New Zealand Colonist. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1843.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 61, 28 February 1843, Page 2

New Zealand Colonist. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1843.

grm?ai7ga?o{m??>cmraMi Tim Gazette of Saturday contains some remarks u pon Sir James Graham’s Merchant Seaman’s Act, in ref erence to this Colony, which certainly pever could haye been written, had our., con-

temporary contrived for a moment to cal) to his aid his old-colonial recollection on the subject. We hardly suppose that the article will do any mischief; because masters of vessels know, from

their own experience, that Port Nicholson is much the same as all other colonial ports, in respect of the difficulty of retaining sailors. If, however, it could be believed that there was any peculiar difference in this respect, which made the keeping of sailors more difficult than at other places, we fear it would rather tend to create a disinclination on the part of both masters and owners to accept a charter for this place. It is, in truth, an incident of . all colonies, that the higher rate of wages in Colonial craft, and the chances of employment in various works connected with shipping, or, as is the case here and in the Australian Colonies, in the whale 'fishery, offer temptation to sailors, of which they are always too ready to avail themselves. Many perhaps ship in London witlL the purpose of deserting— : many, who had no such intention, are tempted on their arrival iri the Colony by the offers made to. them or the pictures which will be drawn of the opportunities of getting forward afforded by the place. And if it happens that any of them should be sent to a gaol like that at Wellington, where there is neither classification nor separation among the prisoners> it is tolerably certain that then they will all leave prison with a fixed determination never to go to sea again in their old ship. But in this respect every Colonial port from Quebec, St. John’s, and Halifax, in America, to Adelaide, Hobart Town, and Sydney, in Australia, is almost precisely similar to Port Nicholson. We can claim no exemption, but certainly we are not in any extraordinary degree liable to this general complaint. The only remedy that can be applied, is by a local act, making the penalties more severe, establishing a more efficient system of water police, and compelling a sailor to return on board of his vessel unless some valid ground of refusal be shown. Such a law is quite within the range of the authority of the Legislative Council. of the Colony. By this means the evil has been very materially diminished at Sydney; and we doubt not that, if our merchants were to bring the evil under the notice of the Government, and suggest the details of a measure to prevent or cure the evils complained of, their recommendation would meet with prompt attention.

The Thomas Sparks in getting under weigh on Friday morning, ran foul of the Glenarm which caused considerable damage to both vessels. The figure head of the former was also carried away.

We have been informed that the Government Brig Victoria, on leaving the harbour at Nelson, got aground at the point, but was got off the following morning without having received any damage.

By the arrival of the Indus we have received London Papers to the 25th September. They do not contain much news of importance. The Queen’s visit to Scotland occupied the public attention. Her Majesty returned to Woolwich on the 17th September. An account of her arrival and reception will be found in another column.

The manufacturing districts were still in rather a disturbed state, though not to the extent of our previous advices. Some of the mills had recommenced operations. There had been an abundant harvest throughout England, for which public thanksgivings were ordered.

We have also received Nelson Examiners of the 11th and 18th inst., by the Indus, which arrived here on Sunday the 26th. We are glad to find that our friends at Nelson are progressing rapidly. The competition for the prizes at the Horticultural Show was very spirited. An attempt is also being made to establish an Agricultural* Association. We wish them, every success. , The Government Brig arrived at Nelson with His Excellency the Officer administering , the Government, on Sunday the 12th inst. The Examiner alluding to his arrival, observes : .

“ We have cVery reasoh to believe that steps have been taken for the satisfactory arrangement of the various matters requiring adjustment here ; and we may hope that far more amicable relations will henceforth exist between the settlers and the Officers of the Government than lias hitherto unhappily been the case. We are not in a situation at present to enter into any particulars as to what has been settled and what has not; but we believe his Excellency has shown every anxiety to meet the wishes of the residents in the appointments he has made. “ During his stay, his Excellency and lady have been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson.”