The Nelson Eveneing Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1878.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 193, 13 September 1878, Page 2

The Nelson Eveneing Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1878.

"Caste" was performed at the Theatre Royal last night to a well filled house, a large number of people having come from the country by the special train which conveyed the members of the Richmond Eire Brigade, who were met by the Nelson Brigade at the station, whence they marched in torchlight procession through the main streets of the town to tbe theatre. The principal characters in the piece, the Hon. George D'Alroy and Esther, were represented by Mr Thornton, who was not in such good form as we have seen him on previous occasions, and Miss Thornton, who performed her part with much spirit and genuine feeling. Captain Hautree was impersonated by a gentleman who was evidently no stranger to the stage, as was shown by his acting, which wa3 really excellent. Old Eccles convulsed the house with laughter, and Sam Gurridge was irresistibly comic. The lady who represented the Marquise de St. Maur we have seen on the stage on two or three occasions of late, and she certainly is improving both in acting and in her elocution, but the part she had to take last night was far too difficult for her. "Polly" was sprightly and vivacious, and at times very amusing. The first two acts went off with considerable spirit, and afforded great satisfaction to the numerous audience, but the effect of the last one was somewhat marred by the insufficient acquaintance of the actors with the text of their respective parts, and, we may add, by one or two interpolations that were quite unnecessary. The entertainment was brought to a close shortly before eleven o'clock, and the Brigades once more formed in procession, and with lighted torches marched back to tbe station, where the townsmen bade good-bye to their country friends. ' -

If all people,. that, in. town do dwell who rpjoice in the name of . Jonfi? would be good enough, to keep fheir ( . chimneys, properly s)v,ept fclley would be Wei-Hi*** ft gteat personal favor upon ourselves. We reported the other day tbat one "W. Jones '** was fined £1 and costs for allowing his chimney to lake fire, and since then we have been pestered with communications asking us to specify the particular « W. Jones " to whom the report referred. Next time a " Jones " gets fined, no matter what may be the initial letter of his Clinstiah liaillej tye will; after bill* preseht experience of the inevitable result, take very good care not to °*ive publicity to the fact.

The football match between a team from the ArtUlery and a coftibiued one from the City Rifles and Naval Brigade; tfhieii vhxs to have taken place last Saturday, but for varioiis^basous was postponed, will be played In tub Botanical Reset' ve to iiiorrb'w afternoon, commencing at three o'clock Commenting on Bishop Suter's letter to the Premier, the N. Z. Times says :-" The whole tone of the letter, which we siucerely hope our readers will carefully consider, shows how the sense of the unusual nature of the direct protest he has been forced into oppresses the Bishop. Political life is so far removed from his ordinary sphere that Bishop Suter evidently feels that he will be regarded as an intruder, and even as ah unwelcome one. . Whether we approve of the Voice of the Chuich making itself heard in the practical world of politics or not, it is impossible to refuse to pay a tribute to the fearless courage and love of truth that, like the Seraph Abdiel's faith, was "faithful found among the faithless."— The New Zealander, the Ministerial orgau, as a matter of course, criticizes the letter in a hostile spirit, and in doing so makes certain statements to which we shall take an early opportunity of replying.

A Christchurch telegram of Wednesday says: Mddle. Averran, an equestrienne connected with Hayes and Benhamo's circus died this morning of lockjaw. A few days ago while going through one of her acts, she fell from her horse and broke her arm. Tetanus supervened, and the unfortunate woraari expired in great agony shortly after midnight.