’s and Boys’ Suits, at 30s per Suit 40 doz. Silk Handkerchiefs at is each. 20 doz. Straw Hats, 7s per doz. T. QUINN & CO., Moore Street, Ashburton. Business Notice. NOTICE. ASHBURTON, WAKANUI, AND SEA FIELD MAIL EXPRESS. SUBSCRIBERS to The Evening Echo residing at and between the above places will, in future, be supplied by Sando and Olsen’s Mail Express, which leaves Ashburton every Tuesday and Friday. New Subscribers will please forward their names to any of the Agents, or our Office, as early as possible. Subscription : By post or express, Bs. 6d. per quarter ; in advance, 7s. 6d. per quarter ; or 28s. per annum. The Evening Echo will contain all the latest telegraphic and other news, grain and produce market reports, and particu lar attention will be paid to the wants of settlers. All notices referring to the Borough Council, County Council, and the Road Beards, will be found in The Echo. Agencies where The Echo can be obtained : Wakanui School Wakanui Creek. Seafield ” • A Charing Cross .. Newland.. The Agents will supply r new subscribers to sign, McClure G. Leadley T. Jones M. Bruce T. M. Jones G. S. Brown Ed. Watkins printed forms WEEKS AND DIXON, Printers and Publishers, East-lit. N., Ashburton.



Xi'qpmortgery ? OR R & 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. IRONMONGE RY. Harvesting Tools — Hay Forks, Rakes, Scythes, &c. McCORMACK’S Reapers and Binders. No 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 SAVE YOUR STRAW. 200 DOZEN HORNSBY’S PLOUGH SHARES, Landing ex “ Hurunui.” OR R & Co., EAST STREET, ASHBURTON.



FruHepps, W. BIRTWELL, WHOLESALE & RETAIL FRUITERER, AND DIRECT IMPORTER FROM THE AUSTRALIAN AND TASMANIAN ORCHARDS. 104 LOOK OUT FOR NEW FRUIT ! J. M OOAR 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. MOORE STEET, Ashburton. 47 Business 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. ALL kinds of COALS & FIREWOOD delivered at the shortest notice in any quantities and at reasonable rates. . GEORGE PARKER & CO., Springfield Coal Depot, 138 Ashburton. “HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY,” (As the man said when he returned the Stolen Sheep), AND, as we wish to PAY our BILLS, must respectfully urge that 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, 89 Ashburton. BREAD. BREAD. BREAD 6d. per 4lb. Loaf. THOMAS HICKS, Baker and Con-i fectioner, Tancred Street, is now supplying First-class Bread, at 6d. per fib Loaf, delivered to all parts of the District, or at the Shop. jsar- Please note — THOMAS HICKS, THE PIONEER BAKERY, Tancred Street, Ashburton Winslow. GEORGE LADBROOK, GENERAL STOREKEEPER AND PRODUCE DEALER, BEGS to announce that he has JUST OPENED a General Store at Wins low, near the Railway Station, and hopes to merit a share of public support. A cart will wait upon families for orders regularly. Goods supplied at Lowest Current rates. Note the address — GEORGE LADBROOK, GENERAL STOREKEEPER, WINSLOW, December 3, 1878. 98



' Slants, 4ks. > TT TANKED a GOOD LAUNDRESS J W for one or two Also a HOUSEMAID » days per week. Apply T. QUILL. . 256; W ANTED, a respectable intelligent i BOY as an apprentice to Printing. : ECHO OFFICE. » TO LET. NE SHOP and Several Convenient * OFFICES in our new buildings. • SAUNDERS BROTHERS. ; O 64 WANTED, a steady COMPOSITOR. ’ Permanency for a competent, hand. ECHO Office. LOST, a Dark Bay COB ; main cropped (badly cut) ; white: face ; three weeks missing. One pound reward to anyone 1 returning the same to T. CLARK, 252 - Trerorton. HE UNDERSIGNED has been in- ! strUcted by Mr." John Anderson to sell two last years’ Woods’ REAPERS AND BINDERS, fitted ready for work, at a greatly reduced price. • r. FREDERICK PAYITT, ‘ 260 East-street, Ashburton. , FOR SALE. > SHARES in the Ashburton GAS COM PANY. 30/ paid up. FRED. PAVITT, 263 East Street. Tenders. Tenders are invited tin 6 p.m • on FRIDAY, 24th inst., for ERECT ING A VERANDAH in front of our new buildings. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Plans and specification* can be seen at our offices, East-street. ! SAUNDERS BROTHERS. ' Ashburton, Jan. 14, 1879. 258 . Entertainments. V —: WESLE YAf OHU RC H ANNIVERSARY. T E A M EETI N G ; OK THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, } [n the Cameron-street Church. Tea at 6 p.m. Tickets, 2s. each. Public mating « in the evening. Addresses by the'R|T*. ’ ! J. S. Smalley, Westbrooke, Marten, and 1 261 other gentlemen. Meetings. 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 inst. A. J. ANDREWS, R.S. Business Notices. FANCY REPOSITORY. PAPER PATTERNS for Ladies’ and Children’s Clothing, Latest Fashion*. Ladies’ own materials CUT OUT at [operate Charges. MRS. MOREY, / ; 32 Tancred-street, Ashburton. T. S. TUCKER, l pAINTER, QLAZIER, J>APER HANGER, AND GENERAL HOUSE DECORATOR, lIGN AND TICKET WRITER, Moore Street, near Templar Hall. Estimates given. 244 CHRISTMAS TREE ASHBURTON TOWN HALL. MRS. MOREY begs tb intimate that, in | consequence of the great rush on Xmaa Eve, and the consequent disappointment i of many of the ticket-holders,. she ha* ; determined to hold another distribution ot > CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR GIFTS, - on January 30, 1879. All persons hold- > ing tickets can have them exchanged for 1 New Ones, or the Money Returned, on ’ application to Mrs.-Morey; ' | Fuller particulars in future advertisement. , ' ';■ * ■ ' i9B ; ) Bread. Bread. ; ANDO & OLSEN beg to inform the v Public that from the Ist January, 1879, .( i their BREAD will be Sold for ( I sd. Cash, ■ from the Counter, and s|d. monthly i accounts. 187