WELLINGTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 637, 15 December 1858, Page 4

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) December 7.

In my last letter. I alluded to the arrival of the Wonga Wonga from Melbourne, and the beneficial postal arrangements that Dr. Featherston had entered into"on our behalf. All here keenly and gratefully appreciate his services in i this matter, and it is impossible to estimate the importance of the results that may ensuefrora the ' successful issue of his mission to Victoria. It has done much to disarm the bitterness of his political opponents, for all agree that in this instance he deserves well at the hands of the constituency of-this province. But while awarding him his full meed of praise, the co-operation of Dr. Evans and Mr. Chapman is not forgotten. They are men who have ever had the interests of Wellington at heart, and who, through good report and evil report, ever rightly and highly estimated its growing importance. In the prosperity of the country and the happiness of its people, which they have contributed to advance, they will reap their reward—the only reward they aim at. Nelson, I regret to perceive, is highly indignant at the good luck of Wellington, if the ' Examiner' may be said fully to represent the public opinion of that province. Wellington, however, can afford to be magnanimous,'treats such indignation as mean and contemptible jealousy, naturally to be expected from the favoured dependant on a Stafford Ministry, and is able to do without their assistance. Your province will, it is hoped, view our prosperity in a different light, for there is little doubt that the postal arrangements alluded to must materially benefit yourselves as well as us. And, while on this subject, is it not worthy of your considera- j tion to secure the extension of the Melbourne line of steamers to your port ? for I have little doubt that some snch arrangement might be arrived at, and with, comparatively speakin°little cost to Canterbury. * ' ■ .

But to turn to other matters, though I really have little or nothing to communicate? The result of Mr. Baker's trial has, however painful the issue is to himself, I trust put an end to this matter. It seems wrapt in obscurity which nothing can penetrate, and it would be unwise 1 think further to agitate therein. In the case of libel I have been given to understand that Mr. King has obtained leave <non verdicio obslante' to move on his return fora new trial. I think there are very few if any who pray " God speed him." It w as an action that met the fate it deserved, and I think no intelligent jury would arrive at any other conclusion than a vindication of the defendants. If Mr King does take such a step it will seem a corroboration of Mr. Fox's assertion, that it was a '• trial got up for the benefit of lawyers." Time will toll.

The barque Melbourne arrived on the 30th ultimo, after a somewhat tedious passage. She left I^ith on the 29th June with passengers- the greater number are, however, for Otago, and she has also on board for that place a bull, and a splendid entire draught horse, which have arrived in excellent condition. These importations of stock, are deserving of every commendation as a public benefaction; and the importers I trust may reap golden opinions from all interested in these matters. The Lord Ashley arrived on Saturday from Kelson, and sails for your and other southern ports on Wednesday next We have a goodly number of vessels laid on for the wool season,—the Robert Small, Kinnaird, Midlothian, Louisa, and I believe another one or two While on matters of shipping, public attention has been earnestly and well called to the great want experienced here of a deep water wharf • this is the great and only drawback to this otherwise fine harbour, and I do hope that now we have so seriously begun our onward march of progress, that we will let no such trifling difficulty interfere with our going ahead. The Oliver Lang is to be sold this day for the benefit of whom it may concern. She lias been a splendid vessel in her day, and I cannot help feeling a regret for her untimely, and I had almost added ignominious, end. The Rosebud still lies dismantled in our harbour.

The new judge, Mr. Justice Johnstone, held lus flm Rjtting cm Wednesday last, and the al'i ity, dignity, and Jamrleotiwiess ha displayed "s. tllV <\">^rue of his official duties has obtained the confidence of the profession and the

esteem of all. I trust the acquisition we have obtained in him may be very long spared to us.

Our town is improving in appearance and increasing in extent, and the Beach in particular is worthy of commendation; here the work of reclaiming land is progressing well and rapidly under the talented direction of Mr. Carter, who in this, as in every other public work committed to him, lias performed his duty in a manner every way worthy of commendation. New buildings are springing up in all directions, and the beauty and variety of design that meets you on every hand is worthy of especial notice. I now refer to private rather than public buildings.

The committee of the Mechanics' Institution have announced a floricultural and horticultural exhibition for the 9th inst.; the announcement is received with great delight by the fair sex, and we all anticipate much-pleasure from the holiday. In other respects amusements continue dull, and with the exception of an occasional open night at the theatre and the performance of the Hanoverian Band, there is nothing to comment on. ••..-.-■■■■■.•■

Mr. Cameron's lectures «/a Rarey hare been well attended, and all say that he is perfect master of the secret. He will give your good folks an opportunity of testing his merits, as he shortly intends visiting Canterbury.

Markets are well supplied; but business though improved still continues dull.

Ships in Hakbok.—Robert Small, Melbourne, Louisa, Lord Ashley (s.), Sea Serpent, Marchioness, Pruth, and others of smaller tonnage.

I forgot to mention that we have lost another old settler by drowning. Mr. Wilson, of the Wairarapa, lost his life in the Pohau river a* few days since. I have been unable to glean any particulars.