NELSON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 609, 8 September 1858, Page 3

NELSON.

Our papers from this province are up to the 21st ult., and mostly taken up with detailed reports of the Sittings of the Supreme Court.

In his address to the Grand Jury, his Honor thus remarked on the increase of crime:—•

" On my last visit, it was my painful duty to comment upon the magnitude and number of the crimes which your calendar exhibited. I regret that I am unable to perceive that any improvement has since taken, place. I find that, within the short space of five months, no fewer than nine crimes are charged to have been committed." Again, "the gold diggings and the use of intoxicating liquors have been the fruitful sources of crime-." and then he calls upon those he is addressing to use their influence with the authorities "to maintain an efficient police force."

On the 18th ult., a numerously attended and spirited public meeting was held (the Superintendent in the chair,) for the purpose of expressing sympathy with the sufferers from the late fire at Auckland, and of considering what steps were necessary to be taken in order to guard against the occurrence of a similar calamity in Nelson.

The following resolutions were unanimously adopted during the proceedings:—

"That the residents in this town deeply and sincerely sympathize with the sufferers of the late calamitous fire at Auckland; and they deem it to be the duty of all in this province to contribute towards the alleviation of the distress caused by that catastrophe."

"That a committee be now appointed to collect subscriptions for the sufferers in Auckland; such committee to consist of Messrs. Bury, S. Well, Akersten, I. M. Hill, and the mover, with power to add to their number."

" That this meeting is of opinion that it will tend to the advantage of this town, and the preservation of life and property, if the Board of Works at once take active steps to gain all necessary information and data as to the feasibility and cost of supplying the town of Nelson with water."

" That it is desirable, for the immediate protection of the town in case of fire, that a firebrigade be organized: that the inhabitants be invited to enrol themselves as members of such body; and that a committee, consisting of Messrs. Travers, Hays, and Ridings (with power to add to their number) be appointed, for the purpose of carrying this resolution into effect."

The ' Examiner' gives the following items of local intelligence:— The Diggings.—About 400 ozs. gold were brought over by the steamer from Collingwood last evening, and the news from the gold fields is of an improving character. A new rush has lately taken place to the neighbourhood of Brandy Point, where gold has been obtained at about eighty feet above the level of the Slate River. The* gold is in quartz, and we learn that some splendid specimens have been brought over, which will no doubt be exhibited in town to-day. Two Maories, named respectively Heneri Pentina Kuper and Karori, have been committed for trial for rape upon a Maori girl, and the prisoners were forwarded by the steamer, and are now lodged in Nelson gaol. The late Mr. John Bduxs.—We understand that the body of Mr. John Burns (whose death by drowning was recorded a few weeks ago) was found on Sunday, July 25th, at the ford on the Wai-au-ua, leading from the Leslie Hills to Culverton, and IS miles from the spot where the accident took place. Mr. Deck, at Mr. Young's station, procured the body from the parties who found it, aud made a rough coffin and buried the corpse as decently as possible. Agricultural Implements.—Mr. 11. Redwood brought with him on his recent return from Sydney, an S horse-power steam engine, with thrashing machine and apparatus for winnowing and for bagging the grain, attached. The engine is of Shuttle-worth and Kay's manufacture and of a superior kind to the engine previously- imported by Mr. Redwood ; indeed the introduction of expensive agricultural implements of this class shows great public spirit on the part of Mr. Redwood, ami entitles him to the esteem ofhis fellow settlors. Tin-' Masonio Bali..— jl he completion ol the Masonic Hall in Trafalgar-street, was celebrated

by a Masonic Ball on Monday evening. The previous Thursday had been originally fixed for the ball, but the wet weather that prevailed during the whole of last week caused the stewards to postpone the ball in the hope of getting finer weather. But as ill luck would have it, Monday night was a regular soaker, and yet this did not deter many from attending. The hall wns tastefully decorated; there were about 160 persons present, which was found to be a sufficient number for comfortable dancing. The utmost good humour prevailed; and, as theMa3ons wore their regalia, the gorgeous decorations of some ot the advanced officers, mingled with the gay dresse3 of the ladies, formed a most animating scene. Mr. C. IJonnington was the director of the band, which discoursed some capital music from an impromptu orchestra in front of the gallery. The refreshments were provided by Mr. Everett, of the Masonic Hotel, in firstrate style, and great praise is due to the stewards for their excellent arrangements. The dancing was continued until the approach of daylight reminded the gay throng that even pleasure must have intervals of rest. Via omitted to mention that ?»fr. Winterburn performed the duties of Master of the Ceremonies in his usual happy style, and was abiv assisted by Mr. G. Collins, as D.M.C.

Govekx:wext L,vxi> Sale.—A sale of Crown land took place at the Land Office, Nelson, on Saturday last. There was a fair attendance of buyers, and a good deal of land was sold, including about £709 or £800 worth of Collingwood suburban land, at the rate of £1 an acre ; many of the allotments being sold to actual settlers. There was not much competition, except for a few sections in the Happy Valley ; and altogether the sale realized about £5.500.

Massache Bay Electjost.—ln addition to the requisition to Mr. I. 11. Hiil, which we noticed in our last, we understand that a requisition to Mr. Gibbs, of Coilingwoo.'!, is being numerously signed by the electors re.-iding in that township. It 13 most likely, therefore, that this will be a contested election.

The papers are c.-lamorous in their grumblings against the continuance of incessant rains, and the impassable state of the roads.