The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1873.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 27, 31 January 1873, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1873.

Steamer Tabakua. — This steamer arrived off Hokitika at noon to-day, but, we

imagine, is not yet tendered, as up to the time of our going to press, we have not received our Australian and English telegrams. She may be expected here about mid-day to-morrow. I San Francisco -Mail. — No notice of the arrival of this mail has been received at the time of our going to press, and there is little liklihoood of our getting it now for some days, as we learn that the Phoebe left Manukau yesterday for Nelson and is expected here with to-night's tide. The Phoebe leaves for Picton and Southern Ports to-morrow forenoon. Oddfellows' Hall.— Dr Carr gave bis final performance at the Oddfellowß* Hall last night, when there was a good attendance, and the usual interest displayed in the lecture and its illustrations, and as great amusement as ever caused by the vagaries of those who placed themselves under the control of the mesmerist. Murray's Circus.-- -The Jullien troupe of gymnasts and equestrians will perform this evening in a tent erected for the purposeat the corner of Hardy and Colling wood streets; Among other "stars'* may be mentioned Master Brame, Miss Mary Murray, who appears to-night for the first time in Nelson, and, and Messrs. Murray and Moffat, who take the part of the ;clown. The troupe possesses some very excellent horses, and the whole performance promises to be highly inter tairiing. ; = . Wakapuaka Sunday Schools.--? We have been, shown. a handsomely bound Befei-eioce Bible, on -theflyVleaf of which, .was, written^-*' Testimonial (presented to Miss A. i; 6lose 'by the parents and friends of^the attending Happy^Valley 'Sund^v'S^^ : #oi^:ssl^s&/4i&o:^ty. *'p£ -the Sunday Schooler of the" Upper District

(Wakapuaka) is to take place this evening at the new Schoolroom iv Happy Valley, when the Bible will be presented.; A Church Service is also to be presented to Miss Annie E. Boss, the Assistant Sunday School Teacher. The Bey. G. H. Johnstone has kindly promised to attend to present the prizes to the children. Nelson and Foxhill Railway. — We are glad to find that tenders are at last in-, vited for the construction of thirteen miles of this railway. In connection with this subject we may mention that the following telegram was forwarded this morning by his Honor the Superintendent to the Colonial Secretary — Foxhill Kail way. Tenders are called for thirteen miles in one contract. Would not smaller contracts be more advisable? Suggest whether it would not be well to divide into at least two contracts, taking Wairoa River as division line, and I believe still smaller contracts would tend 10 more economical construction of line. I see on Wellington ♦ and Hutt railway tenders are invited for six miles only. I conclude little or no delay need arise from change if made. — (Signed) Oswald Curtis, Superintendent. Genekal Government Pbize Firing. — The competition for the colonial rifle prizes will take place on the 4th of March next, under the superintendence of Major Gordon of Auckland. As will have been seen by our recent telegrams, a number of volunteers in all the provinces have qualified, some of them with excellent scores. Although the General Government weuld have paid the expenses of only one competitor from Nelson had the firing taken place elsewhere, all who reach the required number of 70 will be allowed to take part in the competition b& it is to take place here. At present there are only three who will be entitled 'to shoot, namely, Guy, of the Nelson Kifles,«who fired at Wanganui and obtained 78, and Fowler and F. Tomlinson, of the Waimea Company, who scored 75 and 73 respectively. We have not yet heard of any preparations being made to receive our visitors, but it is time something should be done if we intend to give them anything like the reception that has been accorded to the colonial representatives in the other provinces.