The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1877.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 278, 23 November 1877, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1877.

A Wellington paper of Tuesday last says that flu Opposition caucus had been held, at which thirty-seven members were present several others sending apologies for nonattendance. From what had transpired of the proceedings it was gathered that the proposal to coloniahse the land fund was likely to meet with the support of a large section of the Opposition, but that an attempt would be made to oust the Government either on their general proposals or by some particular motion tantamount to a vote of censure or of no-confidence. We can scarcely think however, that such a motion would be carried in the face of the honest and straightforward statement made by Mr Larnach, as the policy laid down iu it is one that at least entitles the proposers to a fair trial. It is quite possible that the Colonial Treasurer, in his desire to disparage his predecessor, has been led into painting in rather too gloomy colors the financial condition of the colony, but that it is such as to render necessary the most careful treatment and economical administration tuere can be no doubt whatever, and those who propose to deal with our finances upon such a basis most certainly hare a claim to the forbearance pf th,eir opponents while they are putting their proposed policy into working The bold declaration pfthe intention of the Ministry to make the land fund cojonial revenue will gain for them much support throughout the colony. It was one of the weaknesses of their predecessors that they toyed with this question too much, Under every possible pretest they nibbled at the land fund, but dared not propose to take it over aad deal with it as ona ol the items of general revenue. We doabt very much under the circumstances whether upon a noconfidence motion the Opposition would now secure a majority, but if they should the present Government have in their financial statement a good ground for appealing to the country, as since its publication the question at issue is no longer one of men but has changed to one of measures.

Thb Waitara, which arrived at the outer anchorage on the evening of Wednesday last, ; had on that day beefr absent from New Zea- •• only 6. months 17 d^ys, during which time aad made thej homeward passage, disteharged her cargo of wool, loaded, and made' the run out again. Time was when sis months from London to New Zealand was not regarded as an outrageously long passage The weights for the various handicaps at the Duuedin Autumn Race meeting were declared last night, and can be ascertained upon application at the Mail office. Mr Hbebert Roberts, the wonderful hand-stroke billiard-player, will give an exhibition of his skill at the Masonic Hotel this evening at 8 o'clock, vAs Mr Roberts will only be here for one night there should be a Mfge attendance of thoss who are'.s4mirers of the fascinating gama. Particulars of the. entertainment, will be found in the advertisement.

Wk have, to, acknowledge with thanks the recgjpflrbnSj^AniJy^-mtnesa " of ail excel-r l^nfiacconn^pf the collision between the shio < Zealandia' and the barque Ellen Lamb, but , regr,efc thsfe t?ftjannot,'fiQd ropmifor if; to-day, will, however, appear on the iaarlieat possible date. f ' . • Thb opening game of the .-season !wili flbe. played by the Spring GtoyV Cricket 'Club to-morrow afternoon in the paddock adjoining the Bridge lan ; TK6 wickets will ba 1 pitched , attwoofelock.- • r THftahnWl district meeting of the Wesleyan Church was brought to a close in a very agreeable manner yesterday. Responding^ fchagenefpas iurifc^foh of Mr knd Mrs G-reen, a, considerable company consisting of the Ministers and friends connected with the Church i repaired :to < * The ! Sands/f where , they met with a, most hospitable entertain- \ ment. The" day was everything that could oe desired, and the usual outdoor amose^ ments and games were participated jin With much zest -After tea the .company was entertained with musicalselecfcidns, recitations, S?- JF far ® 9 cheers were given for rfr'iindi Mrs Greea, and a very enjoyable' pic-nic terminated. v |

A vbbt sad case of sudden death occurred yesterday morning on board the Wallace on her trip ffoin here to Wanganui.T A few .ttaya aga three German Missionaries whd wete settled io 1 the Rangitikei distnct came oxertoNeiioQto.be married to ladies who had a fortnight previously arrived the Fatherland,' whence they ■> had^Jobe: for* tfce 1 pjirpoae of being united to these gehfclemen the engagements having been made in the old-country... The three weddinga took place on the same day at the Moutere, where there was feaatmg and holiday making in celebration of the joyous occasion. The newly liiarried couples came into town on Tuesday, qnd on Wednesday afternoon tney started for their home at Waiiganui in the Wallace: Thiynornißg a- telegram was received, byMr Harhng stating 'that one of the 'biide- ! ■ grooms, the Revft Loose, had suddenly died on the passage. The particulars- are not yet knownfjbut as, he was. subject/ to fits it is supposed that one of those must have been the cause of death. It is a sad position for the newfcr married bride to find herself ina widow in a strange land, and 1 great will be the sympathy felt with, her by the German settlers $n the Moutere which shb had 'made her temporary home. ; • The « lay preacher" at the Loyal Marine Lodge, 1.0.G.T., last night had a good'cohgregation, which he succeeded in keeping both interested and amused by the manner in which he dealt with his peculiar subject, •Paddle your own canoe." Dividing his text sermon-fashion into headings, he taught from it lessons of manliness, perseverance application to work, self-reliance, and courage that was not to quail at trifles, all of which he asserted were necessary to success, either in business, religion, or the great cause in which his hearers were engagedi The sermon was interspersed with humorous allusions and racy anecdotes, and was listened to with much attention. At its close a vote of thanks was accorded to Bro. MacLean Dunn. J •-,-•.