AUCKLAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 56, 31 January 1852, Page 6

AUCKLAND.

[From the " Maori Messenger."] In a former number of the Maori Messenger I wrote a short sketch of Rangiaowhia, and of the progress made by the natives there in the cultivation of wheat. I wish now to draw the attention of its readers to another very valuable production. I mean Kauri timber in the district of the Wairoa. I trust these occasional sketches may prove useful in indicating the natural resources of the country, and its different capabilities, in encouraging enterprise and emulation, and in recording the progressive advance of native tribes in civilization and good conduct. The Wairoa falls, after a course of about 150 miles, into the harbour of Kaipara. For 80 | miles up its course, brigs of 80 tons often sail. Sixty miles from the heaSls, at Mangowhare, also lie vessels of any tonnage, and take in ] freight with great facility. Magnificent forests of Kauri timber gird the banks of this noble j river, and strong tides soon sweep the rafts to the place of embarkation. Two European establishments for the timber trade have already been formed there, and in their employment the natives are busily engaged in felling, drawing, and dragging out spars, and rafting and loading. Two of them were recognised pilots, and the entire management, for the time, of large vessels and precious freights, was entrusted to their care. Within the last twelve months, 434,000 feet of timber, and 63 Kauri spars have been exported from Kaipara, to assist in the construction of houses, ships, and machinery. Their commercial value is 3,760^. Such an excellent commencement leads one to anticipate far more excellent results in the course of a few years. The two chief difficulties at present in the way of the progress of this important trade there, are the unsurveyed state of Kaipara harbour and the unfrequeut communication with Auckland. Both are, however, temporary. The first will soon be obviated by the arrival of H. M. surveying vessel, the " Pandora," now engaged in surveying Hokianga, but shortly expected at Kaipara. The second difficulty arises from the intervening obstacle of the bar at the head of Kaipara, which it is often dangerous to cross in open boats. I, however, trust that small decked vessels may soon be running along the Wairoa and Kaipara Rivers, as a chain of communication between them and the Waitemate, (separated from each other so narrowly), and I think, as I have heard suggested, an overland road of a day's journey, might be found between the sources of the Oruawharo and Waitemata, and thus avoid the Kaipara altogether. The advantages of facility and regularity of inter-commu-nication are so obvious, that I hope for the sake of the prosperity of a valuable district, these two suggestions may soon be carried into effect.

Each is, I think, easily attainable by the natives themselves. How gratifying it is to see on both sides of Auckland —at Raugiaowhia and at Kaipara, the natives so laudably exerting themselves to develope the resources of their country, and improve their own condition. For they are no less industrious than they are honest and wellbehaved. It may be said these are only small beginnings, but, I ask, who can predict the immense conclusions of small beginnings. The massive stem of the Kauri springs from an almost invisible seed, and the enormous ship in which that stem is but an insignificant spar, sails upon a river which you can retrace to a petty rivulet. We can only calculate the future by recollecting the past. Within the memory of the present generation, New Zealand was so dreaded by mariners, that for years the Rev. Mr. Marsden was unable to procure a vessel to J convey him on his holy mission. Later still, the Native population of the North was decimated by internecine warfare. What have a few years done? In this very district of the ; North, the Natives are among the chief pro- i ducers of colonial wealth, and best examples of morality. The spear and musket are now laid aside for the axe and plough. The lonely traveller is as safe, and as sure of hospitality at native hands, as at his own fireside. What then may a few more years do ? I can foresee, on the one hand of Auckland, the vallies of the Waipa and Waikato one vast district of corn, while, on the other hand, the valley of the Wairoa yields its abundant supply, of timber. What a cheering prospect ! Agricultural and natural treasures. floating on the streams of Waikato, and on the tides of Kaipara, at the very threshold of Auckland! Gold may attract multitudes to New South Wales. Let them come; and as surely a time will come, when New Zealand shall be able, out of her stores of plenty, to furnish bread to feed them, wood to house them, and ships to bear their merchandise.— By a recent Visitor to Wairoa and Kaipara.