The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1567. NELSON RACE MEETING. First Day.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 65, 19 March 1867, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1567. NELSON RACE MEETING. First Day.

The sun rose this morning with a cloudless sky, giving emphatically Queen's weather for the celebration of our annual Isthmian games, as Lord Palmerston once designated the "Derby." Towards 10 o'clock the town presented a very animated appearance, in consequence of the hustle of the numerous citizens of both sexes, hurrying to depart for the scene of enjoyment. A considerable number of strangers were present from all parts of the province, who displayed in their looks the utmost eagerness to witness the sport of the day. The Maoris mustered at an early hour in great force, on horseback, in vehicles and on foot, and after performing the time honored ceremony of rubbing noses in the towD, wended their way to the race course with the utmost expedition. It was expected that a good number of visitors would arrive £rom Wellington, and favor the race ground with their presence, but the announcement that was made early in the moruing that bad weather had prevented the departure of the Taranaki from that port, furnished a cause for their absence, without, however, allaying the disappointment that generally prevailed. It is scarcely necessary to remark that the day was kept as a general holiday, all the Government offices and places of business being closed, except iu those cases where their proprietors were compelled, in the public interest, to pursue their accustomed avocations. At an early hour the road to the race course, was lined with every description of vehicle from the most aristocratic turn-out to the trap of the humblest and most unpretending kind. There was a regular exodus of the people from the city, the race being naturally looked forward to as the annual holiday when business is suspended, dull care forgotten and devotion to pleasure considered to be the boundeu duty of every citizen. The road was somewhat dusty, and a little rain would have been favorable to both man and horse, but as the falling of rain might have been fatal to the day's enjoymetil, the public had reason to congratulate themselves on the unexceptionable weather that prevailed, and the glorious sunshine which shed its enlivening and exhilirating influence on the pleasure seeking multitude of old and young, gentle and simple, Maori, Saxon, Celt, and all who crowded to witness the first days sport. The stewards were Messrs. N. G. Morse, T. Renwick, and S. Eobinson ; Judge, J. Poynter Esq.

The grand stand was exceedingly well filled, a great proportion of the company being ladies. There was not so great a number of persons on the course as there was last year. We know not whether to attribute this to a declining interest in the races, or to the extra number of people that went a pic-nicing iu various parts of the country.

The Great Nklsox Trial Stakes, of 10 sovs each, 5 ft ; 50 sovs added by the Turf Club, provided six horses start, and 30 if any lesser number ; for three-year olds. If six start, the second horse to receive 20 sovs out of the stakes. Colis, Bst 71bs ; fillies and geldings, Bst 3lbs. One mile and a-half. After three false starts they all got away well together, Omen talcing the lead shortly. A pretty race then followed between Omen and Alabama, until on reaching the starting post Omen got ahead and won by 20 lengths, the favorite AkeAke being considerably in the^ the rear. Time 2 mio. 53| sees.

The Torf Cdtjb Plate of 80 sovs ; entrance, 6sovseach. For three years old, 7st lOlbs ; four, Bst 12lbs; five, 9st 4lbs ; six and aged, 9st 91bs ; 3lbs allowed for mares and geldings. Allowance to English-bred horses : three years oia, 12lbs ; four, 6lbs 5 five and bix, 2lbs. Two miles.

The four horses entered for this race all started — Magenta, Tom, Gamester, and Queen of the South ; Magenta slightly

leading, until at the one-mile post, when ihere was a length between each of them. Gamester then iell back and gave place to Queen of the South, Magenta winning easily ; in fact, he took the lead from the first, which he. kept throughout, winning with the greatest ease ; Torn came in about five lengths behind. Time, 3 mins. 5.'3 sees.

The Handicap Plate of 60 sots, added to a sweepstakes ot 10 sovs each, h ft. One mile and a half.

All four horses entered started, Black Boy and Trust being the favorites. For the first half mile the Queen took the lead; she then fell back, and Black Boy and Trust started ahead, Black Boy slightly leading. A beautiful race ensued betweeu these two horses, and at last Black Boy let out and in the straight running went ahead and won easily by two lengths. Trust followed, Alabama being third, at a respectful distance, and the Queen nowhere.

The Waimea Stakes of 10 sovs, for all hacks ; entrance 10 shillings each. Catch weights. No horse that has run for any save a hack race to be allowed to start. Once around. Second horse to save his stake. Heats. These stakes for hacks excited great amusement and were well contested. The first heat once round was won by Mr. M'Rae's Coromnka. Time 2 min. 17^

sec. The second was won by Mr. Bird's Blue Bell. Time 2 min. 20f sees.; the winner in the first heat being evidently reserved for the last heat, which he ultimately won in 2 mins. 21 sees. The Maori Scurry of 10 sovs, for untrained horses, the property of, and ridden by, Maoris ; entrance, 10 shillings each. Catch weights. Once round.

This race caused great amusement. The Ladies Purse remained to be run when our reporter left.

A man named Clifford was fiued 10s. and costs by the Resident Magistrate, this morning, for drunkenness.

The gratifying announcement is made at the Telegraph Office, that communication "with ail the stations is totally suspended. This is the more mortifying, as the Rangitoto has, no doubt, arrived eve this at the Bluff, with the Suez mail. It will not have escaped observation that the Jinehas been down on several consecutive occasions when this mail has arrived at the "Bluff.

Much disappointment was felt this morning iu consequence of the nou-arrival of the Taranaki from Wellington with a party of excursionists for the Nelson races. The detention of this steamer, as well as of others which were expected to-day, is owing to the bad weather which has prevailed at Wellington for several days past. Captain "Whitwell, ,of the Nelson, who arrived from Blenheim this morning, reports that a S.E. gale prevailed in the Straits, and that he never encountered severer weather. The Egmont was to leave Wellington at 4 p.m. to-day.

The Provincial Government Gazette States that Crown grants in favor of the undermentioned persons are now ready for issue at the Crown Lands Office : — S. AaroDSon, E. Brandon, J. Cowiu, D. Davis, A. Drummoud, Sir R. Dry, N. Edwards, W. Evans, T. E. Fisher, C. Haycock, J. S. Hughes, IT. Hounsell, D. Lindsay, J. Malcolm, D. L. Murdock, J. Price, J. Russell, G. C. Saxton, J. Smith, J. T. Smith, W. B. Wright, C. Green.

The sewer the Board of Works have just resolved to construct from Trafalgarstreet to Collingwood-street, along Bridgestreet, is, we trust, only the beginning of a series of such works, which are much needed in the town. Au excellent plan of the work, prepared by the town surveyor has been shown us, and it is no fault of the Board if the sewer does not meet a great public want. The construction of this main sewer, for which the householders are specially rated, will give them an opportunity of making drains to it from their houses, thereby greatly improving their properly, as well as promoting the public health. It is complained that; the owners of property have not been sufficiently alive to the importance of constructing drains to the main sewer already in existence, which would have prevented the accumulation of much objectionable matter that is not only a great eye- sore, but a source of other numerous inconveniences. Were the system of small drainage carefully carried into effect, the Inspector of Nuisances would have very little to do; whereas he is now compelled to take legal proceedings against violators of the sanitary regulations, or be blamed for inattentiou to his by no means agreeable duties.

The Mataura is due at "Wellington, on the 22nd instant, with the Panama mail, "which will reach us this time before that from Suez, unless a change for the better takes place in the Electric Telegraph Office.

The West Coast Times publishes the latest news from the Haast River : — The Haast still continues to wear the same sombre aspect, and the steamer that forwards this letter will also carry several of the late Haast storekeepers. As is usually the case in all rushes, accounts and rumors are constantly being circulated to the effect that "new and favorable ground has been found," but when the expectant and anxious miner wends his way to the supposed wealthy claims, it too often happens that his patience and trouble are rewarded by the intelligence — "This is another duffer." At the Four-mile diggings things are somewhat more cheering, as most of the claimholders are now busy washing up, and in some cases the ground has been wcrked with great advantage, two claims yielding as much as from £25 to £30 per week each. It is greatly to be hoped that the diggings of the Haast district are not exclusively confined to that locality. The establishment of a postoffice has given universal satisfaction. I regret to relate that two poor fellows were crossing the river the other day, and the current carried one off his feet and out to sea. It is believed that he was seized with an epileptic fit. Diligent search baa been made for his body, but, up to the present, without success.

We (Hokitika Evening Star) learn from the Wallaroo Times that a compositor, named Frank Drake (well known to many on the West Coast as having formerly resided in Invercargill), was drowned whilst bathing in the River Torrens, near Adelaide, on Tuesday, 19th ult. He was a native of the Southern States of America, and when the war broke out was working at his trade in New Orleans. Sympathising with the South in her declaration of independence, he joined the Confederate war steamer Sumpter, and kept a diary of his cruise in that vessel. In 1861, being in Liverpool, and "hard up," Mr. Drake sent the diary to Thackeray, w ; th the request that if he accepted it to serid sufficient to pay the writer's passage to Australia. The manuscript was accepted, £25 sent to Drake, and the "Cruise of the Sumpter" appeared in the Cornhill Magazine in August, 1861. Mr. Drake sailed for Victoria the same year, and went afterwards to New South Wales and New Zealand, and saved about £200. He returned from New Zealand to Melbourne on account of his health ; and when the Shenandoah arrived there, he attempted to join that vessel, but, as will be remembered, was prevented by the Government, notwithstanding his plea that he was a South American. Mr. Drake was of an eccentric disposition, but kind and warmhearted. We believe he has a brother, who is also a compositor, somewhere in the States.

The West Coast Tiraes announces that a letter has been received by the Municipal Council from the Provincial Secretary, Christen urch, intimating the intention cf his Honor the Superintendent to recommend his Excellency the Governor to place the Mayor of Hokitika on the commission of the peace.

The Charleston paper says Mr. Kynnersley has gone to Nelson for the purpose of making arrangements respecting the forthcoming election of members for the West Coast, and on his return we may expect to know how the members are to be apportioned. In the Electoral Act two members are provided for the Cobden and. one for the Buller district, for at the time the amendment was passed neither Charleston nor Brighton .were in existence, and of course it was impossible to foresee that such centres of population would be so soon founded. As to Cobden itself, it would be ridiculous to send two members from it, and a readjustment of the Act must necessarily take place. We do not know what power the Executive possess' in this matter exactly, but if they are perr mitted to vary the apportionment at all, they are permitted to vary it as seems most equitable. This, to our thinking, would be to. give to Cobden and Fox's one member, and to Charleston and Buller districts one each. We learn from the Brighton Times that there are already two candidates in the field, Mr. Donne, of Brighton, and Mr. J. P. Klein, residing and carrying on business in Hokitika as a jeweller, and part proprietor of that' journal.

Speaking of the withdrawal of the troops from New Zealand, the wellinformed Wellington correspondent of the Daily Times says: — The 18th Regiment, with some odds and ends will remain in the colony. This regiment's time is up in a couple of years, but as it is essentially an Irish regiment, I suppose it is considered desirable that it should be as far removed from Fenian temptation as possible. I often hear sad accounts of what sometimes goes on among the men of this regiment. What happened the other day on the West Coast may be taken as a sample. A man was ordered to receive fifty lashes, and while tied up to receive them, swore at his officers without intermission. When twenty-five had been given, the swearing was transferred (not uuDaturally) to the doctor's orderly, who cleansed his back with salt aud water, preparatory to the infliction of the second moiety. Wheuthe same briny process had been gone through at the couclusiou, and the man was ordered into the hospital, he doubled up his fists to the officer in command, offering to take fifty kshes more for two bottles of rum; and refusing assistance, put on his coat and walked off. The New Zealand Herald says: — The present commercial depression in Auckland is mainly the effect of a cause which ought to be clear to every one. And it is simply this, that the town has overgrown itself, and is too large for the ordinary requirements of the country. The bounds to the iucrease and expansion of our trade are very easily passed. They are so now, for the number of traders in town, men who deal in property created by others, is too great for the trade created by the producers of wealth among us. The following rather good story is told by the Port Denisou Times : — Our sable brethren are advancing in knowledge. On Mouday, two station darkies came into Boweu, went to a public house in town, and asked for some drink. They not showing any symtoms of producing the cash wherewith to pay for the said driuks, the following conversation ensued : — Landlord — " Where money ?" Dark brethren — " You no book ?" Landlord — * s No.*' Dark brethren (eyeing a ledger on the counter) — " Why the debbel you .keep books, if you no book?" The Melbourne Argus of the 21st ult. says : — About 150oz. of amalgamated gold were exhibited yesterday at the Exhibition Building from the Fingal Reef, Tasmania. The Exhibitor is the Union Bank of Australia.

During a recent rainfall in the ranges near Avica, Victoria, myriads of flying ants filled the air, and at a distance presented the appearance of a cloud, extending a considerable distance in the rauges. On the spot it was almost impossible to breathe without swallowing a number of them.

As another instance of the absurd and mischievous application of the indiscriminate tariff, we (Geeloug Advertiser) are informed that a case of 'ladies' kid gloves imported by a firm in town, by the mail steamer Geelong, which, under the tariff of last year, would have paid a duty of 175., had to pay yesterday the actual sura of £15.

A successful attempt to bring the gouramier to the Australian shores is recorded by the Geeloug Advertiser : — Captain Osborne, of the brig Jane Bell, succeeded iu conveying safely twenty-one of these delicate fish, which are intended for a gentlemau in Adelaide, to which port the vessel is now bouud. The name of the little beetle (say9 the Melbourne Argus) which has done so much mischief at Wood's Point, by boring into beer casks and other articles is it appears, the Tomicus Typographies — the latter name being given from a resemblance of the marks made by these insects in the bark of trees to printing letters. They are very destructive, and have even been known to bore through .leaden pipes. It is probable that it is only the female that bores, iu order to lay her eggs. She drives straight or horizontally, every now and then forming a recess in which an egg is deposited ; and •when' the young beetle emerges it begins also boring a passage, but generally at right angles to that formed by the mother. The consequence is that these little insects destroy an immense quantity of wood, and in some parts of Germauy they are so -common that prayers against them are offered up in the parish churches. In 1783 about "a million and a half of trees were eaten up by them in the Hartz forest, in Germany.