The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1869.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 204, 31 August 1869, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1869.

Death of an Old Settler. — We regret to learn that Mr Gapper, one of our oldest settlers, died last night. Mr G-apper was one of the pioneers of the Nelson settlement, and was present 'at the Wairau Massacre, where he was wounded in the arm. He has for many years been living in Wairaea East, where he was much respected by all who knew him. Telegraphic. — We learn from telegrams that appeared in this morning's Colonist, that the session is likely to terminate to-morrow or Thursday. A large amount of business has been got through lately, as the House has been sitting for twelve hours a day, It has been stated that in all probability the two Commissioners to be sent to England will be appointed before the prorogation. Sporting. — We take the following from the Melbourne Argus: " The most noticeable feature in connection with the Melbourne Cup was the anxious enquiry after the New Zealand horse, Manuka, who came into the market with a tremendous rush, and after 1000 to 40 had been laid, nothiug beyond 100 to 5 could be obtained, and this price was accepted up to £500. At 100 to 4, however, the Maori champion would have been backed for thousands — a fact attributable to his owner having expressed his intention of sending the horse to compete for the Melbourne Cup. Winter Evening Lectuhes. — The last of this series of lectures was delivered at the Provincial Hall last night by His Honor Mr Justice Eichmond, the subject being " The modern aspect of natural theology." The lecture, which was listened to with the greatest interest by a large and attentive audience, showed most unmistakeably that all the large thinking powers of a master mind had been brought to bear upon a topic which is at the present time attracting so much attention among thoughtful men, and we cordially endorse what fell from the Rev. Mr Johnstone, who, in proposing a vote of thanks to the lecturer, stated that there was not another man in New Zealand, beside Judge Eichmond, who could have brought so much research to bear upon the subject with which he had undertaken to deal, and which he had handled in so masterly a manner. In noticing this, the last lecture of the series, we must offer our congratulations to the Committee on the complete success which has attended the experiment that has this winter been tried for the first ; time in Nelson. The thanks of the community are due both to them and to the gentlemen who have so ably acted in the . capacity, of lecturers.

Football. — A match, was played in the ■ Botanical Gardens on Saturday last, .between 18 of the Town Club and 22 of the College boys. As the latter were to be unassisted by the former pupils of the College, who had played on their side iii the previous matches, it was generally anticipated that the- Town would prove too strong for their youthful opponents, and such proved to be the case, tb.3 first game being won by them after a hard contest which lasted three quarters of an hour, the goal being kicked by A. Drew, who had previously played on the College side. The strong breeze which was blowing at the time was greatly in favor of the Town side, and it would appear that it tended greatly to the victory obtained by them, as, when in the second game the goals were cbanged, thus giving the College boys the advantage of the wind, the contest was much closer and ended in a drawn gaime, neither side being able to make a goal after two hours' hard fighting, when the • | darkness compelled them to leave the I ground. We understand that another game j between the same sides is to be played to- ! morrow afternoon. Demilitarization. — The Wellington JPost believes that it has at last hit upon the proper meaning of the term '• demilitarizing," as applied to the men of the Colonial forces. It appears that a Select Committee on Small Arms which has lately been sitting has thrown an entirely new light on the matter, as by their report the soldiers are recommended to be converted into " breech-loaders;" however, as no known process exists by which this trans--1 lation can be accomplished, it is supposed that demilitarizing is the mode by which it will be effected. The portion cf the report alluded to is as follows : " After conversion, they (Enfield rifles) would still be medium rifles, more available for use behind earthworks or other defences than in the field, and would be nearly as serviceable as muzzle-loaders, more particularly with reference to the fact that if eraployed against an enemy it would be in many cases by men who had not met an enemy before, and who would only get rid of their ammunition all the sooner if they were converted into breech-loaders. Sir George Grey. — A private letter received by a gentleman in Christchurch by last mail from Euglaud, states that Sir George Grey, with his niece Miss Matthews, intends to return to New Zealand in August. This letter is dated May 23.