CALIFORNIA.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 420, 11 August 1849, Page 4

CALIFORNIA.

The news from California was less flattering than it had been ; the unfavourable weather had interfered much with the pursuits of the adventurers, and gold was becoming scarce. Provisions were cheaper, the supplies from the nearest ports being considerable. The number of gold seekers was daily increasing. The United States naval Commander-in-Chief on the station promises clemency and forbearance to deserters who will return to their duty. The revenue laws of the United States were beginning to be enforced on imports, and were expected before long to be strictly so. House rent continued very high. It was expected that the naval commander would for a time throw open the coasting trade of Oregon and California to foreign flags, on account of the present scarcity of building materials. Iron Warehouse for California. — The incessant demand for goods in the Californian trade has just led to the accomplishment of a feat in British manufacture which merits special record. We find the circumstances thus explained in the Liverpool Albion: — "The want of any place to store the goods now going to California, determined Messrs. James Starkey & Co., who have a house in San Francisco, to send out the materials for a warehouse. A contract was consequently made with Messrs. T. Vernon & Co. for one to be built of iron, under the direction of Mr. Granthara, civil engineer, of Liverpool. The waiehouse is of iron, and the roof is similar to those used at railway stations. The sides and roof are thin, covered with galvanised corrugated iron plates. There are large folding doors in the centre, and windows in the roof. The order was given on the sth January ; the men were fairly at work on the 9th ; and on Saturdaj, the 3rd February, it was entirely erected, and ready to be taken down ; having been constructed in the short space of twenty-three working days.