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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume III, Issue 172, 23 July 1868, Page 2

The Otago arrived this afternoon at a quarter-past 3 o'clock, with the English Mails. We have to apologise for not having noticed at an earlier date a little brochure of very unpretending character, the perusal of which is nevertheless calculated to impress the reader with the importance of divers hygienic, moral, and sanitary which are inseparably contingent on the frequent use of the bath. The publication to which we allude, ' The Bath,' is principally a compilation byMrE. Tucker, of this city, from the works of the wellknown writer on oriental and political subjects, Mr D. Urquhart, setting forth the advantages derivable from the more general use of this great therapheutic agent. In fact it seems marvellous how so beneficial an agent as the bath should, comparatively speaking, be so generally unheeded and neglected, and still more strange that a study of the beautiful house which each of us inhabits, so perfect in its construction, so faultless in its design, so . wonderful in its functions, should not have led us also to adopt the most simple and feasable mode of obtaining ihat valuable gift of action and reaction which enables it to receive all alterations of temperature, not only with impunity, but with comfort and advantage. The compiler, like the author from whose works he quotes so extensively, is most enthusiastic in favor of the bath, and gives ample illustration not only of the benefits derivable from its use, but also of the various kinds of baths which have been adopted by various nations in various ages,

together with deductions from its use in a sanitary and moral point of view, which are highly favorable to his theory. The inhabitants of this city are peculiarly fortunate in the hydropathic means placed at their command, and we believe that, with the exception of that highest luxury — the Turkish Bath — they may avail themselves of every species of bathing, independently of the more simple appliances which every individual has at his disposal in his own chamber. The little tract to which we have directed attention will amply repay perusal, and we cannot wish its readers greater blessings than thoso vvhich thecompiler, quoting his favorite author, Mr Urquhart, in concluding his introductory chapter, asuresus will follow upon its diligent perusal and careful application.

We would remind our readers of the lecture on that popular subject, phrenology, announced to be delivered this evening, at the Temperance Hall, by Mr J. H. Cooke, in aid of the funds of the Band of Hope.

Il will be seen that Mr Charles Russell's entertainment, 'The Harp of Erin,' for the benefit of the Nelson-Institute, announced for last night, and postponed in consequence of the very unfavorable weather which prevailed, is fixed to take place on Monday evening next at the Provincial Hall.

As we stated some time since, the members of the Hebrew community in Nelson have determined on erecting a Synagogue, on a site in Nile-street West, Trafalgarsquare, presented for the purpose by Mr H. Davis. The designs for this building, by Mr. Scotland, architect, of this city, are now in the hands of the committee, and from an inspection of them we find that the buiiding will measure in length 32 feet in the clear, by 20 wide, with a height of 21 feet, the material being wood, with a stone foundation. The style adopted is the Composite, and although the building, in order to be commensurate with the present requirements of the community, will be of comparatively small dimensions, the general effect will be decidedly pleasing, if we except the projecting recess at the east 'end of the building, intended for the reception ofthe ark, which seems to belong rather to the Tudor style of architecture, and therefore harmonises ill with the classical character of the general design. The estimated cost is £400, of which sum we understand that £150 still remains to be collected. The interior of the Synagogue will, we are informed, be handsomely fitted up, with the usual furniture appropriate to the Jewish ritual.

The city was visited last night by a violent tempest which lasted until daybreak. The rain fell in torrents during the whole night, and the wind was unusually boisterous; but beyond the injury sustained by trees in various directions in the suburbs, we have not heard thafc any damage of a more serious character has been done to property. We learn from Captain Clouston that eight inches of rain fell last night. The tide also rose to a great height, the causeway on the Haven-road, below the Postoffice, being nearly submerged.

We learn that the announcement that applications would be received by Captain Lockett, on behalf of the Government, from persons desirous of joining Colonel M'Donn ell's force on active service in the Northern Island, has already called forth as many as six and twenty candidates for military honors, and their number is likely to be still further" reinforced by a large number of applicants from the country. The telegraph line is still down, and Captain Lockett is therefore compelled to await further instructions from the Defence Oflice, as to the transmission of these Volunteers to head quarters, and other requisite information.

We have been requested to inspect a watercolor drawing, representing a landscape at Motueka, with the. Mount Arthur

range in the distance, now on view at Mr W. M. Stanton's establishment, Trafalgarstreet. The drawing is doubtless a faithful transcript ofthe particular scene which has heen selected for pourtrayal; and, as far as its delineation is concerned, is correct enough, but the artist is evidently ignorant of what is known as aerial perspective, the hills in the middle distance bearing the same relation to the eye of the spectator as the foreground. The coloring is also lamentably wanting iv brilliancy and transparency, and displays all tho crudities usually discernible in the works of a novice. The drawing, however, gives promise of better efforts in the future, which, combined wilh a more moderate estimate of the present pecuniary value of these productions, ir..i,y find them purchasers amongst the lovers ci art in this commuuity. The Carandinis are giving successful entertainments at the Princess Theatre, Duuedin, Jassisted by M. Floury and the excellent orchestra attached to that establishment.