Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1881.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 30, 4 February 1881, Page 2

Nelson Evening Mail. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1881.

The annual meeting of tbe members of tbe Harmonic Society was held last night, when there waa a fair attendance of members. The report nnd balance sheet were read and adopted. The former stated that although the Society still continued free from liabilities the Committee were of opinion tbat the very email amount of income derived from the subscriptions at the reduced rate would not be sufficient to meet all requirements, and they accordingly t ecommended that subscribers should only be entitled to one additional ticket for each concert, others being obtainable for members of their families at the rate of one shilling each. A resolution to that effect waa carried. The President, Vice-President, and members of the Committee, Hon Secretary, and Treasurer were reappointed, and the business terminated with votes of thanks to the office bearers. At the close of the meeting Madame Summerhayes played one or two pieces on the piano, including Thalberg's setting of " Home, Sweet Home." Her magnificent execution and the pathos she contrived to throw into the tones she produced from the instrument delighted her hearers, who were unanimous In expressing the opinion that as a musical treat it was one of the greatest they had ever enjoyed. The following twenty-two were chosen last night to represent Nelson in the cricket match against tbe Australians next week :— Arnold, Balmain (2), Boddington (2), Burns, Bolton, Eden (2), Firth, Eowler (2), Eayen, Greenfield, Halliday, Hale, Knyvett, Lines, Lawry, Naylor, Silccck,and Wigzell. Emergency, Baigent, Godfrey, and Haycock. Mr Pitman, the advance agent of our visitors, arrived in Nelson last Tuesday and has com pleted the .necessary arrangements. On Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by some of the Nelson Cricket Club Committee, he visited Victory Square where active preparations are being made to put the ground in order in time for the match. It is satisfactory to learn that he expressed himself as being well pleased with the ground and the arrangements that are being made. The Australians will leave Wellington on Tuesday next, immediately on the conclnsion of the match there, and will arrive here early on Wednesday morning in the Wakatu, and it has been arranged that the wickets will be pitched at 11 o'clock the same morning. The charge for admission to the ground has been fixed at the low rate of one shilling so that we may expect to see a large attendance on each day of the match, more especially as we understand it is tbe intention of the Mayor to proclaim next Wednesday and Thursday as two public half-holidays. The privileges in connection with the match were sold by auction by Messrs Sharp and Pickering yesterday and brought £34. We have been requested by Madame Summerhayes to contradict a rumor tbat bas obtained currency to the effect that her visit to Nelson is only of a temporary character. Such, Bhe assures us, is not the case, as she has made arrangements to permanently fix her abode amongst us, being quite satisfied with her prospects. As will he seen from our advertising columns, the privileges of the refreshment department in connection with the forth coming Volunteer encampment and prize Bhooting at Brightwater are to let, particulars being obtainable from Lieutenant Ellis, of the City Rifles, the local Secretary. We would also remind intending competitors that to-morrow (Saturday) is the last day on wbich entries for the several competitions can be made through the local Secretary, and 4hat Saturday, the 12th instant, is the final day on which they can be received by Mr Stevens, the Secretary of the Association, at Wellington. Mr Ellis will attend at tbe new Beading Room at the Drill Shed from 6 to 8 to-morrow evening to receive entrance fees.

The Court Minstrels had a fair house at tbs. Theatre Royal last night, when "Mr Billy Wilson " took his benefit. They perform at Wakefieldto-night, and at Motueka to-morrow, and we can recommend all the country people who wish to have a hearty laugh to pay them a visit. A meeting of the City Rifles will be held in the Drill Shed to-night at half-past seven. "'The third and final competition for the Martini-Henry Carbine presented by Lieut. West to the H Battery was concluded at the Maitai Butt 3 this morning. The ranges were 300, 400, and 500 yards, 5 shots at each range, new Wimbledon targets. Gunner Wimsett, who at the end of the second competition was leading in the aggregate score by four points, maintained his lead throughout, making the flue score of CI out of a possible 75, notwithstanding that he wob unfortunate enough to miss at the long range. This brought his total in tho three competitions to 157 points, being ten above Sergeant Hood, who was second. The carbine, there fore, becomes the property of Gunner Wimsett. A meeting- of tho Volunteer Reception Committee will be held -at the Ccuncil Chamber at 8.15 this evening. Attention ia called to Mr Mabin's sales to morrow, more especially to that of the properly on Wellington Terrace.