The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1879.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 69, 21 March 1879, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1879.

We are glad to see symptoms of a move being made by the Government in the direction of proceeding at once with the railway extension to Bell Grove, an official notification which appears elsewhere announcing that tenders will probably be called for about the 3rd of next month. We pre3time that the further extension of ten milesy for which the money was voted last summer, will now be taken in hand. There is no question about the route, and there being a resident engineer on the spot the working plans could be obtained without much delay However, as there ha 3 all along been an apparent disinclination on the part of the Minister to commence this work, it is as well that we should not lose sight of the fact that in very little more than three months the vote will lapse. Those who intend to forward any "articles of produce or manufacture to the Sydney Exhibition, and we hope there are many in Nelson who purpose doing so, are requested to communicate without delay with Mr Beckenham, the Secretary. Other parts of the colony are likely to be exhibitors on a large scale, and there is no reason why Nelson with her varied resources should not stand high on the list. Tiie third competition by the City Rifles for the Company's medal took place at the Maitai Butts this morning, when it was won by Private Sharland with a score of 50, Privates Crossinan and Kitehitsg being ties for second place with 48. The Harmonic Society gave a miscellaneous concert last night, which was largely attended, and passed off most successfully. One or two of the choruses were somewhat shaky, the result, apparently, of fitful practising, but the solo<j, a sweetly pretty trio, end a very merry [quartet amply atoned for any little deficiencies in this respect, while, in showing, by bringing them forward separately, what fine voices and excellent taste are possessed by many of the members of the Society, they gave some idea of the effect that might bo produced in chorus were singing iv concert practised with more care and greater regularity. We understand that some hopes are held out of forming a small orchestra iv connection with the Sociey, and trust that the efforts being made in this direction will prove successful, for, however well the piano may be, and unquestionably is, played, the want of some additional accompaniment is much felt, and if supplied would give much greater zest to these very pleasant quarterly concerts. A dramatic entertainment was given at the Theatre Royal last night by an amateur company who very kindly came forward in aid of the Kaitangata relief fund, to which the proceeds are to be devoted. The first part consisted of the two-act comic drama " The Irish Emigrant," which was recently acted by the same company, and was reproduced last night with equal success. Some very good, and some very amusing singing, together with a cleverly danced clog hornpipe formed a pleasant interlude, and were followed by a most amusing little comic drama entitled " Good for Nothing," in which the acting was inimitable, the audience being kept in roars of laughter from beginning to end, and sent home in an excellent humor to think over the very pleasant evening they had spentOur Motueka correspondent writes under date March 20:— At the Magistrate's Court yesterday, C. Remnant was charged by Constable Boyes with having been drunk atd recklessly driving a horse in a spriug cart about the streets. His excuse was that it was a youug horse, and he thought it his duty to show it the world by charging the engine of a threshing machine, in fact he got the wheel of his trap locked in the wheel of the engine. As this was not the first case of the kind he was fined £2 and costs.— Then J. Ryder and Henry Edelstea were brought up for furious riding. The latter made excuse that the foal of the mare he was riding had been left behind; hence the haste, but he admitted that previous to the riding he had offered to race Ryder for all he was worth. Under the circumstances the Bench fined each of them £2 and costs. There were a number of other cases heard but not of much interest.— After the Court rose, two worthy citizens thought that they required a little exercise and a pugilistic encounter took place resulting in a couple of bloody noses. However, the carmine flow was soon stopped and peace was once more restored.— Our bridge was opened for traffic last week. Protective railings on the approaches would be an improvement as there was nearly an accident to a trap for the want of them. A cricket match will be played in Victory Square to-morrow afternoon commenciDg at 1.30 between the Normanby and College Clubs. On the following Saturday the Normanby will play the Wakefield Club.