The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1579.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 57, 7 March 1879, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1579.

A vacancy has occurred in the representation of the natives of the South Island in the Lower House, in consequence of the appointment of Taiaroa, the Maori member, to the Legislative Council. This is a matter that at the first glance may seem to possess little or no interest for the people of Nelson, but it becomes of more '.importance when it is remembered that we have in our midst a man than whom there is none in the island better fitted to fill the seat recently oocupied by Mr Taiaroa. We refer to the native known as " Martin," who resides at Wakapuaka, where he has made as comfortable a homestead as any in Nelson, and surrounded himself with many of those little comforts and luxuries which none but a man capable of appreciating the advantages of civilization would care to secure. A man who occupies a high standing among the natives as the son of a leading chief and son-in-law of another, and who is looked up to and respected by the Maoris generally, a man of considerable shrewdness, possessing a large amount of good plain common sense, and one who has always taken an intelligent interest in what is going on around him, he is in every way adapted for a representative of his people in the Parliament of the colony, and we should be glad to see steps taken without delay to induce him to offer himself as a candidate. The Company now at the Theatre Royal will produce Byron's most amusiug comedy "Dearer than Life" this evening, and tomorrow night, by special request, and under the patronage of Colonel Facke, Major Pitt, and the members of the Rifle Association, they will again put on the stage " Our Boys." The verdict of the theatre-going people of London upon the merits of this most charming comedy has been so unmistakeably proucunced that we need not recommend it to our readers, and our own opinion of the acting of the very clever company now in Nelson has been sufficiently plainly expressed to render repetition unnecessary. We hope to see a bumper house, as we feel sure that all who go will most heartily and thoroughly enjoy themselves. We remind our readers of the excursion trip by the Lady Barkly this evening in aid of the Port Hall Building Fund. As there is every promise of its being a fine night the little steamer should be largely patronised. As Mr Harl ing's cab was proceeding to town from the Port this afternoon it was met opposite Mr Crewdson's by two young ladies on horseback. One of the horses shied and threw its rider, and dashed against the cab, smashing both springs and otherwise damaging it. The horse escaped with a few cuts on the legs. The young ladies exhibited great presence of "mind under the circumstances, and we are happy to state that nothing further happened from what at first appeared to be a serious accident. The open air gathering at Richmond on Wednesday proved a great success, and must have been very gratifying to all concerned. The whole affair reflected great 'credit upon those who took part in the carrying out of the arrangements. The day was beautifully fine, and the country about Richmond appeared charming in its autumnal dress. The spot selected could hardly have been surpassed in fitness in the whole of New Zealand. A large tent, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Canuing, was erected in a paddock at the back of Mr Saywell's residence facing the hills, and commanding a jmost picturesque prospect, auu was fitted up with comfortable seats, platform, &c. A good supply of bunting, through the kindness of Mr Garrard, enlivened the scene, and indicated the point of gathering to visitors arriving by train. On the inside of the tent was ; placed an ingenious device containing the words " Harvest Home " and " Welcome," worked by Miss Saywell in ears of wheat on a pink ground, and a splendid bouquet of flowers adorned the platform table. The services commenced at three o'clock by the giving out of an appropriate hymn by the Rev R. Bavin, Miss Primmer officiating at the harmonium. A psalm was read by the Rev W. Rowse, and prayer was offered by Messrs Boundy and Harkness. Several addresses followed by the ministers and lay gentlemen present bearing on the subject of thankfulness to God for His many mercies interspersed with singing aud prayer until five o'clock. The gathering then adjourned to the lawn in front of ;Mr Saywell's, where tables had been erected under the lofty gum trees, and about 400 persons partook of the abundant refreshments provided by Mr Croucher. Tea was served by the young ladies of Richmond uuder the direction of Mrs Saywell and x\lrs Rowse. The evening meeting commenced shortly before seven the Eev 11. Bavin presiding. This was intended to be of an evangelistic 'character. Some very appropriate hymns were sung under the leadership of Miss Saywell, and prayers were offered aud earnest addresses given by the Rev J. Beckenham and others. The Chairman presented the thanks of the meeting to Mr and Mrs Saywell for the use of their grounds, and for their indefatigable endeavors to make the meeting a success, and also to Mr Canning for the kind manner in which he had acceded to the request of the Committee for the use of his commodious tent. The meeting came to a close in good time for all who were leaving by the 8-30 train. — Communicated. We omitted, in our report of yesterday's firing, to mention that a protest had been lodged against Marshall, who made the highest score (72) in the fifth match, on the ground that he had taken four sighting shots, whereas the regulations only allowed two. 1 he protest was considered by the Executive Committee, and allowed, and Marshall was deprived of two shots, which put him out of the list of prize-winners. J