The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1879.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 165, 12 July 1879, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1879.

The New Zealander has been counting heads, and in its issue of yesterday classifies the members of the House of Representatives as follows :— For the Ministry, 48; Pronounced Opposition 30; Unpronounced, 6. We have not had time to examine the lists . but we fiud the first name on that of Ministerialists to be Mr Acton Adams, and the first;on the "unpronounced" list, Mr Brandon, who, in addressing his constituents on Wednesday night, strongly condemned the Government. A few mere inaccuracies like these will render the classification quite valueless.

A fibe broke out in Mr Scott's premises Trafalgar street north last night between eight and nine o'clock, but fortunately it was discovered in time to prevent its spreading, otherwise a most disastrous conflagration would have occurred. As it is, beyond a few limbers beiug scorched no damage i 3 done. It is supposed that a spark from the engine must have lodged in the sawdust aud smouldered until it burst into a flame. Sermons in connection with the anniversary of the Congregatidnul Church Will be preached to-morrow, and the usual meeting will be held on Tuesday evening. Tiie attention of the members of the cougregations attending St. Mary's and St Joseph's churches is directed to an advertisement which appears elewhere. The Naval Brigade ball last night was fairly successful the Proviucial Hall being well filled and dancing being kept up with unflagging spirit until an early hour this morning. There were not many fancy costumes, but the Volunteer uniforms and the bright dresses of the ladies combiued to form a very gay scene. The walls were tastefully decorated with flags, evergreens, and bayonet stars, and it was evident that a good deal of time and trouble had been devoted to making the necessary preparations, the result of which wa9 so pleasing. The following Sydney telegram appeared in the Auckland Star of Monday last. Our readers will, however, require more evidence before giving credence to such a charge against a British officer and his men :— A Cape despatch from a correspondent of the Evening News (received per Lusitania) gives an account of the death of the Prince Imperial discreditable to the British forces. He says Captain Carey, of the ?Bth, had charge of the party, and that when the Zulus fired, be, with the rest of the force, rode off, neglecting the Prince Imperial and another. The Prince's horse was startled by the volley and bolted, and, the party having deserted him, the Prince fell a victim to the attacks of the savages. The whole force is gravely censured for their cowardly flight, and will be court-martialled. There were fifteen assegai wounds in the Prince's body when found. A public meeting of the ratepayers of the district was held at the Court House, Takaka, on Monday last, for the purpose of electing three members of the Road Board in place of Messrs Barnett, Bartlett, and A. Macfarlane, whose term of office have expired. Mr J. Cann was in the chair. Mr A. Macfarlane was proposed by Mr J. Reilly, and secouded by Mr J. Spittall; Mr Packard was proposed by Mr Glibert and seconded by Mr Cobb; Mr Bartlett was proposed by Mr Page, and seconded by Mr M'Donald; Mr Barnett was proposed by Mr M'Donald, and seconded by Mr Sparrow. The show 'of hands resulted as follows:— W. Barnett 28 R. Bartlett 26, P. Packard 24, A. Macfarlane 15. A poll, at the demand of Mr Macfarlane was taken with the followiLg result: -W Barnett 37, P. Packard 36, R. Bartlett 31, A. Macfarlane 24. Although there was a regular downpour all day and the rivers were up, about sixty electors recorded their votes. At the declaration of the poll all the successful candidates were present, and returned thanks in a most grateful manner for the confidence reposed in them by the electors, and hoped that they would merit a continuance of the same. Mr J. Reilly, as the proposer of Mr Macfarlane, and in his absence, begged leave to return thanks to the 24 true and independent voters who tried to put a good and independent member on the Board.