The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1876.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 232, 21 September 1876, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1876.

The City Council met last night in Committee of the whole to enquire into the charges made by Cr Gray concerning the management of the gasworks. The enquiry was held with closed doors, but when a newspaper reporter has made up his mind to ascertain what is going on at any particular place it is difficult to keep him entirely ignorant of the proceedings. It so happens, then, that we are in a position to say that Cr Gray was what is commonly known as "jumped upon" last night. He shifted his ground, displayed signs of being exceedingly uncomfortable while the examination proceeded, excused himself on the plea of having been somewhat excited when he made the charges under discussion, and asserted that he had not stated from his own knowledge that wet coals had been used for gas making but had heard somebody else say so. This sort of thing went on for some time until one Councillor, more impulsive than his fellows, rose and said he thought it was childish to be going on in such an unsatisfactory manner when they had met for the specific object of enquiring nto and reporting upon certain charges. So he proposed to bring the enquiry to a head by placing before the Committee a series of issues, which were drawn up n the most apprcy.d lejal form, notwithstanding that the Council does not comprise a lawyer amongst its members. These issues, together with the findings thereon, were as follows : — (1.) Was the Manager right in keeping the stock of coals low with a contract pending for the supply of a large quantity at a lower price?— Yes. (2.) Hate

wefc dbals been generally- used in thV manufacture of! gas by .helManager?-4 . No. (3.) Has tW Manager alwaysV dprie bis best j to keegi^ a sufficient! stock,.' tif coials.^atv.tt-e gasworks?^' Yes.' (4.) Afterfiaving heard the evi-* dence, do the Committee consider any fault can be attributed to the Manager? — No. These findings will, we presume, > be embodied in a report to be presented, to the Council at its nexj; meetiug. Is it not time that something was being done in the way of advertising the next Horticultural Show, which should take place in „ November? It would be well 'that ib tending exhibitors should receive timely notice of the various classes for which prizes will be offered. We suggest the matter to the Committee in the hope that they will I stir in it without further delay. to Mr Jervis' comfortable hotel and charming little iarotf >at ;_?bx^ hill must have frequently notice fc fine f pair of emus wandering about, whose movements and habits afforded considerable amusement to those who patched them at all .-closely';. We. understand that the lady bird is now prevented by . her domestic duties from .receiving 'com-, pany, she being engaged in sitting upon, five eggs. The male is said to he:very attentive to her in her confihoment, and displays a -.good deal o^ cunning ' in luring people, away from, thq nest, ./We are not aware whether, emus have «ver : bred in' tHis country ; ' before;' ,: but are inclined to believe that, should Mr Jervis's bird successfully hatch her eggs and rear her young, it will be the first instance of the kind in New Zealand ... „,.„,;• Y Thb Harmonic i,;Soqi?ty.^.- weekly practice will take place this evening as Usual Y ■' ■. • 'i ' • ; ';., Thb Artillery Company encouraged by the success which attended the fancy ball on Tuesday night are thinking of following suit with a masquerade ball, the proceeds to be devoted to the Band fund. A meeting of members for the purpose of making the necessary arrangements will be held at the Drill Shed this evening at 730. The concert at Spring Grove last night was successful beyond the most sanguine anticipations of its promoters,the schoolroom being crammed to overflowing. The Artillery Band was in attendance, and rendered valuable assistance, as did Mr Oakey by playing the accompaniments. In addition to the Binging there waa instrumental music by an amateur string band, and a " nigger " performance by. the Wakefield Christy Ministrels, all combining to make a most pleasant evening's entertainment. The special trains from both ends of the line conveyed a considerable number of passengers. The Ball Committee :of the Naval Brigade are requested to meet at the Custom House Hotel this evening at half- past seven, for the purpose of settling business connected with the late calico ball.

Messrs Sharp and Pickering will hold a sale of stock, ex Murray from Wanganui, at the White Hart Hotel, Rich^ mond, to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock.