SUMMARY FOR THE EUROPEAN MAIL.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 319, 9 November 1860, Page 2

SUMMARY FOR THE EUROPEAN MAIL.

To all appearance this will be one.of.the most propitious seasons for the farmer ever known in New Zealand. Gentle showers, succeeded by beautiful warm weather, have acted magically on the crops, which everywhere promise to be abundant.; The blight has attacked many of our vegetables and utterly destroyed them, in-spite of all care and the trial of the various remedies from time to time put forth by praiseworthy experimentalists. The grubs and slugs too do their work of mischief in a most merciless manner, attacking all young plants, and devouring them like a cloud of locusts. The new bridge over the Maitai river has been completed by Mr. Akersten; and thus another means of communication has been opened up between the north and south portions of the city.

A valuable addition to our Museum has arrived in the John Phillips. The committee of the Trust Funds purchased fifteen hundred' mineralogical and geological specimens at Heidelberg. These, in addition to the va~ luable specimens daily turning up in our r own province, will in a few years place Nelson in this respect on a footing with many cities of Europe.

Our Resident Magistrate has had rather a busy time of it in the small debt line. A charge against the charterers of the ship John Phillips from London was substantiated, and the sums of £2 9s. 1 Od. for short allowance and £10 for damages were allowed by the court. It was stated that there was no fault to find with the captain;, on the contrary, his behaviour throughout the passage was that of a gentleman;' the owners were likewise exonerated from any blame in the matter, and the fault was attributed to the charterers, Messrs. Willis. Gann, and Company, who usually bear a good name for ship fare. A singular case was brought into court, wherein #.-foolish lad by way of amusement made an incision through the hide ot a dead horse in order. to see the collapse which he expected would - follow such an operation. The lad was had. up a second time and severely reprimanded by the . magistrate. Some .cases of theft; have been disposed of summarily. Some very nasty and depraved cases have been tried; in one the defendant was let out on tpil, to appear at the. ne*t sitting oi Vk%

Supreme *vOurt. t „ The,poor wandering cattle share of business this month. Besides another celebrated 'oats' case, which met with the same fate as the others in which Pedlar Wright was concerned, there has been a case of 'assault with intent,' &c, which ended in the defendant being imprisoned six months with hard labour. The Town Band performs before a largg attendance of promenaders on the Churchhill Wednesday evenings. The execution of the various pieces chosen are exceedingly creditable, considering the short time that has elapsed since the formation of the band. It is but lately we had to comment on the mischievous and wicked destruction of trees' about the town, aud recorded a case where a lad's parent's were heavily fined, and the boy severely reprimanded for such vicious propensities. We thought this would have checked the evil, but " Satan finds some mischief still, for idle hands to do." Messrs. Rout and Burns havo suffered by some vile-minded person having wantonly destroyed some part of a steamengine, on their property on the Waimearoad: this is the second time that this crime has been committed. Another person has lost several gum and other trees, having been pulled up by the roots. The Enner-glynn Coal Mine, near Nelson, is now being worked, and the coal lately taken from it is of a far superior quality to any hitherto produced. The trip of the Rapid to Pakawau enabled Mr. Lewthwaite, to whom we have now. to look for a better development of the coal mine than has hitherto been effected, to bring with him samples of a new seam which we believe he intends working with assiduity; he has already many men at work, and ten tons have just been landed in Nelson. In connection with our products the Sydney Umpire observes that in the annual exhibition of the New South Wales Agricul'lnthe^Kuse m Representatives, Mr. Domett moved "That the Dun Mountain Railway Bill be referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Curtis, Brandon, Heale, Jollie, and J. C. Richmond. This was agreed to. The committee subsequently threw out the bill, in consequence of insufficient details: a vexatious delay of another session will in consequence be incurred. Mr. Domett stated that "all tbe difficulty had been caused by the promoter himself (Dr. Monro) in his haste to withdraw the bill. He believed that if the committee had gone on, the objections would most likely be got over." The Lyttelton and Christchurch Railway Bill has been passed. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to make the following appointments in the Nelson Naval Artillery Volunteers: William Akersten t to be Captain; Thomas Trewheellar to be First Lieutenant; Frederick Stock to be Second Lieutenant. The commissions are dated 21si September, 1860.

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The exports from. Nelson for fee quarter ended June 30th, 1860, amounted to £5904, and £2046 of this was for gold. In the corresponding quarter last year they amounted to £8980. This leaves Kelson in a miserable condition in this respect compared with other provinces. We knoW that the greater part of the wool is generally shipped from Wellington, thus fallaciously swelling the exports of that province, the Wairau has now gone, and for some yeirs little will be done in that line; but we trr^t that the small farmers will look well to theft mutton: it will produce a golden fleece) It; has often surprised us to see what a number of raw hides and skins is sent away to Wellington and elsewhere; on inquiry we find that through some absurb ordinance the drejising.of these are strictly prohibited: it is the sapient legis"ffflHHDHHHßdemarred to the old g;|,y^^^H^^K||nothing like leather.' "We cannotroSHffiK that if we had had the light sort of members at Auckland, the Dun Mountain Railway Bill would have been passed: this would have been a good lift in this line. The value of the imports for the same period was £45,725: we are happy to say that not much above £1300 of this sum was for spirits. The Customs ; Revenue for the quarter ended 30 th September amounted to £3694 18s. 2d. From the Provincial Gazette we learn that the total receipts of the province for the quarter ended 30th September amounted to £9445 15s. lid.; to this must be added the balance from last quarter—£l2,B64 14s. Bd.-—making a gross total of £22,310 10s. 7d. The disbursements during the same period amounted to £16,445 16s. 6d„ leaving a balance to next quarter of £5864 14s. Id. Out of this sum £2,276 12s. 3d. has been paid for salaries and contingencies; and £2936 ss. for Taranaki aid. The remainder wasfor public works, &c.

There are few accidents to record. One occurred to a man in the employ of Mr. Saxton, which resulted in a broken leg. The man, whose name is Parker, had not left Richmond long on his way to the Wairau when the horse he was on stumbled, bringing his rider to the ground with sufficient force to inflict the above injury.

The Rev. T. D. Nicholson, formerly of this city, gave a most instructive and spirited lecture on the life and writings of the celebrated Dr. Chalmers, who held a most prominent position among the great land good men who .abounded in England I apparently is a great favorite with him; and what a'maty likes he generally does well. We trust there will be no flagging in these lectures. Our amusements here are but; i;' • — ■—......

scanty, and we know of nothing better than lectures to keep men steadily on the moral track of sociality. Lectures have also been delivered by Mr. Doyne on the Sanitary laws for Town Communities; and by.Captain Wilson, of the White Swan, on Electrobiology. An immense and singular fish has made itself obvious to curious eyes, and of shape and proportions which would earn for it in England the credit ot being closely allied to the far-famed sea serpent. The length was very nearly sixteen feet, its breadth about fifteen inches in the widest part,, and thickness about four inches. By these dimensions it will be seen that the shape of this curious fish closely resembles the proportions of an immense eel or snake, the circumference ot the body being so disproportionate to the length when compared with ordinary fish. It was furnished with a rod dorsal fin of about two inches in width at the head, increasing to double that width at half length, and then gradually tapering away to the tail; there was also a mass of red filaments, about a foot long and of a deep red color, depending from the lower jaw. There did not appear to be any bony structure in the whole length, except in tbe head, which had been beaten wijh stones by the person who first reached it, namely, Redhead; the formation of this important part therefore could not be ascertained, neither were any teeth traceable. The color was a silver grey, inclining to a bluish cast towards the back; its scales were brilliant, but very easily displaced. This extraordinary specimen appeared to have some trace of sea weed in its stomach and was full of spawn. The test of flavor was not wanting, many persons having possessed themselves of portions which upon trial was pronounced to be very good. For this singular and novel sight we were not ■ indebted to the skill of the fisherman, or the strength of his line or net, as the fish ran itself on shore near the Arrow Rock, at the entrance of the harbor, and was there killed. We much regret that the most important parts were not preserved and sent to England or Australia, in order that more information might be gleaned on this interesting subject. The inhabitants of the coast line of the Sound will be glad to find that another opportunity of communicating with Nelson will be offered by the placing of the new ketch, built by the veteran Jacobsen, almost unassisted, and called the Jane, upon this line. Her first trip was for Haveloek and Picton.

We have had one arrival from England this month.—The Bride, 546 tons, Captain Macdonald, from London, arrived on the 3rd instant, with forty-two passengers and general cargo. She left St. Katherine's Docks on the 28th of June, and has consequently had a passage of 128 days. The steward, a man of color, died during the passage; no other casualty is reported. The Bride was chartered by Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. The following passengers arrived in her:-—Cabin—Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, and Master Trent. Second Cabin —Jessie Anderson, Arthur Earnshaw, David Grant, Mary Grant, Thomas Wood, Mary Wood, John Griffin, James Scott, Andrew Scott, James Clifton, Richard* Roach, and William Downe. Assisted Passengers—Martha Tatley, Edwin, Jane, Catherine, and Jane Edwards, Marjfi Donald, and Roderick M'Lennan, Elizabeth, Emily, Thomas 8., Walker J., and John C. Crooke, John Macivor, David, Eliza, and William Winter, John, Eliza, Edwin A., Thomas H., Mark W., Brother Jessie and Brother Lammas, Joseph Barlow, and Eliza Best.

We hear that the subject of the doing away with the Trafalgar ditch, that eyesore to one of the principal streets of this city, has again been brought before the inhabitants. Endeavors are being made to ob-. Yin sufficient signatures of persons willing t\ be specially taxed for the purpose of constructing a sewer through the whole lenVth of the street, as was projected some showtime since, but failed inconsequence of aA insufficient number of names. We hear hat all the names of the inhabitants of the\treet„ except about six, have now been oWned, and that there is a probability of t\is long contemplated work being at last accomplished. This will be hastened by the Lecture delivered at the Freemasons' Ball, by Mr. Doyne, Engineer of the Dun Mouitain Railway, formerly of Balaclava and he East Indies, though but very moderatelykttended. The subject, and the exceedinglyuble way in which the lecturer treated it, a more numerous audience thanWnything that ever was attempted to Wse or instruct the Nelson public. Theecture was altogether a most ! interesting ari valuable one, and we think would bear relating with advantage after a short lapse okime. Perhaps a few score of cases of purid or other fever would j arouse the publi somewhat. They appear j deaf to the voicebf diptheria and fevers of a low type. \ The second priWe concert of the Nelson Harmonic Societywas given in the Masonic Hall, to an audWe numbering nearly three hundred pelbns. On this occasion the programme coristed entirely of secular music, and the section was varied and judicious. Songs oiie most sterling order,. and glees of our owiftountry's origin, were varied with German m Italian part-songs;, and a selection frorrlßellini's opera La Sonnamhda, brilliant Id striking to a concert audience, was ttipered with those beautiful though less dkling compositions of Rossini, the " PraJf " from Moses in I Egypt, and "Le CaritT The beautiful Cdvattna" Come into thl Garden, Maud," by Balfe, and sung folthe first time in Nelson, we could have wlied had been introduced at a more adv|ced part of the concert, at which time ouaars wouldv so to speak, have become attune! to melody, and enabled us the more fully I enjoy this exquisite production. Theduey'Le Zingare" was admirably sun^ and|re-d«m*nd^ci.

Of the merits of each separate performance we feel a-difficulty in speaking on this occasion. Suffice it to say, that the concert evidenced great care not only in the selection of the pieces, but in the manner in which they have been practised, to enable so large a chorus ot amateurs withal to render them with such precision. We can only add that a most favorable impression was the result of the second entertainment of this fast progressing' society. We understand that Handel's sublime oratorio The Messiah will be given in its entirety during the Christmas week, to be immediately succeeded by a secular concert similar to one of which we have now spoken so favorably.

We have much pleasure in recording the fact of the formation of a Young Men's Christian Association in Nelson; and are glad to hear that the applicants for membership are numerous.

• A new fire bell of large size was fixed on a high framing placed at the back of the engine-house in Bridge-streets The central position of the new site is much better adapted to the purpose than that of the former bell; its tone also is much stronger, judged from a partial trial; and bids fair to.be ol" essential service when its warning voice shall unfortunately be aroused.

The new Market erected by the Board of Works will be opened for business on ihe 24th instant. The building (which is a neat structure designed by the Provincial Engineer) consists of six inclosed shops, six open stall benches, and a large inclosed yard, with ample space for the temporary accommodation of vendors of all kinds of produce or merchandise. In front of the. building is a neat Secretary's office and Board-room. Very low charges have been fixed upon, viz.—shops and stalls for three months £1 (half of which will be returned if the shop or stall be kept well supplied with produce during the term), and one shilling each market day for temporary stall accommodation. The whole cost of the building has been about £500. We hear that many applications for shops and stalls have been already received, and we trust, that the success of the market will equal the anticipations! of its'most ardent promoters.

Runaway Horse.—On Wednesday . evening, a trap horse belonging to Nesbitt and Co., of this city, took fright near the first Maori house on the Beach-road, and went at top speed through Bridge- - street, turning the corner of Collingwood-street, and getting as far as the parsonage before being stopped. Fortunately neither person or property was injured ; one passenger Was in the vehicle at the time the horse started, but he judiciously freed himself from the vehicle at the outset without sustaining any damage. Shipping.'—The non-arrival of the brig William Alfred at this port, for which she left Sydney direct some days before the departure of the Dart which has reached her port, discharged, and left again, is the subject of comment. We trust that Captain Tinley will shortly arrive with his well-known trader, and at once dispel the fears that are beginning to be expressed on his account. ItiCHitfOND Cattle Fair.—On Wednesday the attendance that took place on the Fair Ground was only of an average character. The number of horses sent was tolerably great, but only a few changed owners, and those principally in the way of exchange. The show of cattle was but a poor one, the few sales that were effected being at low prices. Steers from ,£2 10 to £6 10s., cow and steer £8, —good milch Cow bought in at £8, —and excellent pairs of working bullocks ranged from .£3O to £40 I per pair. Owing to the lateness of the season there was a total absence of fat cattle. Transactions covering some hundreds of pounds were effected, but little money changed hands on the ground. Messrs. Nash and Scaife held an auction after the Fair, during which owners did not appear willing to give bargains. This argues well for the farming interests, indicating that stocks are not excessive compared with existing supply ot food.

Testimonial. —We are glad to hear that a valuable and handsome gold chronometer watch, valued at about £50, has been received from England by the Bride, and is intended by the members of the Nelson Coast Steam Association to form a means of conveying their appreciation of the valuable assistance rendered by Mr. J. S. Cross, pilot and Harbor Master of Nelson, throughout the term that the Tasmanian Maid rendered such beneficial services to this port. No doubt a fitting opportunity will be chosen to present the testimonial in the due form and terms which render a tribute of this kind most especially acceptable.

Death of the Insolvent Debtors,' Bill.— We are sorry to say that in consequence of the following report of the Select Committee oh this Bill it has been for the present abandoned; and things must go on perhaps for an indefinite period in the present unjust and unsatisfactory manner :-— ' That this Committee, while fully recognising tile growing necessity for legislation on the subject of Bankruptcy and Insolvency, do not consider that provision should be made for the relief of insolvent debtors without at the same time giving to creditors corresponding powers of enforcing bankruptcy. That the Insolvent Bill deals only with one branch of the subject, and in its provisions is not satisfactory, and the Committee do not see that a satisfactory Bankruptcy and Insolvent Law can Jbe passed during this session. The Committee would further desire to see the result of the proposed consolidation of these laws at present under consideration in Britain before recommending the House to venture upon new legislation upon such an important and difficult question. The Committee would at the same time recommend that the attention of the Executive be directed to preparing measures on these subjects for future sessions; and would especially direct attention to the relations between debtors and creditors arising out of the commercial relationship between the colony and other countries, and the bearing of the various Bankruptcy and Insolvent Laws in the several colonies and the home country, with a view of obtaining imperial legislation applicable to all the colonies That the Bill for facilitating composition between debtors and creditors appears to the Committee adapted in principle to meet a class Of cases which ought to have the sanctum of law, and after a very careful examination of the several clauses of the Bill, the Committee report the same with amendments, and recommend to the House the Bill as amended.'

Troops fob the Colony.—Letters were received by the last mail addressed to officers of the 3rd battalion of the 60th Rifles, which we find by reference to the: Army List, are at present stationed at Madras. It is not improbable that this battalion is under orders for Wellington ; and referring to Lord Palmerston's reply to the deputation which recently waited upon him, in which' he suggested that a regiment should be ordered from India, we are inclined to think that the supposition here referred to is a reasonable one. In any case the 2nd battalion of the 14th Foot, augmented to 1200 men by volunteers from the 65th regiment, were to embark at Cork on or about tlie 20th of August for this Colony in the Robert Lowes and the Boanerges.— Wellington Adver* tker.