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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 231, 2 October 1867, Page 2

We learn by a telegram that the Claud Hamilton would leave Wellington to-day at noon, with the Nelson Mails via Panama. She may therefore be expected to arrive here about 2 a.m. to-morrow.

With reference to some remarks which appeared in our columns on Wednesday last, regarding the pilotage dues now paid by vessels entering this port, we have been reminded that a Gazette was issued about three years since, during the superintendentship of the late Mr Robinson, ordering the levying of higher rates than those which are now collected, and which were legally in force until the present regulations were promulgated. But it appears that the Panama Company made a private arrangement with the then Government by which their steamers were charged something less than half the amount of dues exacted from the other steamers, the New Zealand Steam Company all this while paying the full amount of gazetted rates. It is plain that the Government of that day had no power whatever to make any 'arrangement of so exceptional a nature in favor of the Panama Company, and it is a question whether the Gen era Government would not be justified in suing for the deficiency thus caused in tbe revenue accruing from this source. It will therefore easily be understood that the present Provincial Government have simply equalised the rates paid by the Panama Company with those paid by other steamers. At the same we may observe that the Superintendent and his Executive show every wish to meet any reasonable proposition which may appear conducive to the general interests of the community, and returns have been called for of the revenue derived from the present rates of pilotage, which will be in their hands in a few days' time. The matter will then receive their attention, and shonid any alterations be advisable in the existing rates, which, we are assured,

were considered with an earnest view io their general acceptance, they will immediately be enforced.

We understand that four tenders for the supply of the uniforms for the Nelson Volunteer Artillery Company were sent in to the Secretary of the" Corps, viz. — Mr Lucas £4 10, Mr Merrington £4 2s, Mr Dee £4, and Mr Flood £3 14s 6d; aud that Mr Dee's tender having been accepted, it is hoped that the uniform will be completed by the 9th November, the Prince of Wales's birthday, when it is intended that an inspection of all the Volunteer Companies shall take place.

The eighth aunual general meeting of the Nelson Building, Land, and Investment Society took place on Monday evening last, at the Golden Fleece Hotel, Mr R. Burn, M.P.C. in the chair. The Chairman having read the advertisement convening the meeting, called upon the Secretary to read the report, the balancesheet and the profit and loss account, which showed shares to the value of £41 5s Id. Mr Da.'by moved and Mr Rowbottom seconded the adoption of tha report, which was carried unanimously. The following members of the Society were nominated as Directors for the current year: — Messrs R. Burn, D.Burns, J. Gorrie, C. Brighton, T. Usher, and J. Smith, and were unanimously declared to be elected. Mr Brighton's proposition that Messrs J. Watkins and J. Bentley, M.P.C, be elected Auditors for the present year, was also carried by "acclamation, and votes of thanks having been given, to the Secretary, Mr Jno. Percy, and the Chairman, the meeting separated.

We learn from our Hobart Town file*, that the trout in the Plenty are now spawning freely. They may constantly be seen pairing, and making beds in the gravel on which to deposit their ova. AU goes on with them as well as could be desired, and quite equal to the most sanguine expectations. The salmon are more shy than the trout, although known to be in the river. It is thought, indeed, that the greater number of them have gone higher up the Derwent to spawn, than where the Plenty, their former breeding ground, falls into that river. They were expected back, however, after spawning, at the end of September, or all the present month. The Argue gives the following noticeof a mode of illumination which is likely to be extensively adopted in Melbourne on the occasion of the approaching royal visit, especially by those whose means will not permit them to indulge in more expensive demonstrations of loyalty, and should tbe Prince visit Nelson, as ie now confidently expected, the suggestion may not be without its value here: — A very good idea for bringing the power to illuminate within the means of the humblest classes, haa been worked out and patented by Mr William Carter, muslin designer, of Emerald Hill. He takeß a piece of common dark wax-cloth, such as is used for table covers, and cuts out designs of all kinds — some simple and some complicated*— with mottoes, &c. The cloth is then hung against the window, and lights being placed behind it, the result is an illumination, having a very pretty effect, and one with which no rain or wind can interfere. After such an invention as this there can be no excuse for the non-il-lumination of the very poorest houses of the city and suburbs.

The district returns of the Weßleyan Methodists show the following results : — • Members in society 337,066; net increase during the year 5883; on trial 22,082.

In South Carolina, U.S.* there are 60,000 black to 40,000 white voters. Destitution of food still continues in, the Southern States, but an abundant harvest is expected. '