To the Editor of the ' Nelson Examinee.'

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXI, Issue 32, 16 April 1862, Page 3

To the Editor of the ' Nelson Examinee.'

Sir — In your issue of March 29th I see that our townsfolk are thinking seriously of getting a peal of bells. Well, I see no reason why they should not have them, for nothing is more pleasant than to hear the merry chimes. And then the cost, according to Captain Walmsley's statement, is but little. But the reason of my troubling you at all sir is, respecting the item of £53 10s. (fifty-three pounds ten shillings), for oak frame ready for fixing. Now, instead of sending that £53 10s. out of the country, could it not be made to circulate in it? Is there not timber in this country equal to the oak? Some judges of timber say that the black birch, if properly cut and seasoned, would be equal to the oak in every respect. Then again there is the rata, which I think' if known in England, would be extensively used for any kind of machinery that run 3 upon wood, it being extremely hard and wears very smooth. I hope that those entrusted with the getting of the bells, &c, will think of my suggestion. Whether every pound that can possibly be spent in the country had not better be done so than to send it away altogether, and for what I and many others believe could be got here to answer the same purpose and for the same or even less xjxpense. I say export, not import, and so add to and not diminish our scanty lot of browns. I am, &c, Sawyer.