The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1870.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 71, 25 March 1870, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1870.

Ship Desertion.— Henry Perry, seamau of the barque Alphington, charged at the Resident Magistrate's Court, yesterday, with deserting his ship, was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labor. John Dickens and John Ward were at the same time charged by the Inspector of Police with harboring the said Henry Perry, knowing him to be a deserter.. Case dismissed. The Lancashire Bkll Rixgers gave one of their delightful entertainments last night in which they were ably assisted by the accomplished vocalist, Miss Liddle, who sung with that expression and sweetness which havo so justly rendered her a popular favorite amongst all music-loving communities. Mr Plilton did the comic part of the business in a most effective manner, and the whole performance in fact was one well worth atteudiug. Another entertaiument is advertised for this evening. Fire at Appleby. — A fire broke out a few nights ago, at about 12 o'clock, in the stable of the Travellers' Rest Inn, at Appleby, which resulted ia the total destruction of the building together with a loft full of hay, a set of harness, and other sundries. Mr. Spanger and family were in bed at the time, and being awakened by the glare rushed out. and with the assistance of some neighbors fortunately succeeded in saviug the house, which is close to the stable, and actually took fire once or twice, from being burnt down. The origin of the fire remains a mystery. Another Gorse Hedge on Fire. — The alarm was once more pealed forth by the fire-bells last night, and turned out, as is now becoming quite the usual thing, to be caused by the ignition of a gorse hedge, this time near the Bishop's school. We trust it will not be long before an Act is passed rendering compulsory the removal of these dangerous nuisances. Since writing the above we have learned that, as there is every reason to believe that the hedges have in the last two instances been wilfully set fire to, the Fire Brigade has offered a reward of five pounds for the discovery of the incendiary, which, it is hoped, may prove instrumental in bringing him to justice. The Country. — The grateful rain which fell yesterday morning has gladdened the hearts of farmers who are now able once more to get the plough into the ground, which, up to the time of the rain falliug, was as hard as iron and quite impenetrable. The pastures too, look much freshened by the shower which came down steadily in the Waimea district for about twelve hours. Threshing is beiug busily proceeded with, and the hum of the machine is to be heard on all sides, though we hear that many of the grain growers prefer to hold on fora time, not beiug disposed to accept the low prices that are offered for wheat. A great deal of the barley, we are told, is injured in the thrpshing, the grain, owing to the long drought, being so dry and brittle that it cracks in passing through the machine. TnE Glassblowers drew another large house last night, the great attraction being the'awarding of prizes to the propouiiders of the best aud worst conundrums, with regard to which, it is only necessary to say that everything in the shape of wit and humor was rendered very conspicuous by its absence. The following are the two which gained the prizes — to 1 the first Mr. Younger stands sponsor, while the second and worst looks to Mr. W. Leech as its luippy father : — " Why is Mr. Woodroffs glass steam engine like Te Kooti?" "Because, when exposed to fire, it runs." " Why is Woodroffs glass engine like M'Rae's sausage machine ?" "Because it can't swim." To-night a prize is offered for the best verses on the same subject, when it is to be hoped that the worst poem may prove superior to the best conundrum.