The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1880.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 55, 4 March 1880, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1880.

It is gratifying to observe how steadily the Government are carrying out their promises with regard to the prosecution of public works in'this district. A few days ago we had to call attention to the invitation for tenders for the line of telegraph to Collingwood, and to-day it will be seen that tenders are called for the railway extension beyond Bell Grove. We have very great pleasure in announcing that news of the most encournging nature was brought to town this morning from the Aniseed Copper mine, where a magnificent lode was struck yesterday, after many months of patient working. A shaft was sunk some time ago to a depth of about 100 feet, but without any good result, and the Company then decided to make one more attempt, and let a contract for an additional depth of 50 feet. This had been nearly completed, and still there seemed no prospect of any reward being reaped for all the money and labor expended, but at 49 feet a lode has been struck, that has in richness exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the shareholders. The following is an extract from a letter received by the Company from the managers, Messrs Johnston Brothers : — " We beg to report that the contract shaft is now down 50 feet, and we have the pleasing duty to inform you that a very rich lode of copper was cut at 49 feet, and six feet below the stone showing natural copper, specimens of which we have already forwarded to you. The lode is two feet six inches thick, and is very different to the leads of copper previously cut, consisting as it does of grey vitreous ore, carbonate of copper, and black oxide, which has never before been found in the Aniseed mine. We think it very probable that a good per centage of silver is present. The country has become very solid, and there is every reason for believing that this is the main lode of the country, and that it will prove permanent and of immenee value " A drive of about 220 feet will now be necessary to work the mine at a, lower level, but this ia a matter scarcely worth consideration now that the lode has been struck, and the Company has every proßpect of splendid returns. It will be seen by advertisement that the Rifle Association meeting is to be brought to a close on Thursday next, when the Cavalry Tournament, which is quite a novel feature

in the proceedings, will be held at Riehtrioiict in a paddock belonging to Mr Canning, who; as usual when a good turn can be done for the Volunteering interest, has collie to the front and offered to render every assistance that lies in his power. At the cloße of the tournament the distribution of the prizes won at the meeting will take place. The contest for the Championships will probably be brought to a close on Monday afternoon, but ample notice will be given of it, in order to allow the public to be present. A final meeting of subscribers to the Irish Relief fund will be held at the Council Chamber at 7 o'clock this evening. We regret that we were unavoidably prevented yesterday from giving a report of the Wesleyan Sunday school anniversary meeting, which was held on Tuesday fevening, when both the tea and public meeting, at which Mr Cock took the chair, were well attended, and the total collections amounted to £14 1 7s 2d. The Secretary's (Mr Haslem ) report showed that the total number of scholars was 224, being a slight increase on last year, and of teachers 29. The library contained 348 books. The balance sheet showed the expenditure to have been £116 4s, and the receipts £117 13s 2d. The following officers were appointed .'--^Superintendents, Messrs Boundy and Rose; Secretary, Mr George Haslem ; Librarian, Mr W. Blick $ Committee, Miss Gardiner,' and Messrs Constable, Gibson, Haddow, M'Eachen, Newman, Rule, and Trask. During the evening some very interesting addresses were delivered, some of the speakers dwelling very earnestly on the necessity of a more careful home training of the children who are growing up in our midst. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the ladies who had provided the tea, the chairman, and to Mr Ogilvie who had devoted so much pains to the musical instruo tion of the children.

At the Licensing Court held at BrightWater yesterday William Tovey of the Star and Garter, and John Mercer of the Travellers' Rest were reported by Constable Steer to be keeping disorderly houses and to be constantly in a state" of intoxication. The Bench stated that in' the event of a similar report being made at the next meeting their licenses would be cancelled. At the monthly Court at Brightwater yesterday, Charles Corder, for using obscene language in a public throughfare, was fined £2 and costs, the Bench intimating that in future they would in similar cases inflict much heavier penalties. The Carandini Company last night afforded a great treat to those lovers of music — few in number we were sorry to see — who availed themselves of the opportunity afforded to them. Madame sings as sweetly, as powerfully, and with as brilliant execution! as ever, and it certainly was a great pleasure to hear the rich tones of her voice once more. Miss Marie Carandini reminds us very much of her sister Roeina, many of whose songs she; Bings with great sweetness and expression. Miss Deakin is a very valuable addition to the company, possessing as she does a charm ing voice in addition to being an excellent accompanyist, and perform on the piano generally, her duetts with Miss Marie, who is also a most accomplished player, being a real treat Mr Gordon Gooch, whose splendid bass voice must be remembered by all who heard him last year, is always a favorite, and his selection of songs invariably meets with the approval of bis audience, who last night encored him enthusiastically. Mr Sherwin'a voice is a valuable aid in concerted pieces, and the whole programme is one that none who are at all fond of music can fail to enjoy most thoroughly. A change of programme will be offered every evening, and we can promise that all who attend the Theatre will leave it well pleased with what they hare heard.