The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1880.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 37, 12 February 1880, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1880.

TfifertE Was a rare occurrence in doilrt today. A daughter opposing her father's discharge as a bankrupt, and endeavoring to obtain an order against him as a fraudulent debtor. A report of the proceedings will be found elsewhere. Three tenders were sent in for the catering for the Volunteers at the next meeting of the Rifle Association, naiileiy, by Mr B. Osborne, Mr Burrell, and Mr Patterson; That of the former, for 5s per day for the men, and 03 for the officers, was accepted. There were also three tenders for supplying four tons of wheaten straw. Tbat of Messrs Snowden Brothers for £4 12s for the lot was accepted. Last night about seven o'clock a girl named Annie Scalfe, about sixteen years old, attempted to drown herself at the Port. From what we have been able to learn it appears that she arrived here by the Edwin Fox about fifteen months ago. No relation accompanied her, nor has she any relatives in the colony, Soon after her arrival she Had to go to the Hospital for treatment} and after being at one of two situations finally went to service at Mrs J. S. Jones' about six months ago. The girl gives as her reason for her rash act that she felt very miserable* and scarcely knew what she was doing, that she half ran and half walked to the Port, went on to the Government Wharf , got down a ladder and let herself into the water, and that when she let go her hold of the ladder the water kept getting into her mouth, and she. laid hold again of the ladder and screamed, and a man came down the ladder, got a hold of her hand, and pulled her on to the wharf. The girl saya she was very unhappy at Mrs Jones. It seems, in the absence of any explanation, an extraordinary thing that a girl of fifteen years of age should be sent out as an immigrant. Her father, who is in England, occupies a respectable position. She did not live in her father's house for six months previous to her coming here, alleging as her reason that she could not get on with her stepmother. Before the business of the District Court commenced this morning, Mr Pitt, on behalf of the members of the bar and the representatives of the press, called His Honor's attention to the want of accommodation in the Court, there being only oie table for counsel and reporters, one of the former being seated with his back to the Judge. His Honor said that he had noticed this for some time, but did not see how the evil was to he remedied ia the present inconveniently small building. What was wanted was a proper Court house for the use of the Supreme and District Courts, as, when a jury was required, there was absolutely no room to move. If the profession would make a representation to him he would forward it to the Government with recommendations of his own. It is to be hoped that something will be done in the matter without delay. At a table about 7ft x 4ft this morning, there were seated six counsel, a clerk or two, and a couple of reporters, the centre of the table being crowded with law journals. Tub presentation to Major Pitt of a sword, subscribed for by the members of the Artillery Company, will take place at the Drill Shed this eveuing. The presentation will be made by the Bishop of Nelson, the chaplain of the corps. A meeting of those interested in the proposed races on the Queen's Birthday will be held at the Nelson Hotel this evening.