The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1879.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 117, 17 May 1879, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1879.

With to-day's issue is published a supplement containing three distinct accounts by eye-witnesses of the fighting at Isandula and Korke's Drift, when the British troops struggled so gallantly against the most fearful odds. A requisition to the Mayor, asking him to proclaim the 26th instant a holiday, has been largely signed in .town, the list containing the names of most of the leading merchants and tradesmen. It is much to be regretted that the Government have not seen lit to accede to a similar request that has been made to them from different parts of the colony, as Saturday is always an inconvenient day for a holiday, and in this instance it is especially so in Nelson, on account of the English mail closing on that day. The shooting season will commence on Monday next, when cock pheasants and quail may be shot by those having licenses, and hares may be either shot or coursed. Pheasants are said to be very scarce, but of quail there is reported to be an abundance. An entertainment of a varied character, comprising dissolving views, &c, will be given at the Agricultural Hall, Richmond, on Monday and Tuesday evenings next, in aid of the local Fire Brigade. Mn Albert Pitt and Mr Edward Moore announce that they have entered into partnershiD as barristers and solicitors under the title of " Pitt and Moore." The music-loving portion of the population will be glad to hear that the English Opera Company, who are now performing most successfully in Auckland, purpose visiting Nelson about the end of the month. It is some years since such a musical treat aa that which will then be afforded has been available in Nelson. We understand that news was received by the last mail of the death of Captain Corbett, who was known to many in Nelson. For some lime he was a settler in Queen Charlotte'a Sound, and then joined the steamer Albion as mate, and received considerable personal injuries, from the effects of which he never entirely recovered, in diving to effect some repairs to the screw, thereby being instrumental in saving the ship. He has followed his profession ever since, and was on his way from the Cape to San Francisco, when a huge wave swept his ship and he was washed overboard and drowned. There was a crowded meeting at the Temperance Hall last night, when a popular and interesting entertainment was given in connection with the Loyal Nelson Lodge of Good Templars. The chair was taken by Mr Thomas Scott, and the evening was much enjoyed by all who were present. The first annual meeting of the V.M.C.A. was held last night in the Association Rooms, when the genera! aud financial reports were read and adopted. In consequence, however, of some proposed alterations in the Constitution, the election of the Presidents and Committee was postponed until the next monthly meeting. The sites for booths on the Volunteer Re-, view ground at Richmond were sold to-day by Mr Mabin for the following prices:— Canteen, £11, Mr Stallard; refreshment booth, £2 15s, Mr Stevenson. A number of water color paintings of New Zealand scenery by Mr C. A. Muntz were put up to auction by Mr Mabin to-day, and created considerable competition, although

the prices realised were scarcely equivalent to their real value. ' ' The Local Exhibition Committee will ! meet in the Council Chamber on Monday next at 3 p.m. ' The follosving subscriptions have been ' received in aid of the new Catholic Church at Motueka, which will be opened on Sunday, the 25th inst. Special Friend, £40 ; Messrs ' Hyland, £V 5 ; Rev. Father Gavin, £5 ; Mr ' Sam Iloult, £5 ; Rev. Father Mahoney, £.1 ; Mr Madigan, £3$ Mr B. M'Mahon, £2 2s ; ' Messrs J. M'Namara aud A. J. M'Gee, £2 each ; A. Friend, £2 ; Messrs G. Hailea, E. Sparrow, J. Walker, J. Reilly, T. Windle, 11 Pollard, J. Johnstone, Patrick O'Connor, and Mrs J. Arnold, £1 each ; Messrs J. Young, •J. ICcoghan, J. Byrne, and W. Ilaiiies ids each. Further subscriptions will be thankfully received, and gratefully acknowledged by the Rev. Father Garin. Mr John It. Mabin reports the sale of the Bank of New Zealand Shares at £18 ss.