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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 132, 8 June 1869, Page 2

Mr George Cotterell's Entertainment. — We would remind our readers that this entertainment is to take place to-night at the Proviucial Hall. There are maiiy persons in Nelson who have witnessed, and been delighted with, : Mr George Cottereli's private perform-

ances ; those who have n«fc had that privilege will, we think, be surprised at the clever manner iu which he impersonates the various characters that he calls iuto being for the amusement of his audience. We understand that two lady amateurs have kindly volunteered their services at the piauo on the occasion of this, the first appearance of Mr. Cotterell in public, and we trust, that a. bumper house will testify its appreciation of as delightful an evening's entertainment as has ever yefc been offered (o the Ndson public. A Nisw Li>73 of Steamers. — We understand flint:) line of steamers, hitherto unknown in N'-w Zealand is to run upon our coast. Th<; Australian Steam Navigation Company have tendered for the conveyance of site mails between Melbourne and New Zealand, but we are informed that, even if they should fail in obtaining the contract, it is their intention to commence operations at once, by running one boat monthly, between Sydney aud the South Is laud ; and, what we are still more pleased to hear, that they propose making Nelson their principal coaling station in New Zealand. New Zealand Politics. — From private advices received from Wellington, we learn that the position of the Government is more secure than is generally believed to be the case. Our iufcrmauf, one who is well versed iu such matters, states that there is little doubt that Ministers will carry the fday alt,, 1 otigh thej' will probably be for a time hard pressed. Mr, Fox modestly repudiates the leadership of the Opposition, and, iu fact, nothing seems settled. The bulk of the Southern members had yet to arrive, and it seems uucertain upon whom Mr. Fox's mantle, should that geutlemun actually denude himself of it, is to descend. Mr. M'Leanaud Mr, Liolleston are both spoken of, but the general impression is that the latter gentleman, although much respected in the House, is hardly fitted for the duties of leader, Mr M'Loan consequently becomes the only card the Opposition have to play. Earthquake at Canterbury. — Intelligence has been received in towu of a severe shock of earthquake, which occurred in Christchurch, ou Saturday morning last, whereby several chimneys were thrown down, and considerable injury done to stone and brick buildings, one house being shaken down altogether. The tower of St. John's Church, a solid stone structure, was cracked from the. foundation upwards, and the Government Build ings are said to have sustained much damage. Fortunately no serious personal injury was inflicted. Fears were entertained that the tunnel might have been much shaken, but no damage has been discovered.