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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 24, 28 January 1880, Page 5

There is, probably, nothing in^this transitory world that will yield larger and quicker returns on the amount invested, than poking a wasp with your finger to see if he feels well.- . „ In the belfry, of the EpicopalJ. Church afc Ellicottsville, New York, there is . a bell which was castin Moscow in 1708, and was one of a chime' for the cathedral which was burned darning Napoleon's Russian campaign. Along with other old metal this bell was brought to New York by a eea captain as ballast for his vessel. Eventually it was carried to Troy, and became the property of a well known bell founder of that city. It was there discovered by a member of the Ellicottsville parish, who purchased and gave it to the church. Its condition, is sound, and its tone still good. ADifflculty Solved.— lt i 8 suggested to disband the American army, and let Congressmen go out against the Indians and talk them to death,

In the good old days when gold was plentiful and diggers were flush of money, it was no unusual thing for them to inrent expedients for getting rid of their easily earned accumulations, and it has remained for these hard up days to prove that men can be found who squander money as foolishly !a9 those in the " good old times." On Saturday last, says the Picton Press, there was a visitor in Picton in search of a new sensation, and he hired a man to wheel him about in a wheelbarrow, paying for this primitive mode of conveyance Is. per hour. The laborer and his hirer agreed amicably together for some time, but the engagement did not last long, the rate of progress not exactly agreeing with the rapid ideas of the . capitalist. A Notion.— Landlady (to gasman): "What, all this for one quarter's gas? Never!" Gasman: " It's the same cry everywhere. Don't you know that young ladies barns the gas pretty nearly all day to make the curlingirons 'ofc for their little curls they wear in front?" Landlady: « Oh, indeed! Now I i know it, my apartments will be four-and-a half guineas a week with curls, and four guineas without." The report sent Home by the captain of the Opal, describing his recent visit to Pitcairn's Island, is pleasant reading (says the Pall Malt Gazette). It is satisfactory to hear that the islanders still retain "the simple piety and moral excellence, guilelessness, and affectionate hospitality " by which they hare hitherto been characterised. Reports that they were losing the admirable qualities for which they had been distinguished, and were becoming demoralised, have latd/ reached England, and consequently the assurance that these rumours are without foundation, conveyed in Captain Robinson's report, is doubly welcome. Since September, 1878, when the island was visited by the admiral on the Pacific station, little change, we are told has taken place in the Bmali community* Three children have been born since that time and the number of the inhabitants is now ninety-three. The coming of strangers to.take up their abode among them is disliked by the islanders ; but they appear doubtful of their power to prevent it. General Newdigate, who distinguifchfld himself during the Zulu campaign, has had the pluck and the good sense to refuse an invitation to a public luncheon, and so has given a quiet snubbing to the common trick of receptions that have lately got beyond the bounds of discretion. The General writes a very gentlemanly and proper letter to decline, and states with some force that " Asa soldier I have simply done my duty, or attempted to do so, to the best of my ability."