LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Colonist, Volume XIX, Issue 2187, 1 February 1877, Page 3

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Kbwabd fob Bravery.-We learn that a presentation will be made this afternoon at the Friendly Societies Fete, at the Botanical Gardens, by his Honor Judge Broad, on behalf of a number of our townspeople, who have subscribed the necessary funds.tothe lad "Whiting who courageously attempted to save the life of the late Mr. Eastwood, whose melancholy death by drowning in the Maitai it was our ?ad duty to report recently. The reward is in the shape of a silver watch and gold chain and locket. "Justice."—We decline to publish your letter, feeling confident that the grievance of which you complain will be fully explained at the meeting of the City Council, to be held to-morrow evening. White Fish.—This American species of trout is about to be introduced in Lakes Eotoroa and Eotoiti, in this Provincial District. A large quantity of the ova has arrived in Auckland, a portion of which is to be sent to Nelson. Gaeden Sale of Wobk.—The sale of work in aid of the Christ Church Parsonage Fund, which has taken place in the Parsonage grounds during the past two days, has been well attended, and the amount realised was very satisfactory. Customs Bevenue. —The revenue collected at Nelaon last month (Jannary) is shown by the following figures :— Spirits (imported) ... £626 4 8 Oisjars and|3nuff ... ... ... 3117 6 Tobacco " 204 7 9 Wine 50 6 6 Ale and Beer 36 13 6 Tea 181 12 9 Coffee ... ... 110 0 Sugar and Molasses 459 1 9 Goods by weight 58 17 10 Ad valorem, 10 per cent 359 15 8 Unspecified . 48 8 3 Total Customs duties ... £2058 16 2 Other receipts 672 5 4 Total revenue .... ...£2731 1 6 Richmond.—We hoar that 200 shares have been taken in the company for building an Oddfellows' Hall at Bichmond. The proposed hall is to hava a a stage and ante-room ; it will be 25 feet by 55 fact, and 18 feet mi the studs. Tht building will supply TfWitmKioiuaoid^

Chbi&tilan .Confebence.—The fourth of these annual Conferences will' take place to-day on the grounds belonging to Mr. B. Short, College Hill. Lowbe Moutfek.—Mr R. Hursthouse addressed a moderate attendance of eleotors, on January 29th, at the Sarau sohoolroom, Upper. Moutere, Mr J. He wet son, sen,, occupying the chair. At the close of his speech, a unanimous vote of confidence was accorded to Mr Hursthouse. On Tuesday evening Mr Hursthousa ulso hold a meeting at Wiiinica West, Mr William Bell in the chair. On that occasion, as well as the Moutare, the substance of the speech was the same as the report in our Tuesday's issue. After some questions and remarks by Mr James Arnold, a vote of thanks was unanimously agresd to.

A kbeting- of the ratepayers was held ab the Motueka Institute on 29th January to protest against tne late assessment,, which was largely attended. Mr Parker was called to the chair. Mr W. W. Coppins proposed, That a committee of five be appointed to take copies of the assessment mido in this riding, and also to draw up a petition to the Road Board, asking that body to have a fresh assessment made, the Committee to consist of Messrs Parker, Bialey, Delaney, James Delaney, and the mover. ' ,

Saib AT THB Mor/TEBE.—At a sale held on the 30th inst., by Mr Mabin, of Mrs Drane's stock at the Upper Moutere, the attendance was good, nnd the bidding spirited. The stock consisted of the usual contents of a country store, so that it would be uselcsmentioning prices, except that the trap horse, seven-year-old, realised £21; an aged gelding, £7 ; sides saddle, £3 103; spring trap, £12 15s; and the nnmerous other articles equally satisfactory prices).

Takaka.—A. meeting of the ratepayers was held at the Court-house, Tukaka, on 20th January, to eleot, a member of the "Road Board, vice Mr J. Packard, resigned. Mr John Cann was voted to the chair, whan the following candidates were proposed : —Messrs F. H. M. Ellis, and Mr A. M'Farlane, the latter demanding a poll, which resulted in the election of Mr Ellis.

Richmond Institute.—The annual general meeting of subscribers was held on the 29ta January, when Mr Talbot was Toted to the chair. The chairman stated that the business before the meeting wo 3 to receive the annual report and to elect a committee to manage the affairs of the Institute for the ensuing year. The Secretary reported that during the past year 133 volumes had been added to the library, including many new works of great interest, besides the usual number of English and Colonial periodical?. The Treasurer stated that after paying for the new books and settling all accounts up to date he had a balance in hand of £16 to begin tbe year with, which he thought might be considered satiafat tory. Iha following gentlemen were elected members of t!i9 Committee for the ensuing yeur:—Mr. B ami coat, treasurer; Mr. secretary ; and' Messrs. Talbof, Petrie, Bobson. Muntz, Thompson, Huret, Cowles, and Taylor. Messrs. Hodder and F. Sheat were appointed as auditors.

Anotheb man, named Hans Petersen, lias been killed at the reclamation works at Kaiwarra, Wellington. The Coroner's jury recommended that greater care should be taken by the contractor by employing more gangers.

CoNGBEaATIONAL ChUBCH TfiA MEETING.—A tea meeting, which is henceforth to be an annual one, lo celebrate the anniversary of the pastor's call, wsa held in the Congregational Church on Tuesday evening. The high eßteem in which the Eev. John Beckenham v held by all classes of the community was manifested in the large number of guests who diil honor to the ladies' good things—the church being full. After tea, a public meeting was held, at which addresses were delivered—by the' Chairman ( he pastor) who gave a very interesting account of his work and that of the church since he came to Nelson ; by Mr Short, who, in the Treasurer's absence, read the financial statement, showing a total dehfc on the buildingjof £300 odds, and a deficit of £19 in the weekly offering, which deficit a collection (aken during the evening (realising upwards of £9) and suras from other sources wiped off; by Rev. P. Dolomore ; by Mr Matthew Campbell; and by Mr William Price. Ably aooompanied by Miss Jane Short on the harmonium, and by Mr Charles Lucas on the flute, the choir of tho church sang several sacred pieoes with their usual success.

Wb are informed that a change is about to take. place in the management of the National Bank in this city, that Mr Alexander Kerr, the present manager, will proceed to Oaraaru, a branch which ranks higher than that in Nelaon in the business of this institution, and that Mr Wyatt, formerly of Hamilton, will succeed to the Nelson office. We congratulate Mr Kerr upon his promotion, and tho evidence itaffordß of the good opinion entertained of him by the Bank authorities and take advantage of the occasion to add our testimony to the sterling qualities possessed by this gentleman. It is an unusual thing for one in his position to acquire so much esteem as he has gained in the short time ho has been amongst us. During the eighteen months &c, in the administration of which he has taken an of his residence in Nelson, Mr Kerr has proved himself a cautious banker and a usefu citizen, and several of our local charities, active part, will miss him much, and from the opinions we hear expressed the clients of the 13anfe, who have benefited by his counsel and matured ndvice, will especially regret his removal. Mr Kerr carries with him the best wishes of a largs section of the Nelson community, and we most heartily wish him success at the scene of his future labors. The Friendly Societies Fete.—To-day will be observed as a. public holiday, it being the anniversary of the Nelson settlement, and doubtless thi Fete will attract large numbers to the Botanical Gardens. The following are a list of the events:— Ist Prize, 2&d Prize, Entry, S. S. S. d. I. Flat Eace for Boys under 12 (200 yds) 10 0 ... 5 0 ... 0 6 2. Friendly Societies' Race Handioap (220 yds) Set of framed emblems 2 6 3. Standing High Jump for Men ... ... 30 0 ... 15 0 ... 2 6 4. Championship points (LOO, 200, 300, and 440 yds) ... ... 120 0 ... 6) 0 ... 7 6 5. Sack Race for Boya 5 0 ... 2 6 ... 0 6 6. Three-Legged Eace (once round course) 20 0 ... 10 0 ... 2 0 7. Wrestling Match (Cumberland stylo) 40 O ... 20 0 ... 5 0 8. Hunter Cup—HalfMile Eace; Competitors to be bona' fide Nelson youths under the age of 18 years ... ... 40 0 ... 20 0 ... 4 0 9. Vaulting with Pole (unless 4 entries no event) 40 0 ... 10 0 ... 4 0 10. Flat Eace for Girls* once rouud course (5 to start or no race) New IVimmed Hat 11. Half • Mile Eace (Handicap) ... 80 0 ... 40 0 ... 5 0 12. Eunning High Jump (second to save stakes) 20 0 ... — ... 2 0 13. Flat Eace for Boys under 16 (440 yds) 10 0 ... 5 0 ... 10 14. Wrestling Matoh under 11 (tone (collar and elbow)... 40 0 ... 20 0 ... 5 15. Jingling Matoh ... 5 0 ... — ... 16. Hurdle Bace for Men (440 yds 60 0 ... 20 0 ... 5 0 17. Old Man's Eace, over 55 (once round . course) ... .. 20 0 ... 10 0 ... 2 6 18. Egg and Basket Eace 40 0 ... 15 0 ... 3 0 19. Champion Mile Eaoe ' ''■' (Handicap) ... 200 0 ... 60 0 ;:. 10 0 £0. Chicken in the Pot 15 0 ... 7G ... 2 0 Incline Plane / 21. Special Fl»t Btc*» i: 60Q jdi,. .', ~v Eunning Suit* 26,