The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1878.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 21, 24 January 1878, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1878.

Telegraphic communication with. Er-ope is again interrupted between Bata\ia aud Singapore. Builders and others are reminded that tenders for a fifty years' lease for building purposes of the paddock opposite the Kent Brewery must be sent in to Mr C. Harley not later than to-morrow. At the Police Court this morning, a Mrs Wilkins was charged by Mr Acton Adams with stealing coals. The prosecutor said that he did not wish to press for a severe punishment, but merely wished to make an example, as there had recently been numerous petty thefts in the district. Prisoner was seutenced to 24 hours' imprisonment without hard labor. Tjib rig of the Naval Brigade's Aurora having- been found to be verj clumsy when on the recent trip in search of the Queen Bee passengers, theieby rendering the handling of her smarttya matter of extreme difficulty, it has been altered by splitting the main lug, which will give more head sail to the boat. The Aurora will be tried with her new rig on Sunday next, when it is the intention of the Brigade to pay a visit to Motueka. The members of the Artillery and City Il'fles have been invited. They will leave here early in the morning, breakfast at the lietreat Inn, and then proceed to the town, attending divine service at .St. Thomas' Church. The Aurora will leave on the return trip in the afternoon. The children attending the Christ Church, All Saints', Suburban North, aud Stoke schools spent a most enjoyable holiday yesterday. A long train of carriages was in waiting for them shortly after nine o'clock in the morning, and they iyere first of all run up to Eoxhill and then, back to the Wairoa Bridge, where they disembarked.

They then, walked up to Allington Island, a rough bridge having been constructed, on which they were able to cross the branch of the river. A large tent had been erected and made a fine dining room, a number of swiugs had been suspended from the trees, and all sorts of games were provided. Ihe^ Veu. Archdeacon Thorpe, the Rev. J. P. Kempthorne, and Mr Ashcroft were untiring in their efforts to amuse the young people, who were all exceedingly sorry when the whistle of the engine reminded them that it was time to leave the beautiful spot selected for the picnic, and to return to town, where they arrived cheering lustily. A Melbourne telegram dated Tuesday last says:—Mr Berry adddressed 1600 electors at Geelong, and was received with enthusiasm. He reviewed the action of the Council during the past twenty years in connection with money Bills, and said he had forwarded a statement to the Imperial Government setting forth the history of the present crisis. He defended the action of the Ministry, and said he was prepared to appeal to the country on the question of reformation of the Council. A vote of confidence was carried. — The Council will send per mail an address to the Queen setting forth the facts of the crisis, and praying for instructions. A request is sent to the Governor as well to restore constitutional Government in the