ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VI, Issue 524, 10 August 1850, Page 3

ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

A medal is to be granted to commemorate the first expedition to Egypt in 1801, to the survivors both naval and military. The sum of £12,426 has been paid by the East India Company into the Bank of England to the public account, to meet the claims of the several parties entitled to share in the prize money granted for the capture of Ghuznee and Lower Scinde. The imports of wool in London for the week ending February 8, were 2340 bales, of which 926 were from Sydney, 530 from France, 263 from Buenos Ayres, 187 from Swan River, 199 from the Cape, and the rest from Mogadore, &c. The committee appointed to organise and collect subscriptions for the great exhibition of industry of all nations, consists of Lord Granville, Mr. Alderman Thompson, and G. Drew and F. Fuller, Esqrs., who meet daily at the Board of Trade. Cholera still continues to infest some of the colliery villages in South Durham. Seven deaths occurred in South Church last week from this disease, and three or four in Bishop Auckland. During the first month of the repeal of the navigation laws twenty-five new vessels were launched in the river Wear. The procureur of the French Republic ordered the seizure of the Voix dv Peuple, at the post office and at its bureaux. There are two articles incriminated. The first is intituled "Vivel'Empereur?" the second "Faits de la journee." The criminal trials growing out of the Forrest and Macready riot, in front of the Astorplace theatre in New York on the 10th May last, have been concluded, by the acquittal of Captain Rynders. The Queen's speech was transmitted to Paris from London within ten hours. A hoirible murder and suicide were committed in Paris. A lieutenant of the 56th regiment of the line, lodging in the Rue dv Havre, killed his mistrpss with his sword, and then threw himself from his window into the street. He was killed on the spot. M. Brout, surnamed Robespierre, the chief of the Paris socialist grocers, was condemned for adultery to three months' imprisonment. The Earl of Airlie will, we understand, be the new representative peer for Scotland, in the room of the late Lord Colville. The writs for election have not yet been issued. The Earl of Airlie is a liberal, but in favor of a moderate pioteciion. The celebrated sculptor Bartolini died at Florence on 20th January, aged 77, after a short illness of three days. The Inverness Courier gives the history of a pair of bagpipes which have been played in that town during the Christmas holidays. They wore manufactured about a hundred years ago for the Duke of Gordon, and have been since in 32 milnary engagements in Canada, Eg^pt, and the continent.

Memorandum of an Expedition into ' the interior of the Southern Island of New Zealand, undertaken by Mr. Dashwood and Captain Mitchell, for the purpose of

finding an inland route from the Wairau to the Port Cooper Plains. April 22, 1850. Wellington, June 11, 1850. Sir, — Aware of the very gfeat interest fplt by the Government, and the public in geneial, on the subject of an inland route from the Nelson district to the Port Cooper Plains, I have the honor to lay before you, with as little delay as possible the result of an expedition into the interior of the South Island, undertaken by Mr. Dashwood and myself, from which we have just returned. A few hurried notes I despatched from the Wairau informed you that Mr. Dashwood and myself had already made a short excursion up the Waiopi ; on which occasion from the top of a hill whence the Waiopi derives its principal source, we discovered a valley running in a S.S.W. direction. This valley it was not our object to explore. Before proceeding I had perhaps better recapitulate the chief observations I made on that occasion, and give the bearings of the principal landmarks taken from a mountain to which I have heard a very sanguinary appellation given, but which I propose to call Mount Shepherd, and a high range of hills on Mr. Cautley's back run. From Mount Shepherd the Kaikoras bore North East extreme, E.N.E. ; S.W. extreme W.S.W. — They appeared about twenty miles distant. I could distinctly trace an extensive valley running along their base ; concerning which I could not then gain any information. I have since made every enquiry from those well acquainted with the coast but without success. Its existence appears unknown. — There did not seem to be any opening through the Kaikoras. On the 11th April we ascended the Cautley range. The morning was densely foggy, but about 11 o'clock it partially cleared. A gorge running S.E. (it formed one of the boundaries of Mr. Cautley's run) had a promising appearance of leading to an open country. It was, however, intercepted vi ith much bush. Ben Opi bore N. a little E., his brother S.E. by S. The range of hills forming the East boundary of the Wairau, and West of the Waiopi, ran in a half circle from North by the West to South. The mouth of Wairau N.N.E. I could only see the S.W. extreme of the Kaikoras — it bore W.S.W. I now commence our second expedition, premising that we took with us a mare and a mule carrying about 2cwt. each, and were accompanied by Harris, an old whaler. After easy travelling along the banks of the Waiopi for thirty miles in a general S. S. W. direction, (the first fifteen of which appeared a good sheep country) we reached Starvation Hill from which we had previously seen the valley on the 27th April. On the 29th we ascended it. A good hill horse is required to carry a load up this bill. It was as much as our animals could do. On reaching the top we unloaded, aud proceeding along the range to the West to a higher peak, we found the three highest summits of the Kaikoras bore due E. To the West, the tops of a dense mass of hills were alone visible. From Starvation Hill due South stands a peculiar pyramid ical hill, we named it Mount Impey. It is a capital landmark. On my former visit it was remarkable for having snow upon it some distance from the top, while the top itself was quite bare, from which it would appear to be volcanic, and at times in an active state. But now it was covered entirely with snow. Descending into the valley, the travelling became rough ; rocks, spear grass, acd the plant called Wild Irishman everywhere abounding. The valley appears never to have been fired, there is no fern or bush io it, but the Wild Irishman supplied us with good firewood. Here we experienced a most extraordinary severe frost, never in England have I felt it so intensely cold. The banks and the rocks in the river were masses of immense icicles ; and our clothes were frozen hard and stiff two minutes after we had taken them off. We now kept the river which is joined by a large stream from the east. The valley had as yet been very narrow, but for two miles it now became broader. I will give its course Ly compass bearings at the end of my letter. The country then again changed, the river increased by small mountain streams from east and west, and hemmed in by precipitous rocks, became deep and rapid and difficult, and in many places dangerous to cross. Impossible as it was, however, to walk along its high rugged >ides, or make any way through the solid phalanx of spear grass and Wild Irishman, which in these parts grow to a size and strength undreamt of by those whose shins have to come in contact with this formidable enemy, we were obliged to wade for miles along the edge of a shelf of rocks from which the mule slipped twice, spoiling all our bis- | cuit. Had it been summer, the narrow bot- : toms might have been burnt, but at best, this gorge will always deserve its name of the "Devil's Grip." After five miles of this amphibious travelling the valley again opened, and Mr. Dash-

wood and myself having clambered a hill, discovered, much to our delight, a beautiful valley running north and south. A river which had Us source in some small hills at our feet, wound through it. The width of the valley I should suppose to be about four or five miles. On each side ran low undulating hills, backed to the east by a high mountain range, the very picture of a sheep grazing country. At the distance we were, to judge of the quality of the grass was impossible ; though the height of the valley above the level of the sea perhaps rendered this part too cold for good grass, and unfit for sheep. We had the honor to attach your name, sir, to this valley. And it is my firm belief, that ere long the great south road, will traverse Richmond Valley. Looking down it from the hill on which we stood, no impediment whatever could be discerned. Mr. Dashwood believed it to be the Kaiparatehau. lam not sufficiently acquainted with the geography of the north-east coast to hazard an opinion, but I feel convinced it is the same valley I before mentioned as having distinctly traced from Mouut Shepherd running at the base of the Kaikoras. It is separated from Acheron valley, (as I propose to call the valley along which we journeyed,.after H.M. Steamer jScheronJ by easy low hills, over which you might now drive a cart, and thus Starvation Hill, the Devil's Grip, and our enemies, the prickles, would be avoided. If the river does run into the sea at N.E. it may be the Awatere. But this is mere supposition. It ought to be immediately explored. Mount Impey bore S.S.E., a little S., the Kaikoras N.N.E. May 3rd. — Again we were obliged to take to the river, the banks being so densely covered with our well armed vegetable opponents, as to be impassable for man or beast. We attempted to fire, but alas ! in vain, it was too wet. The valley had now gradually in- j creased to the width of two miles with improving grass which might do for cattle. A large j river (the Newcome) ran into Acheron vale from the west. The east bank had been fired. May sth. — Harris and myself had to return six miles after the horses which had strayed during the night. Mr. Dashwood in the meantime ascended a low range of hills to the west, and discovered a valley which I named after him. He described it as grassy — half a mile wide, and its course S. by W. and j N. by E. It ran into Acheron valley E.S.E. The river along which we travelled had become a considerable stream, and it behoved us to be careful where we crossed. Cogitating on its bank on the possibility of fording at the point where we then stood, the horse and mule suddenly dashed in, and proved the impracticability by swimming across and leaving us in the lurch. Some distance further down we managed with much difficulty to ford it, and regain our steeds. The hills for about seven miles to the west are low and undulating. A high snowy range then rises and runs parallel with Acheron vale, from which the rivers and streams appear to derive their source. This part of the country would be well worth exploring. Two horses could carry provisions for three months ; ample time during long days in fine weather to examine the valleys, nud to survey the country east and west from the hills which are all easy of ascent. The soil and grass here were much improved, and good cattle stations might be formed, but I fear the immense quantity of spear grass, and other prickles would prove an obstacle for sheep. May Bth. — The horses recrossed the river during the night, and Mr. Dashwood and Harris returned for them. I climbed a hill, but owing to the fog and clouds could make but little out. A river from N.N.E. ran into Acheron vale at W. A high snowy range ran N. W. by N. to S. E. by S. The fog precluded my seeing more. On the highest pea.k of the hill I had ascended was a bed of small broken stones, to all appearance of granite, of a very considerable depth. I tried to get at the soil with a stick without success. They gave one the idea of stones put on a recently finished macadamized road: — they were broken to the size of those used in England for private park roads, and were smoothed as if with a shovel. The whole top for some distance down was covered with them. Some shrubs, — aniseed, wild geranium, and parsley ; — ducks, both black and blue ; wikas, cranes, paradise geese, quails, grasshoppers, and flies, seemed to denote improving country, and to hint that we were nearing the coast ; — at least so we interpreted it. On an expedition of this kind there ought always to be a dog and gun amongst the party. As it was, our dog caught us more wikas than we could eat ; but ducks, paradise geese, and quail, would have been dainties we could have daily dined off had we had a gun. The first certain signs of maories we discovered on the 9th — a quantity of firewood collected and the remains of a ware gave certain evidence of ap old maori encampment.

The valley at this part was not more than three or four hundred yards wide, in places much less. The hills on both sides were covered with snow. The river turns at right angles to the east another large one (the Poynter), running into it from the west. On re. j gaining an eminence I discovered a valley three quarters of a mile wide. The hills on either side were covered with grass, and in the distance — for the first time since leaving the Waiopi — was bush of black birch and manuka. The valley ran due east and west. We had now evident signs of the banks of the river having recently been burnt, probably by natives passing along the coast. The soil still continued improving, and travelling easy ; and here I have to record an irreparable loss. When midway across the river I foundit deeper, and the stream more rapid than I had anticipated ; so, to prevent mjgnote book getting damaged, I held up my blue shirt, and dropped ray compass from the pocket, — the only one with the party. I have taken correct bearings of the valley for forty miles, the remainder is guess work. A stream from the north, another from S.W. joined the river. Acheron Valley now became impassable, ■ so Mr. Dashwood and myself set out on a surveying expedition. Having arrived at the top of the highest hill we were rewarded for j our labour by a bird's eye view of a most magnificent country. To the south we commanded at least one hundred miles in a direct line. The sea between the coaston the plains and Banks' Peninsula had the appearance of a river, and a succession of extensive plains to the S.W., might easily be mistaken for one vast prairie. To the N, E. and E. Mr. Dashwood (who was on a different knoll) saw the sea and the low hills about Cape Campbell. Now I felt the loss of my compass. Well known land marks in every direction, and unable to take bearings. May 11th. — We had up to this period been following the river running through Acherou Valley, which from subsequent enquiry I have every reason to believe was the Waipapa or Big river of the whalers. But now leaving it running to the N. E., we returned a short distance and took the stream I before mentioned as joining from the S.W. The valley through which it ran we named the Valley of Hope. Keeping aiong it we mounted a hill from which the stream derives its source. On the south side of this hill another river takes its rise, and runs in a south westerly direction. We descended a spur (clothed with black birch bush thro' which there is not any difficulty in leading a horse) on the west side, and came to the bed of the river, which is one of the sources of the Wai-hou. Keeping this for eleven miles we entered an extensive plain, (Hamilton plain.) The grass (very good) was interspersed with fern ; and a great deal of manuka grew in patches. A large swamp, in which we nearly left the mare, occupied the centre ; various mountain streams ran through it into the Waihou. It would prove valuable for cattle stations. Returning towards what we supposed to be the continuation of the same river j described above as the source of the Waihou, we came to our surprise upon an entirely different river running in a direction exactly opposite to that of the former, which it joins where we met it. At this spot both turned suddenly to the eastward, at direct right angles , to their previous courses, and flowed down to the sea as one broad river the Waihou. Some idea may be formed of its size from the fact of our crossing the southerly stream in seven distinct channels. On nearing the shore the last channel became suddenly deep. Taken by surprise I was carried off my legs and immersed ; but, scrambling, came up again, and perceived a trusty stick held out to me. Seizing it, I was dragged on shore by the same band and the same stick that had once before done me the same good service — those of my friend Dashwood. Other plains I have no doubt exist to the southwest ; but for three days we could scarcely see the outline of the hills through the fog, although not three miles distant. We now wended our way through a sweet pretty valley. The river, which was in one broad stream, surrounded numerous islands covered with wood. On the hills the flax, fern, and ti tree was the general herbage ; but the spear grass and Wild Irishman still made their appearance in a diminutive form. In some large bottoms of fifty acres close to the bed of the river which I suppose from their appearance to have been at some period inundated, and in the gullies between the hills, the soil was particularly rich, producing flax of an extraordinary height and size. Issuing from this valley we burst upon the finest grazing plain I have ever seen in this or any other country. I know it is the fate of travellers to be accused of exaggeration ; but I care not as long as I call attention to the splendid inland plains. I will therefore attempt a description from the hasty observations I was enabled to take. The plain surrounded by low 'undulating grassy hills backed by higher ranges, — is bowl shaped, and contains not less than 260,000

acres (I believe much more.) Two rivers, the Waihou and Huronui, run through it parallel to each other, at eight miles distance. The grass is of the best description, and the soil in many places fit for cultivation. It has a perfect natural drainage, is well sheltered from all winds, has no swamps — but also I much fear, no wood. I may as well at once say, that through this plain over some easy low hills to the south, is the direct route to Port Cooper. But we—ignorant of the country, with rapidly diminishing provisions, without compass, and in thick weather, deemed it more prudent to make Motunau by the coast, where we knew there was a station. Keeping the Waihou for five miles further we entered a gully, but soon finding it impassable, took to the hills from which we obtained a view of the sea. Descendiug into another extensive plain with more swamp, but equally good grazing capabilities as the last, we crossed some more hills and reached the coast. These hills by the sea side are covered with fern flax, ti-tree, toitoi, and manuka. May 23. — Finding the cliffs perpendicular and no possibility of gaining the beach, we returned a part of our last day's walk and taking a southerly direction came to a hill from which we espied a fire on the plain below. Lighting another in answer to it, we remained sometime on the look-out for sign of man ; but none appearing, we made the coast near a salt lagoon to the north of the Hurunui. About 8 o'clock in the evening we heard a cooeing, and shortly had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Caverhill of Motunau, who had been on the look out for us for some time, and had followed our track for three days. Piloted by him across the Hurunui (a rapid, deep and dangerous river,) we arrived at his house, where we obtained all we required, food, rest, clothes and money. From thence leaving Harris, we started for Port Cooper. Losing ourselves on the plains by keeping too close to the sea, a violent snow storm overtook us, and getting entangled in the swamps over which no horse could venture, we wandered for two days, on the third almost starved from want of foo 1 and cold (we had not had a fire since we started, not having any tinder or matches with us) we shouldered our blankets and leaving our horses made through the swamp to Kaiapoi. In due time we reached the Town of Lyttleton, which, with the plains, are too weli known to render a description from me neces^ sary, neither is it the purport of this letter to give one. Suffice it, therefore, to say, that all I heard in their favour did not come up, in my opinion, lo the reality. I was surprised and delighted at the extent of the land, and richness of the soil, the amount of useful work done, and the lasting, solid, yet neat manner in which it has been executed. It does very great credit to all concerned. And now, sir in conclusion, 1 have only to add that Mr. Dashwood and myself both regret our inability to furnish more satisfactory information of the country adjacent to that through which we travelled, but the loss of our compass iv an utterly unexplored, and unknown country, the shortness of the days, the continual thick weather, which prevented our seeing a mile before us for days, and the storms of snow, sleet, hail, and rain, rendered that which may henceforth easily be accomplished in ten days, a difficult and laborious journey of six weeks. I have purposely omitted all adventures merely personal ; my aim being, not to write a letter, but an attempt to give a clear, succinct account, useful to future travellers, which with 'he kind and able assistance of Mr. Hamilton of the Acheron, who knows the greater part of the country over which I travelled after I lost my compass, I hope in a short time to make more comprehensible by a correct map. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) W. Murray Mitchell, Capt. 84th Regt. His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson. The following is the course of Acheron valley :—: — S. by E. 5 miles. W. 3m. W.S.W. Bm. S.W. by S. 7m. S. sm. E.S.E §m. S. lm. S.S.E. lira. S.S.W.2m. S.byW. l|m. S. by E. |m. S. W. by S. 2m. S. S. W. lira. S. l|m. S. by E. lm. E. a little North 3m. Here we left the river running N.E. and I lost my compass.