PORT NICHOLSON.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 107, 23 March 1844, Page 11

PORT NICHOLSON.

We have received New Zealand Gazettes to the 16th instant. Subjoined are a few extracts : —

Flax. — We understand Commodore Berard, of L'Rhin, stationed at Akaroa, takes very great interest in the preparation of our flax. He has long been steadily engaged in making a valuable series of experiments. Each month he causes a certain quantity of flax to be cut and worked up into rope, the strength of which is ascertained by the application of an equal amount of force. The result of twelve months' experiments will establish the season at which flax had best be cut with a view to obtain the greatest strength. The necessary experiments are beyond the means of individuals. We wish the Government or Company would cause a piece of ground to be divided into twenty-four portions, and sow half with seed and the other half fill with transplanted flax ; and when at maturity cause a portion of each to be cut and worked up monthly. This would afford two hundred and eighty-eight experiments, which could, not fail to be attended with results most valuable to the progress of the colony. Flax. — The last arrival from London has furnished some information about New Zealand flax or hemp. We are thereby, with much confidence told, that the flax, as now shipped, will not be marketable at a remunerating price ; and that we must look to Mr. Donlan for processes, mechanical and chemical, whereby flax is to be rendered an article of immediate large demand, and at a sufficient price. The condemnation of flax, as now prepared, appears to rest entirely upon a sample sent by the Clydeside. The following are the particulars relative to that shipment: — A small parcel was obtained from the natives, made up after the old custom. At that time there were no means of packing flax here. It was put on board with instructions for its being carefully packed at Sydney. On its being landed there, some of it was found so much damaged by sea water, that it was not again put on board the vessel. The whole sample was landed at Sydney in very rainy weather, and, therefore, probably very much damaged. That portion which was unshipped was not packed; but, after the vessel had taken in all the wool she could stow, was crammed in between the wool and the deck of the vessel. We understand the Clydeside damaged a good deal of her cargo. We know, as a fact, that the wool shipped in her, belonging to some parties here, was so damaged, that only a small portion of one bale was sufficiently sound to enable a broker to give his opinion upon this sample of New Zealand wool. It therefore is not unreasonable, under these circumstances, to assume that the small quantity of flax that did arrive home by the Clydeside was all damaged, and by salt water, which it is well known utterly ruins New Zealand flax. We may therefore safely state that no opinion of any value can be considered to have been derived from this shipment. The first lot really sent home in a satisfactory state went in the Nelson. It was carefully dried and really properly packed, and if it arrives home without damage, an opinion on its suitableness will merit attention. For that we may look about June or July next ; and, until it arrives, we shall continue to abstain from admitting or denying that flax as now prepared and packed will, prove a marketable article at a remunerating price. The Lady Leigh was spoken on Friday week last, by the Victoria, near Poverty Bay. Captain Richards requested to be reported here. The westerly winds have evidently compelled the Governor to abandon his intention of returning to Auckland by way of Taranaki. — March 13.

"Wesleyan Chapel. — On the 22nd instant, the foundation stone of the Wesleyan Chapel, Man-ners-street, was laid by his Excellency, Governor Fitzßoy, and, notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, a numerous body of specta. tors were assembled. The services commenced with singing the hymn beginning "Thou who hast in Zion laid," &c, from Wesley's Collection; after which the Rev. J. Duncan, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, read Haggai, Ist chap., and the Rev. J. M'Farlane offered prayer. The reiident Wesleyan minister, Rev. S. Ironside, then gave a brief statement of the estimated expense of the building, the amount of funds already on hand, and the amount promised. We understood the reverend gentlemen to say, that the estimated cost was about £500, and the amount already collected and promised about £180. The stone was then laid, when his Excellency delivered the following address : — " It gives me unfeigned satisfaction to be called on, by your respected minister, Mr. Ironside, to assist in laying the foundation of this building. The Wesleyan body has especial claims upon the gratitude of us all, for their untiring efforts, first, for the benefit of the aboriginal natives, and subsequently for our own countrymen. Having been in this island many years since, I have had more opportunities of observing them than those who have come here recently, and I was perfecly astonished by the reports I received, the evidence I collected, and the exertions which I witnessed; I was also delighted to observe the cordiality and good feeling which they ever joined with the members of the Church of England, showing that however conscientiously we may all think ourselves to be right, yet we have all but one object and one aim. May such unanimity and good feeling ever prevail. On the part of the Government, I take this opportunity to ■ay that, whatever assistance we can afford, shall be extended to all denominations of Christains in proportion to their respective numbers, and I shall hasten to render to the Wesleyan body such assistance as we can give. Nothing can be more important than Education, both for our own children and those of the natives, not only for the present benefit they recieve, but for the good they will do as they rite up, having had their spiritual welfare cared for in youth. Whenever a church or a chapel is built, a step is made towards the education of children, for there are always schools established in connection with such churches and chapels under the immediate care of their respective ministers. For these reasons — and they could be increased to almost any length, so inexhaustible is the subject— l feel great pleasure in.

laying this stone to-day, and hope during my residence of many years in this island, if God shall spare my life, and giva me health, to assist in many more such buildings, and repeat what I have done this day has given me most unfeigned satisfaction." — February 27.