New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, March 25, 1848.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 277, 25 March 1848, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, March 25, 1848.

Among the several institutions which at different times have been projected or struggled into existence in this settlement, the Horticultural Society deserves consideration as being the oldest and most successful. It has now been established six years, and the annual report shews that the amount of its funds promises stability and vigour in its future career. Its utility has been acknowledged, in fostering a taste for gardening, and in causing attention to be devoted to this interesting pursuit, while the notices of its exhibitions which have appeared in the Journals of this settlement have not been without their favourable .effect in other countries. But only a part of the original plan has yet been accomplished. In addition to frequent exhibitions, it has always been contemplated to form a Botanical Garden, which should rank among the embellishments of the town, and under proper

management be useful as the means of distributing through the settlement choice plants, and the best varieties of fruits. But this part of the plan has hitherto remained in abeyance for want of the necessary funds. A reserve of ten acres of land on the Tinakore Road has been granted by the Government to the Society, but funds are wanting to render the grant available. The small amount of annual subscriptions is not more than sufficient to meet the general expenses of the Society, and unless a vigorous beginning is made, the work must still languish for want of necessary encouragement. At the recent annual meeting of the subscribers it was resolved to collect donations for this work, and we hope such contributions will be received as will enable the Committee to commence in good earnest the formation of a Botanical Garden.

Thb Kelso, which arrived on Thursday from Twofold Bay, has been very fortunate with her stock, having lost only twenty out of 285 head of cattle, and eight out of 800 sheep. She has had a tedious passage of eighteen days from Twofold Bay, having met with a continuance of contrary winds.

The American whaler Favourite, barque, 298 tons, T. G. Young, master, is at present at anchor at Mana, and may be shortly expected in this port for the purpose of obtaining a bower anchor. She has been nineteen months from Fairhaven in the United States, and has 600 barrels sperm oil, 300 barrels black, and 1800 lbs. bone. The Favourite has been cruizing lately to the southward, and within the last month has spoke the following vessels off the coast of New Zealand. The Omega, Mory, of Fairhaven, 12 months out, with 350 barrels sperm ; the Orion, Ray, of Nantucket, 30 months out, with 1000 barrels sperm ; the General Pike, Purse, of New Bedford, 28 months out, wtth 1300 barrels black; the Pacific, Gardner, of Hobart Town, 2 months out, with 200 barrels sperm, and the Emont, Lovett, of Hobart Town, 6 months out, with 300 barrels black oil and 50 barrels sperm

It is reported that the 58th and 99th regiments will shortly proceed to India, and that the 65th regiment is to be strengthened by two additional companies.

Strat Dogs.— The Police have lately been very active in taking up stray dogs in Wellington, under Captain Fitzroy's Ordinance, which has recently been brought into operation. Every dog found at large is taken up by them, and if not claimed by its owner within twenty-four hours is destroyed. The penalty to be paid by the owner of the dog is five shillings, half of which goes to the policeman. Several complaints have been made as to the way in which the Ordinance has been enforced, and it is said that, acting under the temptation of the fine, the Police have, in several instances, exceeded their duty in taking dogs which they thought would be redeemed by their owners. They should remember that in the execution of their duty a due regard should be had to the convenience of the public ; and it would be well if a little of their present zeal were exhibited in taking up stray goats, which are a greater nuisance than stray dogs, especially to those who have gardens.

Wblmngton Savings Bank. — Mr. Gilfilfillan, Mr. Hart, Mr. P. M. Hervey, and Mr. Fitzherbert, the Managers in rotation, will attend to receive deposits at Messrs. Johnson & Moore's store, Lambton-quay, from seven to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, the 25th March, and at the Union Sank of Australia, from twelve to one o'clock, on Monday forenoon, 27th March.

Programme of the Performance by the Band of the 65th Regiment at Thorndon Flat, on Tuesday, the 30th March : — 1. Orerture — Gustavus Auber 2. Selection from the Stabat Mater . . Rossini 3. La Heine Victoria Quadrille Mutard 4. Polonaise Breptant 5. Garland Waltz Koenig 6. This Heart by Woe O'ertaken— \ WaUace Maritana J 7. Galop— Le Corsair BocJua 8. Camelia Polka Jullien

We publish the following Memorial addressed to his Excellency the Governor- in- Chief by certain landowners and other settlers interested in the Wai-nuUo-mata, requesting the assistance of the Government in forming a road to that district, together with the Colonial Secretary's reply. We shall take an early opportunity of making a few observations on the subject, which appears to us of considerable importance :—: —