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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 33, 7 February 1878, Page 2

A bazaar in aid of the fund for the enlargement of the school-room, rendered imperative by the increased attendance of scholars, will be held in the Wesleyan Sunday school-room to-morrow, when a number of novelties are promised to visitors. The object of the entertainment should he in itself sufficient to induce a large attendance, but when to this is added the attractions of a sale of fancy goods, a Christmas tree, a vocal and instrumental concert, with a number of et ceteras too numerous to particularise, it may be rationally surmised that the want of a larger school-room will be irrefuteaftly proved upon this occasion. The sales will commence at four o'clock in the afternoon, and continue without intermission until, eight, at which hour the Christmas tree prizes will be distributed. At the Masonic Hall to-night Mr Stephen Massett announces a new programme, including the exciting sketch entitled The Blacksmith's Story, two of Bret Harte's latest poems, the Dying Boy's Prayer, Mr Massett's latest composition, the Comical Account of the Living Skeleton, and the worli»renowned poem of Beautiful Snow. By particular request the wonderful vocal | imitation of Madame Anna Bishop will be repeated, and the world-renowned *"' Charge I of the Six Hundred will be included in the entertainment. As this will probably be the last time the people of Nelson will have the opportunity of hearing this versatile and talented performer, a full house may be anticipated. Vacant seats iv the City Council are becoming as plentiful as blackberries, and unless the citizens of Nelson are very careful tbey will ere long be suffering from overexcitement caused by too many elections. Only just recovered from a contest the ratepayers are now called upon to find a fit and proper person to take the place of Cr Gray, who retires from public life in consequence of certain repairs having been undertaken at the gasworks without his knowledge aud consent. The official notification of the i vacancy appears in our advertising columns. ! Mu. CLArcoTT, chief agent of the New j Zealand Government Life Insurauce, who is j now visifiug Nelson, delivered his lecture last evening at the Provincial Hall to a very large audience. It was evident that though a stranger Mr Clapcott's name was known as a lecturer and reader as evidenced by the response to his invitation. The lecturer briefly pointed out the origin of the Government scheme, showing that the legislature of this country had only followed in the footsteps of Mr Gladstone, the object being to extend to nil classes of the community at the least possible cost to themselves, the chance of effecting insurance for the benefit aud protection ox their belongings in the event ofthedeathofthebreadwinuer,and,atthesame time to give a state guarantee by au Act of the General Assembly for the payment of all policies The importance of perfect security in the nature of insurauce was dwelt upon, aud Mr Clapcott pointed out that in this country any person from 20 to 60 could insure Eor any amount from £100 to £3000 at the lowest premiums, and with a guarantee for the payment of the policy, and with participation iv all profits. The various tables of rates were theu touched on, introduced and enlivened by humorous remarks. As these tables can be obtained at the Post Office it is unnecessary for ns to follow Mr Clapcott through this portion of his lecture, suffice it is to say that it was clearly shown that auy person could if so inclined make prorision for those who might he left behind

at his death, and this too at such a small cost as to make it within the means of all. In swift review Mr Clapcott introduced examples of the various objectors to insurance, aud by argument, sarcasm, and ridicule, demonstrated how absurd were the grounds for their opposition. After keeping the attention of his audience for nearly an hour and a half, Mr Clapcott concluded his lecture by exhorting in a most earnest and rigorous manner all to do the most noble and unselfish act a man can be called upon to perform, and if needs be to deny themselves unnecessary comforts and indulgences, and with the money they would waste on these procure a blessing for those they love, and that this could be done in no better, safer, or wiser way than by insuring their lives. Immediately after the lecture, according to promise, Mr Clapcott gave several of his popular readings. The silence which reigned while Mr Clapcott was reading, broke now and again by nnmistakeable signs of approval, was most striking. The reader showed that hi 3 powers were not oonfined to any one style, and it seemed as easy for him to entertain his auditors by the recital of " Beautiful Snow," as it was to convulse them by the blunders of Mrs Malaprop or the anger of Sir Anthony. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, to whom a hearty vote of thanks was given, and a similar compliment having been paid to Mr Clapcott, the meeting was brought to a close, all expressing their gratification, and hearty and well deserved were the congratulations Mr Clapcott received on his success. The Auckland Herald of the Ist instant hits the rival City of Wellington hard in the following paragraph:— The Marquis of Normanby has definitely arranged to leave Wellington with his family and suite for Auckland on the 7th February. His carriages and horses come with him in the Hinemoa. His Excellency purposes remaining in the North until about the middle of April. It is stated that defective drainage in the Governor's residence at Wellington necessitates a long absence, in order to allow of thorough repairs and alterations in the drains. Mr. Hodder retiring from the firm, T. R. Houder and Co., have decided to relinquish the Trafalgar House business, and to reduce the stocks in their general stores at Richmond and Spring Grove. To effect this they will offer immediately the whole of their varied stocks at very greatly reduced prices. This sale i 3 exclusively for cash. — [Advt.] A flesh creating medicine. When a due proportion of the food is converted into pure, rich blood the natural nutriment of the body, there is nothing to prevent the acquisition of flesh, provided there be no undue waste of tissue from overwork, or any depleting ailments. We would recommend those who desire to see the angles of their frames "rounded off" to use Udolpho Wolfe's Schieuam Aromatic Schnapps, which promotes assimilation of the food and repairs all losses of substance. — Advt.