THE WEEK.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 4, 4 January 1879, Page 2

THE WEEK.

It is said that the document which when action is taken upon it is to cause such a stir in this town has been despatched to its destination, and that we may shortly look f oran official notice of it. I refer, of course, to Mr Sharp's resignation, which will enable the new candidates to make their bow to the Nelson electors, and protest that of all the high honors to which they could ever hope to achieve that of representing this town in the Parliament of the colony is in their eyes the highest. The reporters are beginning to sharpen their pencils and all the local politicians are looking forward to the flood of eloquence that is to be poured forth from the rostrum in the Provincial Hall, probably before the month has expired. Canvassing has commenced, and from the lips of those who mean to take an active part in the election proceedings may already be heard the first faint whisperings which indicate the candidate whose cause they mean to espouse. And occasionally— l think I may say pretty frequently— there is still to be heard the doubt expressed as to which of the rival suitors for popular support would make the better member, but the doubter consoles himself with the idea that he need not decide yet but that he will wait to hear what each has to say in his own favor. Unless one or the other makes a really telling speech I firmly believe that the name to be struck out on the ballot paper will in many instances be decided by the twirling of a coin in the air and the appearance its upper surface presents on its reaching the ground. Heads, Pitt; tails, Adams. The constituency is a fortunate one that has two such promising politicians from which to make its selection. In reference to the forthcoming election I may mention a little incident that, I am told, occurred at a street corner the other day. A. and P. (the initial letters will sufficiently indicate the names of the parties alluded to) met just before the lawyers' offices closed for a fortnight, and the former, who is pretty astute as a tactician, asked the other how he intended to spend his holidays. Now P. was equally anxious to ascertain what A. meant to do during the same period, which from the fact of the Courts and offices being closed afforded such remarkable facilities for canvassing. Sothe fencing commenced: —P., " Well, I have scarcely made up my mind yet, but I don't think I shall go out of town, but shall enjoy a rest here." Thereupon A.'s countenance fell, for he had planned a pleasant little trip into the country, but then it would be downright madness to go away and leave the field open to his rival. But he assumed an air of unconcern, and quickly replied that he was very much of the same opinion, and thought that he might renew his vigor of both mind and body by remaining in Nelson, and merely refraining from all manner of work. But this didu't exactly suit P., who really wanted to be off for a time] though he did not like to acknowledge it. So he tried another tack. •'< At least when I say that 1 shall spend the whole time in Nelson, I am uot quite sure that a business engagement may not call me away for a few days about the middle of the holidays." "Ah," said A., "now you mention it I am not sure but I shall have to be absent for a short time too." After thus beating about the bush each seemed to understand the other, and, as the result probably of this little conversation, both are now absent, and have postponed the button-holeing business for a few days.

One down, t'other come on. Its inelegance does not prevent me making use of this expression in connection with the collapse of the Caledonian Society as a purveyor for the public amusement, and the springing into life of its promising successor, the Athletic Club. I don't like the disappearance ' from the scene of the old Society that has done much good in its way, and has provided a pleasant means of enjoying many a holiday which, but for it, would have been a somewhat doleful day, but lam pleased to find that, since its doom was sealed, there has been found another body ready, willing, and able to take ;its place, and I hope the new club will have a longer life than its predecessor, which died simply for the want of two or three energetic men to take an active interest in its welfare and the management of its affairs. The very name of the "Athletic Club" ought to ensure it against a similar collapse for a similar reason, and I trust the day may never come when it shall be said that the lack of active young men interested in keeping that institution in full vigor and working order had led to its coming to an untimely end.

That was a goodly show of big little babies in that fearfully hot tent on Thursday, aud that they were as good tempered as they were good-looking was pretty clearly demonstrated by the absence of that " howling " which, as I heard a crusty old bachelor assert the other day, was an unfailing indication of the presence of "a lot of kids." They tell me that our famous Port politician, who so creditably performed the offices of showman and general order keeper in the Baby Tent has ever since Wednesday been busily engaged in getting up a series of questions under the heading " Natural Products— ls Immigration Necessary?" with which he is going to stagger the candidates on the hustings on nomination day. Another individual whom I met on the ground that day also appeared desirous of politically utilising the Baby Show. In a somewhat excited manner, and not altogether without a merry twinkle in his eye, he called me on one side and asked, "Are Pitt aud Adams here?" On my telling him that I knew that one at least was absent from town, a disappointed look came over his face, and he said with a sign, " Ah, one's no good without the other, but if both had been here I'd have made 'em go all round that [teat and kiss every blessed baby in it under the penalty of losing a vote for each one they passed over." I congratulated him upon being unable to carry his abominable desigu into effect, as by so doing he would most certainly have laid himself open to a prosecution under the Act for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals."