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Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1996, 28 September 1869, Page 2

Revenue. — At the Custom House to-day, ihe unusually large amount of L 2,344 15s lid duty was paid. Foresters’ Fete.—We understand that the Ancient Order of Foresters have decided to hold their annual ffifce at the Caledonian Society’s Ground on the Irince of Wales’ birthday. The Incoming Suez Mail. —The next Suez mail, that for August, is due at Melbourne on September 28. It will be brought to New Zealand, as usual, by the Hangitoto, due at Hokitika on Saturday, October 2, or Sunday, October 3. New Zealand Flax.—The following is the list of Commissioners appointed to inquire into the culture, preparation, &c., of New Zealand flax Arthur Penrose Seymour, M.L.0., Marlborough; Nathaniel Edwards M.H. R., Nelson ; Charles Christie Graham, M.H.E, Otago; Thomas Kelly, M.H. R., Taranaki; Thomas Macffarlaue, M.H. 11., Auckland ; Thomas Henry Potts, M.H.R., Canterbury; Arthur William Follctt Halcombe, Wellington; Frederick W. Hutton, John Kebbell, James Kennedy, Samuel Locke, and Duncan M‘Arthur, Southland. Shipping Statistics.—There were in December, 1867, belonging to all the ports in New Zealand, 365 registered vessels, of 23,219 tonnage. During the year 1868, 52 vessels, of 3,993 tonnage, were struck off the hooka and 59 vessels, of 5,313 tonnage, were added. The general total in December, 1868, accordingly, was 372 vessels, of 24,539 tonnage, being a net increase for the year of 7 in the number of vessels, and 1,320 in the tonnage. Of the total, 171 vessels, of 9,453 tonnage, belonged to Auckland ; 23. of 1,866 tonnage, to Wellington ; 6, of 318 tonnage, to Isfipier ; 2*4, of 1,14*4 tonilflrgG, to Nelson , 67, of 4,475 tonnage, to Lyttelton ; 71, of 7,003 tonnage, to Dunedin; and 10, of 280 tonnage, to Invercargill.

The Governor.—-His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by the Hon, the Premier, sailed yesterday afternoon for Wanganui in the Sturt. It is said to bo his cellency's intention to visit Patca overiand from Wanganui, thence to proceed to Taranaki and Auckland. He proposes to make a tour during the summer through the Maori district north of Auckland, and also to visit the Waikato settlements. The Independent says that the principal object of Mr Fox’s visit is in connection with the re-settlement of the Patca district, and the location of the Ngatiporous, Westland Gold News,—The following items are from the local papers The Greymouth paper, speaking of the recently reported discovery at Ten Mile Greek, says; —“lt is stated that the quartz reef which was discovered at the Ten Mile this week has already been taken up by a company. A bagful*of specimens was brought to town yesterday, and rumors were spread as to their richness ; but as yet we have been unable to see them." From the Westport paper we learn that another nugget, about half a pound weight, was brought in on Tuesday last from the°Lyell River. Theatrical. —A morceau of Parisian "ossip from the Daylesford Mercury : —’“We regret to see it stated that the inimitable violoncellist, M. Douay, who, iu conjunction with the admirable violinist, Poussard, performed iu Daylesford some years ago, is an inmate of a lunatic asylum near Paris. Symptoms of mental disease had appeared even when he was here. Poor Douay, notwithstanding his loss of reason, plays as exquisitely as ever, and it is said that'during a recent visit of the Empress Eugenie to the private asylum where he is detained, his pathetic music moved her to tears. Poussard, now in Paris, is, we are glad to learn, likely to revisit this colony.” What the Thames Goldfield has done for Auckland. —Mr Carleton, the well-known member of the House of Representatives, thin writes to the leading journal in Aucklandlt is iu no spirit of vain braggadacio that I write these words. No one,' from the North Cape to Stewart’s Island, can any longer pretend to doubt of the future which lies before us. Great, comparatively, as is the work already done at Thames, it is as nothing compared with what remains to be effected. We are operating upon one end only of a gold-bearing range which, in the opinion of the most reliable authorities, extends to Taupo. Flax, which baffled us by its intractibility for some five-and-twenty years, has suddenly become an article of export to which no reasonable limits can be assigned. No one out of employment; no one, at least, who has the courage to work ; the very children dressing flax, are a support to the household, instead of being a burden upon it. That population (I allude more especially to the Waikato immigrants), which four years ago was an incumbrance to the Province and a misery to the Provincial Government, urging claims for relief which the Government could not but acknowledge, but had not the means to uncomplaining, and a source of substantial strength. Wb e T eas > a short twelve months ago, every third house in the town and suburbs of Auckland was unoccupied, house room is now to seek ; while the fees on writs, which then were avreraging fr.'iu L2O to LOO a week, have dwindled down to some two or three. The only people out of work are the bailiffs of the Sheriff’s Court, whose livelihood is gone.

We have been favored with a view of a brooch and earrings of exquisite workmanship, manufactured by Mr Ohilcott, lapidary, of George street. The design is simple but neat. A circlet of "fine gold, representing a series of the most beautiful fern leaves iu all stages of development, encloses the New Zealand green stone, which presents a fine polished surface. The workmanship is of a high order, and, whilst it indicates the existence of refined taste and skill, reflects great credit upon the manufacturer. The articles are to be seen at Messrs Harrop and Neill’s, in George street, and are well worthy of an inspection.

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. (from our own correspondent.) Bluff, Tuesday. The Taiwan, Captain Hagley, com mander, arrived from Melbourne at 7 o’clock this morning, after a passage of four days fourteen hours. Loft on the 23rd, experienced beautiful weather during the first part of the passage ; latterly, very dirty weather. She brings 252 tons cargo, and 19 saloon and 58 steerage passengers, for all ports. She leaves for Dunedin at 4 pan. to-day. The Rangitoto arrived at Melbourne at 7 a. in. on the 21st. Passenger list -Mr Julius Wittowski, Mr Turton, Miss Simsou, Master Simson, Miss Lincoln, Mr C. L. Swainston, Mr Jackson, Mr VV. K. Macdonald, Mr John Stewart, Miss Cass (2), Mrs Cass and infant, Dir Bull, Mr Ormond, Mr Carr, Mr Henderson, Dr R. Hyley, Mrs Ryley, Master Ryley, and 58 in the steerage. Cargo list: —64 tons for the Bluff, 98 tons for Dunedin, 19 tons for Lyttelton, and 71 tons for Wellington. Melbourne, Sept. 23. Breadstuff's have declined, owing to arrivals from California. Flour, LI 6 to LIG 10s, with a downward tendency. Wheat little offering ; 8s is asked. Oats ai’e in demand at 5s 6d ; maizo at 5s 4d, The new Ministry was sworn in on the 20th. Parliament met the next day, and adjourned for one month pending the Ministerial elections. A strong party feeling exists against the Ministry, and opposition candidates are coming forward. A new ocean shipping company is projected ; capital, L 250,000. Rain is much wanted. The Legislative Council has sent a letter of condolence to Mr Fawkner’s widow. Sydney. Captain Shaw, of the Storm Bird, has been committed for trial. A cargo of 400 tons of flour has arrived from California. The English cricketers are expected to arrive in November. The state of trade is unsatisfactory. Heavy rains have fallen in Northern Queensland. Earl Belmore has returned from Brisbane. A change in the personnel of the Ministry is rumored. It is expected that Mr Egan will resign as Postmas-ter-General. Rutherford, the bushranger, died of the wounds inflicted whilst struggling with the landlord of a public-house he attempted to rob. The M‘Kinlay conspiracy case is closed, The magistrates committed the prisoners for trial, Seventy-eight diamonds have been shipped during the last fortnight by the Australian Company. Adelaide. The Government tariff is unanimously condemned. A. protection policy is demanded. The corn market is depressed.