AUCKLAND. [From the Southern Cross, January 25.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VI, Issue 473, 13 February 1850, Page 3

AUCKLAND. [From the Southern Cross, January 25.]

St. Paul's Church. — Most of our readers are aware that subscriptions have recently been in course of collection for repairing the exterior of St. Paul's Church, the amount collected in the first instance having been all required for the repairs of the walls alone. A farther sum is now being raised to have the steeple and spire cemented similar to the other portions of the building. For this purpose the soldiers of H. M. 58th regt. have contributed among themselves the handsome sum of £20 — an example w hich we have great pleasure in recordiug, and one which cannot be too widely made known for others to copy. Further subscriptions, we understand, are still required however, tnd we trust no one after this laudable instance, will now find any excuse for not contributing as far as their means will permit. Although regretting the negligence which in the first instance allowed such inferior materials to be used in its erection, yet, as a public building, we would recommend its proper preservation as a matter of public importance, particularly to those connected with our shipping, the church and spire being prominent, and highly important landmarks for those at tea, and to vessels making for this harbour.

Oil and Flax. — In recent numbers we have reported the arrivals of several whalers in the northern ports ; who, we are glad to learn, have been very successful in their operations off our coasts. We are also gratified to find that several shore parties on the east coast hare been equally fortunate. This

week the Sister, from the East Caps brought 20 casks of sperm, and 4 of black oil, and the Falcon from Poverty Bay and the East Coast, brought 12 tons of sperm, all the produce of the eastern shore stations. By the Sister 22 cols of wool-lashing were also received. In this article we would wish to see still greater activity — it is still very scarce in Sydney, and commanding high rates.