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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 222, 21 September 1867, Page 2

The debate on the Surplus Revenues Adjustment Bill, in the House of Representatives, on the llth aud 13th instant, especially that part of it which had reference to the payment by the provinces of Nelsou aud Wellington of the debt due to the General Government by that of Marlborough — on the grouud that certain portions of the customs revenue had been received iu Nelson that should have been received in Marlborough, a principle which has beeu applied exceptionally to these two provinces — called forth energetic protests ou the part of our representatives. We find that Mr Curtis three times divided the committee, but it was ultimately carried by a majority of 28 to 15; and thus, after losing the fairest part of our province, we are called upon to pay her debts. An inquest was held at the Court-house this moruing at 10 o'clock, before the Coroner, Dr Squires, and a jury composed of the following: — Messrs D. Burns (foreman), J. M. Richardson, Flood, J. White, Bouningtou, H. Buckeridge, J. Drew, J. Guy, Nattrass, aud Mills, to euquire into the origin of the late fire at the old windmill on Thursday morning last. The evidence of Robert William Stewart and Charles Bartlett, carpenters iu the employ of Mr Scott, was taken, which went to prove that the fire was first seen bursting forth from one of the mill windows on the second story, which was not glazed, but boarded up. The engine fire in the adjoining shed had been lighted, and the men were just going to commence work, Mr Scott having cautioned them to take extra care of the fire, as tbe wind was so strong. Although no spark was seen to fall from the engine, ifc was generally concluded that tbe fire originated ia this manner. The chimney was about ten feet distant from the nearest part of the mill wall, the top of the chimney being about 25 feet from the place where the fire was seen to break out. The whole proceedings did not occupy more than half-an-hour, and the jury returned a verdict to the intent thafc the fire was accidental. Some of the jurors wished to append a rider to the verdict stating their opinion that some action was necessary with reference to the practice of having steam-engines, especially when fed with fuel of an easily combustible nature, in close contiguity with shingled roofs and wooden houses in this city, but it was not adopted, probably for the reason that riders appear to ba i attended with little practical result. We need only instance the rider with reference to the necessity of having lights on the Government Wharf, appended to the verdict returned on the occasion of an inquest held on the body of a man who met his death from this cause no long time since.

We learn that his Honor the Superintendent purposes returning to Nelson previous to the termination of the parliamentary session, and that he may be expected here on Tuesday next, his presence being urgently required iu order to take action on various matters connected with the public works.

A notification appears in the Government Gazette, appointing T. Brunner,Esq., to the offices of Returning Officer and Registration Officer, vacant by the resignation of John Sharp, Esq., on his acceptance fo the office of Provincial Treasurer.

Mr H. Wrigg, C.E., whose expected arrival on the 19fch, from Auckland, we noticed in a recent issue, reached Nelson on thafc day by the Lord Ashley, and will, we understand, start on Thursday next, for the purpose of making a preliminary inspection of the country through which it is proposed thafc the Nelson, Westport, and Cobden Railway shall be carried. .

We are informed that Mr Shalders,

whose name is well koown in Auckland in connection with his indefatigable efforts on behalf of the rising generation, will give an address at the Hall of the Young Men's Christian Association to-morrow afternoon, at 3 o'clock, the use of the building haviug been granted for the purpose. The communication per telegraph is again suspended. We learn from inquiry at the office this morning that Nelson has, up to the time of our going to press, been unable to communicate with any station -since 8 p.m. yesterday, the hourfor closing. As soon as it was clearly ascertained that the interruption, did not arise from any defect in 'he instruments or joinings up of the connections, the temporary lineman attached to this station was at once despatched to detect the fault and effect the necessary repairs. In all probability communication will be restored during the evening. It is to be hoped that the telegraphic engineer (Mr Alfred Sheath), who is now at Blenheim en route to Havelock and Nelson upon a tour of inspection, wilft devise means to obviate these frequent^ stoppages. We have received a letter from Messrs Avery Brothers, referring to a paragraph in the Colouist of yesterday, which called the attention of the authorities to the danger likely to arise from the proximity of steam engines to wooden buildings in this city, and citing that belonging to Messrs Avery as an instance in point. They state that the attention of the Inspector of Nuisances had already been called to it, and -that officer pronounced ifc to be no nuisance, and not even dangerous. The Messrs Avery, moreover, submit that their engine is not more likely to do injury to their neighbors than are others in the city similarly situated. An accident of a very painful character occurred to Mr John Knyvett at Motueka Valley yesterday morning. Ifc appears that Mr Knyvett was chopping some wood with an axe, when the handle caught in the wood, aud came down upon his left wrist severing some of the tendons. Mr Knyvett immediately rode iuto town, and under the care of Dr Cotterell is doing well, and we are happy to add, in the enjoyment of his wonted spirits.