Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1881.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 49, 26 February 1881, Page 2

Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1881.

A model petition was presented to the City Council last night, which, in justice to its author, we publish in full, as the efforts of one who can make so touching and so flowery an appeal in favor of having five feet cut off the crown of a hill are deserving of something more than being heing condemned to appear in a condensed form: — "The humble petition of the Ratepayers of Nelson Bhoweth that it is desirable for many reasons that tbat sharp acclivity in Waimea«street, Bituated between the properties of Mr Touet ond Mrs Snow, should be lowered. On the principle of utility it is a great drawback to the inhabitants of the neighborhood. In the case of bakers, butchers, brewers, carters, rid others it would prove an incalculable benefit, and would greatly improve tho street for pedestrians by day and night. It would ftlso improve the junction of Brougham and Waimea-streets. The Ratepayers would not presume to dictate to the Council the exact number of feet to be taken from the crown of the hill, but they are of opinion that five feet is not too much. Tbe removal of the knoll in question would make an easy access to the upper streets and lessen the cost of much that is necessary for every-day life.— On the principle of beauty more could be said than is necessary to state in the body of a petition, bat all who look on this part of the street in its present condition, must unhesitatingly declare tbat in the prayer of the petition, Utility and Beauty will go hand in hand.

And your petitioners will ever pray, Sec. [Here follow 101 signatures.] Owing to a number of advertisements having come in at a late hour, we are compelled to hold over a letter from " Artilleryman," and other matter. The representatives from Wellington, Napier, Canterbury, and Marlborough arrived by the Penguin this morning, and were met at the wharf by bis Worship the Mayor, nnd Captains Webb and Bunny. The firing will commence at half-past two on Monday afternoon with a match not connected with the championship, nnd the Dunedin men, who bave not yet arrived, will be allowed, if tbey wish ifc, to take part in ifc on Tues-day, on which day tbey will arrive in the Wanaka. Thk members of the Wellington Naval Brigade Band, twenty-five in number, arrived by thc Murray this morning, after a rough passage across the Straits, and were met at the wharf by a four horse drag very neatly turned out by Mr Lucre, and driven up to town. This afternoon they are playing as advertised in the Botanical Reserve, nnd to-night they will give a soiree and dance in the Theatre lioyal, which promises to be largely patronised. A Church Parade of all the local and visiting Volunteers will be held tomorrow morning when they will attend divine service at Christ Chrch. The Wellington Band will play on the occasion. The country corps will be brought in by a special train leaving Wakefield at 9 a.m. Thb privileges in connection with the races to be held at Hope the week after next were sold tc-day by Messrs Sharp & Pickeriug and realised £62 Is. The services in the Wesleyan Church tomorrow will be conducted by the Kev. R Bavin, who has returned from Auckland. Accomodation will be provided for volunteers willing to attend. Mu Turner, of Blenheim, advertises that the " Volunteer Companion " may be obtained either from himself on the shooting ground, or from Mr M l Ai'tney in Nelson. The "Companion" is thus described by the Ma? thorough Express: — "It consists of a japanued tin box, to be slung by a strap across the shoulders. The box ia divided into numerous compartments. One of these holds 30 rounds of ammunition, eacb cartridge being kept separate in a fixed pocket. The other compartments arc specially constructed to hold all other articles and tools ! requisite to go on the rifle range with. The lid of the case folds back, and forms a desk, wbich holds the scoring book by means of a strap. Mr Turner also supplies a lubricator, on the plan of one' quite recently patented in England. The lubricator takes the form of a cork stopper for the breech of the rifle. In it a brass tube is inserted, to wbich is attached a piece of rubber tubing and a mouthpiece. So soon as a shot is fired the cartridge is withdrawn and the stopper inserted, and a strong current of moist air sent direct from the breach to the muzzle of tho battel, thus keeping the barrel cool and the fouling moist." Recurring to the forthcoming meeting of the N.Z. Rifle Association, the-ZUV, Times of yesterday says :— " Wo much regret that Wellington adds no trophies to the number of prizes, with tbe exception of a bandsome little cup, which was yesterday purchased by Lieuts. Brandon and Bennett, to bo given on behalf of the ladies of Wellington, aud paid for by subscriptions promised by several ladies. Marlborough and Nelson have shown up best, haviDg given several substantial prizes. The prize list consists of some £700 in cash alone, snd we must congratulate the council upon the prospects of the meeting, especially when it is borne in mind that the vote was struck out of the Estimates by the late Defence Minister, and the association nearly came to an untimely decease but for the energy displayed by a committee, consisting of Col. Whitmore, Majors Pitt and Baillie, and Lieut. Bennet, the latter gentleman at the time being the Wellington member of the council , and the Defence Minister after much persuasion, agreed to put £500 on the supplementary estimates, and with this and by studying economy the council have well performed their duty to the volunteers who elected them." ...i il .n.,»m,,.mnfg i, ,i, , ( ,| %t