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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 131, 7 June 1867, Page 2

The first appearance of the Nathan Troupe at the Odd-Fellows' Hall last . night, was an event of more than ordinary importance, seeing that it afforded incontestable proof that the public of Nelson are ever ready to extend a generous patronage to any entertainment which is legitimately entitled to its appreciation. Despite the reputation which these very talented little Thespians have brought with them, we must confess that we were somewhat astonished to find so large an audience assembled within the buildiug which at present constitutes our only local theatre. Our good citizens are apt to display a caution, which past experience has unfortunately justified, in patronising auy theatrical entertainments which may offer themselves from time to time in this city, till a favorable report has been passed upon them. In tbe present instance such precautions were probably deemed altogether unnecessary, aud the Troupe received a most cordial and enthusiastic welcome, the Hall being crowded to excess in every part, and numbers being unable to obtain admittance. It would be impossible in our present limits to do anything like justice to the performance of last nigbt, and we have the less compunction in postponing a more detailed notice, inasmuch as, in such a case, the public require no recommendation at our hands, and will, we are sure, judge for themselves. That the general judgment will be merely an echo of the applause which was so abundantly showered upon the Troupe last night, requires no great power of prophecy to predict, and we believe that no one will allow the Nathan Family to depart from amongst us without witnessing their marvellous performances. Last night's programme, which will be repeated this evening, consisted of two capital farces, in both of which Little Marion took the prominent parts, and a ballet, with a very agreeable interlude, including instrumental solos and some character dances cleverly executed by Little Marion, Miss Selina Nathan, and Mr. J. Chambers, and though last, not least, Mr. Small's very humorous songs, which created a perfect furore amongst the audience, and were repeated in each instance. We anticipate quite as large an assemblage at the Hall this evening, and wonld counsel those who purpose being present, to be early in attendance. .—--The return Rifle Match between the City Rifles No. 1 and Waimea West Volunteer Eifles came off to-day at the Maitai Butts. The weather was most propitious, and the shooting generally pretty good, the scoring beir>g very close. Befreshments of a substantial character were supplied through the liberality of Captain M'Tavish, and the match, which commenced at 10 a.m. terminated at about \.balf past three in the victory of the "Waimea West Volunteers by six points, the City Rifles scoring 383, whilst their opponents made 389. The Auckland Autumn Races took place on the 23rd and 24th ultimo, and we are gratified to perceive that three prizes fell to the Annesbrook stables — Nebula, ridden by Arthur Fiven, winning the Tradesmen's Plate, the Queen's Cup, and the Autumn Cup. Magenta came in a good second for the Aucklaud Handicap Sweepstakes, and was not entered for any other race. . The weather was most inauspicious, the raiu falling in torrents

and the course was consequently very heavy, and in some low-lying parts covered with water. It is stated that so great was the confidence in the Annesbrook stables, that £50 to £20 were repeatedly offered on the success of every horse started by tbeir owner. We presume that Mr. Stafford has no cause to regret his Auckland venture. The Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times, writing on the 9th ultimo, says : — Some two months ago, when Otago matters were under consideration, and the Government were very anxious that everything should be kept dark, particular instructions were circulated through tli6 offices that on no account was any information of any kind to be given to any one beyond that absolutely necessary in the way of business. Whether any state secret has beeu disclosed siuce then I cannot say ; but I presume the Government are annoyed at something or other since they have thought it necessary to convert verbal warning of two months since into a printed notice in the Gazette issued yesterday. Of course the publication immediately set afloat various suppositions as to its origin, but the only State secret that any of us could think of as worthy the occasion, was a rumor that has been floating lately that ' A the Government had sketched out the ? main features of their Municipal Bill, and \ had resolved, in case of defeat thereon, that the country should be appealed to, in the hope tbat the outlying constituencies would return anti-provincial members. The rumor was sufficiently plausible to be regarded as having something in it ,• but whether it really contains the policy ■ which Ministers propose to themselves, or { whether it is a policy which bas been originated for them in some one else's brain, and set afloat as these things sometimes are, no one knows by whom, I cannot ■•; say. With regard to the notice above I mentioned, its stringent character will give a great increase to canards. Heretofore, if one heard any statement of . any statement alleged fact, we could ,; generally ascertain whether it was correct ■ or not by asking ; but now the subordinate .'',; really can't ■ say whether' bis soul is his ; own without permission of one of the : ministers — and so, rather than be the last . in the field with an iteni of news, it will get rushed into print by whoever ge's it, '. and the moment he gets it. It is ab- :, solutely necessary that Governments : should, should, like private firms, have i trustworthy employes, but the terms of .'■; this uotice are so needlessly striugent that j the whole army of martyrs must inevit- ': ably burst from sheer repletion incourse of V time."