The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1878.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 78, 1 April 1878, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1878.

It is unfortunate that another breakage has occurred in the Port Darwin line just at this critical period when it is impossible to foretell what a day may bring forth in the arena of European politics, liy our latest accounts it would appear as though it rested almost entirely with Austria to say whether the fire which is undoubtedly smouldering should break out into ablaze or be extinguished. If Austria declines to support England, as Russia is endeavoring through her ambassador, General Ignaticff, to persuade her to do, it is exceedingly doubtful whether the Ministry would cousider themselves justified in entering upon a war of such magnitude as that which is now threatening would be. If, on the other hand, Austria determines to stand by England, llussia, weakened as she is by the late contest, would hesitate upon provoking a quarrel with an enemy so formidable as would be Great Britain and Austria combined. Lord Derby's resignation is a serious matter, and difficult to understand, owing to the necessarily fragmentary manner in which the news has reached us, for it is diffi ■ cult to believe that while he was in favor of England showing her teeth and barking, he was unwilling to provide her with the means of biting if required. Englaud would scarce ly expect her wishes to receive much consideration at the hands of the Congress unless she was prepared to enforce them, yet Lord Derby, it would seem, was not willing that she should strengthen herself for the contest by calling out her reserves. We cannot but think that there must be some error or omission in the telegram which we publish to-day. The next news will be | looked for with eager interest. The largest audience that Dr. Somerville has yet addressed in Nelson assembled last night in the Drill Shed, which, some minutes before the service commenced, was crowded in every part, while the streets outside were thronged with people to whom the preacher's voice came through the open windows. For nearly two hours the Doctor kept his hearers deeply interested, and then the choir under the conduce of Mr W. Somerville took up the service of song, the hundreds who were present joining heartily in some of Sankey's most popular hymns includiug " Safe iv the arms of Jesus," which was sung with great feeling. To-night Dr. Somerville delivers his last address in this town. The gold discoveries in the Wakamarina district appear to be extending, according to our telegrams to-day, We would, however, call special attention to the warning they contain against a rush, which would not be justified by the finds up to the present date. Andrew Godbaz. of Foxhill, was charged this morning before the Magistraes with assaulting Henry M'Ardle, apeace officer at Hampden, on the 17th of March. He was remanded to the Lyell. We understand that owing to the backwardness of the Government measures the Parliament will not meet before the middle or cud of July. Tenders for supplying provisions at the Easter Encampment will close at noon on Wednesday next, and members of the Camp Committee are reminded that a meeting of the same will be held at the District Orderly lioom at 7.30 p.m. the same day. The Customs receipts for the month ending March 31st, 1878, were £4,874 6s lOd, made up as follows:— Spirits, £691 10s Id; Cigars, £8 15s; Tobacco, £221 10s 3d; Wine, £72 4s; Ale, £93 12s 6d; Tea, £198 3s 6d; Coffee, £19 7s; Sugar, £441 12s sd; Weight, £512 18s sd; Ad Valorem, £2185 17s sd; other receipts, £179 12s 10d; other .duties, £249 3s sd. The members of the Naval Brigade yesterday morning embarked in the Aurora for the purpose of paying a visit to Cable Bay. Leaving the boat shed at ten o'clock, they proceeded to the Celestial Queen, then lying at the outer anchorage, where Captain Gaster kindly gave them some provisions, including drinkables, for the trip. The Aurora cast off shortly after eleven, and when rounding the vessel the crew gave three cheers, which was responded to by those on board the barque. The Celestial Queen aud Aurora then exchanged signals, and the latter proceeded on her voyage. After four hours' hammering against a strong sea breeze Cable Bay was reached. A fire was immediately kindled on the beach, and after the billy had been boiled the Blue Jackets safe down to tea together. A start was made homewards shortly after five o'clock, but by this time the wind had died away, aud the Aurora came along steadily under the influence of ash, arriving at the boat shed at nine o'clock, after a most pleasant outing. The enjoyment of the trip was greatly enhanced by the crew singing at intervals Moody and Sankey's hymns with musical accompaniment. The Evening Echo, a daily paper recently started at Ashburton, near Christchurch, and which is well and clearly printed and carefully edited, has published one of the beat articles we have seen on Mr Stafford's political career. It is evidently written by one who has been well acquainted with the subject of his remarks in his public capacity from the early days of the colony, and who has formed a very correct estimate of the character of the New Zealand statesman who is being passed under review. The article concludes as follows: — " In purely unimpassioned parliamentary debate, Mr Stafford has few superiors. His voice is strong, clear, and pleasant, and he modulates it correctly to suit any audience. On any political or social question, and on many scientific subjects, he can literally " talk like a book," either with or without preparation ; and though inclined to speak exhaustively on each point, he rarely wearies his hearers, and not unfrequently convinces them ; but no very good speaker was ever farther from being an orator. Cold, unsocial and unsympathetic himself, he is singularly incapable of moving the feelings or passions of an audience, and on the few occasions on which he has been foolish enough to try it, he at once descended from the powerful to the ridiculous. In oue of the most solemn perorations he ever attempted, about Roman Consuls abusing their powers, and, consequently, losing their positions and their heads, his supporters and opponents burst simultaneously into a roar of laughter. Wben he told the House that he had stood by the cradle of New Zealand and taken out his handkerchief to weep over its predicted early grave, he produced only shouts of derision. After he thought he had imitated Earl Chatham, in a most animated and demonstrative appeal to the members to volunteer every sacrifice of " men or money" that their country could call for to vigorously prosecute the war Mr Fox convulsed both sides of the House by complimenting the Colonial Secretary on his successful imitation of a Maori war dauce. We bustle up with unsuccessful speed, And in the saddest part cry, " droll indeed." At a time when a policeman can hardly change his beat, or a railway porter his station without a public dinner, a panegyric, and a testimonial, our ex-Premier has departed for England without either. After devoting more brain power to the colony's service than any other man has ever done ; after having originated most of our early and necessary laws ; after being ten years Premier, and for at least twelve more holdiug a position of great power aud influence ; after manipulating honors and titles, ribbons and garters, for many associates with far inferior claims upon their country, he has left us without sound of trumpet, and without any appendage to

the historical uame of Edward William Stafford." The most valuable prize in life's lottery is Health. " How shall we obtain it ? " cry the rheumatic, the bilious, the dyspeptic, the nervous, the weak, the dispirited. We answer — by using the remedy of all others best calculated to depurate the system through the kidneys, to stimulate the liver, to restore digestion, tranquilize the nervous system, and cheer the miud. " What is this wonderous restorative ? " We reply Udolpho Wolfe's Schieuam Aromatic Schnapps — Advt. Coming events cast their shadows before them — those who remain too long hesitating get overtaken by the event as well as the shadow. How many a valuable life would have been saved, if the. premonitory symptoms of coming disease had been regarded ? " Ghollah's Great Indian Cures," if taken in time, are the most certain preveutatives of serious disease e>-er yet discovered. They are infallible remedies, and sold by all Chemists. Testimonial — Dunedin, 7th September, 1875. Sir, — Whilst suffering from a serious attack ' of cold and fever, through which I was obliged to suspend my business and keep my bed, I was induced to try your Ghollah's Aperient Mixture. One bottle cured me of the fever, and I was able to get out of bed on the following day. I can recommend the medicine as being unmistakeably good, and all that you represent it to be, (Signed) John Meikle.