Colonial.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 517, 17 October 1857, Page 4

Colonial.

AUCKLAND

The Cornubia brings us news from Auckland to the 3rd instant. The election of Superintendenttook place on the 16th Sept., when Mr. Williamson was returned without opposition! We extract the following paragraphs of locai news:— Export of Potatoes.—We deem it advisable to call the attention of our mercantile friends to the necessity existing for a cessation in the export of potatoes, at least for some two or three months, unless they have determined that the Auckland people shall be deprived of the enjoyment of a most necessary article of food. From the quantities of potatoes which we heard were being shipped for the Sydney and Melbourne markets, per Gertrude (two vessels of that name —one for Sydney and one for Melbourne), per Sarah, Gil Bias, &c, and from the knowledge that large quantities had been exported during

the season, we were induced to make enquiries as to the stock on hand and the average consumption of this article, and we now present the following, gleaned from the most reliable sources as the result of our researches. We find that after allowing for the exports by the vessels above named, there will remain in the Auckland Province about 250 tons; there will be required for seed about 150 tons, and for consumption, from this date until about the middle of December, at which time we may expect a further supply, another 150 tons: this is the lowest computation, the Aveekly consumption of Auckland alone being from 12 to 15 tons. As there is, therefore, every probability of a scarcity even if present stocks be held, we put it to the mercantile sense of holders of potatoes whether it will not prove a more profitable matter for them to hold for this market, than to continue to export. By adopting the latter measure they, at the best, make but a doubtful speculation; by determining on the former, they will not only have the pleasure of obtaining a better price for this produce, and the satisfaction of keeping Auckland supplied with so necessary an article, but they will also escape all those agonies of remorse which could not but attend those who would rnthlessly make [dinner parties as things impossible, and deprive even our poor bachelor selves of our chop Sand its inseparable adjunct— the potato.— Southern Cross, Sept. 11.

Death from Excessive Drinking.—Considerable excitement was occasioned in town yesterday by a report that a soldier of the 58th Regiment had met with his death, at the William Denny Hotel, in consequence of drinking a pint of rum, which he had backed himself to drink, in a state of intoxication, for a wager. The flying reports were, as is usual in cases of this kind, not only exaggerated, but altogether wide of the truth. It appears that the deceased had been drinking heavily before entering Mr. Jackson's house, that he had met with a former comrade of his (named Jordan,) who had lately received his discharge, and being, it is presumed, flush of money, gave an order for a pint of rum. The barman, believing that this was to be a treat for some five or six persons who were at the bar at the time, drew the liquor, which was taken from his hand by Jordan, who was then perfectly sober. The barman, it appeared, had to give change from the till, and during the time that elapsed between the order being given and handing over the change did not see the liquor handed to the deceased; on looking up, however, he saw the unfortunate man draining off the contents of the pint pot, and, to use his own words, he was quite taken aback and had not time to interfere even if he had had the presence of mind to do so. Jordan, the man who ordered the liquor, upon perceiving the fearful effect that the draught had had upon the deceased, ran out immediately to procure an emetic which he obtained at Sir. Gundry's. This, however, did not operate, and the stomach pump was subsequently, used but without effect, so far as saving the man's life was concerned. We have deemed it right to state these particulars, as rumours of a most unpleasant kind were afloat yesterday, which the evidence taken at the inquest shows to be totally unfounded. Our readers will perceive that the jury attached a rider to their verdict, reprehending the practice of serving intoxicating liquors to intoxicated men. The evidence on this inquest, however, does not show that such was the case in this instance, as it is sworn that Jordan, who ordered the liquor, was sober. — Southern Cross, Sept. 4. The William Denny has been purchased by some gentlemen in Sydney, for £1,100. One of the shareholders being Mr. Scott, an engineer of repute, who has been very successful in removing stranded vessels. He will leave Sydney by the Surprise, which will sail in about a week from this date, having on board the hydraulic machinery, by which it is confidently believed the Denny will be got off. We are informed that the Denny has suffered no apparent iniury. —Sept, 15. / J * Tde .barque Cornubia, Captain Ellison, arrived in port on Saturday morning, after a tedions passage of 121 days from Gravesend. Her run to the Equator was a very lengthened one, fifty days being spent in struggling with light and baffling winds. As we formerly stated, she had no N.E. trades. In running down her easting; her progress was good; but from the south cape of Tasmania to the north head of Auckland she encountered the succession of strong easterly weather, followed by the light and baffling airs that for some time back had been so prevalent. The Cornubia adds fifty-seven passengers, of an apparently valuable class, to our population.— New Zealander, Sept. 9. Our Gold Fields.—We have been favoured with a view of some specimens of Gold brought from Coromandel by the Maid of the Mill. The specimens we have seen form a portion of a large mass of quartz which is now being worked. The gold bears a very large proportion to the quartz, and appears to be of a very fine quality. About two months since, eleven ounces of quartz containing the precious metal, taken from the same place as the specimens abave referred to were purchased of Mr. Vercoe, of the Exchange Hotel, who, after the crushing and smelting operations had been concluded, obtained seven ounces of gold which he forwarded to Sydney and Melbourne, to be tested as to its purity. He has not yet, however,- received any report in reply. We understand that, at the present time, not more than four persons are engaged in gold digging in this locality, but that these have realised on one occasion as much as 8 ozs per week per man. Without vouching for the accuracy ot this statement, we can confidently assert that these men, notwithstanding the drawbacks of bad weather, which rendered necessary a suspension of operations, sometimes for weeks together, have found it answer to extend their gold digging operations. With such facts before us and with the knowledge that a rapid exodus is taking place from this province to the Nelson Diggings, it is highly necessary that a strenuous effort should be made to develop the resources so strongly indicated, and to remove all obstacles fi»M PK r rkmg °f our Coromandel goldfields, which, if properly worked will, we fully XvK v% be/ OUn2. *° be the richest in ?Jl land.— Southern Cross, Oct. 2 Wifrl^l^ °F THE &OVE1«>* General Sir 3^, DENisoN.-Our city was taken by surprise yesterday morning by the arrival in our

Islanders at Norfolk Man™ Sh e arrived¥ m ? D J*f 23r 1 d m °™& when hi^ Scelll ere landed, under a salute of 19 «m ns !i n7 after his Excellency had landed Hresh w y sprung up, which compelled the Iris to 1™ 1 land. On the 25th Jhe returned! when *<f officers Tisited the Island. They found «L ■ G habitants short of provisions, owing to lu~ failure of their first crops, the seed havina \ c put into the ground at too advanced a Derinrf £ the season They were, however, contented an J happy m the new home. On the 26th tho t • left the island for this Port, in order to n J" S provisions with which to return to NoS Island. His Excellency landed yesterday 2? ing-at his own desire we believe, without Tie" mony, and proceeded to Government House Thl Iris will remain about two days with us. Theatre.—We are informed that a theatrical company of no small celebrity may be exZ£ a in Auckland.ln- the early p^rt JfJfoSe? We have likewise received a communication from the agent of the Nelson Pamilv sLtl that they will leave Melbourne for Auckland by the first opportunity. The Nelson Tamilv haw established their reputation both in England anrt the Australian Colonies, as vocalists and theat rical artistes of a high order. Their entertain inents are chiefly musical, but they perform musical comidettas and farces. We trust there ' fore that we shall see an amalgamation between the two companies, and for the first time in Auckland witness a really good operatic perfor mance.

The week has been a dull, but most tempestuous one. Easterly gales, so long prevalent have been followed by an intermittent succession of hard westerly gales, blowing in hurricane squalls, accompanied with deluges of rain. Indeed, for the last nine years, so lengthened or so severe a winter has not occurred. In many places, we learn, the ground is completely water sodden, and apprehensions are beginning to be entertained for the safety of the early crops. Aswe write, the weather is bright and drying,' and with a Aveek's continuance of such, much benefit the Agricultural interests cannot fail to ensue —New Zealander, Sept. 26. The tide of emigration is now setting in, in full flow, towards the Nelson diggings, whilst the equally precious gold gelds of Cofomandel still are doomed to be dormant. The schooner Sybil sails this morning for Nelson with 51 passengers. The schooner Osprey sails on Tuesday, und will carry away about as many more. The Henry is lying in the Manukau and will have a bumper cargo of living freight; and other vessels are about to be laid on for the same destination. It is hard to see our own shipping carrying away our own colonists, when with a little energy, an equally lucrative and infinitely more prosperous traffic might be opened with Coromandel.— lbid* October 3.