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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume III, Issue 61, 13 March 1868, Page 3

The Otago, which is advertised to leave shortly after her arrival, will take the European Mail via Suez. A cricket match is announed to take place on Tuesday the 17th inst. at Waitapu, between the Takaka and Clifton Cricket Clubs. We are gratified to find that the wish very geuerally expressed by members of the City Rifles No. 1 and of the Wairaea Company that the rifle matches, which passed off so agreeably, last year, should be made of annual recurrence, is to be realised. We understand that a rifle match has been arranged to take place between these two companies on Monday the 2Srd inst. at the Waimea West Rifle Butts. We were in error in stating with reference to the visit of the Penal Establishment Commissioners to this city, that

Mr Haughton had accompanied his colleague, Mr O'Neil. We find that Mr Haughton is expected by the Otago to-day. The enquiry of the Commission commenced yesterday at the Government Buildings, Captain Clouston having been under examination during the whole day. One of the Visiting Justices, Mr Wells, M.H.E., and Dr Vickerman were, we understand, to be examined to-day. An accident occurred yesterday morninv between 9 and 10 o'clock, to a man of advanced years, named Benson, who has been employed for some time past as a bell man in this city. It appears that he was driving a cart, in which were two children, when the horse suddenly took fright in the upper part of Bridge-street, tore asvay at full speed, and came in contact with the pedestal of the lamp post opposite Mr. West's, by which- the near wheel was broken. The unequal pressure on the horse's haunches only terrified him still more, and he pursued his course until the cart came again in violent collision with the telegraph post opposite Mr. HounselPs new store, by which it was completely smashed. Benson was thrown out against the adjacent lamp post, but, strange to say, apparently without sustaining any serious injury, while the children were taken out of the cart much frightened but quite unhurt. We are glad to hear that the Oddfellows have it in contemplation to avail themselves of the services of Mr Wilson, the scenic artist (whose presence in Nelson we have already noticed), with a view to the redecoration of their Hall, and the fitting it with appropriate scenery, in place of the present dingy ' properties' which have done service so long. We cannot but believe that this is a very judicious step, since it is unnecessary to point out that the prestige of the Hall for performances of a high class is well nigh destroyed, aud a comparatively trifling expenditure would, under Mr. Wilson's skilful hands, convert it into an elegant aud atractive place of public entertainment, whilst its increased use would amply compensate them for the requisite outlay.