WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1850. THE PROJECTED MARKET-PLACE IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 394, 23 January 1850, Page 2

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1850. THE PROJECTED MARKET-PLACE IN AUCKLAND.

It will no doubt be fresh in the recollection of most of our readers that, towards the close of the sitting of the last Legislative Council, a sum of £200 was, on the motion of Major Matson, voted towards the erection of a marketplace in this town, and that the proposition then met with a general concurrence, which augured well for its being promptly and effectively acted upon. We have since heard some expression of apprehension that the scheme would after all be suffered to pass, for the present, into " the limbo of good inten> tions ;" but we are happy to know that such was not the case, and that the much needed object is likely speedily to find — if not as complete an accomplishment as might be desired— yet a practical and valuable advancement. The following communication received from the local Government by the Secretaries of the New Ulster Agricultural and Horticultural Society, in reply to an application respecting the piece of ground which by common consent is regarded as the most eligible site for a market, will be read with interest. It will be seen that, although the Government do not feel authorised to comply in terms with the specific re* quest of the Society, they are willing to da what they can, and what will substantially prove nearly the same thing ; and we trust that

now there will be no avoidable delay iv urging forward in good earnest the laudable undertaking. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, sth December, 1849. Gentiemekt. — With reference to your letter of the 28th ultimo, requesting to be informed whether the Government would consent to grant to the Committee of the New Ulster Agricultural Society, or to the Piesident and Vice President of the Society as Trustees on behalf of the town of Auckland, until such time as a Corporation be formed, the vacant space at the bottom of Shorlland Street, and between that Street aud Fort Street 5 and, further, that if the above grant could not be given, whether by reservation of the land for Public purpoies, or otherwise the control and management of the building which the Committee may erect, could be exercised by Trustees chosen by the contributors of the funds, until a municipal corporation be granted to the town of Auckland, on whom the duties of the Trustees might then devolve. I am instructed by His Excellency the Governor to inform you that your first request cannot be complied with, because the Royal Instructions do not authorise him to convey land for public purposes to an ordinary body of Trustees, but to " any Body Politic or Corporate." I am, however, directed to state that the land in queition will be 41 marked out and distinguished on the Chart by the Governor in Council for the site of a market place," and the Agricultural Society will be allowed by the Government to have the management of it for that purpose, with liberty to remove, or otherwise to dispose, of Buildings, &c, erected npon it by them when it shall be regularly vested in some Corporate Body. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, Andrew Sinclair, Colonial Secretary. To the Secretaries of the New Ulster Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

The Mechanics' Institute. —We have heard from various quarters, and fully sympathise in, expressions of regiet, — not unmingled •with surprise— that this Institution has been permitted to languish nearly into non-existence, and that the very building designed for its purposes should be falling into so neglected and almost wrecked a condition as it now presents to view. In a community like ours, a well conducted and cordially patronised Mechanics' Institute, might be made an instrument of diffusing benefits, the importance and extent of which it would be difficult to exaggerate ; and surely — amidst all the engrossing influences of what is merely material, if not sordid, around us — Auckland and its neighbourhood could combine as much of talent, intelligence, eneigy, and public spirit, as would suffice to roll away what we cannot regard as less than a reproach. It would be unavailing now to investigate curiously the causes which have prevented the establishment of the Institute here on as firm and popular a footing as similar institutions have obtained in other places, both at home and in the colonies j — except in so far as reference to them may serve as a beacon for future warning or guidance. But we clo respectfully suggest that still some effort ttiight and should be made in the matter, and that those who from their social position have most influence, should be amongst the first to direct their attention practically to it. Our immediate purpose 'to day, however, is just to start the subject for consideration. Should we "find any adequate response to our suggestion, we shall be ready to treat it more in detail.