The Evening Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER, 28, 1877.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 443, 28 September 1877, Page 2

The Evening Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER, 28, 1877.

We a\e always pleased, to be able to bear testimony to the c idenees of prosperity which are now becoming so proline in this Colony through the adoption, of civilising means. In spite o~" the disputations and v/ranglings which are proceeding in our Parliament, and which would be disapproved of even by the female lish-stall holders at Billingsgate, the country is rapidly attaining commercial pre-eminence that will make her envied by her neighbours. The advantages of railway communication are constantly cropping up in every form. Mr. Ellen, the Mayor of Kaiapoi, was present at the wool sale held at Messrs. Conuell and Clowes' rooms to-day, railway communication with that town, enabling him to accomplish what would otherwise have been impracticable. Zvlr. Steward, our worthy Mayor, acted as Mr. Ellen's ciceroni'. The latter gentleman cxpre-sod himself surprised and satisfied at the prosperous appearance of our town. A short sitting of the licensing Court was held to-day, when'the adjourned application of Mrs. Grace Suart for a license for a new hotel in Thames-street was granted. At the sale of Messrs Rich and Buckland's freehold property this afternoou, at the ?vlasonic Hall, there was a large attendance of buyers from all parts present. Messrs Allan Shearer, W. H. Williams, and John <*eddes were tiie principal buyers. The diffeient lots realised the following prices : —Lots i and 2, L 7 2s 6'd per acre : lots 3 and 4, J. 6 10s : lot 7, 1.7 ; lot 9, L 6 10s. After the sale prices equal to the average of the above were offered" ffir lots 5, G, and 8 (for which there had been no offer at the sale), but the owners are holding back for a further advance.

The performance of " Our Dad" last night could Lot have bsen surpassed. Every character was well sustained, and frequent outbursts of merriment greeted the efforts of the company. "hip Van Winkle" will be produced to-night, in which piece Mr. Hail appeared for over 900 nights in England, America, and the Australian Colonies. We know of no more interesting sight than that which greets one when travelling through a pastoral country during the lamping season. Throughout this distiicb this year toe increase seems to have been plentiful. Nature's music assails one's ears, as the " little lambs say ha each to its particular ma/' and the older sheep fill in the bass and alto parts. We observe that Mr. I ane, of Thames-si rect, is exhibiting some rare specimens of the lamhs of this district, which lie announces iti another column are for sale.