The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1874,

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 3, 3 January 1874, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1874,

The Rev. P. Calder will preach a sermon, to-morrow evening, having special reference to the late Rev. Principal Candlish, D.D., Edinburgh. The Rev. Thomas Buddie will preach, to-morrow morning and evening, in the Wcsleyan Church, Hardy-street, Church Parade — We see by advertisement that the Nelson City Rifles meet at the Drill SbeJ, to-morrow morning, at 1020, in full uniform, with side-arms only. Supreme Court. — The next sittings of the Supreme Court will commence on Monday. There are two criminal cases only, one of assault, and the other of manslaughter. There are also two civil cases one from the West Coast, and the other, Donne v. Lucas & Son, for libel, in which the plaintiff claims £500 damages. Fire — A fire occurred at Spring Grove yesterday, which resulted in the total destruction of the dwelling-house occupied by Mr Thomas Andrews, and owned 'by Mr Robert Shallcrass, of Nelson. Mr Andrews and all his sons were absent at the time, leaving only the female portion of the family at home, and the fire, which is supposed to have been communicated to the roof by a spark from the chimney, spread so rapidly, owing no doubt to the strong south-west wind which was blowing, that it left them no time to get anything out of the house but a sewing machine, two chairs, and a small box. Mr Andrews loses the whole of his effects, and some of the family lost a considerable sum in hard cash, and the whole of their clothes but what they had on at the time of the fire. The building was uninsured. Sunday School Treat. — The children of the Wesleyan Sunday School enjoyed their annual treat on New Tear's day. The teachers met them at half-past nine in the school-room, where they were addressed by the Rev T. Buddie, and after singing a hymn and prayer were conducted to a paddock in Brook-street for recreation and amusement, where they spent a very pleasant day. The field presented an interesting picture — some enjoying the swing, some a game at cricket, others football, two parties at croquet, while some of the teachers engaged the most juvenile in the various games suited to their capacities. Ample provision waß made for physical wants in the shape of sandwiches, buns, cake, tea, and ginger beer, to which the little folks did ample justice. The superintendents, teachers, and the minister of the congregation all devoted themselves to make the children happy, whose bright faces and merry laugh gave unmistakable proof that the effort was not in vain. A large number of parents and visitors were on the ground, for whom the teachers provided a repast of cake and tea under the shade of spreading trees. The day was most happily spent and thoroughly enjoyed by all. At half-past seven all were called together, a hymn sung, and thanks offered to God for the day's enjoyment, when the company separated, only sorry that the day was over.