New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Wednesday, October 7, 1846.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 124, 7 October 1846, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Wednesday, October 7, 1846.

The statement of the revenue and expenditure of this settlement for the quarter just ended, published in. our last number, shews an unequivocal and gratifying proof of increasing prosperity in the rapid and progressive increase of the revenue. In April last, when commenting on the quarterly statement then recently published, we considered ourselves entitled to regard the annual revenue of Port Nicholson as exceeding £6000 per annum. Our anticipations have been more than realized, for if we assume the amount of the next quarter's revenue to be the same as the last (less the amount received in publicans' licences) the yearly revenue of the settlement will amount to £7000. But if, as is most probable, the amount received in the customs should increase at the same ratio as m the two last quarters, the revenue for the year 1846 in ihis settlement will not be far short of £8000. As the increased amount received in customs is the surest test of increasing trade and returning prosperity, the progressive increase in the amount received in the three last quarters cannot fail to strike the most superficial observer. The customs for the quarter ending March 31st, was £963 :12: 2 ; for the quarter ending 30th June, £1134 :II; 1 ; and for the quarter ending September 30th, £1952 : 5 : 8 ; the amount received in the September quarter being more than double the amount received in that ending in March. In examining the statement of the quarter's expenditure, the account may be conveniently divided into two heads, that of ordinary local expenditure to be defrayed by the local revenue, and that of extraordinary and contingent expences which ought to be borne by the British Government ; and if these are fairly appropriated, it will be found that the local revenue is more than sufficient for the local expenditure. The duty of protecting the settlement, and defraying the expenses of the late war, of right devolves on the British Government, and not on the settlers. This admitted, and we suppose that the position will hardly be denied, the whole of the expense of the militia for the last quarter, amounting to £2406 : 17 : 6, and a great proportion of the expence of the armed police force, would be put down to the account of the former. During the late military operations both the militia and armed police were found to be of the greatest assistance, and the value of their services have been acknowledged by two opposite and concurrent testimonies ; by his Excellency the Governor, who witnessed their exertions, and by the rebels, who felt their efficiency. The militia have since been disbanded, and if the Local Authorities, by the excercise of a proper vigilance, and by taking care to obtain timely and accurate information of the movements of the rebels, prevent any further hostile movements, we may consider this expence as an item which may probably not appear in the next quarter's, return ; on this point, however, we are by no means 'assured, and we repeat, the maintenance of peace and tranquillity will depend mainly, if not altogether, on the prudence and energy of the commanding officer of this district.! Another important item to be placed to the account of the general Government, is the expense hitherto incurred in payment of the parties engaged in the formation of the main roads in this district. The sum for the past quarter amounts to £1400, and we hope that the expenditure in the current quarter on this account may be trebled, with more than a corresponding equivalent in the amount of work done. The progress of these roads, so important for the safety and well-being of the settlement, cannot be urged on too rapidly, consistent with the proper execution of the works ; whatever is done now ought to be done in the most substantial and durable manner, and every possible improvement, i which would tend to insure the best direction and the easiest draught on the respective lines, should be studied. We have already adverted to this subject, and from its great ,

importance shall take further opportunities of returning to it during the progress of the works. Other items, such as commission on bills, payment of interest, the purchase of land for the natives, assistance to the settlers plundered by the rebels, presents to the natives, cost of the gun-boat, &c, obviously do not belong to the ordinary local expenditure, and are many of them contingencies which are not likely to appear again in the account. The large sum drawn on the Home Government renders it unnecessary that we should allude to the subject other than in a general manner ; but from a comparison with the two preceding quarters, there is ample room for congratulation in the rapid increase of the revenue, which is the point of most importance in these returns : and if due advantage is taken of the approaching fine weather to hasten the construction of the roads, and if peace be maintained in the district, we have little doubt that, at the end of the next six months, the increase of the customs will be still more rapid and satisfactory.

Yesterday evening a Ball was given by Captain Hayes, on board H. M. Steamer Driver, to his acquaintances among the settlers of Wellington. The weather appeared rather unpromising, but it gradually cleared up, and the night was very calm and fine. The quarter deck of the Driver was covered in by a thick awning, which was decorated very tastefully with flags, and formed ihe saloon for dancing. The company began to arrive between seven and eight o'clock. The dancing commenced at nine o'clock, and was kept up with great spirit until sup per time ; after which dancing was again re. newed. The company did not separate until between four and "five o'clock in the morning. The guests appeared to enjoy themselves exceedingly, and to be highly grati fied by the kindness and attention of Capt. Hayes and the officers of the Driver. The Ball was considered to be one of the gayest ever given in Wellington. The officers of the Calliope and the military officers in town were included among the guests.

Yksterdat a very heavy flood was experienced up the Hutt, owing to the melting of the snows on the Tararua range. The river rose very rapidly, and all the ground near the bridge was under water, so as to cut off the communication between the two hanks of the river. We beliere it is considered to be the heaviest flood that has occured this season.

H. M. S. C alliOfje, Captain Stanley, will return to Porirua in the course of the day. It is intended shortly to hold a Court Martial on the rebels who were taken prisoners at Wainui, and who have since been kept in safe custody on board the Calliope. v The witnesses (chiefly natives) have been collected, and are at Porirua, waiting for the sittings of the Court.

Wellington Savings Bank. — Mr. T. W. Tankersley, Mr. J. M. Taylor, Mr. John Wade, and Mr. G. Moore, the Managers in rotation, will attend to receive deposits &t Mr. Ross's office, from seven to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, the 10th Oct., and at the Union Bank of Australia, from twelve to one o'clock on Monday forenoon," the 12th October. We are also requested to give notice that the monthly meeting of the Superintending Committee" will take place at Barrett's Hotel, on Monday evening, the 12th inst., at Eight o'clock.