NELSON.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 19, 12 May 1860, Page 3

NELSON.

fFROM OUK OWN CORRESPONDENT.] April 30. We have had various shocks this week. On Monday, a visitor in the shape of an earthquake shook the nerves of the timid and inexperienced. It has been variously described: “ The motion was quick and tremulous, but almost instantly ceased. « It gave a slight trembling motion to the earth for a few seconds and then ceased ” The next shock was an alarm of fire at the house of Mr. W. Hodgson, in Brook-street Valley. It is described as having been “ speedily extinguished,” altheugh considerable fear” is expressed by the writer j « excellent step 3 ” were taken. “ A faulty chimney appears to have been the cause of danger.” The next shock to the “loyal ” and respectable, and the Pharisaically timid, was the release of Mr. Saunders on Sunday last, and his appearance in Council on the following Tuesday. The other shocks were caused by a rumour that Bishop Selwyn had pitched into the Governor on behalf of his beloved (though dark) brothers, and induced him to offer peace to the misguided men. The argument, or rather appeal, used by the Bishop was, “ You want land, not blood.” A public meeting was held in Nelson, wherein various speakers indulged in the various figures of speech in their orations and resolutions: —“Blood-stained rebels“.unconditional surrender;” “ unconditional submission ;” “the occasion was one which would not admit of trifles delaying it“ united determination ;” “ perfect unanimity;” “untoward report;” “dishonourable peace;” “ progress in civilisation and material comfort;” “ natural justice;” “ moral law;” “ bloodshed;” “ destruction of prosperity;” &c., &c., &c. Another shock was caused by what is called a “ leader ” in the Colonist , in which the correspondents to that paper are requested to drop their critical pens, and “ sing the praise and glory only” of our District Judge. The publicans’ licenses have been granted, with two new ones. The Magistrates read the “ Wittiers ” a severe lecture for shortening people’s days by lengthening their nights; and rated them soundly for permitting gambling. The “ Bungs ” promised ■amendment, and all went off pleasantly. In the Provincial Council there has been some curtailment of expenses; but singular enough, to make inconsistency more consistent, the economists to a man opposed every effort to economise. The Croixelles and Dun Mountain are still at it. The Secretary to the latter still sticks to his “ perambulating advertising ” system, and lectures the Secretary of the former for his want of knowledge of mining. The latter, too, sticks to his text, and wants to bring his opponent to the point at issue. He says that “ Mr. Hacket’s letter is a wretched quibble about a boundary line;” and that he has “ pertinaciously shirked” the “ real question.” The Geological and Mineralogical collections for our Museum have been purchased at Heidelbeig; and will consist of fifteen hundred specimens. They may be shortly expected. r Dr. Tatton has analyzed the West Coast coal, and pronounces a decidedly favourable opinion on this valuable product. Several coal ships have arrived this week: one got ashore at the mouth of the Riwaka liver; she was got off without much damage, and with the loss of a few tons of coals. The veteran Jacobsen has at last launched his little vessel, for truly she may be called his own, as it is the work of his own hands alone. Hold, sft. 9in.; breadth, 12ft. Bin.; keel, 40ft.; draught of water, 2ft. Schools have been established for the ■children from Taranaki. The Bishop has been very active in this praiseworthy object. ■There are two schools—-one for the very young, the other for those who are advanced in years. There has been very little law this week. Those brutal ruffians mentioned in my last {Dillon and Melville) were committed for trial (after having received sentence of one month for another assault) for a brutal assault on James Leach. An inquest was held at Spring Grove on the body of Mrs. Dickenson, who was found drowned in a swamp near her residence: The verdict was “ That deceased, from mental incapacity, had fallen into a pool of water, and, being unable to extricate herself, had been accidentally drowned.” Tramways! In a leader in the Colonist on the Dun Mountain line of road from the mine to the Port, the following remarks >«“ We Lope that this will not be

the only tramway laid down in this province. * * * From careful calculations we no not to say that many of the roadsjnow being formed have already cost more money than a tramway of the same length, to say nothing of the increased accommodation of the’ one, and the greater cost of repair of the other.”

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