The Marlborough Press. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1861.

Marlborough Press, Volume II, Issue 104, 27 December 1861, Page 2

The Marlborough Press. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1861.

Information reached us this morning that peace has been proclaimed throughout the colony, but we cannot vouch for its truth. In another column will be seen the terms on which peace has been grounded, and we very much doubt whether it will be a lasting one. The Southern Cross says, “ the truth is, Sir George Grey’s policy is nothing new. It was well known in India, long before CalFre w r ars were heard of. It is an admirable policy if it can be enforced —if the president of the runanga has British bayonets within call ) and that Sir George Grey is perfectly aware that it requires to bo backed up by physical means is pretty evident from the fact that he never attempted to introduce this policy during his former tenure of office, but waited till Governor Browne had induced the British Government to sent out a powerful force to the colony.” Had Governor Brown been allowed to carry on his policy, with the present force at hand, an everlasting peace would have been the result, but many no doubt remember Governor Grey’s sweetmeat policy, and what the result has been we have seen.

We are sorry to hear that a most disastrous calamity has befallen the ship William Brown, which sailed from the Downs for Nelson September 17. She was destroyed by fire off Madeira; all the passengers were saved except one Crtcket Match. —In our advertising columns it will be seen that a Cricket Match between the Pieton and Blenheim Clubs will take place on the first of January next. Dr. Muller has most kindly offered his paddock for the occasion, thus giving the players every chance to try their skill on such favourable ground. This being the first match in the province, many no doubt will take the opportunity of witnessing the sport. New Postal Arrangements.—Despatches have been received from the Post-master-General of New Zealand, to the following effect:—That from the Ist January, 1862, all inland letters are to be prepaid with stamps onlyand any letter, upon which at least a single stamp shall not have been affixed, will be treated as a dead letter, and at once opened in order that it may be returned to the writer. A system of Post Office money orders, between the Australian and New Zealand colonies and England, is in contemplation and Nelson and Collingwood have been named as money order offices, to correspond with England, through the Post Office in Auckland. This, it is presumed, will take effect on the Ist of April next. — N. E. Further Prorogation of -'tiie Assembly.—The Neio Zealand Government Gazette gives notice that the sitting of the General Assembly has been further prorogued until the sth of February next. Pleuro-Pneumonia. —The Nelson Government Gazette, of December loth, by a proclamation of the Superintendent, brings into operation within that province the Diseased Cattle Act, 1861, and forbids the importation of cattle into that province from all the Australian colonics, from the Cape of Good Hope, and from the Province of Otago and Southland. The same proclamation appoints Mr. 11.I 1 . NeWton, of Nelson, Inspector under the Act.