NEWS OF THE DAY.

Colonist, Volume XV, Issue 1500, 9 February 1872, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Resident Mag-isteacy of Nelson.—Mr. John Sharp, who, since Mr. Poynter's death, has held the office of Eesident Magistrate of Nelson, has resigned the office, and will give his attention to private business. Mr. Lowther Broad, who was also Resident Magistrate of Nelson as well as Warden, has been appointed to succeed Mr. Sharp, and also to the offices of Returning and Registration Officer, and Sheriff for this district.- We understand that a considerable annual saving will be effected by this change.

The rain that has fallen since Wednesday will be hailed with unbounded satisfaction by both town and country, for the unusually protracted drought under which we have labored for some months has been not only injurious to our pecuniary interests, but also highly detrimental to health. In the neighborhood of Wakefield and Fox Hill, the farmers have further suffered from bush fires, which, during the past two months, have in some instances endangered their homesteads, besides destroying the food otherwise available for cattle. On Saturday last the bush, on the hill near the Forest Inn was found to be on fire, and considerable anxiety was felt lest this fine wood, whioh forms so prominent a feature in the picturesque 6cenery surrounding the district, should be destroyed. By dint of much exertion the fire was fortunately kept pretty well under up to Tuesday evening, so the late rain may possibly be in time to completely extinguish it before any material damage takes place. On Monday night the fire, under the influence of a high wind, presented a grand appearance and lighted up the whole district; and on Tuesday evening, though the main body of the fire had by then somewhat abated in its fierceness, the lofty trees blazing from the ground to their summits looked very beautiful, and the burning branches that were continually falling and scattering about them pieces of fire of varied shape and size muoh resembled a large display of fireworks, minus the rockets.

Thb Collins and Cabholl Tbotoe.—Since our last notice, this company has played twice; on Tuesday evening to a full house, and on Wednesday to a sparse one, owing to the tain, which had so long threatened, having at length set in, and produced a thoroughly wet night on the third performance of the company in Nelson. In spite of this, the attendance was better than could have been expected, and the programme was an unsually full one. This, with the persistent way in which everything was encored, brought it near the hour of eleven o'olock before the performance was concluded. Tho specialties were, "Do they think of me at Home ?" by Mrs. Collins, and a comic duet between that lady and Mr. Brown, entitled the " Happy Policeman," introducing new and favorite airs, and eliciting great applause. The power of Mr. Brown's voice was more evident in this than usual, and, if only out of consideration for hia coadjutors, we would advise the exercise of less rolume of voice, and the substitution of greater inflection. Significance of tone and general improvement would be secured for himself, and so much TOCal effort be unnecessary with those who, less powerfully " organ"-ised, have to withstand or accompany his overpowering voice. While making suggestions, we may also advise Mr. CulJimore to use softer accompaniment to the somewhat weak but very pleasing tones of Miss Carroll, who would be assisted by a few simple chords, but appears to be oppressed »id smothered by a strong treble accompaniment. 3Jiie company did not play last night in consequence Oi the evening having been announced as the one on which the Harmonic Society would give a concert; but this evening the performance will be for the benefit of Messrs. Collins and Carroll, whose efforts to please have been energetic and continuous. Every member of the company has some special quality. Tha newest and moßt popular conga are produced, the dancing is exceptionally good, the piano is presided over by an excellent musician, and the whole ootnpany are exceedingly liberal in their responses to the unconscionable re-calls which they have been so cruelly honored with in each performance, and we hope they will receive liberal support during the nufu&dex of their, stay here*

Deaths in Auckland Ciiy.—A correspondent ; writes that no fewer than 53 deaths of children, under two years of age, took place in the City of Auckland, during the month of January. The increase is attributed to the long drought, and the want of a supply of water.

Pheasant3.—These birds are rapidly increasing in the Suburban North district, and they are either bo tame or so numerous that in travelling along the Wakapuaka road one very frequently turns up a fine bird, which, from the measured way he steps from the road into the fern or scrub on the side of the hill, does not seem particularly afraid of the intruder. They have lately been hatching their young, and on Wednesday two coveys of little chicks wore to be seen on the road, from two or three weeks to two months old, one numbering between forty and fifty. It is reported that licenses will be granted for shooting in this district next season, and apparently the pheasants are sufficiently plentiful to warrant such a measure.