TOWN EDITION. Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1887.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXI, Issue 2, 4 January 1887, Page 2

TOWN EDITION. Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1887.

The news to hand by cable to-day is important. Germany and Russia have entered into a strange alliance, each binding itself not to interfere with the other in the event of their becoming involved in war with a neighboring State, Thus Russia can commence hostilities with Austria, should she be so disposed, without any fear of Germany taking the opportunity of attacking her, while Germany on the other hand can fall upon France, as she appears inclined Co do, and need suffer from no j nervous anxiety lesG Russia should take advantage of her engagements elsewhere to harass ber on her eastern loundary. The inference is that Russia does intend to go to war with Austria, and that Germany thinks that the time has arrived for nipping in the bud France's hostile intentions towarda herself. A falling revenue appears to be a misfortune with which more than one of the Australasian colonies are afflicted. The balance sheet for New Zealand as it is made up from month to month and quarter to quarter ehowß badly enough with a deficit of £96,000 in the estimated Customs revenue, and a heavy falling off in the Railway receipts which appear to decrease as the mileage of railways is extended. New Zealand, however, has not suffered to anything like the extent reported from Sydney, a telegram received from there to-day stating that there is a falling off of no less than a quarter of a million in the revenue of New South Wales for the year just closed. The Grand Triple Diorama was exhibited last night to a very appreciative audience. The magnificent series of Scotch and Irish scenery formed the first portion of the entertainment, followed by selections from the Art Gallery in the British Museum and some beautiful effect scenery, including those really wonderful representations " A streat fire in London," "Bombardment of SuaJrim by night," and "The voyage of the emigrant ship," representing the departure, a storm at sea, burning of the ship, escape of passengers on a raft, sinking of the ship, and rescue of the raft's passengers by a passing ship. The lecturer was not nearly so happy in his descriptions of the Scotch and Irißh scenery as he was with those of London. The conundrum competition caused a good deal of amusement. There were eight competitors, and after a careful examination the Committee (Messrs Wainhouse, Dee sen., and T. A. Field, who were appointed by the audience) awarded the priae to Mr Stiles for the following :— "Why J

is the Grand -Triple like a bank safe and well finished house ? Because it is secured by a ' Lock ' and ' spouted ' round by a tinsmith. The judges had some difficulty in making the award. To-night the last exhibition will take place, when a miscellaneous programme will be given, including a part of the thrilling and sensational story o£ the "Bitter Cry of Outcast London," the pictures having been drawn by Barnard and the story written by G. R. Sims, author of "The Lights of London," also English, Irish, and Scotch scenery, extinct animals effect scenes, &c. A gold signet ring will also be presented for the best conundrum on the Show. We can recommend our re&ders to visit this exhibition as the views and effect scenes are the finest we have witnessed in Nelson. We have to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a complimentary ticket of mem bership from tbe Secretary of the Wairau Regatta Club, also the programme of the annual regatta to be held on the Wairau River on the 2nd March. One of the events, we notice, iB for senior four-oared inrigged boats, for which the first prize is £20 and a silver cup. There is alsoy a whaieboat race for which tbe prize is "#lO. There should be Borne pickings for the Wakatu Club out of, this programme. We have received from Mr Budden an illustrated catalogue of bulbs and tuberous plants which he has on sale at " The Rosery" in Bridge street. Judging by the very extensive list, admirers of this particular class of flower should have no difficulty in obtaining any variety they might chance to deßire. "Rough on Oatabbh" corrects offensive odors at once. Complete cure of worst chronic cases ; also unequalled as gargle for diptheria, sore throat, foul breath.