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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 200, 22 August 1879, Page 2

We understand that a telegram lias been received in town stating that Sir George Grey will probably pay Nelson a visit in the course of a week or ten days. A local Punch is to he started here and to be published during the coming election period. The first sheet, which has been shown to us, represents the well-known figure of " Punch," and has a number of electioneering placards and a sketch of an orator hamnguing a crow<! trom the newlyerected lamp post in Trafalgar-street. Mn Pitt's Committee meet6 this evening at the Masonic Hall, aud Mr Graham's at his shop. Mr Curtis' will meet to-morrow evening in Mr Augarde's late auction room. Tut next meeting of the Debating Society will be held at the All Saints' Institute on Monday the Ist September, A large meeting of Mr John Graham's supporters was held last night, and a working committee of twenty - five electors ap pointed to take steps to secure his return. Tbe greatest confidence as to the result was expressed. Mr Graham will address the electors at an early date. Encjuhjies have been made by a number of residents at Motueka and Kiwaka from Messrs Moutray and Crosbie relative to the cost of building a small steamer to run daily between those places and Nelson, lt is proposed that the vessel should be about 75 feet in length, and have a speed of nine knots. An estimate is now being prepared of the cost. The annual dinner of the H Battery New Zealand Artillery was held at the Nelson Hotel last evening, when between thirty and forty sat down to an excellent repast catered by Host McGee, to which full justice was done. The chair was filled by Major Pitt, Lieutenants West and McCabe occupying' the vice-chairs. After the usual loyal toasts had been duly honoured, the Chairman gave the toast of " His Excellency the Governor," remarking that it was a feather in Nelson's cap, Sir Hercules placing his sou at the College. The " Army, Navy, and Volunteers " was then proposed, and was responded to by Corporal Glover for the Army, and Lieutenant Simpson for the Navy and Volunteers. The Bishop of Nelson then proposed the health of Major Pitt, and spoke of the interest he took in Volunteering, and stated that Nelson had to thank him for its being fixed upon as the place for the meetings of the New Zealand Kifie Association. Major Pitt replied, and speaking of contests, he said that he had that day entered upon one which would probably necessitate his resigning his position as Officer Commanding the District but he would still retain the Captaincy of the Corps. The Chairman afterwards gave the toast of " Our Chaplain the Bishop of Nelson," which was suitably replied to by His Lordship. The following toasts were then duly honoured :-" Our Lieutenants," " Other Volunteer Companies," " Sergt - Major Alborough," " Our late Band," " The Ladies," " The Press," and several others. During the evening several capital songs were sung, Mr Stanton officiating at the piano, and the company broke up shortly after midnight, after having thoroughly enjoyed themselves.