The Colonist. Published Daily—Mornings. Nelson, Monday, December 21, 1896. SUMMARY NOTES.

Colonist, Volume XL, Issue 8746, 21 December 1896, Page 2

The Colonist. Published Daily—Mornings. Nelson, Monday, December 21, 1896. SUMMARY NOTES.

During the last four weeks the eleofciona have absorbed gem ral interest. The Liberal party had been in power for two triennial terms, when the verdiot of the electors was sought, and in Colonial life six years is a very long period. For a Ministry to retain confidence for a longer period is practically a record. Tbe Conservatives were not slow to recognise that there must ceoeesfm'y be Bonn who were dicooii tented after the long' innings; and they played their game accordingly. Where they thought it advisable they strove to seoure the Temperance vote, but ia other places ihey ignored it, aod bo it waß all j through — they advanced no policy, but Bought to depreciate the good effect of the 1 pirty which has bad to bear all responsibilities during the lives of two Parliaments. The Opposition were spurred on to fedoß ole their efforts because they have appreciated iha<i there is every likelihood of more prosperous times be ; ng in store for New Zealand during tbe next three yearc, and though they have unreasonably charged the Government with driving cjpital from the country, and harassing mdus'.ry, they would very muob have liked to atain offioe bef<-re the good and patient work that his been c.rried on for tbe list sx ya^s bore its full orop of fruit, inasmcob as had they bee a Buoceseful, they would have laid olaim to the credit for all that was good. It would have been manifest'y unjus> bad those who have persistency deoied the Colony, been given such an opportunity to c ow when they had accomplished do hing, and in this instance^ at all events, justice has prevailed, for tbe Liberals bave gained a very deoisiye viotory. It is true thut the party is not likely to be quite so strong as it was during tae las> Par!lament, but the Liberal majority is a good working one, and more than that ia BOmetimes a source of weaknes •.

On the same day that the elections of representatives to the Colonial Parliament took place, a poll of the people was tiken on the liqnor question. It had been predicted b> some of the more rabid Prohibitionists, that no license would be carried in many districts, but throughout the Colony the verdiot has been in favor of leaving things bb they are. In no electorate has he vote been ia favor of reducing the number of licenses, bat seeing that the consumption of intoxioant is steadily decreasing in this Colony, it is apparent thit ths preoept and example of sterling workers in the diceotion ol temperance is having good effeot, better indeed than if prohibitive measures were adopted, for such nmaurea would only prove irritating to many.

Just after the eleotions it was annoanoed that the steps taken by the Government to pi .oe one half of the million loan, author iael la<tse3Bku, io the New Zealand market had been successful, a .d for the first time on record the Colony has been ab e to borrow within its borders £500,000 at three and ahalf per csnt, the interest on whish sum wilt be paid within the Colony instead of being sent to the Antipodes, and thereby inorease the drain from the Be shores.

In recrard to mining thia Colony is closely approaching a time when its mineral wealth will be proved beyond question. It is not, of course, to be expeoted that every venture will be a Buccess and posubly some that hive been boomed most consistently will prove disappointing, but we are convince ! that there are many in this Colony who are honeßtly desirous of helping forwa d on'y thtt which ia legitimate and who have perfeot faith that success is within their re*oh. In thia district much attenfon if? being given to prospecting, but some of the most e&tlmab'e cf those who are Backing t) bring hidden treasure to light are very cha-y of making any etat mi ta until they shall have completely Butiefixl themselves. For some weeks past, very c couraein?. not to say rich, prospects have baen scoured in the Mount Arthur di trior, and if equally good prospects are obtained as the work of development progresses, SUOO63S i 3 Bssured, but bo far i. U too ca ly to make any declaration. In the mineral belt that tuna from D'Urville Island through the Oroixallea, the Wangamop, ne-r the MBunga<ipa aoro^s tlw Aniseed Valley, and tbtn diagonally through a large portion of this island, prospecting is still going on. Throughout that belt chrome and oopper are met with, and Messrs Tattoo, Jaokson * Co. have done much to exploit the country, which is generally very rough, and in places oovered with dense forest. In North Devon the gossan connected with oopper lodes has been found to contain gold, and in that portion of the mineral belt wbioh is within Aniaeei Valley the ferruginous deposit baa blso been found to contain the precious me 1 a', and not only the gossan there, but the oopper ore also Whether it is payably rioh in gold has yet to be proved, but the gentlemen whose names we have mentioned sre trying to satisfy themselves on this point. In order to ascertain whether the gold iB more widely diffused they have opened out upon some oatorop3 in the Wangamoa, many miles distant from Aniseed Valley, and where an apparently rather poor ore of ooppar— a gteen carbonate — exi-ta with gossan, and we learn that an assay has shown the existence of gold in this at the rate ol about eigbt pennyweights to the ton. The fact that within the last month it has been reported from New South Wa'e3 that promising discoveries of gold have been made at Riverina in ferruginous qnariz impregnated with gossan indicates that the pro-peotors in the locality adjacent to this city are no*, working blindly.

Afteb a long spell of dry weather welcome rains have fallen throughout the district, and tbongh in some places the rain has come rather l&te, we hear from others that the harvest prospects are good.

Wi are all apt to, grumble, bat when we look round and Bee that in some parts of Australia flocks and herds have bean reduced by the thousand in consequence of drought, when we learn that in Africa the rinderpest has been fatal to oat'-le by the hundred thousand, and when we rsoogoise thatf mine has told ita sickly tale in India— thoogh happily later news is more oheerfcl— and that the plague has largely iaareased the death rate in Bombay, we in New Zealand ought to feel that we have very muoh to be thankful for.

Sikce tbe publication of oar last Summary number the Agricultural and Pastoral Association has held its annual show, and it U satisfactory to record that it proved tbe most successful ever held in Nel?on. A week later the Horticultural Sooiety held its Spring Sbow Our educational establishments have held their celebrations within the last week, end tbe Philosophical Society- an institution that deserves increased BOpport — has held a more than usually interesting mee.iog daring the month.

The Nelson School of Mtisio oonoladecl its term last Alonday, when the popils gave a ooDoert, and by their performances demonstrated the good work that in being done by the staff, and certificates were presented. The two Colleges also celebrated the termination of the years work when the prizes were awarded, and the winners of scholarships were announced. The years work a' other sohcola has also been reported upon or otherwise placed before tbe people, and it has been made manifest that legitimate efforts are being made to give every possible advantage to young New Zealand.

At the end of November \n had to report a ehoekiDg tragedy that occurred near Motueka. A. man who had formerly been a patient at the Lunitio Asylam, bnt who, had apparent'y recovered, in a fit of insanity killed m*3 wife.

Fbom New South Wales hid come new) of a series of murdera committ-d in the Blua Mountains diatiict, apparently by a cnlloub wretob, who having lured men wih means into lonely places, shot them in oold b!o:d for what he could rob them of.

We bava a'so receive 1 news from New South Wales of ahooking mining fatalities in which brave m»n who sought to rescue others, were overcame by the fatal choke damp.

In the metropolis of the Colony the Industrial Exhibition oontinues to prove an attraction. Early in the month the barque Delmira was totally wrecked near tne en-

trance to Wellington harbor, and a fire broke out amongst some flax with whioh the American barque Aliaa was being loaded at Wellington.

It may be mentioned that tbe New Zealand Government has declined to jo:n in tbe Anglo-Japanese Treaty, and amongst celebrations and events within the Colony we may refer to the fact that Canterbury has just celebrated its forty- fixth anniversary, and tbe incident merits mention, for few visitors to Cbristohurch would imagine that less than ba'f a century ago it.i site wai an unknown wilderceHi It may also b* mentioned ai a rare thi.g fit this time of the year that recently bush fires in Southland have proved very destructive.

Pkbion.£. — M? Travers and Mr Ball, of Wellington, arrived in Nelson by the Mawhera on Saturday, and at once proceeded overland to Coliingwood, whence they are expended to return on Wednesday.

A PopoiiAß Pressman. — Under tbis'.heading the Wellington ' Post ■ of Friday last statea, " The p-eesmen of Wellington lose to-day, for Borne time at any rate, an esteemed ooleßgue in Mr A, M« Burns, who will be a passenger by the Mawhera for Nelson en route for the cable station at Wafeapdaka, where ho iB to represent, as distributor of cable newd, the interests of the United Press Association, with which be ba? been connected for the lost six or seven years. Few young journalists have attained greater popula ity than Mr Burns, for apa't from his connection witb the Association, which he baa served for many years in the Parliamentary Preßß Gal'd'y (filing last session the position of Vice-Chairman of the Gallery), he has done yeomun service for aquatics as Seoretary of tbe Wellington Bowing Olub and the New Zealand Amateur Bowing Association, both ot which hodies keenly feel his lobb." From the eamo s dfoe we learn that Mr Burns was the recipient of a large! number of testimonials a d roavenirs prior tofcis departure, together with hosts of kindly wishes. Mr Barns is not unknown in Nelson, where his abilities and good qualities are also appreciated.

Nemos A. & P. Association.— Prizes in connection wit a the late Show ware paid on Saturday, aud the following is the list of tho^e taking £2 10s and over in prizemoney: S Avtry £3 17s 61; J E Barllstt £4 10a ; P Beat £2 123 ; H W Bethwaite £2 10 ; Joseph Be*t £6 13a 6a ; D Bishell £8 4s; W Bisgar, j-inr £5 9s; H Ohalließ £4 ; W Colpman £16 13? ; F Green £3 7s ; Miss Glasgow £3 ; Mrs Gaden6r £3 16a and dairy uteni's; Mis 3 Huns £3 ; W D Harknaas £8 15 < ; Hunt Bros, £9 Is : Mra W Hill £2 19a 6d; W R M*y £2 16 j J W Mawden zlO 12 s; Macmahon and Pattie £3 3a and N.Z. Fararr for 1 ye r; Nelson Asylum £2 10s ; H O'Lisry £3 3s ; J O'Connor £3 103 6 1 ; W L Palmer £14 63 ; J E Salisbury £3 63 ;E J Thomson £3 ; F Tra3k £4 113; I Walker £5. The total prize money amounts ; o £210 12s 6d.

MinhlUtukn.— Our Reefton correspondent telegraphed tbe following mine return on Saturday night :— Keep-it-Dark, 169 ounces amalgam from 80 tons stone, top plates,

Some exoitement bai been oansed in Hokitika (says the 'W. C. Times ') by the advent of Mr C Holley, of the Mikonui, with a la-ge bbek of quartz from a ten foot reef he has ditcovcred on the Mikonui slope of Mount Raogi.oto. The Eto 36 is full of mineral, chiefly pjii es, but its value has not yet been determined.

Nelson Gabbison Band.— lt is understood that the Bsnd will not be competitors at the Exhibition Band contest, the membera not having had sufficient time to attain the perfection desired by them.

Nelson Cbicket Association. -A meeting of tha Committee was held at the Commercial Hotel on Saturday evening, when Dr. P<-ar'e39 presided. There were also present Me srs P. Toplisa (Secretary), C. Broad, B. Sti'e?, A. Clayden, 8, Levien, and F. Dunn. It wib resolved to aooepti an invita'ion from tbe Mo'.ueka Crioket Association to pUy a tuatoh *t Motueka on February Is-. It was stated there was an excellent wioket available. A tetter from tbe Marlborough Association re umpires was not dealt with, pending more defi ite arrangement about the matob. A letter from Mr Arnold, oaptain cf the Wanderers' Junior team, protested aetanst the reßalts of the Athletics-Wanderers Junior Championship on tha 12th ult., on the ground that the light was euffioiently good to play on for a considerable time Aft r consideration, the protest was disallowed. Both umpires must agree, otherwise the gsms cannot continue. The fol'owing fresh fixtures were made :— Senior Championship, Wakefield v. United, January 9th, at 10.30 ; Junior Championship, Wakefield "A " v. Athletio 11., January 23, at 11 a.m., aWakefield. It was resolved that the number of phyer3 in the Town v. Country match should ba 12 a-side. It was Btated that tbe team to journey to Marlborough would leave on Thursday evening next at 11 o'clock. From the name 9 received, tbe following selection was made : — R. Stiles, M. Jaokeon, J. Corder. G. Si 'cock (senr.), A. Wbitehorn, N. Levien, W. Cool, O. Prioa, D. Harry, S. Tra?k and Brown.

Barbacking.— An undesirable element was introduced into the Town v. Country crioket match on Saturday in the way of some coane barracking that two or three iodividuab indulged in. Thfse persons kept up a running fire during the latter park of the game to the extreme annoyanoe of a considerable number of other spectators, and at intervals the remarks were intermingled with so mnoh profanity that some ladies were obliged to shift their quarters from one Bide of the field to the other. Enthusiasm at sports of any description is mo t welcome, but there are oooasions when enthusiasts go beyond the happy medium, and last Saturday was ooe of these.

Wjddikg. — On Wednesday last, 16th December, Brightwater wbb all agog on the oooasion of the wedding of Miss Pnyllis Hill •o Mr Conrad Palmer, of Waimea West. Everything was as it ahonld be, namely. Queen's weather, a prtttily decorated and crowded cLurob, a bride more than usually charming, a groom more than ordinarily happy. Without venturing on any in-expert remarks on the appearance of the bride and her four little Bister bridesmaids, it can safely be said that the effeot wbb pleasing indeed. After the ceremony was performed by the Bey W. G. Baker, the party left the church to the " Wedding March," played by Mrs Baker and Miss Max, Abeuc 100 guests assembled at " Finegrove " to the breakfast, after whioh games and music, outdoors and indoors, quiokly passed a very pleasant evening. The numerous and beautiful presents included some from Mrs Palmet's Sanday school class, and from her fellow-teachers. — Correspondent.

Einbmatograph. — The Foresters' Hall was crowded on Saturday evening, when <he above-named wonderful invention of Edison's was shown. The audience were delighted with the wonderful novelty. The Bathing Soane at Folhsione, the Boys leaving Sohool, the arrival of the Express Train, and the Street Scene in New York were exceedingly good, very reaUstio, and elicited tha applause of the audienoe. Twelve piotures were advertised to be shown, but by a mistake only eight were produced. The management had hard woik to get ready for an exhibition on Saturday night, and through the flurry and difficulty the mistake occurred, and the manager is wiling to show the additional pictures to anyone who was present on Saturday night. The machine is a marvel loas one, and the pictures should be seen by all, It will be seen by advertisement that the Eintmatograph will be exhibited at Bottle's building in Trafalgar street to-day, and that fresh piotures will be shown daily.

Goldmining at Waxgapeka. — An esteemed correspondent telegraphed on Saturday stating that the Bell Mine, adjacent to Mr McEae's run, had yielded 46 ounces for the washing up.

Stone fbom Victor? Mine. — A. specimen of quartz from the Victory mine, near Greymouth, will be on exhibition in Mr Moyes' (jeweller), window to-day. The owners of the mine Messrs Curtis Bros, have just refused £20,000 for the mine. They have been working for between two and three years, and the stone has averaged over 3ozs lOdwts to the ton we hear.

Fabewell Tsa. — The Seventh Etandara papila of the Toi Toi Valley Bchool gave a lea to children, friends and past pnpite of the school in honor of the head mistress, Miss Gasooipne. After tea numerous games were played, and then t«o email girle presented Misa Gaßcoigne, on behalf of the popils, with a vary handsome travelling bag. The pre.

| sent i 3 a very appropriate one, as tbe recipient intends taking a journey to the Olft Country, and will be abe to oarty with her this token of remembrance. The pleasant gathering broke up after a supper.

The Begatta.— We remind owners of boats both large and small, thit entries for the various event) which mtks up the programtna of the regatta to be held on Boxing Day will close at the Shin Hotel to-morrow evening. The Sailing Committee are to meet at eight o'clock, and after consideration of ways and means, etc., will receive entries, and later will undertake the somewhat difficult task of arranging the handicaps. As far as can be judged at present the entries will be more numerous than usual, and a successful regatta is anticipated.

Nice Nugget Found. — Our Coliingwood contemporary states : — Mr Hugh Cottier was fortunate enough to hit upon a large nugget of gold up country last week. The welcome stranger weighs just one pound weight, and is almost pure gold. The locality of the find fa oi oosr3e a secret.

Accident. — We learn from oar Takak* contemporary that Mr Arthur Allan met with a Bomewhat Berioua aooident on Saturday morning last, while assisting to train a racehorse on the Takaka racecourse. While galloping over the course a sheep ran across the track and tripped the horde upon which he was riding, with the result that Allan was thrown to the grouil upon his head. He was promptly picked up and attended to by Mr James Keilly and others, and removed in an unoonsoious condition to the Telegraph Hotel, where medical attendance was procured, and although the sufferer has regained consciousness he is still far from recovered. Hh injuries consist of slight ponousaion of the brain and severe abrasions CQ the face and head,

Thb • Evening New?, 1 tiydoey, says ia regard to the application of Eucalyptus ia influenza :- " We hive to exercise oaution to get an article freed of it* stringent constituents or etee it will prevent (he excretion of he disease producing germs. A preparation! known as Sander & Sons Eucalypti Extraot was toatid to ba the on'y refined one, and proved to be possessed of the highest germkilling qualities"— Dr H. H. Hart. New York, Bays :— " It goes without saying thit Sander and Sons Eucalypti Extraot is the best in the market. It i 3 an excellent looal application in inflammation of mucous membranes, and will oure influanzj, diarrhoea, diphtheria, infeotious fevers, etc." -Insist gatting Sander and Sons Eucalypti Extraot, or else you will be supplied with worthless oils. Jost thk Thing* fob Christmab. — We have still a lot of the Farmers' Btock of Olothing and Drapery, the quality of which ißwell known, and which we are selling at half the prices marked.— Jas. Armstrong & Go, Trafalgar street. A beautiful lot of Laoe Curtains, oommena* ing at 2/3 a pair, marked price 4/6, at the sale of the Farmers' stock.— Jaß. Armstrong and Jo, Trafalgar stree Djn't forget our sale of the Farmers' Btoofc of Dresses, Prints, Calicoes, Linings, #0, when you are buying your Christmas parcel ; 20/- worts of good sound Btuff for 10/-.— Jaß.. Armstrong & Co, Trafalgar street. Gent's wanting a rig-out for Christmas cannot do better than oome to our sale of the Farmers' stock, where th»y will get a parcel for £2 honestly worth £4,- -Jan. Armstrong and Co, Trafalgar street.