NELSON. [From the Nelson Examiner, April 30]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 814, 21 May 1853, Page 3

NELSON. [From the Nelson Examiner, April 30 ]

Nelson Copper Mink. — We have had placed in our hands for publication the follow, ing letter from Mr. Morgan, the manager of the smelting works, at Newcastle. The testimony it gives of the value of the copper ore from the Dun Mountain, in the neighbourhood of this town, is particularly gratifying, and, coming from such a quarter, the testimony will be appreciated. It seems to us that all which is now needed is the necessary capital to carry on the works, and that the successful working of this mine is now only a question of time. We may also mention that another valuable lode of copper ore has lately been discovered about nine or ten miles from Nelson on the coast, and at a spot where a vessel can lie in nine fathom water not more than fifty yards from the lode. This unfortunately is upon native land, and if the Government would but extinguish the native title to all the land between Cape Farewell and Cape Campbell, we have reason to believe that the country so purchased would be found to contain mineral treasures of no ordinary magnitude. Unless the native proprietors are dealt with speedily, the acquisition of the land when the value of these minerals are known will become an exceedingly difficult matter. The following is Mr. Morgan's letter :—: — " Burwood Smelting Works, " Newcastle, March 12, 1853. •• Sir,— Your favour df the 27th July, 1852, came duly to hand with sample of copper ore. I should have replied on receipt, but from the great uncertainty that prevailed then as to the possibility of keeping our works supplied with labour, and which has more or less continued, combined with an expectation that I should be \ able personally to wait upon you — I have deferred making a definite communication on the subject. " I may now say that the ore is exceedingly rich, and the indications, as described by you, most favourable. "As a smelting cnmpany we would rather not engage in mining operations, but can assure you the prospect you have is sufficiently valid to justify any amount of outlay if well directed. " We should be glad to give £16 to £17 per 21 cwt. for any quantity of ore of that quality delivered in Newcastle. You may rest satisfied that no spontaneous combustion would take place with that ore - during any period of time, either on shipboard or elsewhere. " I remain, sir, " Your very obedient servant, "T. L. Morgan. "W.T. L. Travers, Esq." The brig, whose presence in the Bay we announced last week, proved to be the Xarifa, from Melbourne, come in search of a cargo of produce. We have therefore two brigs in our harbour loading ior the diggings, besides the brigantine Comet, despatched last week. The cargoes now about being shipped on board the Velox and Zarifa, will comprise some articles never before exported from this settlement, as in addition to sawn timber, wooden houses, shingles potatoes, oats, barley, butter, and onions, such articles as hay and carrots will be added to the list, and, with every promise of affording a satisfactory remuneration to the shipper. Before these vessels have sailed, the Rosebud will have returned from Wellington to load for the same market ; the Spray, daily expected from Launceston or Melbourne, has a i cargo awaiting her, and we hear of other expected arrivals, all willing to purchase whatever the settlement can spare after supplying its own wants. With such a demand for all our productions, we cannot too urgently press upon cultivators the wisdom cf exerting themselves to obtain extensive crops nexi year. — Nelson Examiner, May 7.

Comet. — On Saturday and Sunday evening last, a comet of considerable magnitude wus eeen a little above the horizon, and was observed to set nbout W.S.W. a little before right o'clock. On the following evenings of Monday and Tuesday, the weather was unfavourable, and no observation could be made, but on Wednesday evening, when the weather was again fine, the comet had entirely disappeared, and it has not, we believe, since been seen. There is no mention made of this erraiic visitor in the almanack, so that we suppose its presence was not expected ; but it is certainly remarkable that it should have remained visible to us only for so short a time. — Ibid,

Maiikets. — The demand which has sprungup for produce for Australia has caused nearly every article to advance in price, except flour, which remains stationary at from £18 to £21 a ton. Barley is now selling at 5«. Gd. to 6s. a bushel, oats. 6s. to 6s. 6d., wheat 7s. 6d. Butter is Is. Id. per lb ; potatoes £4 10s. to £5 a ton; sawn timber 13s. to 16s, per 100 eet. — Ibid.