MARLBOROUGH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1360, 16 February 1865, Page 3

MARLBOROUGH.

We have received our files from this province to the 11th instant. We take the following from the Marlborough Press of that date: —

Whales.—Two large whales were witnessed exercising themselves in the Sound early yesterday morning, about two miles the other side of the Island, in the direction of Torea Bay. There being no boats properly equipped for a capture, the monsters enjoyed themselves unmolested. One of the whales is said to have measured over forty feet in length.

Peaches. —Large quantities of this delicious fruit are now daily brought into town bv the Maoris, who hawk them about Picton at very reasonable prices. A moderate-sized kit being sold for two shillings, kit included. The peaches are scarcely ripe enough for table use, but are excellent for preserving and converting into pies and puddings.

Wkights asd Measures.—We notice that Mr. Adams, Provincial Inspector of Weights and Measures, wilLbe at the Government Buildings, Picton, from 21st to 23rd inst., prepared to compare, adjust and stamp weights and measures ; and notice is further given that all persons having in their possession any false or deficient balances or any unstamped or unmarked weights and measures after the 25th of March, are liable to be mulcted in a penalty of ten pounds. New Colonial Appointment. — Mr. Carkeek, late Collector of Customs at Wellington, has received the appointment of Customs' Inspector for the whole of the provinces of New Zealand. We hear that it is generally considered such an official is not needed, and will cause much dissatisfaction among the several Collectors of Customs, who as a rule have proved themselves most efficient public servants. Picton and Blenhkim Railway Bill. — The Executive have decided upon drawing up a Bill to be presented to the General Assembly for permission to construct a tramway between Blenheim and Picton. This will be granted as a matter of course. We presume the Government would not have taken so necessary a preliminary step without having substantial grounds for believing that the way is pretty clear to them where the money is to come from.

Pearls—A little girl, the other day, on playing with some of those enormous mussel shells, which are to be found in such abundance in the Sound, picked out from one of theiu, which had been opened, but not boiled, a pearl of excellent colour. On making enquiry we learn that the Maoris have frequently taken very fine pearls from the mussels collected in the Imvs and Sounds of the province, but not knowing tlieir intrinsic value, have only noticed them as somethirg very pleasing to look at, but little worth. We lately read in a Scotch newspaper, that men, women, and children, are engaged in various ports of Scotland in gathering mussels for the purpose of obtaining pearls, and that the earnings of many reach as high as ten shillings per day. Might not the experiment be tried here ?

The Qiuktz Reek Company.—Mr. Greenlaw arrived in Pieton on Thursday morning last, and acquainted the gentlemen who have interested themselves to form a Quartz Crushing Company, that the offer made to the original shareholders at the public meeting held at the Ship Inn in the previous week had been accepted with some modifications, which are of a nature, we believe, intending shareholders will not object to. On the same day, Messrs. Beau champ, Browne, and M'Beth waited on his Honor the Superintendent to ascertain what area of ground would be granted for mining purposes to the Company, should it raise sufficient capital to enable the reefs to be properly worked. His Honor said he would be willing to enter into as liberal an arrangement as he had power to make. He must be excused from being more explicit until he had carefully read the Act relating to the waste lands of the province, but he knew of no difficulty which might not easily be overcome. He wished the Company every success in their undertaking, and believed that it was by such enterprises only the real wealth and resources of the province would be developed.