The Nelson Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1879.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 49, 26 February 1879, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1879.

A xarrow escape from a serious fire occurred in Trafalgar-street this morning. In one of the private rooms at the rear of Mr Newberry's store, on the western side of the street, is an ordinary American stove, with piping passing through the roof, and it is supposed that a small piece of burning wood, carried through the piping, must have set the back of the building on fire. Fortunately the fire was discovered immediately, otherwise the old wooden buildings in that part of the street would speedily have been ablaze However, a few willing hands soon removed any fear of danger. Several members of the Fire Brigade got out a hose and had it fixed I by the time some boya had run to give the alarm from the Waimea-street fire bell. By the time the bell was set in motion the fire was extinguished. The firing for the choice of a representative for the Naval Brigade, to compete at the N.Z.R.A. meeting, took place at the Ataitai Butts at 6 o'clock this morning, when Seaman Lloyd made the splendid score of 68 points out of a possible 80, the ranges being 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. He was closely followed by Seaman Leech with 67. The arrangements in connection with the New Zealand Kifle Association meeting are progressing favorably. Several of the Representatives have already arrived. The majority of those from the North will arrive by the Tairoa on Thursday night, and those from the South by the Wellington on Saturday morning. An iufluencial Reception Committee has been formed, and meet this afternoon in the Couucil Chamber to make arrangements. The town corps were to have been ordered to parade for the purpose of meeting the Representatives, but owing to the^teamers arriving at inconvenient hours the idea has been abandoned. While in Wellington the Naval Brigade fired a big guu match with the local Artillery, whom they succeeded in defeating easily. ° Some time ago the Naval Brigade determined to present those of its members who took part in the Queen Bee expedition with distinguishing badges appropriate to the occasion. Accordingly the Secretary was instructed to write to Melbourne to procure something suitable. He immediatley placed himself in communication with Mr Martin, of Little Flinders-street, who undertook to get up the required articles, and after some delay they arrived here by the last steamer from Melbourne. Ihe badges, which are remarkably neat, consist of an anchor worked in silver with the name " Queen Bee " underneath. They were presented last evening by the Rev P. Calder, chaplain of the Brigade, who, after addressing a few 'but appropriate words to those present, called for three cheers for the recipients, which was responded to with a will.