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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 258, 2 November 1869, Page 2

Fire. — We regret to learn that an extensive fire broke out about 4 o'clock this morning, at Waimea South, whereby the flour-mill, dwelling-house, five-stalled stable, harness-room, and other outhouses, the property of Mr. William White, were completely destroyed. The origin of the fire is a complete mystery, as the house and mill were unoccupied, and have been so for some time. The late Mb. Doughty. — We have to record the death of auother of Nelson's earliest settlers, at a rather early age. The late Mr. Thomas Doughty arrived here in the ship Whitby, with Captain Wakefield, whose melancholy end at the Wairau massacre is so well known. . The Whitby was one of the first preliminary expedition ships. The amiable and quiet social qualities of the deceased were well known to a large circle of friends. Had he survived till Friday next he -would have been in Nelson twenty-eight years; His funeral will take place at Wakapuaka tomorrow at 3 o'clock.

Circus. — Messrs. Bird, Blow, & Wills' American circus lias arrived in Nelson, and the first performance was given lastnight before an audieuce which seemed to be well satisfied with the bill of fare that was placed before them. Another performauee will be given to-night, when, the excitement consequent upon the election having subsided, there will no doubt be a very large attendance. - There has been a flood in the Buller lately, heavier than any since the great flood of last year, aud perhaps equal to it. Fortunately the current has not set on to the bank as it did last year, except near the National Plotel, and no damage has been, done. The weather at present is " something awful." v The transit of Venus in 1874. — Auckland is one of the stations fixed upon for the observations to be made in 1874, of the transit of Venus. The European Mail says: — "The Astronomer Royal is wisely making arrangements in good time for observing the transits which will take place in the years 1874 and 1882. The event is one of considerable interest and value to scientific men, and it is therefore desirable that it should be viewed from those parts of the earth's surface where it can be best observed. The stations fixed upon for 1874 are Oahu (one of the Sandwich Islands), Kerguelen Island (in the Indian Ocean), Rodriguez (a dependency of the Mauritius), Auckland (New Zealand), and Alexandria. Both the Admiralty and the Treasury have responded with alacrity to the appeal which has been made to them for funds. Mr. Warren de la Rue is of opinion that photography may be used with the utmost advantage for registering the transit." 1874 is a long way off yet, but it is gratifying to know that at that time New Zealand will probably be visited by some of the leading astrouomers of the day. Such a visit should be made the most of to advance the interests of science in this colony.