New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, November 7, 1846.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 133, 7 November 1846, Page 3

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, November 7, 1846.

Through the kindness of Capt. Bowden of the Bandicoot, we have received a Net' Zealander of the 10th October, containing the Governor's opening speech to the Legislative Council, and a report of the proceedings of the Council up to the 9th ult. His Excellency's address, we have no doubt, will be received with the greatest satisfaction by the settlers in the Southern settlements. It is clear and straightforward, and shadows out the changes which will shortly be effected in the Government of the colony, the probability of which we hinted a short time since. These are of a most important nature ; a division of the territory into two separate, and to a certain extent, independent colonies ; the introduction into the Legislative body of members elected by the colonists ; and probably at an early period a still more extensive development of the representative principle. The New Zealander affects to rejoice at this separation, but we can assure our contemporary that it is a subject for still greater rejoicing to the Southern settlers who have been the sufferers from the former forced and ill-assorted union. In making this separation, Captain Grey has laid the foundation of the prosperity of the colony. The Southern settlers will now have the opportunity of exercising their energies untramelled by the obstacles which formerly impeded their progress, under the fostering care of the Government, instead of as heretofore, struggling against its ill-disguised hostility. A new era is opening on New Zealand ; each district will now depend on its own natural capabilities and resources, and on the intelligence and well-directed efforts of it settlers ; and a very short time will suffice to shew the great advantages conferred upon them, and the wisdom which has directed so important a change.

The Clara arrived on Wednesday night, with several passengers and a large cargo for this port, having left Sydney on the 25th ult. From a desire to give as much as possible of the proceedings of the Legislative Council, and to furnish the news received via Sydney by the Clara, we have been obliged to defer the consideration of subjects of local interest.

Wb are informed that the ship Urgent, 450 tons, may be shortly expected from Sydney with a cargo of bullocks and wethers. On her arrival she will be laid on for Sydney and London ; and having the greater part of her light freight engaged in Sydney, afords a desirable opportunity for shippers of oil to England.

Stdnet Markets October 24th. — Flour, £18 per ton, fine: £15 seconds; Maize, 3s. 6d. per bushel ; Barley, scarce ; Hay, £4 per ton ; butter, Is. 4d. to Is. 6d. per lb. Cheese, 6d. to 7d. perlb. ; Bacon and hams, 7d. to Sd. per lb ; eggs, 9d. to lOd. per doz. ; Fat Sheep, 10s. to 12s. each; Fat Cattle, l^to 1| per lb, the carcass ; Tallow, £30 to £32 per ton.

The London papers state that Parliament had voted £30,000 for New Zealand.

A sensation was created in town yesterday, by a report that a boy had, been murdered by the natives. The following is Browa's version of the story. On Wednesday eveninga native belonging to the pa Pipitea, who has been in the halit of occasionally working for a settler named Brown, residing beyond Okiwi on the eastern side of the harbour, and who keeps a house of refreshment for persons travelling between Wellington and the Wairarapa, came to inform him that

a party of hungry travellers were coming to his house, and told him to prepare supper for them. He then requested Brown to allow a lad, about eleven years old, named Matthew Obbman, who was living with Brown, to go with him to catch eels. Brown consented, and the maori and the boy went away together. In about half an hour's time the maori returned for a basket to put the eels in, and wished very much that Brown should accompany him. Brown suspectingsomething wrong, asked him what had become of the boy, but the maori returned evasive answers and at length being very much pressed, contrived to get away. The next morning diligent search was made for the boy but no traces of him have been discovered. Yesterday morning information was given to H. St. Hill, Esq., P.M., who immediately directed Sergeant Barry and two natives belonging to the armed police, to go over to the spot and inquire into the circumstances of the case. It is hardly necessary to say that the story about the persons coming to supper was a fabrication. The poor boy was an orphan, having lost both his parents.

Man Drowned. — On Thursday morning at a quarter past six the body of a seaman named Barton belonging to the Ralph Bernal, was found lying on the beach opposite the Thistle Inn. The deceased was shipped at Wellington shortly after the arrival of the Ralph Bernal, and about a week ago, after having spent the evening on shore, he returned to the vessel rather the worse for liquor, and during the night fell overboard. The body was discovered by-G. Herbert fisherman, who with the assistance of two policemen conveyed it to the Thistle Inn. An inquest was held before Dr. Fitzgerald, the coroner, when a verdict was returned of "Accidentally Drowned." The body was interred in the public cemetery the same day.

The Letter addressed by the Resident Land Purchasers to the Directors of the New Zealand Company, claiming Compensation for the Company's Breach of Contract, and calling upon the Directors to ful6l the Terms of Purchase, will be ready for delivery on Thursday next.

We are requested to state that the Committee of the Horticultural Society, will meet on Monday evening the 9th inst., at eight o'clock, at Barrett's Hotel, for the purpose of fixing the day for the next exhibition.

Wellington Savings Bank. — Mr. A. de B. Brandon, Mr. Edward Catchpool, Mr. Justice Chapman, and Mr. J. H. Wallace, the Managers in rotation, will attend to receive deposits &t Mr. Ross's office, from seven to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, the 7th November, and at the Union Bank of Australia, from twelve to one o'clock on Monday forenoon, the 9th November.

James Kelham, "J George Moore, S Auditors. J. Woodward, J By order of the Superintending Committee, James Inglts, Actuary.

Amount deposited. No. of individual depositors 50 £555 3 6 „ depositors in trust . . 31 191 19 0 „ of deposits under head of friendly and benevolent institutions 4 148 12 2 £895 14 8 Amount withdrawn 86 12 7 Deposits in the Bank .... £809 2 1