The Nelson Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1870.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 33, 9 February 1870, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1870.

English Mail. — The mails for England and India aro advertised to close ou Friday next, when they will be despatched by the Rangitoto, but a supplementary mail will be made up, for the Tararua, should that vessel call at Nelson. We observe that she was advertised to leave Melbourne for Hokitika on the 7th inst., she may therefore be expected to arrive here about Tuesday next. The next Euglish mail will leave Melbourne on the Ist of March. The Regatta. — The deserted state of the streets as we write, and the coutiuous stream of heavily ladened carriages of every description that has poured along the Port Road since 11 o'clock this morning shows most imm is takably that the Nelson regatta is quite as popular an institution as was the case years ago, when first the coveted Challenge Cup, which is to be raced for to-day, was offered for competition by Mr. Duppa. We are unable to give au account of the racing to-day, but shall publish a full report of the day's events in to-morrow's issue. Lancashire Bell Ringers. — The Bell Ringers gave their second per format) ce ]id the Assembly Rjoms last night, aud were greeted with loud applause throughout, some of the pieces, such as the Blue Bells of Scotland, and Irish Quadrilles, being rendered with great spirit and correctness. Of Miss Liddle's singing it is quite unnecessary to say more than that it wan characterised by the same sweetness and expression which so delighted the audience on the previous evening. For to-night an entirely aew programme is advertised, and a day performance, for the convenience of schools, is, we observe, to be given to-morrow afternoon commencing at 3 o'clock. Farewell Dinner to Dr. Irvine. — Several of Dr. Irvine's friends having determined upon entertaining him prior to his departure for England, about 30 gentlemen sat down last night to an excellent dinner provided by Mr, M'Gee, of the Nelson Hotel, Mr. Barnicoat, the Speaker of the Provincial Council being in the chair. After the cloth was removed and the usual laoyl toasts disposed of, the health of the guest of the evening was proposed by the chairman, and most heartily drank by all preseut. Dr. Irvine having returned thanks in a most feeling manner for the compliment paid to him, Mr. Barnieoat proposed " The Legislature," which was replied to by Sir D. Monro. The toast of " The Pioneers of the settlement of Nelson " was responded to by Mr. E. W. Stafford ; that of "The Superintendent and Executive" by Mr. O. Curtis. Several other toasts were proposed and responded to, and a most enjoyable evening was spent by all present. Dr. Irvine, who during his eight yearE' residence in Nelson has earned the respect of all classes of the community, is about to pay a short visit to England, and expects to return to Nelson again about the end of the year, and while wishing him bon voyage, we can assure him that on his return he will meet with a hearty welcome from all his old friends. The Star Dramatic Company played the drama of " Lady Audley's Secret," last night to a capital house. The Lady Audley of Mrs. Harry Jackson was a decided success; in fact, created quite a sensation. Very rarely has better acting been seen on a colonial stage. The character is a very trying one to render, and a first-class artiste only could have given it "with the passion and power displayed by Mrs. Jackson. The Robert Audley of Mr. Ray Der, although somewhat coldly played, was a very good piece of acting, very far short, however, of the George Tallboys of Mr. Joyce. The company may congratulate themselves on liaving so clever and versatile an actor among

them as that gentleman. His range of character seems limitless, and whatever he does he does well. The contrast between his George Tallboys, and his Crank in " Did you ever send your wife to Camberwell," was something wonderful, Alicia and Phoebe were capitally done by Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Howard, aud although the part of Sir Michael Audley is not very a important one, it was played by Mr. Howard with great care and completeness ; Mr. Simmondsas Lu/te Marks displayed his usual skill, but we confess we like to see him in pieces like •' Did you ever send your wife to. Camberwell," which give him more liberty to exercise his laughter-producing talents. Ou the whole " Lady Audley's Secret " was played well throughout, and we think that the people of Nelson may deem themselves fortunate in having amongst them for once, a l-eally talented Dramatic Company. In the after- pieces Mr. Howard, as Trotter Southdown in "To oblige Benson," kept the house ia a roar, as did also Mr. Simmonds and Mr. Joyce, in the concluding piece of the evening.