Local.

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 192, 23 August 1859, Page 2

Local.

Dr. Hochstetter.—We understand that this gentleman has Visited our gold fields, also the coal mine at Pakawau,andwe are informed that he has ' expressed a very favorable opinion of both. . We do not wish to forestall the learned Doctor, and will therefore not say more at present, thinking it but courteous to him to give him the opportunity of being first to describe his own discoveries, amongst which are five or six skeletons of Moas. We are glad to say that ho has promised us a lecture should he be possibly able to spare the time. We are glad -to. state also that Dr. H. arrived yesterday afternoon, via the Moutere. Theatrical Company.—We believe that Mr. B. N. Jones, who wafso successful at personating Irish characters, intends giving us a visit to this province accompanied by Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Foley. This will give the inhabitants an opportii- . ity of witnessing a dramatis representation on our new stage, and being the first comer we trust that he may meet with that success which his capabilities deserve. . . . M. Klaer's Troupe.—The artistes comprising; the above, arrived here from Wanganui last Saturday by the Wonga Wonga. Report speaks highly of their ability in the. peculiar class of entertainment'which they give. This is the first time that in Nelson any exhibition of the kind lias been attempted; and we are glad to find that we shall form our first impressions from a company recognised as well skilled and talented. Not the least novel part of the performance is the introduction of some educated dogs «nd monkeys, who go , through various scenes, such as a dinner party, card party, &c.» &c.. and an imitation ia given.of the scents in the circle of an equestrian company, the monkeys taking the place of riders, and the horses being represented by the doga. A reference to our advertising columns Will shew that on next Saturday it is proposed to give a day entertainments We are glad that this course has been adopted, as.it will give an:opportunity for our country friends to bring their children to town, to ! whom this class of amusement is peculiarly pleasing. The strictest disciplinarian can find no objection to an entertainment in which nothing that could offend can bo intruded; and we therefore prophecy a successful season to our new arrivals. Owing to the. very stormy state of the weather last night, the first performance was adjourned until, this evening, for although the tent which has been erected is perfectly waterproof, it was not thought advisable to inaugurate the season with such unpleasant'accompaniments as wind and rain. Solar SpoTs.-'-The beautiful phenomenon of solar spots was seen to perfection on Sunday last, there being so many as thirty-two visible at one time, three of them as large as small peas, with, very eccentric and jagged edges. Other spots, apparently were Joined together, to the number of twelve and fifteen, and formed, while the phenomena lasted, perfect ridges; other spots again separated into twos; and towards sunset another large spot became visible. These spots were not confined to thesun's equatorial regions; they were apparently crossing the sun's disc in an oblique direction, in three grand chains or ridges of spots.— -Communicated. '.- A Clothing Society.—Scarcely have we had one society brought into existence for the convenience of the working classes, butafc "would appear suggestive of the formation of another; thus, but a few days ago we advertised the prospectus of the Nelson Building, KLand^ and Investment Society,-to-day we record an effort that is to be made tomorrow evening for the formation of a Clothing Society. Each-particular body may advance sufficiently weighty arguments for general patronage;; and as the small instalment system has hitherto been of; essential service to the poorer classes, _wei hope that both of them will by their formation and success, extend the sphere of utility and usefulness. , Gardening for Ladies.-'—At this, season of the year, when it is necessary to gej. our gardens in trim for the summer, the following instructions may not be unprontably transferred io our icolu trins from a new work-—"Make up'^your,beds early in the morning; sew buttons on'-your husband's shirts; do not rake up any gr^y|nce;, protect the young and tender, branches ofiKe family; plant a smile of good temper in yourl face,: and carefully root out all angry feelings, an&you may expect & good crop of happiness." ■■^■•;w' The New War ARTn.i.ERy;~-The following paragraph which we take from "the English Dispatch, shews that our French neighbors have not been idle during their preparations. We^ trust that in England also care has been taken to provide materiel which can be^ equally efficacious. We may here make a passing remark, that Jt seems to be generally acknowledged that the Austrian army is very old fashioned and behind hand hrthis arm of their service:—" The new rifled French cannon made their debut in a smart encounter at Valenza, where an Austrian corps, keeping out of artillery range (as they thought), were utterly confounded by a volley sent bang into the midst of them, from a distance of 7000 metres, dismounting their guns, and causing immense destruction of men."