The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1876.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 49, 21 February 1876, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1876.

I The cable is now opeu to the public for the transmission of messages, and is reported to be working well. Some private telegrams have been received at the Nelson office to-day from Melbourne, No. 1 being from the Superintendent ot' Detectives in tbat city to the luspector of Police here informing him that a warrant had been issued for the arrest of an absconder who had bolted with £190, tbe funds of a certain lodge, and had proceeded to New Zealand by the the Eringarooma. The northern representatives at the colonial prize firing arrived by the Wellington this morning, and proceeded in her to Wellingtou en toute for Wanganui. Sergeant Crosstnan, tbe Nelson representative, is a passenger by ber, and Lieut. Paynter and Corp). Doidge, who have qualified but have to pay their own expenses, went direct to Wanganui by the Charles Edward this afternoon.

A cricket match was played on Saturday afternoon between the blacksmiths and carpenters of the town, and resulted in favor of the latter with two wickets to go down.

V* Two sailors belonging to the Hibernia Mu^de an attempt to escape yesterday morning by running away with one of the boats. They bad been sent to the Edinburgh with some of her crew, and taking advantage of the absence of tbe officer made off. The ship's gig was immediately sent in chase, but before tbey caught up to them the runaways had succeeded in landing on tbe Boulder Bank, whence they were brought over to the shore by another boat. Tbe police were afc once put on the track, and Jack's leave was suddenly cut short by the intervention of Constable Levy, who safely lodged them in tbe lock-up. Tbey were brought before the Resident Magistrate tbis morning, but as Captain Cato did not wish to press tbe charge of desertion tbey were sent on board again. Tiie last excursion trip to tbe cable steamers will be made by the Lyttelton to-morrow, leaving tbe wharf at three o'clock.

Calcutta, sweeps on the principal events afc the forthcoming steeplechase meeting will be drawn at McGee's Nelson Hotel to-morrow evening at eight o'clock. We are glad to learn that arrangements are being made to entertain the Cable Expedition staff at a dinuer in tbe Provincial Hall on Thursday night. Apart from the celebration of an event of such importance as tbe completion of tbe means of telegraphic communication witb Australia, the hospitality and courtesy shown by the ships' officers and crews and the members of the staff generally to the people of Nelson have been such as to call for some acknowledgment, and there can be no doubt that the Hall will be crowded on Thursday night. A meeting of those interested in getting up the dinner will be held at tbe Trafalgar Hotel tbis evening.

/The following complimentary letter 'has' been addressed to Mr Cross, tbe harbormaster, by Mr Lucas, the engineer in charge of the cable expedition : — •' Mr Cross, Harbormaster — Dear Sir, — I have to convey to you the thanks of the Telegraph Construction Company for the very active part you have taken iu examining the coast and selecting the landing place for the cable. I regret that we missed you when we came in, but at the same time we had the advantage of the soundings and information which you had kindly obtained for us. — I am, &c, __ . R. Lucas, Engineer in charge of Cable Expedition. — S.S. Hibernia, Nelson, February 19, 1876." Tht financial result of the Cricket Club soiree ou Friday night was not so succesful as had been anticipated or wished for, as the total receipts were only £18 Bs, while the expenses amounted to £13 IG., leaving a balance of only -24.' 12s. Arrangements have beeu made for interprovincial return matches to be played at Wellington and Blenheim at the end of tlie week, but unless the public assist, some of the best players will be unable to attend, as they are not in a position to pay their own expenses, nor is it fair that they should be asked to do so. For the credit of Nelson the best team that can bo got together should be sent over, and we feel sure that the matter only requires to be mentioned to induce those who wish to see the cricketers of the province maintain their well earned reputation to come forward and render the small assistance that is requisite. Subscriptions will be received by Mr H. Halliday, the secretary, Mr Roy, the treasurer, or any member of the Committee. "We call attention to the important sale of mining plaut by Mr Augarde at Collingwood on Thursday next.