The Nelson Evining Mail. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1873.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 210, 1 September 1873, Page 2

The Nelson Evining Mail. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1873.

Fsom the energetic manner in which the arrangements for the Exhibition that it is proposed to hold in November next are being entered upon, there is every reason to believe that a great success will be achieved. The Committee have published a circular containing the programme they have sketched out, and it will be seen that although the suggestion first made had reference only to a horticultural bliow, it has been determined to make it a general exhibition of various articles which are to be found in their original state, or have been manufactured, in the province. There are to be seven departments, classified as follows : — Horticultural, Fioe Arts and Photography, Mineral and Geological, Industrial, Ladies' Industries, and Natural History, the seventh, which we think might be advantageously omitted, as being more suitable to an Agricultural Show, being for Poultry. That the horticultural department will form a really beautiful sight, we have no doubt whatever. Nelson has long had the reputation of possessing a most favorable soil and climate for gardening pursuits, and when such flowers and vegetables as are annually raised here are brought together and shown to some advantage, a striking effect is likely to be produced. The mineral and geological department is one that will contain exhibits of natural productions in which we of Nelson are specially interested. Our provincial territory is one that is known to possess enormously rich stores of mineral wealth, — gold, silver, coal, galena, iron, copper, &c, have been ascertained to exist in large quantities, and it has often been a matter of wonder to us that Australian capital has not long since found here a field for investment, The only way in which we can account for this is that our resources are not yet sufficiently known outside our immediate limits. An opportunity of advertising our wares will now be afforded by the proposed Exhibition. It has been suggested to us by the members of the Committee— and we gladly act upon their suggestion — that we should give circulation to their earnest desire that miners and others residing in all parts of the province should contribute any specimens of minerals that they may happen to have in their possession, together with such information as they may think proper to supply with regard to the localities in which they were found. In this way a great deal of very valuable knowledge may be added to that we already possess with reference to our mineral resources, and such knowledge will not be confined to ourselves, but, if due care be taken, wil! be diffused throughout the whole of this and the other Australasian colonies. In order to render this department complete we would suggest to the Committee that it might be desirable to secure the services of Dr. Hector for the occasion in order that such specimens as are exhibited may be properly arranged and classified so as to offer every facility for examining them to those who may be desirous of making themselves acquainted with this particular branch of our natural resources. That Nelson is destined at no very distant date to become the largest mineral producing province in New Zealand we have not the slightest doubt, and we know of no measure better calculated to hasten the advent of that period than by making such a collection as that proposed, and so letting the world know what we have it in our power to produce. The contents of the industrial departments will, if we mistake not, be such as we shall have no reason to be ashamed of. Cloth and flax manufactures of every description will occupy a prominent place ; Nelson made furniture and jewellery should not be wanting ; saddlery and harness equal to English manufacture js to be seen in our shop windows in every variety, and should find its way into the Exhibition; locally manufactured carriages are becoming common in our streets, and on that occasion will not be out of place in the Provincial Hall. Numerous other home productions can, and we hope will be furnished, for this is an undertaking that should be a thoroughly popular one, and be taken part in by all who desire to push the province forward, and to give publicity to its resources and industries. There are many amongst us who will of course be unable to contribute articles for show, but they may render material assistance in the direction of swelling the number of exhibits, and thus adding to the importance of the occasion, by offering special prizes for those productions in which they may take a particular interest. We hope to learn of a liberal response being made to the invitation of the Committee in this respect, and would remind those who are disposed to afford such aid, that their intention to place funds at the disposal of the Committee for special prizes should be notified at as early a date as possible in order that they may be advertised in time. "He gives twice who gives quickly." We notice that arrangements are to Le made for musical performances and short lectures being given during the time that the Exhibition remains open, so that it is likely to afford a pleasant

promenade. This will doubtless add greatly to .the. attractions offered to visitors and will induce a large attendance.':-' -But', we do not look upon this Exhibition as a mere plaything to be cast aside as soon as it has afforded a few. boors' amusement, but as a thoroughly business like undertaking, the advantages of which are not to cease with the closing of the doors.

Masonic Hall.— -Mrs -George Palmer's second concert and dramatic entertainment will fake place this evening, on which occasion tickets purchased for last Wednesday evening, but not then made use of, will be available. We are glad to be able to congratulate I C. L. Maclean, -Esq., -late 'Registrar "of- the Supreme Court, on having passed his examination as barrister of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, a telegram to that effect having been received from Wellington to-day.