AUCKLAND. [From the Southern Cross, July 6.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 424, 25 August 1849, Page 3

AUCKLAND. [From the Southern Cross, July 6.]

Kawau Mines. — We are glad to hear that the smelling works are now in active operation, and we very shortly may expect to s<-e the produce of our copper mines taking the chief place in our iist of exports. The ore has hitherto been broken up hy the tedious process of hand labour — but a crushing apparatus is now, we hear, in course of erection. The machinery is to be driven by water power, and as it is derived in a novel an I highly ingenious manner, it may be interesting, it not useful, to give some description of it. — A steam engine is used for the purpose of pumping the water out of the shafts from which the various levels proceed where the ore is worked. Instead of adopting the usual method of raising the water in the shahs to the high water ma:k only, and running it off by a channel at this elevation, the water is raised about IS feet above this level, and is then allowed to decend upon the water-wheel which is to drive the crushing apparatus. Should this ingenious and original method succeed, it is likely that a patent will be applied for to protect the discovery., ]t is only to be regretted that this invaluable coalition of steam and water power has been so long unknown to the scientific world, as. by this discovery it is confidently expected that the present steam engine of 12 horse power will Le made to do the work of a 24 horse engine. The poor engine is at present unable to raise to the sea level even half the water in the shaft?, so that it becomes the greater wonder how it should be able to achieve such extraordinary results by merely throwing the water up an extra 18 feet, and then allowing it to faJI plump on the w»jer wheel Bui this is an age; of wonders! ! • Among ihe many gratifying proofs of native industry which come under our notice from time to lime, we are glad to learn that they are giving so much attention to the cultivation of wheat. Recent accounts from the East Coast .inform us of the large supplies of that staple held by the natives in thai quarter, and ]<«trly we have observed tie quantity arriving here in jcanoes from the neighbouring districts to foe continually on the increase.. In one week W* are, informed o*2oo bushels hating

been delivered to one gentleman alone, and rhis we understand is hut a moieiy of what lie expects when the weather becomes settled and more favourable for its tiansmission. — Southern Cross, August 3.