NELSON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 159, 20 May 1862, Page 6

NELSON.

(FKOJI OUR OWH COHRESIWDENT.) May 13,15G2. Although I wroto to you last week par Lord Worsley, an the Post Olfico'announced mails for Otago to lie imidc up by tliatve-vel, 1 am uncertain whether, it will reach" you much bufm-e tliis, which. I send direct per Airedale—now the only worthy boat through from Nelson. We have at length received the official timc-tiible of Postal Service, issued by the Postmaster-General for the montlis of May and June, and although it seems a very complicated and expulsive arriinzenicnt, we shall-not sufß-T much except in receiving our English mails a few days later, and in laving; the very material advantage of the passenger traffic which Nelson derived from being the central and chief port. It remains to be *een, however, whether Wellington and Nelson will vote the £3000 subsidy.for the direct boat; for, if not, we shall be dull indeed. The Lord Worsloy came down crowded with cargo, and even'had to shut a lot out, and theie is an impression abroad that it will pay the company to continue this direct steamer without a subsidy. The ninth session of the Nelson Provincial Council was opened 10-dny in the ■Provincial Hall Mr. Barnicnnt was again unanimously chosen Speaker. The choice was confirmed by the Superintendent. His Honur then entered the Hall, and read his opening address', which commenced with a graceful tribute to the memory of the late Prince Consort, ;i regret that his Ilomr's absence at the West Coast prevented his proclaiming a day of public mourning, and a request that the Council would taks an early opportunity of transmittiiij an address of romlo'ence to her Majesty. The financial condition of the Province win described as satisfactory,-and the total Provincial revenue from all sources for the year ending; 31st March last was stated to have been £30,-4-10. Allusion was made to the fact that as the administration of the gold fields was again handed over to the Provincial authorities, provision would have to be made for the various expenses connected therewith ; but his Honor added that reductions had already been made in the Police establishment at Collingwood, and that no police had as yet been required at either of the other gold fields. He requested, however, that provision'should be made for these expenses ifrequired,andwith a fear of theAwlitAct before his eyes j lie suggested that such a vote should be made ipider the head " Miscellaneous." The new Provinces Act, which allowed n certain number of diggers, holding Miners' Rights, to obtain the separation of a potfiou. of the Province, he denounced as unjust, and recomi mended the Council to take steps to got it amended, With reference to the new postal service, Ik: was personally opposed to granting a subsidy for n dirrct steamer for Sydney without she carried the English, mail, believing that there was sufficient goods' and i passenger trattiato ca\ise a company to run a monthly steamer without bonus. , His Honor- then alluded to despatches from the GeneralGoverntuent, recommending provision to be mndo for a new post-office, gaol, and lunatic asylum, and threatening, in case of refusal, to erect these buildings at Provincial expense. He did not think either of the two first-named establishments required new buildings, although the last did, and he proposed to raite * loan to provide for its cost. He also recommended thata sum of money should beannuallyvotcdasa sinking fund to payoff the public debts of the Province. A horse-track fo the West Coast was stated to be in progress, find a large vote was asked tor to open up another road to this district, which would be ft dray road, and available both in winter and summer. The addrora concluded witn an allmion to the" rich deposits of coal near the Duller River, and the- expression of a decided opinion that in may even pay to export coal from Nelson to Melbourne. .-> " There appears to be little Government business to bring before the Council this session—so little indeed (and'it'wili give you some idea of our steady-going pace) that a« the' Estimates were not ready, and tliero i wore only two trumpery bills printed, the Council has t had to adjourn for a week, " because they'd nothiug I else to do." '