[From the Nelson Examiner.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 79, 11 April 1846, Page 4

[From the Nelson Examiner .]

The visit of Governor Grey to Nelson will, form an era in the settlement. Now for the first time since we put foot on the shores of this countiy have we a prospect of seeing our interests cared for by the Local Government, our wants consulted, and our wishes advanced. The deep interest which his Excellency manifested for dtv welfare, the liberal assistance and encouragement he gave to our institutions, and the sympathy he manifested with the feeling of the settlement on the lamentable Wairau massacre, could not fail to make Capt. Grey universally popular. The benefits likely to accrue to us locally from his Excellency's visit are these : Nelson is to be the depot for coals for supplying the steamer on her trips to the South ; and we shall by this means have the benefits of constant intercourse with the seat of Government and all the other settlements. Until seme capitalist can be found to work the coal in Massacre Bay, which has been tried by the Driver, and proved to answer exceedingly well, the principal supply must be obtained from Sydney, and a contract for 1,500 tons has been entered into. Part of this will, we understand, be brought here. His Excellency was so much pleased with our climate that it is highly probable he will make Nelson his residence during part of the year, or at least, taking advantage of the steamer calling for fuel, that he will visit us frequently. Nelson is henceforth to be relieved from the superintendence of Major Richmond, and N the public correspondence and accounts of the settlement will for the future be sent direct to head-quarters, instead of having to pass through his Honor's office at Wellington. As. we in Nelson know so little of the gallant major, his constant presence in Wellington being so essential that he has been unable to pay us a visit for the last fourteen months, " we congratulate ourselves on this happy deliverance, and our Wellington friends will no f doubt be equally glad to have -the benefit of his Honor's undivided care and attention. Although it was fouud necessary to leave at Wellington the whole of the military force -brought from the North, we have his Excellency's assurance that 1 00 men were intended for Nelson ; and we have little doubt that as soon as they can be withdrawn with safety his Excellency will carry his original intention into effect, and thereby re-establish that confidence in the settlement so necessary to induce the immigration of capital, without which the work of colonisation cannot be carried on with vigour or success. His Excellency indeed spoke of Nelson as the most eligible spot he had yet seen for a large military depot, from which troops might be readily conveyed to any part of the islands, without their movements being known to the natives. The future form of government of the colony is undoubtedly a matter of the highest importance, but as this is a subject which will probably be settled at home, his Excellency forbore to state explicitly his own views. We think we may, however, say that a broad system of representation will receive his Excellency's fullest support. His Excellency's sentiments concerning the conduct of the late magistrates, who incurred the displeasure of his predecessor by issuing warrants for the apprehension of the murderers of onr countrymen at Wairau, has given universal satisfaction. This and other circumstances plainly indicate that his Excellency has no absurd notions about exempting natives from the penalties of the law, while his clemency towards the late rebels shows that he is disposed to view their transgressions with indulgence. His Excellency's liberality in subscribing £10 to the Agricultural and Horticultural Society, promising to attend the exhibitions, and undertaking to procure for it a collection of trees of various kinds from the neighbouring colonies, needs no comment. The example his Excellency has so liberally set cannot fail to produce the most beneficial results. His Excellency also contributed £5 to the widows' and orphans' fund of the Nelson lodge of Odd Fellows. The authorized expenditure of £100 of Government money in the repair of the roads of the settlement is a recognition by the Government, for the first time in New Zealand, of its duty to look after the requirements of the various settlements. Hitherto the expenditure of money on public works has been confined almost entirely to the North, though the Southern settlers have contributed their share to the general revenue. There is another duty which his Excellency has undertaken, brought before his notice by the impoverished state of the maimed and some of the widows of those who fell at Wairau, and that is to provide against destitution in any case by the issue of rations.

When we recollect that the Company's sudden stoppage threw nearly 300 men out of employment in this settlement, it is surprising how some of these, who were hut little prepared for such an event, have managed to exist at all. Lord Stanley's permission to the Governor to draw upon the Home Government for any sum necessary to meet that emergency was laid hold of by Captain FitzRoy, and the sum of £1,200 was accordingly obtained, which was expended elsewhere and for other purposes, while the labourers here were abandoned to their fate. This cruel proceeding was severely rebuked by his Excellency when he stated to a deputation of the working classes that it was " the duty of the Government to see that none of its subjects suffered destitution." The offer of a seat in the Legislative Council to Mr. Domett, a gentleman in whom the settlers have already shown they have the fullest confidence, by their unanimously electing him last year, when Captain Fitzßoy threw out the sop of a sham popular representative government, is not the least of the obligations due from the settlers to his Excellency. Although Mr. Domett did not accept his Excellency's offer, we trust he will yet do so, as we are sure his presence in the Council would in many ways tend to promote the interests of this settlement. In conclusion, we will assure his Excellency that if the Nelson settlers have hitherto been united in opposing misgovernment, he will find them the unanimous and firm supporters of a policy based on wisdom and justice.

The following is his Excellency's reply to the address of the Nelson settlers :—: — " Gentlemen — I feel much gratified at the cordial welcome which I have received from the inhabitants of Nelson on my arrival in this settlement. I came prepared to make every exertion in my power to promote the welfare and happiness of her Majesty's subjects in this part of the colony ; but I must confess that this task, under any circumstances a most grateful one, has been rendered still more so by the confidence with which I have been received, by the energy -of character which I perceive distinguishes the settlers generally, and by the capabilities which it is evident this portion of New Zealand possesses. To aid you to develop these resources, to reap the full advantages of your energy and enterprise, and, if possible, to secure your future prosperity, will be duties which I shall gladly and zealously perform. " The sentiments you express regarding the natives of New Zealand are most satisfactory ; and the desire you entertain to see active measures adopted which might diffuse knowledge amongst them and lead them gradually to the practice of industry, is, I am satisfied, a wise and rational desire- I will, to the full extent of the means which may be placed at my disposal, give effect to the wish you have thus expressed, in full confidence that you will willingly co-oper-ate with the Government in any plans which may have for their object the amelioration of the condition of her Majesty's subjects of the native race- " I entertain but little doubt that the opportunity I have enjoyed of personally acquainting myself with the requirements of Nelson, and of communicating with its inhabitants, will enable me to adopt measures which may tend materially to the advancement of this settlement, and I will lose no time in preparing such measures, and in bringing them into immediate and, I tiust, efficient operation. "G. Grey, "Lieut.-Gov. & Commander-in-Chief. "Nelson, March 23, 1846."

The following Statistics of Nelson for the year 1845 compiled from the Government returns, are extracted from the Nelson Examiner. The editor states " they ought to have been published three months ago, but from some cause or other permission to do so could never be obtained from the Superintendent, and they are now left with us for publication by order of the Governor" : —

Of the 14 deaths 5 were accidental, leaving 9 from natural causes, or lin 326. We have already shown the average mortality in the principal countries of Europe, but the advantage on our side is so striking that we again notice it. In England the average mortality is 1 in 44, in France 1 in 40, in Russia 1 in 27, in Prussia 1 in 36, in Holland 1 in 38, in Belgium 1 in 43, in Sicily 1 in 32, in Greece 1 in 30, in Iceland 1 in 30.

From the gross total above given, 155 must be deducted for children attending both day and Sunday schools. The number receiving education is therefore 509, or rather more than onethird of the children in the settlement. The number returned for the preceding year was 421. It therefore appears that the increase during the past year was rather more than onefifth ; and we are happy to say that since the returns were made up the number has been still further augmented by the opening of two or three additional schools.

Three new churches are being built, or are about to be built, in the settlement, viz., one at Rewaka, another at Motuaka, and a third at the lower end of Wakefield ; also a school-house in Brook-street Valley, in which divine service will be performed on Sunday afternoons. Divine service is also performed in several of the present school-houses, by dissenting lay preachers. There are Maoii chapels at Wakapuaka and Motuaka.

Judicial. Criminal Cases tried in the Supreme Court, 6 ; 4 acquittals and 2 convictions. Civil Cases tried in the Supreme Court, 5. Cases decided in the Court of Requests ; — No. For sums not exceeding 40s. . . 34 Exceeding 40s. and not exceeding £5 17 Exceeding £5 and not exceeding £10 8 Exceeding jglO .... 6 Tolal . . .65 Cases tried in a summary way before the Police Magistrate : — No. Acquitted 15 Convicted 32 Total .... 47

Live Stock. Horned Cattle 1,233 Sheep 7,473 Horses 82 Goats 453 Pigs 2,409 Heads of Poultry 4,160 The Return of Stock for 1844 gave horned cattle 918, horses 76, sheep 4,782, goats 250, pigs 1,512, poultry 3,584. There was an error in our printed return last year, which stated the number of sheep to be "5,782" instead of "4,782." The only importations of stock in the past year were 1,100 sheep, which about covered the number slaughtered : the natural increase was consequently upwards of 56J per cent, on the whole of the sheep in the settlement. The clip of wool for the season was 70 bales.

Agriculture. Acres. Land fenced — In the Town 210 In the Country . • • • 3,226 Total fenced.. .. 3,436 Land cultivated — In the Town .... 211 In the Couutry . . 2,169 Total cultivated . . 2,380 Description of Crop. Acres. Wheat 892 Barley 468 Oats 208 Potatoes 332 Turnips 80 Grass 33 Miscellaneous • • • 246

Average Produce per Acre — Wheat, 24 bushels ; Barley, 25 bushels ; Oats, 21 bushels ; Potatoes, 6 tons ; Turnips, 24 tons. The quantity of land in cultivation at the end of 1844, according to the Government return, was 1,262 acres, of which 237 acres were cropped with Wheat, 182 with Barley, 93 with Oats, 288 with Potatoes, 15 with Turnips, 5 with Tares, and 5 with Grass. The amount of cultivated land in the past year was nearly double that of the preceding one, while the additional quantity fenced shows that preparations have been made for greatly extending it. The increase was principally in the grain crops, there having been of land under Wheat 2| more than in 1844, Barley upwards of 1§ more, and Oats nearly 1| more. The lowness of the average produce is attributable to several causes : first, to the large quantity of newly-broken land, which in dry seasons always yields a light crop ; secondly, to the unusually dry spring and summer ; and thirdly, to the very slovenly mode of cultivation which many persons adopt. Notwithstanding the unfavourable season, good soils well tilled have yielded fair crops. We have heard of several farmers whose wheat has

averaged from 30 to 33 bushels per acre, and barley 33 to 37 bushels.

Manufactories, Mines, &c. Saw Mill at Motuaka, the property of the executors of the late Captain Thorns, at present not worked. Do. at Gleniti, having one circular and six upright saws, the property of Mr. Bagent. Do. at Waimea West, having two frame saws, the property of Messrs. Murphy & Rutherford. Do. at Waimea West, in the course of erection, the property of Mr. Martin. Flour Mill in Nelson, water power, erected hy shares. Do. at Gleniti, water power, the property of Mr. Bagent. Do. in Suburban South, water power. Flax Mill and Rope Walk in Suburban North, the property of Mr. M'Glashan. Flax Mill in Suburban South, the property of the Flax Company, at present not worked. The quantity prepared during the year about 30 tons. Rope Walk in Nelson (Gardiner's). Ale Brewery and Malthouse, in Nelson, the property of Hooper and Co. The quantity brewed during the past year was 624 hhds. Two Brick Kilns, in Nelson. The number of bricks burnt in these during the year was 300,000. Large quantities have also been made in the Rural districts, on the spots where they have been required. Tanyard and Curriery, in Nelson, the property of Mr. Lightband. Hand-loom for weaving Woollen Cloth 3, in Brook-street Valley, worked by Mr. Blick. Hand-loom for weaving Stockings and other Hosiery, in Waimea South, worked by Mr. Gibson. Lime Kiln, Suburban South, worked by Mr Ladd. Do. at Massacre Bay, worked principally by Maories. Connected with the timber trade is the splitting of staves, which has been carried on to some extent. Several pair of hand-sawyers have alsp been employed in sawing timber for exportation. In addition to the flour-mills above mentioned is a small windmill, in Waimea South, not yet completed, the property of Mr. Andrews. The Flax Company have for the present ceased active operations, but it is probable they will resume them in a short time in a more beneficial manner than heretofore. Recent experiments have proved that the flax can be dressed in the best possible manner, and at such a price as will ensure a highly remunerative return. The present Brewery is being greatly enlarged, and another is in course of erection. A hand-loom for weaving sacking from flax has lately been completed, the fabric manufactured at which is of a very superior description.

Coal. — The Massacre Bay coal has been tried by the Driver at Wellington, and was found to answer remarkably well. The Castor has taken a few tons on to Wellington. The day's consumption of the Driver is about twenty tons. The coal at Massacre Bay is at present worked by Maories, who, of course, can supply only a very limited quantity. The money awarded by Mr. Spain to the natives of that district, as a gratuity, and which has lain in the Bank since August 1844, is now about to be paid them, and they will then have notice to discontinue their present operations. An excellent field will then be open to capitalists to treat with the Company for the coal section, and commence working the mineral in earnest. In addition to the large quantity which the Government steamer will take, the consumption for domestic fuel would be very great. His Excellency the Governor has also expressed an opinion that it may be found worth the while of the parties working the copper mines in the North to bring the ore here to be smelted. — Nelson Examiner.

By the Shamrock we have received Sydney papers to the 25th ult., but they contain no news of importance. It is stated in the Sydney Morning Herald that the Post-offke Commissioners have proceeded from Van Diemen's Land to New Zealand, where they expect to remain about two months. Lieut. Henry E. Wilmot (son of Sir E. Wilmot), had been promoted to the rank of Captain in the Royal Artillery.

South Australia. — A dinner was given to Capt. Sturt, on his return from the interior, at Adelaide on the 20th February, which was attended by all the influential colonists. The evening's festivities were prolonged to a late hour. Captain Sturt has since his return been appointed Colonial- Treasurer and RegistrarGeneral of South Australia. Captain Lipson has not found Rivoli Bay so well sheltered as Captain Underwood represented, but has ascertained that Guichen Bay is a sheltered harbour, with six fathoms water within a stone cast of the shore, The Governor has been so pleased with the harbour, that he has made it the site of the capital of the county Grey, and the port of the southern district. He has also laid out a few acres at Rivoli Bay } and a regular township at Guichen Bay.

'own of Nelson :—: — Males. Females. Adults . . .314 306 Children . . .286 295 Total. 620 581 Total in Town . . 600 601 1201 Lural Districts: — Adults . . . .483 367 Children . . .474 408 850 882 Total in Country . 957 775 1732 Total White Population . . . 2933 Sirths : — Town of Nelson . . 46 40 Rural Districts . 41 39 86 80 Total Births. . . 87 79 166 larriages : — Town of Nelson . Rural Districts . . 14 . 8 Total Marriages . . . 22 >eaths : — Town of Nelson •. Rural Districts . . 6 '. 8

White Population.

Pakapuaka . lotuaka lassaere Bay Males. . 51 . 112 . 181 Females. 39 82 144 Total. 90 194 325 'otal Native Pop pulation 344 265 609

Native Population.

No. 5 Day Schools 7 Sunday Schools Boys. . 139 . lt>s Girls. 123 207 Total. 262 402

Education.

[n the Town of Nelson n the Country Churches. . 1 . 1 Chapels. ] 1 Total . . . 2 2

Places of Worship.

Owners. Town of Nelson . . 16 Rural Districts. ... 52 Tenants. 120 258 Squatters201 48

Occupation of Land.

OLUIIU. J3IICK. VYOOU. IHUU, :n the Town.. ..— 28 126 128 n the Country.. 3 22 157 196 Total 3 50 283 324 Gross Total Number of Buildings . . 660

Number of Buildings. Qfnno T«f4/»V Wr.n/1