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

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 286, 13 December 1879, Page 2

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

The English capitalists appear to have unbounded confidence in the future of New Zealand. Tho largest loan for which this colony has ever yet asked at once was placed on the market a few days ago, and, from a telegram from the Crown Agents read in the House by the Premier last night, which will be found in our Parliamentary report, it seems that twice the amount required has been subscribed for. We have not yet beard the rates, but there is every reason to believe that the whole sum will be obtained at very nearly par We are glad to find that the Nelson College still maintains its well deserved popularity. Sixteen vacancies will be occasioned this vacation by that number of the senior boarders leaving school, and already twelve applications have been received for others to be admitted from Auckland, Wanganui, Marlborough, and elsewhere. In accordance with a resolution of the City Council, a certain discount is allowed on all gas accounts paid on or before the 14th of the month. As the 14th falls this month on a Sunday, the time for allowing the discount has been extended to the 15th. At Blenheim yesterday, in the case of Earll v. Doherty for libel, the defendant was found guilty and sentenced to nine months imprisonment with hard labor in the Picton gaol. We were shown to-day a wooden label about 4 inches long by two inches wide on which were carved in capital letters the words " Magellan Bordeaux," the one under the other. Thia was found attached by a copper wire to the neck of an albatross that was lying dead on the Boulder Bank The finder says that the bird appeared to have been half-starved, which he attributes to the wire having beeu fastened to its neck when young, thus causing a contraction of the gullet, as the bird grew to full size. The sale of work at the Hardy-street Wesleyan schoolroom is to open on Tuesday next at 2*30 p.m. We are informed that the preparations are on an extensive scale, and that the sale is likely to be a great success. Through the labors of the ladies of the con gregation aud tbe kindi-ess of many friends who have liberally contributed, the collection of goods is unusually attractive and good A Christmas Tree is to be exhibited in the centre of the room, and arrangements have been made to have some attractive music each evening uader the direction of Mr Ogilvie. A meeting of the Stoke Farmers' Club was held ie the Pablic Hall last night, when new officers were appointed, and the ld Farmers' Club thoroughly revived. A lively discussion endued, relative to abating the small bird nuisance, and it was resolved to attack these formidable enemies of the farmer in the following manner : — The Secretary, Mr Allport, is authorised to receive the eggs and email birds collected in the district, the former to be paid for at the rate of 2d per doz. and the latter 3d per doz. It is hoped that the Farmers of the Waimeas will endeavor to co-operate with the Club in this matter, and thereby secure united action towards the suppression of these numerous and destructive p ats.