THE VESSEL'S DEPARTURE.

The Rakaia sails for Wellington at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE

PREMIER.

Last evening Mr John Graham, M.P., (Chairman of the Harbour Board) received the following telegram from the Premier" ( Sir Joseph Ward): "I am delighted to hear that the Rakaia successfully negotiated the new cut this morning, and berthed without a hitch. I tender my congratulations to yourself, the Harbour Board, and the people of the Nelson Province, to whom the event is of the very greatest importance

"J. G. Ward."