The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, JANUARY -6; 1874.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 5, 6 January 1874, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, JANUARY -6; 1874.

Fire at the Port— At 12.15 p.m. the alarm of fire was given, and at 12.19 the hose was in connection with the plug near Mr John Symons's new house at the Port. A fire of considerable magnitude was raging within 15 feet of the corner of Mr Croebie's house adjoining. By the timely aid of the splendid water supply under the management of the Beach Brigade, the fire succumbed in about 20 minutes, without any damage to the buildings. The fire bell at the beaoh was distinctly heard in town, Clifton Horticultural Societt. — The ninth annual show and tea meeting of the above Society was held on Tuesday last, December 30th. For once the weather was all that could be desired. The show took place in the School-house, while in the Institute was held a small local exhibition of curiosities, ladies' fancy work, and productions of the district. This small beginning, it is hoped, will another year grow into something of more importance. The display of fruit was not very extensive. Various causes have tended to produce this result. The destruction caused in the gardens by insectpests and grubs, by birds taking the fruit, the absence and business engagements of many who have formerly tnken an active interest in the affair, being amongst the chief. The exhibits of cut flowei's were as good as usual, while a number of pot plants, some magnificent flowers of the magnolia grandifloro, and some Cliftongrown lemons, attracted considerable notice and interest. The Managing Committee were unable this year to organise any sports during the afternoon, but the visitors, although not so numerous as usual, seemed to find plenty of occupation and amusement in playing cricket, football, quoits, &c, &c. The tea was provided by Mr Robert Scott, of Bedstead Gully, who also had the contract for furnishing the refreshments. By some unfortunate mishap the tea was unfit to drink. It is supposed a trick was played by placing some substance in the boiler purposely to produce this result. The contractor endeavored to remedy this vexatious occurrence by supplying plenty of new milk, there being no time to make fresh tea. Some members of the Nelson Artizans' Association very kindly and generously came over in the Lady Barkly, and gratuitously gave a capital entertaiuraent in ■ the evening, consisting of the laughable farce, "An Ample Apology," followed by songß in character, and concluding with a nigger farce. Dancing was kept until daybreak, the company gradually thinning ac the small hours of morning grew on.