The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1870.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 30, 5 February 1870, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1870.

Wangapeka Quartz. — Dr. Tatton has received a sample of quartz from Mr. Morris O'Brien, which, on being tested by him, yielded gold at the rate of sozs, 9dwts. I7grs. to the ton.

Theatrical. — The Star Company performed again last night before a moderately filled liouse, the programme being precisely the same as on the previous evening. To-night, however, an entirely new performance is advertised, and we expect to find a bumper house assembled to witness the acting of this really talented troupe.

Lancashire Bell Ringers.— lt is with much pleasure that we welcome back to Nelson after an interval of some years, the Lancashire Bell Ringers, who have now established for themselves a worldwide reputation. Assisted as they are by the wellknown cantatrice, Miss A. Liddle, we may be certain that the entertaiuments advertised for Monday, Tuesday, aud Wednesday evenings next, at the Assembly Rooms, will be such as we have not heard in Nelson for a long time.

We are glad to learn that Mr. Kynnersley arrived in Melbourne about a fortnight ago in the ship Yorkshire, after a fine pasage of 70 days from Loudon. We understand that after a short stay in Melbourne Mr. Kynnersley intends to come on to New Zealand.

Alar:»i of Fire. — About halfpast eight o'clock last night another alarm of fire was raised. It proved to be some gorse on a spur near the Nile-street Bridge. A number of persons were quickly in attendance and prevented the fire from spreading by beating out the flames ; and the Fire Brigade arriving soon after extinguished the embers. It is believed to have been the work of some mischievous lads, and if so, a very strong caution ought to be given them, to deter them from such dangerous pastime ia the

future. Another patch of gorse, some distance from the first, had also been fired.

Our Fire Brigade and Waterworks. — Too much praise cannot be accorded to the members of the Fire Brigade for the prompt energy displayed by them on the occasion of the fire on the hill near Brookstreet yesterday afternoon. In considerably less than a miuute from the time the bell first pealed forth the alarm, a number of them had collected at the engine house and started off with the hose-reel to the scene of the fire, and then the efficiency of our water service was shown to great advantage. The hydrant was screwed on to the nearest fireplug which was at a distance of nearly 100 yds from the base of the hill, and the end of the hose being attached, the order was given to lay it on up the hill. Six hundred feet were quickly run out and carried to the top of the spur, whence/ at a height of over 200 ft. above the pipes, a powerful jet of water was soon pouring on the burning grass and scrub, and in a short time the fire was completely subdued. Had it not been for the plentiful supply of water, and the prompt manner in which it was brought to bear upon the fire, the house occupied by Mr. Rutter would, in all probability, have been sacrificed.

Our Railway.—- The Nelson, Cobden, aud Westport Railway Compauy is still in

abeyance, owing to the difficulties that I referred to in my last letter, in connection with the wording of the local Act authorising the enterprise. Some chagrin is caused by an opinion expressed by the New Zealand agent here that unless the Company proceed with the undertaking in accordance with the strict letter of the Act, the negotiations must be considered off; and, considering that oue of the terms complained of is that conditions are imposed as to gradients which it is impossible to carry out from the nature of the country, the projectors might naturally feel themselves aggrieved by such, an issue to their efforts. The promoters have adpoted the course of seuding out a draft of concession, allowiug them to make a line from poiut to point without restrictions, and if Mr. Morrison is authorised to act upon this, there will be no difficulty, it is stated, iv getting the capital together. There is precedent for such a concession in the case of the Great Russiau Railway to the Caucasus. — European Mail.