LOCAL NEWS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 2, 6 March 1866, Page 2

LOCAL NEWS.

I SPECIAL EXCURSION to MOTUEKA. The trip to Motueka yesterday by the steamer ' Kennedy' is highly spoken of by the numerous excursionists. The number who went was understated yesterday, no fewer than 250 adults having taken tickets, to which must be added a fair proportion of children. Fears were entertained that the storm which burst over kelson in the afternoon would completely spoil the pleasure t>f the trip ; it did not, however, do so, the weather cleared up about four p.m., and was delighful till the return of the party to Nelson at midnight. It took a few minutes over two hours to cross to Motueka and the same time was occupied in returning. The majority of the passengers were ladies, who were desirous of embracing so favorable an opportunity to enjoy a pleasure trip known to be highly conducive to the health of the junior branches. As an awning was spread on the steamer, the raiu. which fell was not attended with the inconvenience that would have otherwise

gggggsssa ggg— s-sssssssssts I been felt.|.out of a hundred days that might have been chosen for the trip, one so unfavorable as Monday could hardly have been selected; but time and tide wait for no man, and the probabilities are that the next party of excursionists , will have unexceptionable weather to add to the other enjoyments of the excursion. If any fault was to be found with the arrangements, it would be with the somewhat crowded state of the vessel, that which suited the owners admirably not being so pleasing to a party of pleasure seekers, who expect to find on the deck of a steamer the comforts and ease of a well I arranged drawing room. f Music too was wanted to administer to ] the joyous hilarity of a large party of both '\ sexes on pleasure bent, and although a violinist and a flutist were on board, it does not appear that they discoursed strains sufficiently exciting to stimulate the ardour of those fond of indulging in the light fantastic toe. As the Nelson people gain experience in these excursions they will doubtless secure the services of some of the distinguished amateurs with whom the town abounds, in order that nothing shall be wanting to render these excursions, as delightful as human art can make them. We have scarcely space to say much about Motueka, an omission of which would be most unpardonable in a notice,, however short. It will be remembered that a cricket match was to have come off on Monday, between Motueka and Nelson, the cricketers of the latter place having gone to Motueka for the purpose on the Saturday previous. The ground was too damp for cricket, however, and the Motueka men refused to play. An opportunity is not afforded, therefore, of recording the prowess of either of the celebrated clubs. The record of the great event will probably come to hand the first fine day. Considering that the trip was undertaken on very short notice, and that the weather was not all that the most enthusiastic pleasure seekers could desire, it was a new sensation for the party who engaged in it, who are unanimous in expressing the wish that such excursions shall not be, in future, so few and far between. That so many persons should go to Motueka and back without some kind of accident, was hardly to be expected. It has to be recorded therefore, that one individual, by a slight inattention to the laws of equilibrium got a ducking in the harbor before the steamer left Nelson, and another who indulged in the misplaced valor of chasing his hat to the water's edge at Motueka, had to perform sundry evolutions in the element to which he was particularly adapted. No doubt excursions will by and by become fashionable, and as experience is gained, will be found to contain all the ingredients of successful pleasure making, without the alloy which mortals are anxious to avoid. Gigantic Gold-mining Company. — We perceive by our English files, that a company is being formed, in London, to work certain mines near Denver, in Colorado, U.S. of America. The capital to be £100,000, in 20,000 shares of £ 5 each. It is proposed to purchase a number of mines, about 100 altogether, for the sum of £50,000 ; the remainder of the capital to be expended in machinery, plant, &c, if required. This gigantic concern is called the Empire Goldmining Company : the American Consul is one of the directors. Wanted, a Candidate. — By the West Coast Times of the 2nd instant, we perceive that there are, as yet, no candidates in the field for a seat in the General Assembly to represent the Electoral District of Westland, although the time for nomination draws near. Probably time is too valuable over there to allow any of the inhabitants to aspire to legislative honors. Perhaps some gentleman who has already sought election in vain elsewhere, may be induced to solicit the diggers' suffrages. The time is too short to send over or, doubtless, Mr. Dalgleish woutdgump at the chance. Nelson Institute Annual Meeting. — The annual meeting of this Institute will

take place this evening at half-past seven o'clock. As the meeting is an important one, a full and prompt attendance is desired. Plan of the City. — We see that Mr. R. H. Coe, C.E., has published, through Messrs. Hodgson and Friend, a lithographic plan of the city. Mr. Coe has taken the latest dates from the Government and all other available records. Such a plan cannot fail to be useful to the public. It is mounted, colored, and bound, and the price is one guinea. Auction Sale at Clifton Heights. — We are requested to call the attention of parties furnishing, to the sale of Mr. Fell's valuable furniture and effects, to be held at his residence, Clifton Heights, Wakapuaka Road, to-morrow, at 11 o'clock a.m. No doubt from the choice description ofthe articles, there will be a good attendance. A luncheon will be provided. Splendid Piece of Gold. — We have this day been favored with a sight of a splendid piece of gold, weighing 22 ounces, just brought from Okarita.' This is a portion of one man's share of a week's work on one of the beach claims. This claim has already produced over £1,400 for each of the partners, and is still yielding heavy returns. Our informant speaks in the highest terms of the richness of the newly-discovered diggings, and mentions the circumstance of one of the miners being so flush of money that he gave £180 for a bracelet to give to a female of his acquaintance. We hear from the same source that Duffcy and O'Brien and party, who own one of the richest claims on the North Beach, Grey district, one week obtained over 401 ounces of amalgamated gold.