NELSON.

Otago Witness, Issue 402, 13 August 1859, Page 6

NELSON.

The following is furnished to the " Lyttelton Times" by a correspondent :—: —

The Nelson diggings are not creating much stir here, yet every week or two a parcel of 100 or 200 ounces of gold comes over to Nelson. The plan of digging in large parties is gradually Taking the place of individual risk , and several gold companies are in course of formation. Mr. Washbourne, at the Rocky River, is employing upwards of 20 men at 12s. a day ; and Mr. Lightband employs nearly as many in Lightband's gully, and both these gentlemen are reported to be doing exceedingly well. By the way, the great question of the legality of granting leases of auriferous land (of which every one who is in the habit of reading the Nelson papers must now be heartily sick) is to be tried in the Supreme Court this week, and Mr. Travers is to argue the case for the applicants.

The great Austrian savant, Dr. Ilochstetter, is expected by the next steamer from Auckland (if this horrid war does not hasten his return home), and then, I suppose, we shall know whether our boasted stores of copper will turn out the genuine mineral or only brass.

The Union Bank here has (according to the assertion of one of the directors, in his seat on the magisterial bench) not been putting on the "screw," and for the purpose of legitimate trading is still as ready as ever to assist its customers.

A new Institute and Museum is about to be commenced, and a new building recently built for the Chamber of Commerce will be occupied next week. This movement, undertaken at a time when business has been unusually dull, gives a presage, I hope, that the interests of this province, and the mental culture of the people, will for the future be well attended to.