NELSON. [From the Nelson Examiner, Dec. 30.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 361, 17 January 1849, Page 3

NELSON. [From the Nelson Examiner, Dec. 30.]

The River Wairau. — We have learnfr from Captain Dougherty some particulars- inspecting the entrance of the river Wairau, which is of importance to masters of small coasters, and the settlers residing in the district. Captain Dougherty states, that daring a two months' residence at the mouth of the river, he had paid particular attentions' the | rise and fall of the tides, the soundings on the j bar, and other particulars respecting its capability to admit small vessels. The result of his observations is, that there is three feet on the bar at dead low water, that there is a rise of five feet, and therefore, that any vessel not 1 drawing not more than five feet may enter the river in safety. The time of .high, water he believes to be about half-past six at the change and full of the x moon, but having uo time-piece, he could not tell precisely. During the two months he has lived there, only four days had occurred on which a whale-boat could not enter or leave the river. The Triumph, which recently conveyed down provisions and other things for the stations in the valley, went over'the bar, and proceeded nearly twelve miles up the river. No vessel should enter without sounding ai she goes, as the channel sometimes shifts. On Thursday last, his Excellency the Go-vernor-iu- Chief arrived herein H.M.S. Fly, from Wellington, having called at the Sound on his way. We are glad to find that Sir George Grey has, with his usual success when treating with the maories, succeeded in purchasing the splendid harbour of Waitohi, in Queen Charlotte's Sound, as a port for the Wairau. By the same opportunity we have also received the debates of the Wellington Provincial Council, with his Excellency's : opening speech, and the outline of the Con- . stitution which he is prepared to recommend j, for New Zealand. We are lorry that: we afg* compelled to defer the publication of stich i-mJ portant matters for another week.— r3k January 6. ■ . '*?***