The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1876.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 223, 11 September 1876, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1876.

The City of -Sydney with the San -I Eraucisco maii arrived at Auckland thia morning, about twelve hours after her contract time. There is a- bare possibility of the Nelson and West Coast portion of the mail being forwarded to Wellington in the mail boat for transhipment to the Hawea, which leaves there for Picton and Nelson on Wednesday night. Unless thia course is adopted, it will not reach ua until the arrival of the Wellington from Onehunga on Saturday. It is currently reported that the appointment to the head-mastership pf the ! Nelson College ia to be conferred on the Rev J. C. Andrew. A football match played oni Satur- , day afternoon between the College Cadets on the one side and the City and Artillery Cadets on the other resulted in favor of the former by 6^ points. In. the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning Carlin Gill and Julia Gill, his wife, Bued John James for ■£49 Is, the value of certain goods, the property of the female plaintiff, alleged to have been wrongfully seized and sold by defendant. Gill's evidence having been taken, the case was adjourned until Thursday. Mr Pitt appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr Pell for the de* fendant. We understand that the Provincial Government have accepted jhe tender of Messrs Bethwaite and Robertson, builders and contractors of this city, for the construction of a cart bridge over the Blackwater River, Buller district. The floor of the bridge, which is in three spans, two of 32 feet and one of 72 feet, will be nearly 40 feet above the water line. About 50,000 feet of timber and 3000lbs of iron will be used in the construction of the bridge. We remind our readers of the lecture to be delivered by the Rev Father Garin on Wednesday next in aid of St. Mary's Orphanage. As the reverend lecturer was all through the Maori war of 1849, and was an eye-witness of all the most stirring events in connection with it his narrative -should be one of the deepest interest to every New Zealand colonist. The lecture will be divided into two parts, and in the interval there will be music and singing. The chair will be taken by Mr Barnicoat, the Deputy-Superintendent. A fire which occasioned serious loss occurred early yesterday morning on Mr Hibberd's farm at Wakapuaka. A large wooden building which was uaed as barn, shed, and stable was totallydestroyed with the whole of its contents except two carts, which were saved. Among the things burnt were a quantity of wheat and peas, some hay and bacon, farming implements, and harness. A favorite dog which was chained up in the stable was also destroyed. Every assistance was rendered by the neighbors, but the flames were not seen until too late for their services to be of any avail. The fire cannot be accounted for in any way. The funeral of the late Mr George Outridge took place this afternoon with military honors, deceased, who died at the Hospital yesterday after an illness of only four days, having beeu a member of the City Rifles. The funeral left the Hospital at half-past two, and at three o'clock was received by the Volunteers at tbe foot of the Church Hill, the City Rifles, who formed the firing parly, standing at the." present." The procession then started for the new Cemetery as follows : — Firing ' party ; Band playing the Dead March ; Hearse with the ensign and deceased's busby and accoutrements laid upon it ; mourners in carriages and on foot ; Volunteers, all the City corps being represented. The attendance was very fair, but no doubt would bave been larger but for a misunderstanding that had arisen, it having been arranged at one time that there was to be no military display. Deceased was a son of Mr R. P. Outridge, who many years ago was a resident in Nelson. The members of the Naval Brigade assembled at their Boat Shed on Saturday afternoon last, embarked in the Aurora, and proceeded across to HaulAshore Island fbr the purpose of firing for the General Government ordnance prizes. There was a very small muster, only sufficient to form two detachments. After landing one detachment on the island, the Aurora proceeded out of the harbor under sail for the purpose of laying down the target. When about a mile from the island the anchor of the target was let go, and the Aurora having run up the signal " All right " the firing commenced. Each detachment was allowed to fire six shots, and as there were nine men in each, lots were drawn as to who should fire them. The firing of No. 1 detachment was excellent, and although the target was not struck, nearly every shot was landed very close to it. The firing of No. 2, though not so good as that of their opponents, was also creditable. There was a strong S.W. wind blowing at the time, which interfered sadly with the shooting. Considering that this was only the second time that' the Brigade had fired with shot, and the very primitive wooden sights which they \ have got for their " infants," the firing was remarkably good. After returning j to the shore three cheers were given for Captain Marshall, and three more for ' the winners of the prize.