MISCELLANEA.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 120, 23 September 1846, Page 3

MISCELLANEA.

News from England. — Where is the May "slow coach" — that "splendid, fjstSiiling, first-class clipper, Berkshire? It is" now nearly a month since we received direct intelligence from England by the Penyard Park. The May packer, if she left London on. the Ist, is now overdue, having been one hundred and twenty-seven days on her passage up to the present time. We are now one hundred and thirty days without news, direct or indirect, from England, — Australian. It is remarked by the Hurharu as a singular fact that in the large fleet of steamers beouging to the Peninsular Company, the only ofßcers they have lust have been medical men.

Important Improvements in the Manufacture of Pins.- — A patent has recently been taken out in London, for certain improvements in the manufacture of wire, which, amongst other suggestions, has caused one of immense value in the making of pins, at th> same time overcoming, what has been hitherto a bar to competition with foreign makers, namely, the difficulty of pointing the pin by any other means than the baud. Tis difficulty is, however, surmounted by the new and patent machinery, and to s- eh an extreme of nicety is this operation carried, that very powerful glasses exhibit a degree of finish scarcely to be surpassed in the must elaborate workmanship. As in most cases of success(ul mechanism, the price ot the pins turned out by this process is considerably reduced. Mr. Kirby, of Newgate-street, l.as been entrusted with the mercantile development of the patent, and to which he has given the name of the " Regina Pin." Pre*sure,.it is

said is the principal aid employed, and ny which means the put and its head are made in one pi< c ■• — Ibid.

Advent of Summer. — On Thursday morning, as a man in, the employ o' Mr. Aitkeithead, o' George-street, was passing through the Outer Domain, his attention was suddenly attracted by what appeared to him to be the coil of a very large snake ; but on proceeding to it, armed with a stick for the purpose of destroying it, he found that there were. two snakes, and which immediately commenced I atiemptmg an eccape. After some trouble one was secured, and taken alive to Mr. Aitkenhead's, where, having shortly afterwards died, it has, been preserved. It is of no small i size, being" eight feet long, and about six or seven inches in circumference, anc 1 of the diamond species. The second snake, which escaped, was stated to have been some two or three feet longer, and which the capturer of the first, T as W. noticed the hole to which it escap-.'d, expresses his determination of laying watch fur and securing. As the diamond species of this reptile, is the' most venemous, this individual's* eimditct is most praiseworthy.— 5. M. Herald, . We are reminded of the Venetian !* Bridge of Sighs" by ihe numerous doleful -reminiscences connected with successive but not successful v bridges in South Ausralia. The winter floods have been again attended with a series of disasters, and amongst these, the bridge fatalities are again remarkable. We hope they will at length become instructive. The South. Australian Company's bridge' exhibits evidences of the pressure from above, but it is hoped timely measures of precaution may prevent its destruction. The Frorae Bridge bears marks of the power of the torrent, but has hitherto successfully resisted i s attacks as well as the concussions of waterborne trees and logs, which have been driven down in considerable numbers, and some of large size. The foot bri Ige, which was repaired subsequent y to the first flood of the present winter, was completely demolished on Sunday afternoon. But the worst affair of all is, that of the city (stone) bridge lately in course if erection by Mr. Boweu, the contractor; the whole of the timber centering and scaffolds having been swept away together with several courses of masonry, l<y which a very serious los will be incurred ; and the anticipated convenience to the public again deferred,' sine- die.- The rustic " Wilkius biidtfc" so much "admired by all who are "in search of the .picturesque" has lately beni repaired, and the job was pronounced a very substantial one ; indeed it has resisted (all but the ratlleiy) although inun lated to the depth of twc feet, by the highest flood remembered by the oldest colonists. The Reed Beds are woefully flooded, and it is feared the damage to the orchards, gardens, vineyards, and growing crops in general, will he unprecedeiitedly severe. The natives we c seen to be bu y enough on Monday at different points of the liver in collecting stray winter melons, and pumpkin^, to! acco, palings, rails, and larger timber. Frome Bridge was then the only available medium of travelling and traffic. Two bridges on the Stun have been completely carried away ; and the two bridges over the Oukap.'ringa are also said to be-entirely destroyed. We have heretofore given utterance to opinions it variance with adopted modes of bridge building in this colony, aiidthiuk it is now qu'te time to institute inquiry as to successful usages in other parts of Australia with localities -similar to our own, and where such useful erections are somewhat more than of annual duration. I we remember rightly descriptions with which we have bee 1 favoured of numerous bridges in New South Wales, where they are found to be durable, cheap, and readily constructed, the mode is to employ mason r-y-. and timber unitedly ; the former in stiong, comparatively inexpensive' but wellfounded piers, and the latter in substitution of arches or masonry. . But we believe -there are modes of bridge building;, still better adapted to the T&rreus and oti er South Australian rivers, than such as we I aye attempted to describe, and we venture to say that the offer of a very .moderate reward, for the best plan and design, would call out new displays of colonial talent, ingenuity, and useful suggestions. It is quite time that something effectual should be done. — South Australian Register, 11th July. --- . On Thursday, 9th July last, his Excellency the Lieut. Governor $ aye a Juvenile Ball at Government House to the younger branches of the families of the colonists. The very judicious arrangement was adopted upon this occasion, that the festivities should commence at the good old early hour of five o'clock' in the afternoon, and terminate between teji and eleven o'clock at night. We understand that the number of happy faces was about a hunnre i, and of unhappy ones — nil. 'The Lieut. Governor was exceedingly kind and' attentive to his young guests, and exhibited to them, with hi& own hands, the marvels and-llie terrors, the fun and the facetiae, of the immortal magic Jafiterd., The amusement qf. dancing vn

*indertaken,weareinformed,in rightgood spirit, l and was kept up with most exemplary animation and perseverance hy the raauy young couples who stood up, and who Joined hands forth c nonce •with the most4nnocent heartiness and fervour, his Excellency several times joining in the performance. It must have afforded his Excellency (albeit not yet a Benedict) great pleasure to see around him so many smiling countenances, betokening the yet unbroken spirit and the affecting buoyancy of the youthful heart. On public grounds, too, we consider the custom of juvenile parties being given occasionally at Government House, as^calcnlated to hare future 'beneficial effects upon the rising youth of our highly favoured colony, now starting upon a career of, peihaps, unexampled progress and prosperity, by introducing to each other in their early years the sons and the daughters of the upper classes of the colonists, and thus, on the one hand, laying the foundation, very probably, of the most extensive domestic \ appiness throughout the length and breadth of this land of our children ,in days to come, and, on the other hand, adding the hallowed and most influential sentiment of early-formed and long-cherished friendships to the almost equally noble motives of public spirit and patriotic feeling, which we trust, when our heads are laid low, will induce our children after us to combine together zealously for the promotion of every object of a public nature that is good or great. — S. A. Register.

Mining Intelligence. — The reports from the Buna Burra continue as favourable as ever. Several new lodes of fine promise have been lately discovered. The Princess Royal is now beginning to yield beautiful ore. Numerous lodes have been opened ; but the chief workings are at present confined to the six feet lode, which is daily increasing in the produce of splendid ore in great abundanre. From the Kapunda the accounts are of the same encouraging character as heretofore — the produce of the ores of high quality continues ample. The Montacute continues its progress, steadily and quietly, while the sections adjoining, belonging to the Adelaide Mining Company, recently acquired, are exhibiting* all the rich qualities of the neighbouring mine, and will soon be in full and successful work. At the South Australian Company's mines at Mount Barker, and on those adjoining, belonging to the Paringa Mining Company, comprising the range over a rich mineral district of twenty-thousand acres, in addition to the numerous lodes already open, fresh discoveries continue to bemada — affoiding every reason for the belief that Mount Barker mines will eventually be second to none within the province. The mines on the special survey at the creek r belonging to the Australian Mining Company of London, have likewise commenced working, and are making most satisfactory progress. The Victoria Gold Mine has again recovered the gold lode, and great results are confidently anticipated as soon as the \evtl at present driving is more advanced. The Greenock Creek reports are equally favourable — the ground is said to be rapidly improving. The Wakefield, from which the numerous indications and surface specimens of fine grey ore have been brought to town, we hear is likewise more promising. The shaft upon a main lode recently opened is turning out fine ore, and the " horse" which was at one time supposed to have thrown the lode out of the set, has luckily not done so. The special survey at Mount Remarkable is now definitively taken. There was a great deal of excitement in town yesterday in consequence of its being officially ascertained that the Governor had refused to allow another special survey to be purchased, for which the means had been provided by the enterprising colonists who had discovered it. We believe it is intended to remonstrate with the Governor on the subject. It is reported that the present proprietors of the Wi eal Gawler Lead Mine have sold their interest in it for £2000. The Glen Osmond and Wheal Watkins Mines are steadily turning out ores of superior quality : and a large body of miners, especially engaged to work the Glen Osmond lodes, are hourly expected. The whole payments on the purchases made at the land sale, of the mineral lands around the Kapunda are to be made on Monday; and the reports from the sections generally are such as to ensure nearly all being taken. The sura necessary to corrp'tte the purchases, £21,800, was provided yesterday, — S. Australian Gazette.

Australian Mines. — The accounts recently received in this country of the discovery of large quantities of coppei ore of a rich quality, iv the vicinity of Adelaide, South Australia, and in Van Diemen's Land, are perhaps yet too slightly confirmed to have much weight among commercial men. Insidents of this description are peculiarly liable to exaggeration among a scattered and adventurous population, for the most part ignorant of. the real nature of the surrounding country. The report, however, gives for the time a peculiar interest' to those branches of our commerce likely, to be affected by sucb a discovery, and also opens-

up a new view of the future destiny of the colonies in question. As regards the probable truth of what we hear through the local journals, it must be admitted that all the authentic information yet obtained as to the apparent mineral resources of South Australia, points to a high probability of the mountainous districts, particularly those of the Blue and Darling ranges, being found rich in copper and lead. It is also true that the discovery fo these metals, even in some profusion, would not add much to what is already tolerably well ascertained, of the extent of the undeveloped mineral resources of these countries. Iron forces itself upon the attention almost everywhere ; and is known to be accompanied with large fields of coal, at a moderate depth, favourably placed for working, and generally of : a good quality. These latter, however/ it may be said, are treasures rather for future generations than the present : reserved lor those who shall hereafter bring to bear upon them f owers of production and consumption not yet to be spared from the business of the old world. Copper ore may be more easily turned to present account. If rich, and easy accessible, it may be raised for export with great advantage, even now ; and, if smelted in that part of the world, would find a large market already open, and capable of almost indefinite extension. But the effect of efforts (whether successful or not) to establish such a trade, to a large extent, upon the interests of these ' Colonies, and generally upon our commerce in that part o( the world," is open to some doubt. The benefits might, and probably would, be very great in the end ; but they would certainly be countervailed at fmt to some extent, by the difficulties and dangers inseparable from the opening of a new aud highly speculative field of employment for cap tal and labour in colonies yet scarcely settled, limited in their commercial resources, and liable to suffer extremely from any extensive misapplication of them. Mining operations are generally, of all others, the most uncertain in their results. This uncertainty is, of course, greatly increased by the absence of precise information as to the geology of the locality in which they are carried op, and are not diminished by that locality being a long way removed from the supervision of those who furnish the lunds. These considerations combine to render investments in Australian copper mines, and smelting works for the present extremely speculative as regards capitalists in this country. Yet these, if capital is to be furnished, must be looked to for it, and, if a Lir return is at all likely, will soon provide it. The pecuniary resources of our Australian colonies are not more than enough to sustain other legitimate branches of employment more essential to their growth and consolidation as prosperous communities. It is clear that they have no capital to spare for mining, especially if it is to be carried on to any extent. But it is also at least equally certain that a tempting prospect once opened,' the floating capital on the spot will be the first drawn into the speculation ; and further, that its place will not again be adequately supplied till experience has declared that more can be got by the old employments than by the new ; by farming than by mining. All this leads directly to the suggestion, that should the reports in question prove well-founded, the Government will do good service to the country by immediately promoting in every feasible manner the acquirement and diffusion of sound information as to the real nature and extent of the mines, so as to furnish means of estimating, with seme approach to accuracy, the amount of capi'al and labour which may be safely find profitably invested in them. A severe lesson of recent experience points the same way. A little useful information of this kind on the subject of railway investment, if generally ' diffused some twelve months ago, might have saved a vast deal of trouble to the Government, and no little money to the public. The extent of the copper trade of this country, both home and foreign, is such as to give considerable importance to anything likely materially to affect it. The quantity of copper obtained from the ore annually raised from our own mines exceeds, according to the best estimates, 300,000 cwts. ; and may be valued at £1,500,000 sterling. Wo also smelt a large portion of the ore raised in other parts of the world. We now import annually for smelting an average quantity of upwards of 1,100,000 cwts. of foreign ore, which, on an average, may yield about one-fifth of metal, or about 200,000 cwts. of copper. The largest foreign markets for British copper are the East Indies and China, France, and the United States ; but by far the largest demand is for the East Indies. The. following statement will afford a tolerably correct idea both of the chief sources of the copper ore we import, and of the locality of our principal customers for the metal ; and may serve to illustrate in some degree the probable effect of the opening of a new and extensive source of supply in Australia, '

A small supply we hive been accustomed to receive from the British West Indies has fallen off in quantity of late years. We received from the Australian colonies, in 1843, 8-18 cwts., and in 1844. 2681 cwts. It may be observed that there is a differential duty here in favour of the ore imported from British possessions, which could not fail to encourage tne importation of a rich ore from Australia, as long, at least, as the Cuban produce came into our market;, our import duty on foreign ore ranging from 635. to 126>. per ton, according to the estimated proportion of metal, and that on colonial beii.g uniform at 21s. per ton for all qualities. Premature Burials in France. — The custom of premature burials in France — or rather the law, 'or we believe it is a matter of police regulation — whatever arguments of sound policy it may have to recommend it, is opposed by one of such overwhelming force, that the continued maintenance of the practice, in defiance of that, is one of those curious social problems, our satire against which is only disarmed by remembering lio« mmysu-h obst nate errors there are amongst ourstlves. The number of living interments that have been interrupted by accidental circumstances alone, in France, since 1833, amounts to n'netyfour! Of these cases, thirty-five persons recovered spontaneously ftom their lethargy at the moment when the funeral ceremonies were about taking place ; thirteen were aroused under the stimulus of the busy love and grief about them ; seven by the fall of the coffin which enclosed them ; nine by the pricking of their flesh in sewing up the shroud : five by the sense of suffocation in their coffins nineteen by accidental delays irhich occurred in the interment (how significant is the item!) and six by voluntary delays suggested by doubts as to the death ! These, then, are those who have escaped: Now, think of the whole numerous family of trances and epilepsies, and remember tl at the population of France are habitually huddled into their narrow , homes within four-and-twenty or at most eight-and-forty hours after death — and then calculate, if you dare, the numbers whom no such intervening angel came to rescue from this inconceivable hor- > tot I On that head the statistics, of course, are silent — but suggestive. Of all but these ninety-four, the grave keeps the secret ; but remember that of all who, since 1833, were about to be buried alive, these are the Javoured of accident; then take to your Tables of Chances, and tremble before the resulting relative figure which they present! And for all this amount of horror the cure is easy. In England, no one is laid in the grave till signs have set in of that coming corruption, which, however, the heart may shtink from it, relieves at least from this most terrible fear of all. In France, if the dead must be put away so soon, it should be by fire, as of old — or, at least, the surgeon should operate, in mercy, before the coffin-lid be closed. — Athenaeum.

Effect of Habit. — Ellen's stay in my landlady's service was not of long duration ; for my landlady herself was taken suddenly ill — was dying. A friend of t:.e invalid sent twice a day, to enquire how she had slept and how she had sat up. Ellen regularly brought down the answer, " My missis' compliments, and she has had a very indifferent night ;" or "My missis' compliments, and she feels very weak to-day." This went on for six weeks, twice a day for six weeks, and Ellen seemed to grow more sensible of the kindness and attention every time the messenger came. The compliments were sent back as usual, but the intelligence became sadder and sadder. At length, one day, when the friendly inquiry after the health of her mistress came as before, poor Ellen came to the door with swollen eyes {Streaming with tears, and sobbed out the melancholy answer, " My missis* compliments, and she died this morning at eight o'cl >ck." Here is the "ruling passion" displaying its strength, not exactly in death, hut in its close neighbourhood. — Laman Blanchard's Sketches from Life*

1842. 1843. 1844. cwts. cwts. cwts. Total Exports 191,061—350,301—376,651 To the East Indies and China 99.990—124,859—140.338 „ United States.. 16.375— 29,464— 42,700 „ France 21 .292— 97,234— 163,006

EXPORTS Of BRITISH COPPER.

ll*tO. lOtt. XOttl. cwts. cwts. cwts. Tfttal Imports.. 1,014,414—1,168,115-1,133,240 From Ctiha .... 633 k 663— 695,292 „ Chili .... 396,589— 391,323 „ Columbia 24,018- 20,563

IMFJKTS OP COFFER ORE.