MARLBOROUGH.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXI, Issue 8, 25 January 1862, Page 3

MARLBOROUGH.

[From the Marlborough Press, January 10.]

The Hehon. — This vessel left Picton last week for Wanganui, for the purpose of taking cattle to Manukau, and from theuce proceeding to Auckland, from which place it was the intention of Captain Laing to bring a miscellaneous cargo for Taranaki and Marlborough. This, we believe, is the first attempt that lias been made to open a direct trade between this province and Auckland, and we sincerely •wish the enterprising owner and captain of the vessel success ; for, if he is successful in his trade with this province, which to a great extent depends upon the inhabitants themselves, we shall enjoy and profit by the facilities afforded by our port for having goods brought from one of the cheapest and best supplied markets in New Zealand. The Pelobus Beidge.— We last week stated that the contractors for this bridge had exceeded the time specified in their contract by ten days. It appears, from what we have since learned, that it was executed in ten days less than the specified time. In our lußt issue an advertisement \va3 published by his Honour tho Superintendent, in which he thanked Mr. Alexander, the Surveyor of Public Works, and Messrs. Akersten and Turner, the contractors, " for the able manner in which the work had been executed." We have not seen the bridge, but from what wo have heard, we believe the parties mentioned by his Honour are deserving of the thanks thus given, as all who have seen it whom we have spoken to on the subject speak highly in praise of the work j and also mention the obligation that many travellers betweon this province and Nelson were under to the contractors for furnishing them, when stopped by freshes or benighted, with every accommodation at their disposal; and for their kindness in voluntarily putting passengers across the river in their boats during tho whole time they were engaged on the work. Executive Council.— We have been informed, on reliable authority, that Mr. W. Adams has resigned his seat in the Executive Council. Spoets at the Tua Mabina.— The new hotel in the Tua Marina township, just erected by Messrs. Bashford and Wylie, and in the possession of Mr. Holroyd, was graced on the 2nd of January by a varied assemblage of some 200 persons, including a number of Maoris. The day was fair and sunny, and the visitors were from all quarters ; from Blenheim and the plain on the one hand, and from Picton and neighbourhood on the other. Eating, drinking, and talking appeared to be the order of the day. The sports somehow did not go off so lively, nevertheless horse-races were run, and won by Mr. Ireland and others. The shooting matoh claimed Mr. Jones and Mr. Sullivan, jun., as equal victors ; but the watch at the top of the greasy pole was unattainable by the aspirants to climbing renown. The hotel itself is the prettiest structure of its class in the province, and, being situated in the midst of a fine agricultural district, we would fain be gratified by seeing happy homesteads and an active population at no distant day springing up around it. On Monday last a mustering of the No. 1 Company of Volunteers took place at Sergeant Kennedy's office, for the purpose of receiving the rifleß which have lately arrived. The rules and regulations for keeping the arms in proper order were read by the sergeant, and about thirty stand of arms were distributed.

[From the Marlborough Press, January 17.]

The Omaka bridge is in course of erection, but there is considerable difficulty in getting material to the spot. The contractors (Messrs. Bashford and Wylie) are, however, using every effort to complete their work, and before six weeks have elapsed we may hope to cross the river without the aid of a boat and without the risk of a ducking.

The Opawa bridge is not yet commenced, the contractor (Mr. Wall) having had much difficulty in getting a vessel to bring the timber from the Pelorus, where it is now lying ready. We understand, however, that a schooner is engaged for the purpose, and there is no reason to doubt that before the summer is over the communication from the Clarence to Picton will be complete.

Contracts are entered into for work at the Opawa breach, and the injury ie has caused, will, we believe, soon be repaired. Mr. Fitzgibbon, the engineer engaged by the Dun Mountain Company, has lately visited this province, and inspected the breach. He has sent his report to the Superintendent, and we will publish it as soon as it is in our possession. From what we have heard, Mr. Fitzgibbon has confidently stated that the unfortunate overflow caused by the breach can be stopped, without incurring any greater outlay than was anticipated and voted by our Council. Nothing so important to the general welfare of the province at present engages the attention of the Executive, and its completion is essential to our future prosperity. The cricket match between Picton and Blenheim took plaoe on the 14th instant, in the paddock belonging to the Resident Magistrate, S. L. Muller, Esq. There was much good play ; the superiority in batting being unquestionably on tho Picton side, which won with eight wickets to go down. The Blenheimites, however, are entitled to claim the better bowling and fielding. The whole affair went off very pleasantly, and we hope that it is the precursor of many similar meetings which, more than anything else, will tend to conciliate those whose interests, however apparently diverse, are, in fact, identical. The heat was unprecedented on the Wairau plain on the 16th instant, the day when the cricket match was played. In the shade at Dr. Muller's it was 96deg. 30min. ; the Printing Office, Blenheim, lOOdeg. ; and the Post Office, 102deg. Fahrenheit.

Colonial Appointments. — The following announcements appeared hi the Gazette of October 29 :—": — " The Queen has been pleased to appoint Viscount Monok to be Captain- General and Governor-in-Chief in and over hor Majesty's provinces in Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, and of the island of Prince Edward. Her Majesty has also been pleased to appoint Philip Edmond Wodehouse, Esq., C.B. (now Governor of British Guiana), to be Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the colony of the Cape of Good Hope and its dependencies, and to be her Majesty's high commissioner for the settling and adjustment of the affairs of the territories adjacent or contiguous to the eastern frontier of the said colony. Her Majesty has also been pleased to appoint Sir Dominick Daly, Knight, to be CaptainGeneral and Governor-in-Chief in and over the colony of South Australia. Her Majesty has further been pleased to appoint John Stephen Hampton, Esq., to be Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the colony of Western Australia. Taeanaki Ibon Company. — An application has been made to the Vice-Chancellor for an order to wind up the Taranaki Iron and Steel Company (Limited). We presume there must be some disagreement amongst the promoters of this undertaking, whioh gave such promise of success. — New Zealand Examiner, November 15. Auckland Loan. — The loan of £25,000 in 7 per cent, debentures for the harbour improvements of Auckland, New Zealand, was adjudicated on the 18th of November, at the Union Bank \f Australia. The minimum fixed was 105, at which there were biddings for £12,000. Tenders were also sent in for £20,000 above that price, the highest offer being 108 J. The subscribers above 105 will consequently receive allotments in full, while the applications at 105 will experience a pro rata reduction. Missionary College, Auckland.— Tho authoress of the "Daisy Chain," Miss Yonge, has given the whole of the profits, £2,000, for the building of a Missionary College at Auckland, New Zealand j and has devoted a great portion of tho proceeds of " The Heir of Redcliffo" to fitting out the missionary schooner, Southern Cross, for the use of Bishop Selwyn.— ld. It is stated that several steamers have been insured in London for the run from England to New Orleans and back for 20 guinea* per cent,