AUCKLAND.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3131, 11 July 1881, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

July 11. The steamer Bowen arrived last night from Hong Kong after a passage of 27 days, with a cargo of teas for New Zealand. The pilot brought her straight up the harbor. It appeared, however, tLat the health officer had received a telegram on Saturday evening that all China ports are declared infected. He went off to the Bowen aud found she had a clean bill of health from the Hong Kong authorities, no desease being there when she left. She brought no passengers. Dr. Philson considered that the vessel had been long enough at sea ior any disease to develop, and thought the vessel might be liberated, but had no alternative but to order her into quarantine. He has since telegraphed to the Government advising her release, but no reply has been received. General discontent prevails here relative to the maladministration of the quarantine arrangements, and both papers strongly condemn the Government in the matter. The local board of health resigned because its recommendations, after mature consideration, were ignored at Wellington, and the local quarantine officer treated the boards existence and authority with contempt. The news by the Bowen is of little interest. The general verdict re the tea crop is that the leaf is damaged in appearance, at least by heavy rains, and although the actual rates are lower than last year, when inferiority of leaf, difference of exchange, etc., being considered, they come out nearly seven per cent higher than last year. At Canton 4500 boxes of congou were sold at from 15 to 25 taels per picul; scented caper, 50,000 boxes, at ll£d,to 26 taels per picul; scented orange pekoe, 7600 boxes, at 13 to 24 taels per picul. The first muster of Hankow and Kiniary teas were offered on the 16th May, and the market opened at 31 to 32 taels for Ninechow, and 28 to 25 taels per picul for Fooschow. The steamer Glencoe was the favorite for the tea race to London, and she left on the 22nd May, with 2,048,4201b5. The London Castle was the second favorite. Later. The Government has ordered the health officer to admit the steamer Bowen to pratique, and the order for her release has gone to the quarantine station. TDe Supreme Court has been occupied all day with the charge of arson against the two Bindon brothers.