THE NELSON JUBILEE.

(From « The Colonist,' Jan. 9th.) A mewing of the General Committee was held in the Council Chamber last evening, hi a Worship the Mayor occupying the chair, and there being about 30 members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was received from Sir W. Fox stating that he hoped to take part in the Jubilee proceedings. A letter from Mr Keeble stated that the Union S.S. Company had agreed to carry passengers to the Nelson Jubilee, commencing on the 25th inst, at single fares for the return journey from Blenheim, Wellington, New Plymouth, Westport, and Greymouth. It was rasolved to ask Mr Keeble to also include Lyitelton, it being pointed out that some 40 boating men would be coming from ,that place. ' A letter from a Petone correspondent asked whether the Jubilee Committee would give £30 for a Maori haka and war dance company to visit Nelson at the Jubilee. It was resolved that the offer be declined. Mr Haddow moved and Mr Grant seconded, r that Mr and Mrs Martin and the Maori people at Wakapuaka be invited to take pait in the Jubilee proceedings, The motion was carried. A letter was received from Mi 1 A. Carter, Blenheim, asking the Committee to invite Mrs Dillon to the Jubilee celebrations. After much discussion, Mr Bird moved that Mrs Dillon's passage be paid. Mr Truman seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Jiokell said he had been deputed by the Finance Oommittee to bring up the draft programme, which contained six items that had not been approved by the General Committee. The Rev F. W laitfc asked whether the Committee wished school children to sing on the occasion. Mr Chatterton was training the children for the Sunday's service, and if it were wished, two hymns in which all could join, including " God bless our Native Land " might be sung. It was understood by the meeting that the children Bhould sing. Mr Haddow then moved that the site where the people should assemble and the speeches should be delivered be left to the Friendly Societies fete Committee to decide. Mr Grant seconded the proposition. Mr Bannehr objected to throw the responsibility on others. He moved as an amendment that the procession assemble at the Church ilill, and march to the Botanical Gardens, the speeches to be delivered there. Mr Piper seconded the amendment. On the question beiDg put the amendment was lost, and the question referred to the Sports Committee. Mr Morrish referred to the necessity of arranging for music and singing, and offered to assist in any way, the offer being received with expressions of gratification. Mr Finney moved and Mr Everett seconded, that the programme as presented be adopted. Carried. Mr Finney, as Chairman of the Fireworks Committee, reported that the fireworks had been received in Nelson, the cost of same having been £62 9s lOd. It was intended to erect a platform at the northern end of Trafalgar Park for their display. The greater portion would be let off on the Monday night, but the number received was so great that some would be saved for the Friday, and there would be enough for a good display then. Mr L. Adams, Chairman of the Ball Committee, reported that arrangements had been made for holding the ball in the Provincial Hall on Tuesday night ; satisfactory arrangements had been made for music by Mr House, a string band of five performers having been secured. Mr John's tender had been accepted for supplying supper, and Mr Jickell and Mr Baigent had undertaken the decorating of the building. The prices of tickets would be 20s for double tickets, 12s 6d for gentlemen, and ladies tickets 7s 6d. Mr Piper asked how the money was coining in. The Secretary said the total receipts amounted to £309 15a 6d, not including the £S2 that Mr Curtis had held. Mr Maginnity, on behalf of the Literary and Priniing Committee, said he was glad to report that the Jubilee Book was nearly completed, and the last chapter would be in the liands of the printers on the morrow. He conld assure them that the book would be alike oreditable to the Committee and the gentlemen to whom they had entrusted its production. The Mayor said that in reply to invitations to persons willing to accommodate visitors, letters had been received from only three persons, who would be able to provide for some 36 person 3. Mr Snodgraaa said he should have much pleasure in offering the Committee the use of as much earthenware and crockery as they might require, free of charge. This offer wa9 received with expressions of gratification. Mr Finney said that Mr Bond, the Chairman of the Town Schools Committee, who was unable to be present that evening, had suggested that the Town Schools, which were being cleaned out and painted, might be placed at the disposal of the Accommodation Committee in case of emergency. Mr Snodgrass said that if the schools were used for this purpose he would supply all the wash basins, etc, that were needed. Mr Haddow said there were a'so public halls and other buildings that might be used for the same purpose. Mr Everett said the suggestions made were valuable. Mr Bannehr suggested that as townspeople were not showing a readiness to aid the Committee, applications might be invited from persons willing to rent and fit up unoccupied buildings, the Committee guaranteeing to use their influence to send boarders to such establishments. (From ' The Colonist,' Jan. 14th.) At a meeting of ih'.s C -mmittee, The Mayor occupied 'he chair, and there were about 30 metrbcrrs of tje Committee pre'ent. On Mr Finney's motion, Messrs Easdale, Low, MeA.rtnay, Mol.er. and Askew were added to the General Committej. Mr Trask raid that the Manager of the Union Camp my, when interviewed re extending excursion farea to Lyttelton. siid that ali that the Committee had asked f:r had been granted, and that boating men ware always carried at half ratss. 1/ a farther concession were asked for. ha would have to write to Dunedin. Mr Bannebr said that many of the frienda of the boating men would want to come also, and he moved that a letter be sent. Seconded by Mr Houae, and oarried. Mr Finney, on behalf of the Friendly Societies' Fete Committee, presented a report detailing the order of the procession on the first day as follows :— The school children, old settlers, and visitors will assemble on the Church Hill, immediately in front of the Cathedral, at 9 o'clock, when the members of the Friendly Societies, having assembled at their respective halls will, together with trade representatives and others, march up Trafalgar street to the front of the Cathedral. On the whole assembling, the school children will sing a hymn, and a short thanksgiving service will be rendered. Thereafter the procession will be formed, a band with dram-major preceding, and followed by the oia settlers, City Councilors, visitors, and clergy, in carriages, or on foot, and flanked by .a guard of honor on either side. Next in order will come the Orphanage children, then thoae of the State schools, the pupila of the Bishops School and of the Colleges coming next in order. The children will be followed by members of the Friendly Societies, the Oddfellows, the Foresters, and the Kechabites, and then will come the Fire Brigades, Salvage Corps, Good Templars, and trade representatives, the general public bringing up the rear. Marching from the foot of the Church Hill the procession will proceed by way of Trafalgar and Bridge streets to the Botanical Gardenß, where the speeches will be delivered, and these are expected to occupy an hour. • At their conclusion the procession will re-form in reverse order, the public preceding, and when the vanguard haß reached opposite the Government Buildings the ranks will be opened, ■ ftndihe old settlers and visitors will proceed between and enter the buildings to attend the old, settlers dinner, when the Band will play appropriate music and honor will be done the 52J5? 81 Thereafter toe procession will inarch on by way of Collingwodd street to roy street, when the Orphanage children

will leave for St Mary's, where the Very Rev Father Mahoney will have lunch provided for them. The procession will then proceed by way of Hardy and Trafalgar streets to the south of Trafalgar street bridge, and will there break off, to enable those desirous of doing so to go on to Trafalgar Park and attend the sports, and others to get lunch. This was received with applause and approval. Mr Haddow said that Mr Hale intended presenting a tree to be planted on Jubilee day, and arrangements should be made for planting same. Mr Grant said it was a Pinus Wellingtonia, for which Mr Hale had had a plate oast with appropriate inscription, and he suggested that the spot opposite the Counoil Chamber, where the old Court House had formerly stood, would be a very suitable one. Mr Cooksey said that Mr Hale had also suggested that Sir George Grey should plant the tree. The matter was left to the Procession Committee to arrange when the planting should take place. Mr Haddow for the Old Settlers Committee reported the resolutions passed by them, and in reply to questions it was distinctly stated that any old settlers whj arrived before Ist January, 1844, had a right to be present at the dinner, and that immediately upon receipt of appliaacion from suoh a tioket would be forwarded. Mr J. A. Harley stated that the H^n. J. Martin and wife from Wellington, and Mr I Smith and wife, of Greenlands, Otago, intended being present. Mr Bannehr read letters, and it was resolved after hearing same chat Messrs Thos. Goodman and Edward Stanton of Motueka should have tickets for the dinner, and also that Mrs Hovenden of Motueka, the widow of one of the Expedition men, should have her return passage paid. It was resolved that the Mayor take the chair at the old settlers dinner and Mr C. Y. Fell the vice-chair, and that the toast list should be left in the hands of the dinner Committee. It was resolved that the Finance Commitee should devote £10 10 a towards the wines, &0., for the dinner. Mr Haddow reported that Mr McLean, Bailway Manager, had written to the Commissioners in regard to fares, but had not received a reply. Mr Fell said it was suggested to get the portraits of old settlers, and exhibit in the room at the dinner, so that those who were present could view them, and so enhance the interest of the oocasion -the photos of those who were dead, or unable by illaess or other circumstanoes to be present. He would himself exhibit that of Captain Wakefield, and personally take the greatest care of any others sent. The Ball Committee reported that Mr Johns has been appointed^ caterer for the ball. Mr Maginnifcy said that the gentleman who had undertaken to write the Jubilee Book had completed his labors, and that the book would be published in about ten days. He had seen several of the views or illustrations, acd he was sure the work was satisfactory to. the Committee, creditable to the author and publishers, and would be acceptable to the public. Mr Haiiow suggested two o'olock as a more convenient hour for the Volunteer review than 11 o'clock, and Mr Maginnity was deputed to see Colonel Pitt on the matter. Mr Finney said that the children's cantata billed for Wednesday evening had fallen through, owing to those in charge not being able to get the books necessary. It was left with Mr Fell to see if the Harmonic Society could arrange to fill the evening. A letter was read stating that the Premier would be pleased to be present if possible, but it was impossible to say at present whether he would be able to do so. j Mr Bond, on behalf of Miss Harris, iv- j ported that preparations for the Fine Ar s Exhibition in the Princess Eink were procec- . - ing satisfactorily, and that Sir F. Dillon 8,, i would be asked to open same, the Mayor declining to do so in order that SirF. D. Bell should. He also said that Mrs Thos. Scott had intimated her willingness to put on a children's concert fill any gap, the proceeds to be devoted to the object for which she was now preparing same. Some diecussiou ensuefl as to the age at which children should be admitted free to the fireworks display, and it was resolved that all over the age of 12 should be charged Is, all under that age to be admitted free if in charge of parents or guardians. Mr Finney read a letter from Motueka, in which information was asked re the steamers to run over the bay, and stating that the three in the trade at present could take 90 passengers only, and it was suggested that an Anchor Line boat should be arranged for. Mr Cock stated that they were going to lay on the Charles Edward to run from Collingwood, calling at Takaka, and landing passengers in Nelson on Sunday afternoon, and as itwas a daylight trip both ways, he had applied for permission to carry 200. Owing to the tides being unworkable later they would have to return on Thursday afternoon, la answf r to a question, he said zt was likely that ihe same boat could run across to Motueka on the Monday morning, landing passengers about 11 o'clock. He had afoo to arrange for excursions from Wanganui, Patea, &c. Mr Bird said he heard that the Waitapu would also be running. Mr Finney gave particulars of the distribution of programmes in other towns having been made. In reply to Mr Cooksey it was stated that the Fete Committee were arranging re bands. On Mr Cooksey's motion the Secretary was instructed to report at the next meeting how members of the Committee had yet subscribed. Mr Haddow brought up the question of the observance of holidays by the tradespeople, Considerable discussion took place, the Mayor, Messrs House, Allan, Grant, Fell, Snodgrass, and Bannehr taking part. The general opinion expressed was that without wishing to dictate to tradespeople it would be better to close each day, after Monday, at 11 o'clock, and also that an invitation from the Mayor and Counoil, for the holidays so to be observed, generally should be given. Mr Fell moved, Mr Baigent seconded, and it was carried, that the Mayor be asked to invite citizens to close Monday all day, and from Tuesday to Friday, inclusive, to close at 11 o'clock in the forenoon. The Mayor stated that he had written to the Government asking that Government officials here should be granted holidays for the week, but had not received a reply. Mr Haddow gave notice to move that a meeting re disposal of surplus should be held on Friday, the 22nd, but it being pointed oat that there was a resolution to deal with that matter after the celebration, he withdrew it. Is was resolved that on the Friday night citizens b 8 invited to illuminate the town. The Mayor stated that the Council were going to do something m that way on the Church Hill, and Mr Jiokel said he would be pleased to show a very cheap way of making devices, &o, by gas jets. MrAkersten moved that £10 should be voted for street decorations, which he thought were necessary to make the place more attractive, as it would look bare without them. Mr Snodgrass seconded, saying that better results would be obtained from money spent m this direction than in almost any other. He would like to see the amount £25. Fears were expressed that if the Committee took anything m hand, individual effort would cease, and the meeting was clearly against anything in the way of arche3. The motion was carried, and the Fireworks Committee appointed to act. Messrs Fell, Maginnity, Finney, Trask, J. H. Cock, J. Harley, and Haddow were appointed a Committee to arrange who ahould be the speakers at the commemoration proceedings.