The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1870.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 304, 26 December 1870, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1870.

New Steamer. — The smart little steamer Go-a-head arrived in harbor from the Man ukaa yesterday morniug. This boat has been recently purchased in Auckland for the Wairau Steam Navigation Company, and will take up her head quarters in Blenheim, whence she will trade to aoy part for which freight can be obtained. Mr. Richardson at Suburban Noth. — Mr. Richardson met the electors of Wakapuaka on Saturday evening, on which occasion the chair was taken by Mr. Mackay. Mr. Richardson was subjected to a severe cross-examination by Mr. Wastney, at the close of which a vote of thanks to him was moved by Mr. Pierson and carried unanimously.

1 Wellington Excursionists. — The steamer Taranaki arrived in port yester- • day morning from Wellington, bringing a number of excursionists who took advantage of the capital opportunity thus afforded of visiting Nelson at the time of our annual regatta. She also brought a , whaleboat with its crew, and a skiff, to take part in to-day's races. The Tara--1 naki leaves Nelson for Wellington again to-nrxorrow, at 10 a.m. Government Prize Firing. — The fir- ■ ing for the choice of representatives to proceed to Auckland took place at the Mur-phy-street butts, on Saturday, but we are sorry to say that, some of our volunteers scored the forty points, that are necessnry P to entitle them to iake part in the competition. The men complain that while a '. novelty is introduced into the regulations which renders it imperative that they should kneel at 400 yards range, no reduction has been made in the number of points i as an equivalent for the disadvantage under which they labor in consequence of having to fire in a position to which they are unacquainted. .; The Suez Mail. — An Australian paper , says: — It will soon become a question of interest when the next European news may be expected. The Suez mail is due in Melbourne on the 22nd inst;, but in the ■ ordinary course of things the telegraphic despatch from Adelaide may be looked for on Monday, the 19th. The P. and O. Company's s.s. Rangoon is to come down from Galle next time, replacing the Malta on the Australian service, and in what way this change may affect the punctuality of arrival has yet; to be seen. Regatta. Day. — The countenances of intending pleasure-seekers assumed a somewhat clouded- aspect last night, as the aspect of the weather grew more and more threatening, and bag.drdps of rain began to fall; but, later on, the moon and the stars struggled out, and then we knew we were going to have a real Nelson day for the eagerly looked for regatta. By 10 o'clock this morning" tlie cabmen's harvest had fairly commenced^ and people were flocking down to the Port in scores, and by 11 the effect of this incessant stream was plainly perceptible on and near the wharf, where large crowds had collected, and. where -we must for the present leave them to enjoy the sports provided for their amusement by the energetic Regatta Committee.