Untitled

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 173, 26 July 1867, Page 3

[' In compliance, it may be presumed, with the time-honored impression which is supposed — however unjustifiably — to be peculiar to the British idiosyncrasy, that no business, however trivial or important, can be ' satisfactorily concluded without some gratification of the gastronomic organs, and which has, doubtless, been the fruitful source of Ministerial white-bait "feeds," Speaker's dinners, and a host of other kindred entertainments, his Honor the Superintendent was entertained at the Provincial Hall last night by the Speaker and Members of the Provincial Council at the banquet given as usual, at the close of the session of Council. As the entertainment was essentially of a private character, we are precluded from giving any further details of the proceedings of the eveuingj._ but we may state that the Speaker (J.' Wallis Barnicoat, Esq.), occupied the chair. S. Kingdon, Esq. performing the duties of croupier; that the Provincial Treasurer, with the Clerk and Assistant-Clerk of the Council, and the representatives of the three local journals, formed the only additions, besides his Honor the Superintendent, to the number of guests invited on the occasion ; that the usual loyal and local toasts were given and received with the utmost enthusiasm; and that, enlivened by some capital songs arid speeches, and by the expression of that general concern for the public weal and mutual condonation of the acerbities of debate which mi?iit have been elicited during the past session, the evening passed away most pleasantly, until the approach of the '-'small hours'" necessitated the reparation of the party. We must not forget to stale that the arrangements were under ihe superintendence of Mr. Cother, and more especially considering the very short notice given him of the entertainment, were- altogether satisfactory. The members of the Fire Brigade will be interested to learn that an Act has been introduced by the Government " to enable the pulling down of buildings to prevent the spread of fire;" and that it is proposed in this measure to appoint a Fire Inspector in each town, who shall have power to order the pulling down of buildings, and to take such other measures as are necessary to protect lile and property on these occasions. We presume that the head of the Fire Brigade, wherever such a body exists, would generally be chosen [as Fire Inspector. The Nathan Troupe seem to have made themselves very popular at Wellington, and are attracting large audiences nightly, his Excellency the Governor having patronised their performances on more than one occasion.