Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1877.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 301, 20 December 1877, Page 2

Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1877.

We understand that an excellent sample of lignite has been discovered in excavating at the new saltwater baths, and that there are indications of its existence in quantity. The third and last of the series of the Rev Charles Clark's lectures in Nelson was delivered last night, when the Provincial Hall was more crowded than on either of the previous evenings. The subject, "Westminster Abbey," was one in itself full of interest, and it ia scarcely necessary to say that it was dealt with with the hand of a master. Eor two hours the interest was never allowed to flag for an instant, and the applause with which the lecturer was greeted was loud and frequent. Mr Cdrtis will address the electors at the Provincial Hall at eight o'clock this evening. The prizes will be delivered to the Town Schools at the Provincial Hall at three p.m. to-morrow. A meeting of the Regatta Committee was held last night, when the amounts of the prizes to be offered were decided upon. It will be seen by advertisement that the Banks have decided upon closing for ;the Chri3tmas holidays from Saturday afternoon until Thursday morning. Ax St Mary's Schools yesterday afternoon, after our reporter left, addresses, accompanied by small gifts as a mark of their appreciation, were presented by the boys to the masters, Mr Richards and Mr Kavanagh. The bazaar in aid of the Wesleyan Parsonage at Richmond was opened yesterday, and as the trains from Nelson and Fox Hill came bringing their contingents, and traps from all parts of the country arrived, the Hall was soon filled with holiday makers, and a brisk trade was done between the fair stall-keepers and the purchasing public*, in which a good deal of money soon passed, aud a large quantity of goods, ornamental and useful, changed hands. The Hall presented a ve":y gay appearance, and afforded proof positive of the planning and executive ability of the Wesleyans of the district, decorated as it was with evergreens, festooned with curtains and ladies handiwork of all colors, while the materials were displayed so as to attract the eye and draw the cash. The Christmas Tree, refreshment stall and public tea attracted a large number of visitors. After tea the Richmond people came in, and a brisk trade was kept up till ten p.m., when without raffling or lotteries, it was found that sales of really first-class articles had been effected for the benefit of the Parsonage i?und to the tune of £65 ss. The Argus says that after his visit to Taranaki, which will be the first place at which the Premier will stop on hia way aouth from Auckland, he will take a reception at Nelson, and then go to the west coast of the Middle Island. The Argus is authoritatively informed that at the request of a number of his friends Mr Larnach has consented to retain office, at any rate, until next session. The rational Public is not to be convinced by mere assertion. It wants proof. Accordingly when it learns that four thousand physicians guarantee the purity and efficacy of an alcoholic iuvigorant, aud see on every hand its wonderful cures of nervous debility, kidney and bladder ailments, rheumatism, indigestion and torpidity of the liver, the public puts its entire faith in the article. The above explains why Udolpho Wolfe's Schikdam Aromatic Schnapps enjoy such unbounded popularity. — [Abvt.]