New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, February 6, 1847.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 159, 6 February 1847, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, February 6, 1847.

TfiE Nelson arrived on Thursday from Liverpool, from which she sailed on the 13th September. Through the kindness of Mr. Hickson we have received the Ooan of a file of English papers, from which extracts will be found in this day's Spectator. In the New Zealand Journal of September 12, are published despatches received oy the Colonial Minister from Captain Grey, we have extracted the most important one in which his Excellency recommends a division of the colony into two Governments, and expresses a doubt as to Municipal Institutions, from their being likely to produce a collision between the Municipal and Representative Bodies, and to create embarrassment by getting into debt. His Excellency will find the majority of the settlers will coincide with him in these opinions ; we do not want a complicated machinery of Government and expensive Corporations, but a good Representative Government ia which the settlers can feel that they have an interest and bear a part, instead -of, as at present, being cyphers in the account. Another despatch describing his Excellency's proceedings in expelling the rebels from the Hutt, and inclosing letters from Te Rauparaha and other native chiefs will be published in our next number. The latest dates, according to 'the New Zealand Journal, from Wellington were to the 1 8th March, and from Auckland to the 16th April, but we learn from the city article of the Times September 16, that intelligence had been received, by way of Sydney to the 16th May, of the murder -of the Gillespies, and of 11. M. S. Calliope and Steamer Driver, and Slams Castle transport haying proceeded to Porirua with detachments of the 58th and 99th Regts. The article concludes by remarking that " the settlers seem especial 1 y grateful for the exertions Governor Grey is making to protect them and their property, and among other improvements an Armed Police had been organized for this purpose." This news was conveyed by the Sultana, which sailed from Sydney 19th May, and arrived in England 12th September. There appears to be no about the New Zealand Company, who have not recommenced any active operations. The orders in Council, to be issued according to the new Bill for the government of this colony, had not been promulgated, nor had any one been appointed Lieut. -Governor of the new province. The Elora, the next vessel, was advertised to sail the 30th September, but it was thought it would be near the end of October before she would be ready to sail.

Intelligence has been received within the last few days, that Petomi, the murderer-of-Hobman, has taken refuge with Rangihaeata, who is staying near Otaki. The natives in Wellington believe that if application is I made, Rangihaeata will surrender him up to justice, and acting on this suggestion, Mr. St. Hill, the police magistrate has with praiseworthy diligence adopted measures which we hope may lead to the apprehension of this offender. If Fetomi were allowed to escape, it would virtually hold out impunity to any native offender, who after the commission of a crime would imagine himself safe if he could succeed in joining Rangihaeata. Since writing the above, we have heard that Thompson, Rauparaha'sson, and Martin, Rangihaeata' s nephew, and other friendly natives, are taking steps for the apprehension of Petomi, and hope in a few days to bring him a prisoner to Wellington. We hope before the approach of winter means will be taken to break up Rangihaeata' s party, and either to take him prisoner, or drive him into the interior, where he will not have the power of occasioning further mischief to the settlers.

In passing through Cook's Strait the Nelson fell in, off Steven's Island, with the American whaler George Chapman, from Newport. She had been about twenty-five months out, and had 2100 barrels of oil. The master of the vessel was ill of a fever ; it was his intention to put into this Port for medical assistance.

The schooner Eagle arrived here yesterday from Port Albert after a fine run of thirteen days with thirty nine head of cattle and forty two sheep, which have been brought in first rate condition being quite fit for the butcher. There is every prospect of this vessel being a regular trader between the two places, and we hope the importations of stock from this quarter may contribute to keep down the price of butchers' meat.

Races. — The hurdle race for the surplus of the Anniversary Fund, which with entrances and additional subscriptions amounted to fifty pounds came off on Wednesday last. The race had excited a good deal of interest, and the different horses had their respective backers, but Beagle was the favourite. Shortly after one o'clock six horses started, the first leap was cleared in first rate style but it was soon seen that the race lay between Beagle and Naughty Boy. At the last leap Beagle was over first, closely followed by Naughty Boy, who in clearing the fence threw his rider, Mr. Yelverton, who however, we are glad to state received no injury ; this accident gave Beagle the advantage, who came in first. In the second heat Beagle took the lead, which he maintained to the end of the race. Both horses were ridden in capital style, and took their leaps beautifully. After the hurdle race there was a hack rack which was very closely contested; four horses started, Phormium Tenax, Rainbow, a mare belonging to Etako, and a horse belonging to Mr. St. Hill. The first heat was won by Phormium Tenax, Rainbow bolting just before reaching the winning post. The second heat, which was well run, ended in a dead heat between Phormium Tenax and Etako's mare. The third heat was won by Phormiam Tenax, who was ridden by Mr. Donald. This race is one of the best that has taken place.

Cricket. — A match will be played oh Monday next, which Jrona the skill of the players, is expected to be "the match" of the season. The cricket ground on Te Aro being so much cut up during the sports of the Anniversary Fete, the match will be played upon Thorndon Flat, and the wickets will be pitched at 10 o'clock, a. m.

Custom-House, Wellington, Ist February, 1847. Spirits and Tobacco under bond This Day : Brandy . . . . > „..,,.. 1018 gallons. Rum 4991 do. Gin 659 do. Liqueurs 5 j do. Cigars 161 lbs. Tobacco 59,632 do.

Wellington Savings Bank. — Mr. A. de B. Brandon, Mr. E. Catchpool, Mr. Justice Chapman, and Mr. Bethune, the Managers in rotation, will attend to receive deposits at Mr. Ross's office, from seven to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, the 6th February, 1847, and at the Union Bank of Australia, from twelve to one o'clock on Monday forenoon, the Bth February.