THE TARANAKI BUILDINGS IN NELSON. [From the Taranaki News.]

We publish for general information a letter from the Superintendent to the Colonial Secretary on a matter which formed part of the subject of the petition lately discussed in Council, with the answer thereto, from which there is reason to hope that the barrack grievance at Nelson will be quickly remedied. The report of the committee of Council to whom the petition in question was referred, we canuot publish at length. Its practical conclusion is as follows : —

That the evidence they (the committee) have heard, though necessarily imperfect, is sufficient to justify the recommendation, that the attention of his Honour the Superintendent be called to the following circumstances and views, and that he be requested to cause a further inquiry to be made in Nelson, and to take such action as he may consider expedient to obtain a remedy of tho evils complained of.

Suggestions are also made for increased rations of fuel and provisions to large families ; and, what seems a most judicious proposal, that all allowances be made, as far as possible, in cash.

Taranaki, November 30, 1860.

Sir— l have the honour to call the attention of his Excellency's Government to the dissatisfaction attending the present arrangements for housing a part of the refugee families now resident in Nelson. Several large buildings, containing a number of small bed-rooms and one common room under the same roof, and a large mess-room and kitchen adjoining, have lately been erected. These barracks ai'e suitable enough for a temporary abode j but when the term of the banishment i 3 long and entirely undefined, great evils attend the system. The space for each family is very small ; the congregating of many families under a roof leads to loose habits and quarrelling, and increases the sense of homelessness, which is necessarily oppressive among these people. lam not well enough acquainted with the details of the place to speak positively ; but Tarn informed generally that the allowance for rations is thrown into one common fund, and all individual economy is therefore discouraged. I shall be glad if you should think fit to take prompt measures hi tin's really important matter. It must bo no less his Excellency's desire than it is mine to preserve the character of our population, as far as possible, from deteriorating, and through the women and children is the most fatal channel of corruption. I have not referred to the point of health. lam sorry to hear that in this respect the barrack system is not working well. In these remarks I would carefully guard against the appearance of blaming any person employed by the Government, and still less the provincial authorities of Nelson 5 they have acted on a sudden emergency as best they could, aud it will require a larger outlay than they were justified in making, to get this matter right. I would suggest the subdivision of the present buildings, and the erection of additional cottages. The whole cost, it may be observed, will not be a loss, as some large part will be recovered by Bale of the buildings, when their present use is at an end. My information is vague ; but the general idea of the barrack system, I think you will agree, must be objectionable under the circumstances. Hoping for your prompt attention to this matter, I have the honour, &c, G. CuxriEiD, Superintendent. To the Honourable, the Colonial Secretary, Auckland.

Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, December 5, 1860.

Sir — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Honour's letter of the 30th ultimo, on the subject of the accommodation for the refugee families from Taranaki, now resident in Nelson, and in reply to inform you, that a copy of your communication has been forwarded to his Honour the Superintendent of Nelson, with a request that bo will adopt or suggest

such steps as ho may think best calculated to meet the circumstances referred to by your Honour. I have, &c., E. W. Stactobd. His Honour the Superintendent of Taranaki.