The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1871.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 296, 15 December 1871, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1871.

Bachelder's Diorama. — This diorama was exhibited again last night, and afc the conclusion of the performance, Mr. Rainer announced to the audience that he purposed visiting Nelson again in about six weeks time. Burning of the Auckland Choral Hall. — This Hall was burned down on the morning of the 10th instant, the fire, it is believed, being the work of au incendiary. A reward of £1000 is offered for such information as will lead to the conviction of the offender. The Doran Company. — An extraordinary meeting of the shareholders in this Company was held last night, when the action taken by tho Directors was unanimously approved of and a vote of thanks accorded to them without a dissentieut voice. Italian Opera Company.—Considerable disappointment was caused by the nonarrival of the Opera Company Ihis morning, and great fears were entertained that we were to be deprived altogether of the opportunity of hearing them. We are glad to learn, however, that Mr. Stanton has received advices from the manager staling tbat they will leave Auckland by the Taranaki ou the 19th instaut, aud may be expected to perform here on Thursday evening next. Our Railways. — His Honor the Superintendent returned from Wellington by the steamer this morning, and we learn from him that the Government bave not yet definitely entered into any contract with Mr. Brogden, although the terms are likely to be settled in a day or two, when the surveys will be commenced. The Government have distinctly promised that that the Nelson and Foxhill, and Brunner Mine and Greymouth lines shall be among the earliest to be undertaken. Collingwood. — The dredging works in the Aorere river have not yet proved a success, the operations of the Nelson and Collingwood Company having resulted in a very trifling yield of gold, so small indeed as to induce the management to desist from working in the spot first selected. Another portion of the claim, which is half-a-mile in length, will be tried,a nd it is hoped with better success. There has been a tremendous flood in the river, and the punt and otlier dredging appliances belonging to Williams and Company, were waslied away. From the Perseverance thero is again bad news, 2SI tons of stoue having yielded only 29 ounces of gold. Provincial Scholarships. — At the distribution of prizes at the College this afternoon, the decision of the examiners with regard to the scholarships offered for competition to the Town schools by the Provincial Government was made known. The first three candidates were Pollock 255 marks, Hodgson 232, Hunter 204. The highest number obtainable was 275. Hodgson being in delicate health, his father has withdrawn him, and, con- | sequently, Pollock and Hunter will hold the scholarships. Mr. Moorhouse. — A General Government Gazelle, issued on Tuesday, announces the appointment of .Mr. W. S. Moorhouse to be Secretary of Crown Lauds, and Land Claims Commissioner, under the Land Claims Settlement Act 1856, and ihe Land Claims Settlement Act 1858. A Show of Roses, in anticipation of the Horticultural Show, which is to take place next Saturday, the anniversary,^ the Canterbury Province, was held at Christchurch, on the Ist instant, and proved a great success. Whon is Nelson, the finest spot in the colony for.' flower growing, to have a Horticultural Show again ? Martin's Bay. — The Wai para arrived at Hokitika from Martin's Bay on Tuesday last. She reports that nearly aft the male inhabitants have left the district for the shearing season, leaving their wives and families behiud, and intending to return. Those left are nearly starved, and are loud in their complaints of the neglect of the Otago Government. The Coming Regatta.— -The following extract from the Welligton Post will be read with interest by those who are exerting themselves in making preparations for the regatta to be held on the 26th inst : — "The Commodore of the Star Club has received a programme of the regatta which will shortly come off in Nelsoa, and for

which several boats and crewß will be sent over from Wellington. There will be 13 events, and for two of them, namely, the scullers and whaleboat races, the Star Club will enter three boats. Mining- Matters is Auckland we learn, are exlremely dull, and the people there appear to be frightened. Caledonians although quoted nominally at £70, are very likely to fall to £50 or even less. There appears to be a great difference of opinion about this mine, some thinking its best days are over, whilst others prophecy a brilliant future for it. A few weeks will test who are right. The quantity of gold crushed at the Thames during the month of November wos 20,841 ounces, being an increase of 5,G86 ounces on the previous month. A Melbourne paper says : — A noteworthy event in our commercial annals occurred yesterday, when the large American fore-and-aft schooner Isahel, which loaded up here for San Francisco, sailed from the Bay with the first cargo of wool shipped direct to the Stales. Her master took the first cargo of coals from Newcastle, N. S. W:, to San Francisco direct by sailing vessel; and, as a singular coincidence, he now in liko manner takes the first cargo of wool straight from this port to the same destination. Messrs. F. D. Bell and E. W. Stafford have (says the Daily Times) voluntarily consented, with the concurrence of the Provincial Executive, to surrender, without compensation, 7000 acres of tbeir run, situated in Mount Ida Valley, Dunstan, for the purpose of agricultural settlement. Tho land to be selected comprises some of the best land in tho district, and will shortly be thrown open for selection under the Goldfields Leasing Regulations. The negotiations for the surrender of the land have been conducted by the member for the Dunstan, Mr. Shepherd, who expresses his satisfaction at the liberal manner in which he was met by Messrs. Bell and Stafford. The New Stamp Duties. — The Auckland Herald says : — " A number of business firm3 are now publishing cards, announcing a certain day of the week on which all payments will be paid in money. Thus, instead of drawing a large number of cheques throughout tho week, as had been done hitherto, one large cheque drawn once a week will be made to suffice. No doubt means will be resorted to for avoiding the increased charge on receipt stamps. We have heard of one ingenious tradesman who proposes to satisfy his customers by the very simple process of crossing out their amount in his books in their presence on receipt of the amount, and, doubtless, such a receipt would satisfy most people." Chenaxen. — The Chinese population located iu Invercargill, says a local paper, is estimated at 35 souls. After making various ineffectual attempts they found that the trade of the place was not sufficient to maintain them in constant employment. Accordingly, they set out last week, with the exception of some four or five of tho number, on a prospecting tour, one party taking the directiou of the Mataura, and the other the beaches afc Campbeltown. At the risk of being deemed traitors to the public interest, we cannot refrain from wishing thera success. If the "Christian" part of the population would just follow the same oxample when they find the labor market not quito up to their expectations, j the chances are they would beuefit tliemI selves without injuring the district.