POST-OFFICE NOTICES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 298, 18 December 1871, Page 2

POST-OFFICE NOTICES.

MAILS CLOSE. For Motueka and Golden Bay— per p.s Lady Barkly, to-morrow, at 11- a.m. For Westport, Greymouth, and Hokitika — per p.s. Charles Edward, to-morrow, at 1 p m. For Marlborough— per p.s. Lyttelton, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. SYDNEY J. DICK, / Chief Postmaster.

from.' our own port, three or four are ex-fccled from Wellington, so that there •will be no lack of sport. All that is wanted is that tbe public shoultrcome forward with their subscriptions in order that tbe prizes may be really worth competing for, and the character of our annual regatta maiutaiued. A very fair sum has already been raised, but it is hoped, that it may still be largely increased, thus offering a sufficient inducement to boating men from all parts of the colony to spend their Christmas holidays amongst us. A meeting of the Club is advertised for (his evening at the Custom House Hotel. Mr. Shephaed's Meeting-. — Mr. Shephard addressed his constituents at Wakefield district ou Friday evening, Mr. Joshua Bird in the chair. The attendance was not very large, owing chiefly to the farmers being very busy just now. Mr. Shephard, after a few preliminary remarks, passed in review the chief measures^of the past SessioD, taking first those which had not become law. After noticing the various proposals affecting the constitution of the colony, he expressed himself favorable to a continuance of tbe Provincial system, the powers of the Councils to be enlarged aud defined, and the number of provinces reduced to two in the North Island, and three iu the Middle Island. With regard to the Education Bill, he pointed out the defects as to school fees, compulsory attendance, and the constitution of the Central Boards, and explained the nature of the amendments proposed by the Nelsou members and conceded by the Government, all tending to assimilate the general scheme to our existing system. He defended Mr. Vogel's mission, and the general policy of the Gogernment as to immigration and public works ; stroDgly advocated the construction of cheap tramways in preference to dray roads ; was of opinion that the Nelson and Foxhill line would be speedily commenced, and,alluding toan interview he had that morniDgwithhis Honor the Superintendent, added "I believe that it is as certain as any event which has not actually occurred can be." He referred to the reduction in the capitation grants ; believed that the method of apportioning the sums allowed to Road Boards would not work, and having noticed in succession numerous Acts of general or local interest which had passed the Assembly or Council of this Province, concluded a lengthened and very lucid speech, by statinghis conviction that the times of depression, both for New Zealand and Nelson were passing away, and tbat we were entering on a period of renewed prosperity. Mr. Shephard was most attentively listened to and repeatedly warmly applauded, and the proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to him moved and seconded by Mr. Price and Mr. H. Tunnicliff.