THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “Verite sans peur.” Wanganui, June 12,. 1862.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 6, Issue 297, 26 June 1862, Page 2

THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “Verite sans peur.” Wanganui, June 12,. 1862.

The news by the English Mail will be found elsewhere, so far as we have had pace for i\ The English and Con incn-

,a l budget con' ains no' hing remarkable, but we shall give the remainder of what we have received, in an Ex'ra.

A well-known author has said that the more vanity a man has the more understanding lie wants. We have hitherto given some credit to our Auckland contemporary, the Southern Cross, for a certain smartness of manner which atoned in some small degree for the poverty of thought frequently-apparent in its columns ; but since it has become a Daily, it seems to have lost any little ballast it had before, and to be in danger of destruction from the erratic nature of its movements directed Jhither and thither according to the ' breath of popular opinion. It now imagines itself the centre of attraction, the observed of all observers, the Jupiter Tonans, whose awful nod makes Auckland residents tremble, and even the Governor shake in his shoes, and fear to remain within reach of the destructive thunderbolt held, in the hand of this new ruler of Gods and men.. The little frog has now swollen, into the dimensions of an ox; but the frog is less modest than that of the fable; it does not ask if it has attained the dimensions aimed at, but takes this for granted, and thus makes itself doubly ridiculous by a vanity exceeding even what was thought possible by the lively imagination of the fabulist. Malvolio did not strut with greater self-importance; and iValvolio’s words slightly altered are just what our contemporary is in effect saying. “ I will be proud, I wi 1 read politic authors, I will baflle Sir George, I will wash off gross acquaintance, I will be point-de-vice the very man. Ido not now fool my-elf to let imagination jade me ; for every reason excites to this, that the public loves me The public did commend my natives reports of late, it did praise my being crosstempered. I thank my stars I am happy.” That this is not an exaggerated representation of the ideas cherished by our eccentric contemporary will be evident from a few extracts taken from his leader of the 11th inst. “ Some of the wiseacres of this city are, we hear, to all appearance, in great tribulation and consternation, and in a state of intermittent fear and trembling lest our respected Governor should follow the example of the divinities of old, and shake the dust of Auckland from his feet. And it is we, the x.uhern Cross, who are driving him to this step.. "VVe are the offenders it appears. Our criticism of the actions of ministers, and our reports of the working of a policy, Ac have driven him to this, and so the political busybodies may bo seG n telling how dreadful it

all is, and how Sir George won’t stand it any longer, and won’t be badgered before breakfast, and is going away for ever and a-day, and intends to take all the troops with him.” Could the greatest enemy of the Southern Cross have imagined to himself such a display of ridiculous vanity and absurd self-impor tanco as is made in these few lines ? We venture to say that Sir George is much less affected in mind or in movement by the carping remai’ks of the Southern Cross than by the attentions of any one of the rather unpleasant neighbours of the genus Pul ex which he must occasionally come in contact with in liis visits to the maoris. In motive the annoyance is similar*— a desire to obtain the subsistence necessary for daily * support. But in manner the attack of the apterous hexapede is much more manly than that of the apterous biped. With the former it is “ do or die ;” but with Jthe latter there are numerous loopholes by which escape may be made Avhen it seems that to be crushed is; inevitable. Any reader of our contemporary must see that while his wishes drag him one way, liis fears make him look in a different direction. He hopes Sir George Grey’s plans may fail ; but if they do not, he has numerous passages iu his leaders on which he may fall back to shew how clear and farseeing his political views were; how desirous he was that tranquillity should be restored without bloodshed, and hopeful that the present policy might be successful. Nav ; did he nob tutor Sir George Grey; telling him,' that the maoris should have conferred on them _ the privileges ; but should likewise be obliged to'perform the duties of British subjects ? As if there were any difference of opinion on this point, or as' if this were not the object which Sir George Grey has in view. Thus, whatever may be the result, the Southern Cross will be able to say, “ Did we not always tell you so?” No doubt there is a good deal of the dexterous in this course; but the dexterity as very closely allied with shuffling. Wc are aware that it must be a difficult matter sometimes to get up a daily article even in the capital city, and to dearth of topics we would charitably ascribe some of the unfortunate exhibitions of our contemporary, His constant tilts with tho New Zealander we take to be a matter of business. His intense hatred of everything connected with Wellington, “ the Empire City,” aslie calls it, is partly a matter of business, but more of pleasure. The transfer of Gweninxeui House and military head quarters to Wellington, all to be brought about by the Cross. Wliat a triumph ! But then think oi the falling off of our daily circulation ! No ; whatever may be the result, Wellington must be snubbed. Prudence enjoins that vanity must be gratified only so lai as it does not interfere wNh pecuniary success. Fortunately this is seen, otherwise the frog would be inflated to bursting. Our contemporary however has another occupation beside that of putting governments and armies to flight. He is the arbiter of style and censor-general of the press. Nothing is too minute- for his criticism, and this we presume is

another proof of his greatness—dealing with the greatest and not overlooking the most insignificant objects. Even our little sheet docs not escape his notice, much fault with our Auckland correspondent’s style, one of his phrases at least being so barbarous as to be unintelligible ; but more with his opinions as to native policy, which as they are supposed to be similar to those of Mr. Fox, are imputed to the ££ inspiration” of the Colonial Secretary. That gentleman has . a power of expression and an übiquity of action, according to the Cr'oss of which, able as we believe him to be, wc had not previously thought him possessed. He is bowing before the maori ing with Lydia at Coromandel, inspiring our Auckland correspondent, conducting the multifarious business of his department of the government, accompanying his Excellency in his excursions among tho natives ; and in addition to all these varied spheres of doing and suffering, he actually holds the post of honorary Editor of the ££ Chronicle!” With such schoolboy criticisms and di ivelling gossip *■ the Southern Cross seeks to purify the taste and enlighten the minds of its metropolitan readers.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Captain Parkins’ Company of Rifle Volunteers. —A special general meeting of this Comp my was held at the Rutland Motel, on Friday evening, the 20th June in pursuance of a resolution passed by the Diana ;ing committee of the company on the 12th instant.

Mr. Stokes having been called to the Chair opened the proceedings hy drawing the intention of the meeting to the Circular issued by the committee calling the sumo, and stared that in all probability the decision arrived at that evening would determine the future position of the Company. The acting Secretary lean me minutes of the last special general meeting of the Company held on the evening of the.24-tli of May, which on being put by the Chairman to the meeting were unanimously confirmed. The acting Secretary also read the whole of the correspondence that hud passed between jh/ajor Aookes—the Officer- Commanding—and Capt. Parkes and Mr. Bcaveii Set retary, relating to the position of the Company, also minutes of the several committee meetings hearing upon the same. A very anina'ed discussion fallowed in which several members of the Company took part, and after several suggestions,it was proposed and seconded, “ that with a view to the amicable adjustment of existing differences touching the name and position of the Company, and with the desire on our part to act on ah occadous as far as practicable upon the suggestions of our present commanding Officer, Major Hookes, this Company he henceforth called and known under the name of the “ Piiuce of Wales’ Gonqiany.”

The following amendment to the above was proposed and seconded, and having been put to the meeting was declared carried : That the whole of the proceedings with ntereucb to the name and seniority of tlm Company he forwarded to his Excellency the Governor through the Officer commanding the district, and that in the meantime, in order to avoid any unseemly dispute, we accept the official designation of “ Captain Parkes’s Company” without thereby conc di ig any right to its original rauk and pos;:im.”

The meeting then directed the managiig committee to draw up a report of the ComI ally’s proceedings iu accordance with the resolution passed, and afo-.-r a v >te of thank* io Mr. Stores for liis services .n the Chair, broke up. New Hotel. We observe a very commodious house just erected iu Victoria Avenue, and understand it is to be a hotel to be Kept by Mr. flackett, whose long experience in nearly the same business will enable him to keep a good house. LETTESS TO THE EDITOS. Sir, —haveing read the letter of Kara Avis on tlio introduction of birds into this cuntry for the avowed purpose of destroying ;tho eaterpillers and the aphis the c; dbage blight insert and among others not forgetmg the mosquettis, and haveing recomended the uudertakin to the agricultural society, i hope that society will find better youse for there time then to imploy it in so uscle.s a manner as tliay whould never find it answer their purpose, biff at all events it meets with the approval of one man, a Mr. Erick Orr, who say he need not tell an English man how valuable the sparows and swallows are ; now if he was to tell many an cnglish farmer how invaluab'e ware the sparrow's he whould laucrh him to scorne, for to my knowledge thay have been ingaged in distroying them to the greate st °f tlieir abelity for the last fifteen years and are doing so now ; if thay whould eate them why 'is it that peas and beens are sometimes totally distroyed by tho aphis. and the pencil and rose trees are distroyed by the same pest and the goosbery curant trees are of ten distroyed by the catterpiller, now these birds never tutcii them but in sharp winters thay will pick nearly every bud out of the goosbery currant cherry and plumb trees as i have seen the husks of the buds almost cover the ground under those trees but mr. Orr recommend sending to California for small birds, wliat that cuntry bird will do ido not know but tho sparrows and like birds will not cat them, as to the swallows thay are birds of pasage, thay whould not live here all the year, so it' whould be v.i less to briim them here, i whould rceomcn.d mr. Orr to briii" out the californica birds at liis own expence and trouble and if it proved any benefit lie whould have the credit of being a public benefector.

i remain &c. an Englishman. Wanganui, June 211562. Sir, — 1 hope you will allow me space for a few remarks on some of the Provincial Council proceedings relating to this plr.ee. First, the vote for the protcction.of the Paver bank, which I find or enquiry is merely tlic balance of the former vote remaining in the Treasurer’s;liands, though it is all, or nearly all, due to parties in this place for work already done. It amounts therefore to no vote at all, as far as .enabling other work to he under taken, Even assuming that Mr. Watt aiid others are right in believing that the former vote might have been more judiciously expended, and that iu would not be wise to place further monies in the hands of persons who would, probably lay them out in building more groius ; yet-when we sec- wliat ravages the water is making

where near the hospital merely a hare roadway is now left between the river and the section ft seems to me that a vote of funds in some form was imper. t vely nece: s iry.

The vote of 300/ for tli.e 'Western lino seems utterly indefensible. That line is a crotchet of our new member’s ; and the very persons'whom it could possibly be supposed to benefit arc himself and some half dozen of his immediate relatives and neighbours, who have already had two roads laid off and partly made to afford them access to the town. The alternative line suggested in the Council would be a great improvement, as it would bcenrit several more settlers; aud while only half a mile longer keeps a nearly uniform level instead of crossing (as the Western line does) a gully 250 or 300 feet deep. But in truth no unprejudiced person who knows the locality can doubt for an instant that if the Council had 300/ to spare for roads in'that direction, it ought to have gone as Mr. Watt proposed, towards metalling the Brunswick road, which not only serves a much greater extent of the district and must some day form the trunk road to the country inland of the ICaiiwi ; but actually affords Mr. Bryce and his neighbours a route to town 2 miles shorter than the Western line, and 2\ miles shorter, than the alternative line would do.

In the “Cemetery,*’ ,‘Racecourse,” and “Street Sewerage” acts there are some strange omissions. The very existence of the Riflerange is ignored, and its site coolly passed over to two Boards to wliom our Volunteers, if they do not look sharp, will have the privilege of paying rent for the grounds they havo cleared and drained.

No provision seems also to be made for the Roman Catholic cemeteiy, or for that promised to the English Church in lieu of the closed churchyard.

I have ventured to call attention to these points, in the hope that when the Superintendent visits us, some means may be devised of rectifying these matters ; but I cannot belp wondering that they should have been passed over by our representatives, when they at once attract the attention of an obscure individual like your Obedient Servant,

Electoe. [Our correspondent might have learned from last week’s Chronicle that £3OO was voted for the Brunswick Road. Some amendments were made on the Acts mentionod on their third reading, the particulars of which we have not yet learned, but we shall publish them next week.] PROVINCIAL COUNCIL, Tuesday June 10.—Mr. Carter, in the absence of Mr. Waring Taylor, moved—- “ That in the opinion of this Council it is the duty of the' Government to obtain at the earliest possible period, the report of some competent Engineer as to the practicability of draining the Swamp on tlie North Bank of the Manawatu River ; and of the probable expense of the work : such Report to contain an estimate of the cost of cutting a fresh channel for the River from Long Reach to Sea Reach ; and particularly an opinion as to the advisability of making such a cutting' with a view to the drainage aforesaid. The Superintendent sent down a message recommending some amendments and 'additions in the /Tanganui Board Bill. . Thursday June 12. —A long discussion took place on the vote of £2,500 for the

erection of a Queen’s warehouse. The

vote was carried by I I to 10 ; or after -some members were struck out whom the speaker objected to as having connection with bonded stores, by 10 to 6. The District Highways Act was read a third time and passed. Erida-y June 13.—A vote of £.1,750 was passed for the expences of extra surveying in accordance with the report of the survey committee which report we shall give in our next. Tuesday June 17. —The Crown Lands

Commissioner moved the adoption of the

following resolution, —“ That in furtherance and extension of the views of the

Select Committee on the ‘Ann Wilson,’ as expressed in their Report to tlie effect that an amicable and equivalent adjustment of accounts should be-made between this Province and Messrs. Gladstone and Co. ; —The Superintendent of the .Province is hereby fully authorised to make

suck a definite proposal to Messrs. Gladstone in view of the above object as may upon a review of every interest and particular appear to him consistent with the best 'interest of the Province, and also as calculated to secui-e not only an amicable but a prompt settlement; such proposal to be made without prejudice.” Agreed to. Dr. Allison moved, —“For a Select Committee to enquire into and report upon the pecuniary interests of Messrs, ithodes, Turnbull, Taylor, Hunter, and

Watt in Ponded Stores: and to state whether it is - sufficient to warrant the .Speaker in ruling that they could not vote, on the motion of Mr. Duncan for rescinding the vote of £2,500 for building a Queen’s Warehouse. An amendment that these gentlemen were not disqualified was carried unanimously. The Don. J. Johnston gave notice of a motion to the effect that it was desirable that Government Bills should be sent to members, at least ohe month before the meeting of toe -Council. Tlis Honor the Superintendent then closed the Session with the following address:—

He first intimated that he had assented to various Acts passed, and proceeded:— And further I have reserved the Act, “To authorise the Superintendent to raise a further Loan of Twenty-five Thou. snnd’Pounds,” for the Governor’s assent jgt f p

While I assent to these Acts, I confess that a few of then contain provisions which I should have been glad to have seen modified ; still considering that they have all been subjected to the most searching discussion and that some of the most important are in a great degree the result of the Council’s own mature deliberation, having been cither framed by Select Committees or introduced by private members, I have felt it my duty to yield my own opinions and cheerfully to acquiesce in your decisions. By the Highway Act you have swept away three Acts, passed in different Sessions and containing conflicting provisions, have remedied grave defects, and supplied many omissions which have hitherto seriously impeded the full ■working of the Highways’system. •

By the Scab Act you have also got rH of three Acts dispersed in different B!u° Books, and by availing yourselves of ihe more carefully prepared enactments of other Provinces, Lave, I believe, succeeded in framing a measure admirably adapted to attain the object in view, the eradication of a disease which has proved most .detrimental to one of the most important interests of the Province.

I earnestly trust that in future Sessions other Acts will in the same way be consolidated and simplified, so that all your laws may be made both intelligible and accessible to those upon whom the duty of carrying them out devolves. However grcat*fche reluctance hitherto manifested by the inhabitants of this city to tulce upon"themselves the management of their own local affairs, still, I feel assured that in the Town Boards Act, you have by tlxe simplicity and inexpensiveness of tlie machinery you have devised, by the limitation of the powers and duties conferred upon the Commissioners, by restricting the rate to be levied to a very moderate amount —by consticuiing a single Bo;ird for the whole city, and by the equal representation you have given to the three wards into which it is to be divided, thereby ensuring an equitable expenditure of the rates, removed most of-the objections urged against previous Acts, while, at the same time, by your proposal to hand over to the Commissioners the rents of the Town Belt and to contribute oi t of the Public Revenue a sum equal to the amount raised by the rates, you have held out such powerful inducements to bring the Act into operation, that if its provisions arc only fairly explained and understood, I think we may reasonably anticipate that the inhabitants will readily avail themselves of tlie advantages and privileges it confers upon them. With respect to the Wanganui Streots, Sewerage and Draining Act, seeing that it has been drawn up in strict conformity with the views of the V anganui Representatives, and that -it gives all the power which the constituents have repeatedly asked for, I have no doubt that the Act will be regarded by them as one of the greatest boons yet conferred upon their important and thriving settlement. Important as aie these measures, the present session has been equally distinguished by tlie ample provision you have made for the execution of public works in almost every part of the Province, and for the fair and impartial manner in which you liai e distributed the large funds which have been at your disposal ; and though you have been obliged to supplement tlie ’’surplus revenue available for public works, by a further Loan of £25, 000, yet you will by some of the works proposed, create a revenue more than sufficient to meet the annual interest on a much larger amount. I have now, on belialf of tlie Province, to tender you my thanks for the earnest manner in which, during a protracted session, you have applied yourselves to the discharge of your onerous duties, niyf own personal thanks for the kindly feelings which you have in many ways evinced towards myself, and to express my hope that when you again assemble, you will find no cause to regret the large amount of confidence you have reposed in the Government.

EUROPEAN NI’.WY,

(From our oivn Correspondent.')

London, April 20 1802

From abroad the most interesting news comes as usual from America. There events are now moving fast enough to make up for the long interval of suspense, and they deepen in tragic interest. Whatever inclination we may once have had to laugh at our American friends, we are past it n'\v. lvidicule and banter arc hushed in presence of the awful slaughter that is reddening the soil in alTdirections and the ruin and devastation that are marching in the rear of the opposing hosts. From four widely different quaiters we have news of important movements. lu the south at Hew Orleans, the Federal fleet and army have made an attempt which wc must take to be a failure, as all the news is from Northern sources, and, had success attended the assault, wc should have heard all about it fast enough. In the north-west at Corinth in Tennessee we have accounts of a great battle fought on the Gtli inst. between the Confederates under their best general, Beauregard, and the Federal army under General Grant. We only have the accounts as yet from northern sources, and owing to the prohibition imposed against their publishing war news, we may be sure no news unfavourable to them will be allowed to soe the light ; but even on their own shewing the success was to some extent with the Confederates. The battle lasted two days ; on the first, the Confederates after a desperate struggle drove back their opponents, captured six batteries and some thousands of prisoners ; on the second, the Federals, reinforced during the night, resumed the offensive, and after another long and fierce fight obliged the Confederates to retire, which they appear to have done without confusion to their former position at Corinth. One of the be.st generals the Confederatos'have, Genl. Sydney Johnston, was killed by a cannon ball, and many of the Federal General officers were also killed or wounded. To give you an idea of the inveterate habit of exaggeration the Yankees have through good and bad fortune, I may state that ti c first report we had of this battle mentioned 55,000 killed wounded and prisoners ! It now turns out that the Federal loss is about 10,000, and the opposite side not quite so much. There is no doubt whatevei’, that this is a success for the Southerners, because they have crippled one of the most formidable armies opposed to them and checked its march southward—a most important point at this season when the heats of summer are close at

hand, and the Northern armies will not be able to march any distance into this swampy, jungly 'country, without being decimated by fever and ague. Hence, on this side the active campaign must soon close, leaving,-as there is every appearance of its doing, a great portion of the important Border States still in the possession of the Southerns.

When leaving the south and west we come to the north and east we have great events in progress or imminent The grand army of the Potomac, abandoning. the idea of entering ’Virginia from the north has been transported by sea to the. peninsula formed by the York ami James Rivers, at tiie end of which stands fortress Munro. This p ninsula is the scene of the disastrous capitulation of the army under Cornwallis during the American war of Independence. It leads directly up to Norfolk, where the Confederates have their principal Navy Yard and where the world renowned Merrimac is now lying perdue. The fall of Norfolk would leave Richmond exposed—lienee the position is of great consequence. Now General McClellan advancing along the peninsula came on a line of most formidable entrenchments which extended the whole way across it, and these entrenchments are supposed to be defended by an army of 30,000 men under the Confederate general Magrudcr, superintended by President Davis himself. In addition the Confederates have on one flank the aid of a fleet of iron-clad vessels among which is the Merrimac in herself a host so that the Eederals will derive no advantage from wliat has hitherto been their strongest arm in the campaign viz : —the co-operation of naval forces. On this field will doubtless be fought one of the most important battles of the war. If McClellan is repulsed and his pre tige destroyed the whole Federal army will be disheartened and the important state of Virginia will remain in the bands of tlie Confederates, while the season will prevent any further efforts till the autumn. A little to the south ol this part is the scene of the operations of wliat is called the Burnside expedition which was sent to oporate against North Carolina. It is at present encamped on the coast about Beaufort, apparent y inactive. Like all the other, detached coast- expeditions by the Eederals the result has been most inadequate in proportion to the outlay and the boasting. In yet another quarter of this immense field of operations there has been an engagement followed by a success of some consequence to the Eederals. I refer to the capture of what is called Island No. 10 in the Mississippi a strongly fortified post of the Confederates, intended to bar all progress by an invading force southward. "With the island weie taken about 3000 prisoners and some cannon. As all these accounts come from northern sources we of course cannot tell to wliat extent the affair is really a loss to the Confederates, or whether strategic considerations may not have influenced them in retaining the post up to a certain point to cover the movement which resulted in the battle of Corinth. But one result there is beyond all doubt from these bloody and obstinate struggles: It is hopeless to expect anything like reconciliation or reconstruction of the Union on the old conditions. The [animosity is now too inveterate, and is intensified by tlie slaughter ancl wide destruction. When there is hardly a white family in the south that has not lost a member at the hands of the Northerns, what probability is.there of anything like friendship ever arising out of the ruins of so many homesteads % Besides, on the admission of the Northerns themselves, the hatred felt towards them by the women of the Southern States is something extraordinary. Tlie women of the South make clothes for. the soldiers and comforts for the wounded, melt down bells and all sorts of things for bullei s, and devote their jewels and trinkets towards the fund for building gunboats. The ladies of Charleston alone havo subscribed in this way 4,000,000 dollars for iron-plated gunboats ! As long as this sort of spirit exists, it is madness to expect that feelings of friendship and brotherhood can be restored for many generations.

Both Houses of Legislature have passed a Bill for abolishing slavery in the distiict of Columbia and remunerating the slave owners. This is the first step acting on the President’s message which ovas mentioned in my last. He has also sent a message recommending a measure or treaty for securing joint co-operation wiili :he Bri-ish Government to suppress the Slave Trade. Tims the cause of the Negro really looks up. An amusing incident has just happened in connection with the blockade of the American ports. A vessel called the Emily St. Pierre from Calcutta to St. John’s N. B. called off Charleston—the master says to see if there was a blockade still existing—the Northerns say,, to try to run the blockade. Under this iniprosion, "a northern cruiser, the James Adger, captured licr, and taking out most of the crew, put in a prize cre w consisting of a Lieutenant and fifteen men, but leaving oa board the original master and two of his crew. This master, byname Wilson, a Scotchman by the way, at once resolved to regain possession of Ins vessel even against these tremendous odds, and he got his two men to assist him. The prize crew were to take the vosscl to Philadelphia, but on the first night they were at sea Caph Wilson by a combination of audacity and stratagem which reads like a romance overpowered the whole of the prize crew in detail and actually brought liis vessel with the prisoners safely to Liverpool, which port he entered in triumph on Sunday last. The news of"this clever transaction has thrown us into high glee here, the idea of a Britisher outwitting Yankees with such odds in their favour being especially grateful to our feelings. Capt. Wilson is the hero of the day, and

is to be presented by bis admirers.. in Liverpool with a handsome testimonial, Tor which some hundreds of pounds have bean subscribed. Trade is still dull ami money is accumulating fast. Specie is now pouring in from the United Slates, and the discount market is in a very low state. The best hills can be done at 2 per cent., which is below the bank rate. Owing to. the plethora of cash and the necessity of investing, some foreign Joans have come out with great success and been largely subscribed for. Since the Pinkish loan mentioned in my last, an Egyptian one of. two millions sterling lias been brought out and stands at a-premium. A Russian one of ten millions is, spoken of and. will likely be out in a few days, hut Russian credit does not stand very high, at present. Various joint stock banks under limit liability have, also been launched successfully, among others one .for Columbia, with a first class board of London directors.

The next Wool sales are expected tu be largely supplied, more, than 80,000 bales being already announced and arrivals occurring daily. The woollen manufacturing districts are fairly busy, but in Lancashire and the cotton districts the distress is great and seriously increasing. Thecriis tf suffering are beginning to be|very audible, though they bear their privations nobly. Cotton is still rising, and it is univeisady admit.ed that there is not the ghost of a chance of the American war ceasing soon.

AUCKLAND. The Governor. H. M. S. S. Harrier, 17 guns, Commander Sir M. McGregor, Bart., took her departure, with his Excellency the Governor and suite on boanl, on Wednesday the 14tn inst. at half an hour after noon. She is to proceed to Coromandel, Ivawau, Wangarei, and Bay of Islands, returning hither before proceeding to Wellington. New Zsalandcr, June 14. His Excellency the Governor did not visit Coromandel on bis way to the north, we have been informed. Nothing was seen of the ‘Harrier’ there on 1 hursday evening last. Southern Cross, June lb. THE NGAPUIII WAR. Correspondents of the Southern Cross write as follows: — AVangnrei, June 4, 1862. On Thursday, May iOtli, Mattiu and his men, having previously returned from Pukiat.ua to the pah at Waiateiuateru, were visited by Harriet, the widow of Horn Ileki, who told A/attiu that not like the fighting, and that if he would stop fighting, she would not require payment fertile, men killed at the last fight. Those thou killed are men of Harriet’s part of the tribe. When Harriet had ceased speaking. Mat tin’s men turned out, guns in hand, and began firing at, Terarau’s pah, but of course without any result. Shortly after, Torarau gave orders to batter down Malliu’s pah. His brass gun was at once brought into position, and MalfiuVpah broached in all directions. In half an hour the flag was low ered to half mast, and in another Lour the entire front of the pah was shot down, and Mattiu and his people retired to their second pah, a little behind the first. * Terarau does not appear to push the fighting, as he never seems to punish his adversary. even when the advantage is in his hands. To all apenranee, lie only wishes to show his enemy that he could and would fight in earnest, if pushed further to it by Mattiu. Terarau never fights hut when provoked to it by the opposite party. Reinforcements are daily arriving on both sides. About 20 Bay natives, for Terarau’" side, passed through Wangarei on May 10th. They came by the coast, to Ngunmi, a*id thence to Wangarei. They say they are the first of about 400. Some are coming from the North Cape. The excitement seems to be spreading among thenatives. The battering of the pah was distinctly heard by the settlers in the Ivauri Hohori block.

No nccidcnt whatever happened on Termini's side ; and I cannot hear what were the casualties on Mat. tin’s side. His people keep this very quiet. There is more or less firing every day at long range, with an occasional shot from the brass gun, which shews that both parties are on the alert.

Wangarei, June 7, 1862. T do not hear much additional about the Ngnpuhi war, but there is the making of another rosy in this locality. It appears that the last bone of contention is the Victoria valley ; and the Victoria natives and the Aliipara natives are likely to come to blows about it. Some are for selling Victoria, and others for retaining it. One of the government interpreters at present litre started for the locality yesterday, to ascertain the extent of the disagreement. COHO .MAN DEL. We have seen a letter from a gentleman residing in Coromandel, addressed to a private party in Auckland, confirming the news in reference to Keren's reef, published in the Daily Southern Cross yesterday. The quantity' nf the precious metal obtained from the piece of quartz crushed in the presence of Turton would give a yield unequalled by any known quartzreef.

At last the gold lias found its way to the Banks, niggers having offered some for sale yesterday. We have a letter, dated Coromandel, June 7tli, in which the writer says : —“I think that Sir George will be able to obtain the land. The Maories seem to be more inclined to treat now than they were a week ago. Tilings are very dull just now ; but I hope and believe the}' will bo brisk, enough soon - ” —Southern Cross June 10. The New Zealander of June 14 contains a .copy of the application for the reward for the discovery of a paying goldfield and the following letters,

We have no further notice of the visit of Sir George Grey. ’ Coromandel, June 5, 18(33. To His Honor the Superintendent and Provincial Council.—

Pursuant to an advertisement in the local journals by tlie Provincial Council, offering a reward of .£2OOO for l the discovery of an available gold field in this Province, subject to certain conditions contained' therein, we the undersigned, beg most respectfully to send in our claim for the reward, for the following reasons. Ist. Because wo have at great expense and labour, and without aid from any quarter; -first discovered a gold-bearing quartz reef on Government land, •• capable of employing many thousands, and the source of the many specimens found'in the localities through -which it passes. 2nd. Because-500 men will shortly be employed upon this reef. - 3rd. Because immediate steps will be taken for machinery.

The above “ thousands” must be understood to mean the 'whole line of reef as far'as traced through different properties. ' ■ ; _ ' ■ • Thomas Revest, ' - - E. S. Woonrsr, W. -P. Estes, Phillip Otto, - - Ciias. 11. -Wilson, M. Milan; (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) On Monday last, when Mr. Fox left Coromandel, after spending a week in indcavouring to come to terms; with the natives, and with little effect, we were all proportionately discouraged, little thinking liow soon tlio arrival of Governor Grey would open up the probability of a speedy and satisfactory settlement of the sale of Paul’s land. The diggers themselves, mean while made some very liberal offers to tlie- natives for permission to work, but were no more successful than the Government had hitherto been. The natives are gathered in considerable force on the boundary of Peter and Paul’s land, and it is evidently tlieir intention to allow nobody to work their ground until a full consent shallhave been given by every proprietor interested in its sale, though they seem'to imagine-that tlie miners in-* tend to do so, and have, I hear, sent to the natives up tlie Thames for reinforcements, in case the diggers—allowing themselves to be made the ‘ tools, ■ and ultimately the scapegoats of “ party machinations”—should rush Paul’s ground. On Monday night they danced a war dance, and though this is, of course, all bounce, still it shows they are determined not to let the land be taken from them by force. The miners seem to be very peaceably disposed, and to have no inclinaiou to “rush” the land in question, until the-purchase sh dl have been fairly effected by the • Government; tlieir conduct -throughout has been most piaisewoitliy. It was, even before Sir George Gi-ey’s arrival on Wednesday, the opinion of everybody hero, that in less than a month Paul’s land would be in our possession, as the natives will ho glad to come to some arrangement with the Government., and to take a load off tlieir shoulders, which time will make irksome to them ; they say that watching their ground by n ight is almost more than they can stand. From Messrs. Ifeven and Woo Tin I hear the most satisfactory accounts ; they wishing to satisfy themselves as to tlie extent and richness of their red, dug a shaft a little below the-tunnel, si ml at the depth of about five feet struck tlie reef, which upon trial proved very rich ; in fact if the piece crushed is only a fair average of the whole reef, which is about four feet wide, it will turn oat not leso than thirty ounces of gold per ton. No gold was seen in tl.e pieces tried previously to crushing. -In consequence of this success many others have, marked out claims immediately adjoining that .of Keven and Company.

A a inquest was held on Tuesday last, by Mr. J. Preece, Coroner, on the body of John Denny, who was found dead in his boat on the previous day. From the evidence it appears that the deceased, who was an old man upwards of seventy, left the Tiki on Monday morning, apparently in good health, intending to return to his home which is situated on one of the small islands opposite Kikowhakarere; he was alone, his only companion being a la:go dog ; during the afternoon the dingy drifted to the shore near Mr. White’s place in Coromandel harbour; when the deceased was found be was leaning back in the boat and quite dead ; from the position in which be was found, ail'd of the paddles, be appears to have fallen back suddenly in the very act of rowing. The deceased was well known in Coromandel, baying resided here for upwards of eight years, lie lived the. life of a hermit and supported him elf by fishing and a little cultivation. June Ttli. On Thursday afternoon, shortly after the depaiture of 11.M.5. Harrier with Sir George Grey on board,,Lydia brought the Besident .Magistrate, Mr. Tiirion, a letter addressed to herself which she requested him to read to her and to the Natives residing at Kapunga. The contents of the letter were to the following effect: —“ Friends, let the Pakeha dig on your land, and do you take notice of the day and the month when they begin to work that I may know from when to commence to pay you in compensation for their work. “ From your loving friend, “ G. Geey ” Peter of Kapanga on hearing this letter read, said “ the word of the Governor is good, do you Lydia let the Pakeha work on your ground and trust in the word of the Governor." Lydia then spoke, and said, “my mind is very dark about the theft of the mmtpv (i.e. the gold token by the miners off Paul’s land) let me be paid for that bad deed mat my urnd may be clear, and then when I see Te llira, 1 will do all I can to show my 1 >vc

o the Governor.” Very little more was said oi llie. subject by .either party,-and I have since heard that Mr. Turtou bus offered Lydia itlOO as compensation for the gold already taken off Paul’s Land. I believe that on the arrival of To Ilira this affair will be settled and the consent of all the Natives connected with it will be given for the ta'e or lease of this block of land to tlie Government. Watson's party have been compelled to leave tlieir shaft on account of the great quantity of water ; it is sunk to a depth of 1 L 3 feet, and as soon as the spring comes, they will make another attempt to bottom it.

Of Mr. Wuodin and party. T hear very goo 1 accounts, fresh trials of tlieir quartz having been made, and each one pnn ing better than the former; all tlie claims have been taken np-ni this reef, The New r Zealander of June IS, contains the following latest intelligence received'' :—-

Difficulties, ’we regret to say, still stand in the way of the opening of Paul’s land. Te Hira as we learn, has refused to be a party to any arrangement .for tlie sale or working of that-block, and it is said also that at the meeting with the Waikatos, recently held in the Upper Thames' District,' the laud has been formally lian- . ded over to “the king.” If this be so, it will be difficult for Lydia and tlie other natives at Coromandel, however well disposed they maybe, to deal with this laud in tlie way in wdiich the Government and tlie diggers desire. It is not true, it now appears that Lydia was paid one hundred pounds on account of the gold which had already been abstracted from Paul’s block. She received no money ; the money was offered on- condition that the reserved lands should, at once be handed over tothe Government for mining purposes-; but wdien it was found that a very smal l and value’ess portion, near to Murphy’s reef, wars intended to be surrendered that offer was withdrawn, and pending the return of Sir George-Grey, we suppose' matters may remain in sta/.'u quo. In all that we have stated to the public with regard to- Coromandel, wo have beencai'eful to adhere closely to facts; wo persist in declaring that if the native proprietors of Paul’s block insist upen keeping the land, their right must bo respected ; tlicy have already, we believe, summoned one or two diggers befoi’e the Resident Magistrate for trespasser theft tlie law cannot refuse them protection,, and the decision of the courts in their favour if made must be enforced. It those who are wildly endeavouring to get up a “ rush” could forget themselves and their own. small interests for a moment, we might still hope that betteiv counsel would come to the Ooromaiulei natives. Need we say that the first act of-violence on either side may put an end to a negotiation on which so much depends, and bring “Waikato” down,., with a good cause, to defend maori.rigiito. at Coromandel.

On Saturday last the first practical: step was taken on the part of the citizens of Auckland towards developing the ; riches of Coromandel. It has for some weeks past been known that Messrs.. Keven and Wpodin lmd discovered an auriferous, reef, and at Coromandel itself so patent was this fact to all, that for a considerable distance along the reef, claims were marked out and registered. On Friday evening Messrs. Keven and Wooclin came down to town for the purpose of forming tlieir claim,which extends 400 feet along the reef, into, a hundred share company, of which. 40 shares, at 501 each, were to be sold, and the'remaining 60 retained by the six original claimants, —the two thousand pounds so raised forming a fund for the purchase of machinery and defraying the necessary expenses of getting the company into working order. Without any advertising, and almost as soon as it became known on Saturday morning, that sucli an arrangement was in contemplation, Mr. Keven’s shop in the Crescent became the centre of attraction ; applications tor shares were at once made and the list filled up in a few hours. Cn Friday next, a meeting of the shareholders will take place at noon, in the Chamber of Commerce, to appoint officers and for the transaction of other business We are pleased to see the manner in which _ the public have come forward to do ftlicir part in helping these indefatigable; prospectors to carry out their undertaking, while at the same time we fully believe they are doing an exceedingly good stroke u of business for themselves. The richness of the reefs at Coromandel has indeed for some weeks past been no longer a matter of question. Private information, of a character beyond doubt which wc have from time to time received, fully bears out the testimony of the original shareholders in Keren's reef. Beeson’s claim ( on the same reef, No. 1 south, adjoining Keven’s clam, is already being worked. By the Annie Laurie we received a specimen of quartz taken from the casing of claim No. 1 south, the next claim, and adjoining to that of Mr. Keven s. On examining this specimen, gold could not be seen either with the naked eye, or by mean; of a glass. We took the piece of quartz down to Mr. Keven’s, and hud it crushed in a pestle and mortar, and saw it washed out upon his premises ; the result was, from 41 ounces quartz, about 12 specks of pure gold, and about .five or six times the bulk of another metal, to all appearance silver. When we consider that this was a piece of quartz taken at random, in wliica too no gold could be. seen, and which weighed only 14 ounces, we cannot but be astonished and gratified at the res'llt. We cannot believe otherwise than at Coromandel, uporTthe Government land, and quite independent of the mu ih-coveted gold region of Paul, there is mom for enterprise. We say nothing'

of the Government) land upon the Mer- ► cury Bay side, that remains to be proved ; but we do hope that the native land will no longer be allowed to remain a stumbling block to the advancement of Coromandel, and that the miners will leave the shadow and turn their attention to the substance, which wo really believe to exist on land which is open to them to prospect. Mr. Keven has already commenced the erection of a . smithy, sheds, &c., and houses for tho ' workmen ; and now that the undertak--,ing is likely to cme under the hands of .. a company, we may soon expect that ' even the most sceptical will be convinced by the best of all proofs,. a weekly return of gold from Coromandel.

[from our own correspondent]. June 13,

During the present week Mi*. Watson's party, now reduced to eight men, have been prospecting on the point of land in the.centre of the harbour (commonly called Pi’cece’s point), and have struck upon ICeven’s reef, which dips at the Kapanga, t hen crosses this part of the harbour, and rises again in the point above named. They have obtained some very splendid prospects, being I hear equal to those got in lv even’s claim, they being able to see tho gold as they break down tho quart*. Several very good prospects have been obtained on different claimtj on this reef, and in many instances it is expected to yield at the rate of ten ounces of gold per ton from tho very surface. — New-Zea-lander, June 18.

The following extracts from the Otago Daily Times’ Auckland correspondents letter may be interesting at present, “ The military road' to Waikato rivjr is all finished. It would have been done sooner it'there had not been so much rain of late ; but the weather has set in fine again, and I hear on the best authority that a fortnight more will finish the work. The troops have behaved splendidly about it, working through weather which has literally, in some of the camps, left no diy spot day or night for the men. The 65th has been conspicuous in the amount and character of the work done ; but all the regiments have' executed a duty not very agreeable to soldiers, with alacrity and good nature. As soon as the last metalling is on, the army will move into winter quarters. The General has not only stuck to the work himself, 1 laving his head quarters altogether at Drury, but he has made the officers stick to it too. The natives have got on capitally with him, and say he is a fine fellow; they call hint, the Taniwha (the name of a fish given to great warriors) and say ho is the Waikato river of his own accord, if he once takes it into his head.

“ You will see by the March debate in the House of Commons, that tliey are beginning to be very uneasy at home about the old question ot colonial military expenditure. Every .now and then there is sure to be a return of the chronic complaint, iu anticipation of the army estimates: and I had a letter yesterday from a man who knows all that is going on at the Colonial Office, which says that a serious move will be made t© reduce the force now in Hew Zealand . There is no doubt that the Colonial Minister will try it on; but in my opinion you won’t see a man out of the country if Sir George Grey can help it, and at any rate not for some time. There seems no doubt that the Imperial Government rely on the contribution of £5 a-liead from 'Hew Zealand as being permanentbut it is not the less true that our guarantee expires in a year, and that it must therefore come formally before the House of .Representatives this session for renewal. In many letters by this and the January and February mails, I am assured that Downing-street has made up its, mind to have a peace policy here, and will back Sir George. One of our own colonists, whose position gives him peculiar means of learning what is said there, tells mo by this mail that Sir George’s plan of native institutions was being favorably received in cplpnial circles, in the- expectation ; —lst, that the colony was to find all the money ; and 2nd, that it wo .Id enable the troops to be reduced to, a large extent, “ One does not know what to say about the prospects of tho coming cession at Wellington. Ministers will hold their ground, if for no other reason, for tho very good one that there is nobody to take their places. It is openly reported that Mr. Grosbie Ward ie go ng home immediately after tho session > but otherwise, so far as one can judge from jolly laces, Ilis Excellency’s advisers hara no idea of leaving the treasury bench, nor the least notion that there is any chance of it. Their standing or falling of course depends entirely on what the middle island says in the house ; and now, that the separation question has been formally initiated by Otago, it is not so easy to -predict what the middle island will say. I gather from the Canterbury Press that unless Christchurch is to be made the scat of government, the pilgrims will oppose separation, but we must wait to see whether Mr. Moorfiouse or Mr. Fitzgerald are coming up to the House. The Auckland people don’t seem to care much either way, but you will see,, nevertheless that the majority of the Auckland members will go with Wellington, which, of course gives no quarter to the soparationists. Wellington knows very well that the separation of the islands is a death blow to her claims for the seat of governmant. Auckland’s interest on the contrary, lies in promoting separation, so as finally to settle the capital of this island, and the seat of the Governor’s residence in this city. Still I think that Wellington will get her own way ; for I suppose ministers will naturally declare against separation, and your Otago members were among their warmest suppor-

ters in the House, By the time next mail goes out I shall be able to tell you more than I can now, after the lapse of only a day or two since your separation meeting was known, of how public opinion here is likely to go.

« The Southern Cross has come out as a daily since last Monday. I don’t think the timo ha i yet come here for a daily paper, and unless the proprietors of the Cross know how to work it on a system

like yours, they will likely make a mess of it, as the first daily journals in Sydney did.” Election. —On the 14th Juno Mr.

James Williamson was returned without

opposition to the General Assembly for Auckland West. In. returning thanks

Mr. Williamson said—

He would strive all in his power to do his duty as their representative. His political policy was yet undefined. It was true, as stated by Mr. P.ussell, that had he been in the General Assembly at the time when the struggle between the late and present ministerial parties took place, he would have voted against Mr. Fox’? motion of want of confidence, but he would now state further, that his conduct in the Assembly -would be influenced by future circumstances. He was no orator, but he would give to every measui’e a,s it came before him his best consideration, and decide upon each to the- best of his judgment. An elector hoped that Mr. Williamson would not forget to protect the interests of this province as much as he could. Ho wanted to know what were his views upon the question .of separation.

Mr. Williamson said he thought that in some respects separation would be advantageous to them, but he could not say more upon that subject at present. There were but few electors present, and the pi-oceedings lasted only about a quarter of ran hour.—New Zealander, June 8.

The Military Road.— ln less [than six months from the time the troops marched S uth to Drury they have returned to their winter quarters, leaving suitable garrisons at strategic points on the line of the Waikato. On the 24th December, 1801, the soldiers took their departure from Otahuliu Camp for the South, bent on the noble enterprise which they have so successfully completed. Fears were entertained at the time that the road-making would be interrupted, and facts have since transpired which show on what a slender thread the peaceful operations of the troops depended. But those fears have long since passed away, and with them the causes on which they were founded. A great military highway to tho heart of the country lias been opened ; and already the unknown and hitherto all but inaccessible Waikato has lost half its terrors. Parties of pleasure from Auckland and elsewhere in the province have availed themselves of the new line to pay a flying visit to the Waikato ; and we have little doubt but next summer will witness frequent passages of that noble river, and incursions into the territory of the recalcitrant chiefs. We cannot overestimate tho value of such visits. They will bring the European and the A/aori face to face in such a way as to draw out the best featui’cs of both races. The European tourists will go among the natives without any intention of bartering or over-reaching their less civilized fellow men ; and the natives, who have only been accustomed to the sharp practice of traders, the timid intermeddling of Government officials, or the immoral habits of men of the lowest class of white society who seek an asylum among them, must soon perceive the distinction that is to be drawn between the intelligent and respectable settlers, and those specimens of our race to which they have heretofore been accustomed. This will be an ex ! enuon of the “face to face” theory of Ministers, and must result in lasting good to both races. Hitherto the natives from the South, have not had an opportunity of forming an accurate judgment of the settlers of' this colony. They have not mixed with us ; and the few who have visited Auckland were not in a position to profit by their visit to any extent. They were kept in the official rut, and out of it they could not get. But before many months elapse, let us hope that hundreds of our leading men will visit them in their distant homes, and show how far the gen-

Itleiuanly and Qbyistian deportment pf the abused and distrusted, settlers g':ves the lie to tho tales by' which unprincipled and designing men poisoned the native mind | agaixist them. The native cannot resist J such evidence. The Mapri is apt to judge | characters and motives ; and he will soon I'perceive that his true friends and protectI or* are the intelligent and industrious | settlers of this province. Confidence will I naturally be established in tho native ; i mind, and is it too much to expect, as a ! £ result of this feeling, that the evil courses on which they are at present bent may be wholly abandoned. Should our anticipations prove true, there is a splendid future for our province. Instead of fostering the habit of local self-government among the natives, which has necessarily the effect of perpetuating and strengthening existing prejudices against British , law and customs, the true policy would ho to permit the leasing or purchasing of Large blocks of native land by private individuals, binding them at once to. become improving occupiers, employing only resjsectable servants, and holding the principals morally answerable for tho conduct of those in their service. By such a proceeding as that, the blessings of British civilization would be brought to the very doors of the natives, and they would daily receive practical lessons of the value of constant application in the pursuits of industry. English law would readily be accepted by the more intelligent Maories as an improvement on their own crude notions of equity j and with its acceptance

would be taught the lesson, on which the foundations of society are based in civilised states, namely, the advantage of having, personal property, instead of holding goods in common with the rest ef the tribe. Whether we have predicted the future rightly or not, there is one thing certain, however, that the credit of placing us in the position in which such a line of thought can be entered on without stretching the imagination beyond the regions of probability, is due to. Lieute-nant-General Cameron, G.B„ and the troops under his command. With unabated vigour the British soldiers toiled on for nearly six months at their peaceful but important work. In the burning sun of summer, and under the pelting rain of the early winter, they laboured to complete the road to the Waikato, which was once to remove the theatre of —if war ahoubl again curse this land —far from our hearths, and open up the country for the purpose; of settlement and commercial development. We cau only tender our thanks to the gallant soldier and distinguished general who holds the supreme military oommand in this colony, for the great service he has rendered to us aud to the British people, by undertaking and completing this great work. It was a bloodless campaign he conducted; but although the shout of victory lias not sounded in his ears amidst tho carnage of a battle field, his triumph is.not the less complete and glorious. He has brought the energy and intelligence of England face to face with the opposing element, The flood gates of civilization have been opened by his hand ; and whether war result from existing complications or not, this province thanks the general and his gallant army fur their exertions on their behalf, and in support of the supremacy of the Crown.— Southern Cross June 14. MOVEMENTS OF THE TROOPS.

We understand that a strong detachment of the 70th regiment marched on Monday to the Queen’s redoubt at Maungatawhiri, from Baird’s farm, where they will be posted during the winter. The head quarters of the 40th regiment have taken up their quarters in Auckland. On the same day a small detachment of the f>r>th regiment, marched from the camp at Baird’s farm to the stockade close to the Waikato river, which will form their quarters for winter. 140 men aud officers of the 14th regiment also marched on Monday to the Queen’s redoubt from the Pokino camp, and were replaced at Pokino by detachments from the 12th, 14th and 40th regiments. On Tuesday the head quarters of the 2nd battalion of the 14th regiment marched from the Pokino camp to Zfaird.’s farm, and on Wed nesday resumed their march to Otahuhu.— Southern Cross June 13.

A detachment of the 12th regiment of Foot, consisting of 7 officers and 180 hank and file inarched last Friday from Pokino camp to Baird’s farm, where they halted for the night; and resumed their march on Saturday to Otahuhu, for winter quarters. A small detachment of the Gsth regiment left Baird’s farm on Friday, for Otahuhu, in charge of one-half of the military prisoners from the stockade. This detachment halted on Friday uiglit at Papakura. 71ie remainder of the military prisoners were under orders to leave Baird’s farm yesterday, halting in Papakura for the night, aud resuming their inarch for Otahuhu this day. The head quarters of the Gsill regiment consisting of 13 officers and 370 rank and file, including detachments from Martin’s farm and Drury, are under orders to march to Otahuhu camp this day, there to be quartered for the winter. —lbid June 17,

TAUPO, It appears that Mr. Law is not getting op quite so smoothly as your contemporary the Hew Zealander would makepeople believe. The natives at Taupo have had several meetings relative to sending him away, and threaten to burn his house down. This statement was made by the Taupo missionary, during a conversation he had with some Europeans at Otawhao, one of whom was my informant.— lbid. t WAIPA, The Southern Cross correspondent writes as follows ; thero are later dates but no additional news. Waipa, June 4. Mr. Chitham’s sheep are still detained by the natives. They do not bate their demands, £2OO absolutely, or if they begin lambing before this is paid up, £470. Our magistrate, Mr. Gol'st, has done alb in his power to arrange the matter, but. without success, and has got insulted into the bargain, by being told to go and mind his own business, This is ' one result of the Maori runangas.

A. , meeting has been held here by the Whaingaroa and Waipa natives. The chiefs Watson (Watene) and Hakia are raising every objection to the road being proceeded with. They have stuck up a post in the middle of Waitetuna river, and have defied William Naylor to come any further with the road. I hear Nay* lor is very|determined about it, so much so, that (as 1 have been told by a native) the government surveyor is about to return, if he has not set out on his journey to Auckland. If Naylor persists in making the road, we shall most probably have a fight between his party and the kingites. I hear the governmeiit 'da intend backing up William Naylor, consequently we do not expect in this direction for years to come. Watene is reported to have told his people that on his leaving Whaingaroa, a European said to him—“ Watene, are the Waikato going to join you in this fight against William Naylor ? If; they da, come and give us timely warning, that we may depart, and not have a second Taranaki affair.”'

I hear the following tax has been levied by the King off Europeans :—For

traders £1 per annum; 10s. yearly for those who do nothing; and ss. for working men. The “do nothings” are considered to be those who live on their private means.

It is , rumoured up here that Mr. Armitage has given £1 to the King. That gentleman being a commissioner, _ I can hardly believe it, though it came . from very good authority. It is also said that he has taken his flagstaff down, which has amused him for some years past. I believe ’ I am right in stating that the government are in receipt of letters from Mr. Gorst, K.M., communicating some startling facts in i-clation to the unsatisfactory state of affairs in this district, and the insecurity to life and property. This cannot contain much beyond what has been published in the Cross, but signed by a resident magistrate, if the documents were made public, they would have proportionate weight. A native has just called and informed me; that the pole placed in the Waiteliuha, was carried away by the late freshed, and that /J'atene had left to see how matters stood there.

Our natives have not returned yet from the Piako. The real facts have not yet come to light as to the purport of this long visit, though we glean, a little now,’’"as possibly shall more oh their return* One questioned I heard was discussed—the propriety of not allowing any Europeans to dig for gold, which they say was never agreed to by them t CANTERBURY. Elections. —On June 9 an election took place at the Magistrate’s Court, Lyttelton, for a member to serve in the General Assembly, for the Ellesmere district. The Returning-officiK, W. Donald, Esq, having read the writ, called upon the electors to propose a candidate. After some little delay in getting a proposer and seconder, Mr. Robt. lie aton Rhodes came forward to propose Mr. James Edward Fitz Gerald. He said that, in his opinion, they could not return a better man, especially as Canterbury was not wall represented in the Assembly last? year. He considered Mr Fitz Gerald the best politician in the province, therefore the electors would do well to send him to look to their interest. Major 7/crnbrook seconded the nomination of Mr. Fitz Gerald. He thonght, it rather lukewarm in the candidate not to be present at his nomination. However, he thonght with Mr. Rhodes that lie was the host man to represent them. No other candidate coming forward, the Returning-officer declared Mr. Janies Edward Fitz Gerald duly elected.— Lyttelton Times June 11.

Census. —While the population, as shown by the census, is not nearly equal to what it .might and ought'to be, the disproportion of the sexe3 is becoming serious. This is an evil likely to occur in all new colonies ; but one which may be avoided where there are.no special reasons for it, such as- gold fields or difficulty, of access. We find that at the end of last year the population of the province consisted of 8939 males and 7101 females, and when we deduct all persons under sixteen years of age we find that the disproportion telh still more seriously ; the males above sixteen years being 5348, and the females above that age 3/37. Besides all the other evih of such a state of things, the difficulty of obtaining female servants has become very great, so great, that we’are glad to observe that the Government have taken exceptional steps for encouraging female immigration to a certain extent. But in the face of the figures before us it would seem advisable to iuitiato a more systematic plan of introducing female servants, and to spend more money than we now devote to receiving them properly on their arrival. A great deal of country has been bought on the* faith off the Immigration fund being the first charge on the Land Revenue, For when the Land Regulations were passed, the only change made in the price of land was the deduction from the price per aore of the £1 devoted to Church and .Educational purposes. ■ How so important a vote as that for immigration, has latterly become one of such very inferior interest we cannot understand. It is time that it should receive the prominence due to it. Agricultural Show. —A show of Stock and Implements is to bo held at Christchurch on October 22. Great interest is frit in its success.— lbid. TARANAKI. Native Inteligence. We have it on good authority that Hapurona, late commandant of Matarikoriko Blockhouse is at present ib the South with the Ngatiruanui. What he and our good friend Oraukawa may bit upon for our benefit it is impossible to s*y, but it will no doubt be something pleasai t and surprising. f The following letter was received by Tamati ICaweora from Matutaera by the s. s.. Queen from Manukau. We have made a translation from the original, a copy of which is subjoined. The letter is written on a quarter of a sheet of dirty fooslcap by his Maieity himself, and is not quite as imposing as one would expect from so august a person. Of the truth of the contents we will let our readers judge. [translation.] Nguruawahia, December 1,1862**

To the travelling companion of the Bishop, Tamati Kaweora. Friend greeting. Your letter has reached me about your going with'the Bishop to Taranaki where you saw the evil and the good. I. have seen the words of your letter concerning the ministers and the roads. Listen’ Ihe road is always open to ministers and the ma il—-inasmuch as the mails are constantly going each day and month and throughout the year. It is the same also for the ministers, and will be in the days, months, and years that lie before us. Enough. From (Signed) Matutaera Potatau. ° Jlemlti, Juno 7.

MISCELLANEOUS. Medical ATission in /’ekin. —The Rev. Joseph Ed kins, writing to the Patriot from Tien-tsin, says ‘Dr. Lockhart, by the assistance of Mr. Bruce, has now commenced an hospital in the metropolis itself, but some months must elapse before any further step can be made, so we are informed, in proceeding with missionary work in that vast aiul important city. We have, however, the assurance now given us that ultimately Protestant missionaries will be allowed to reside in Pekin and carry on their labours there with as much liberty as missionaries of the Papacy. Admiral Hope and Mr Bruce have both expressed their opinion that by the treaty* this right cannot be denied to us.”

The Figures in the Quadrille.— Pantalon vras so culled because danced to the tune of a favourite s mg, beginning—

Le Pantalon De Toinon N‘a pas de fond.

A contre-dance very fashionable in the year 1800—the Pas d’Ete—was, however soon given up, through its difficulty, though the name of “ L’Ete” was retained. In 1802, a centre dance was produced by Julien, the second part of which began with the imitation tf a cock-crow. The name of •* Za Poule” was retained, although the original melody has long been forgotten. Trenise was a celebrated dancing-master, who, in 1800. invented the figure that bear* his name. Whenever he danced, everybody flocked up to see and admire, “La Pastourelle” was so named on account of the melody and the accompaniment, which resembled the Yilanelles or peasant-dances. The name “ Finale” requires no explanation.— History of Darning.

An Old Bachelor’s Opinion. —Put the strongest-minded woman in a bonnet shop, and it will instantly turn her head.

Royal Candour.— When Charles ll* was about to confer the hononr of knighthood on George Etheridge, his Majesty, noticing that he hung down his head and blushed, exhorted him thus—“ Don’t be ashamed, man; tis 1 who have most reason.”

A New World. —A lady inquired of a boy about his father, an intemperate man, who had been sick fox some time, asking whether he had regained his appetite. “ No, ma’am,” said the boy, “ not exactly; hi* appetite is very poor, but his drinketite is as good as ever.”

Capital Punishment. “That’s what I call capital punishment/’ as the boy said when his mother shut him up in the closet among the puddings and preserves.

Trial of Rifles.— A series of experiments with small bore rifles was tried at the Government ranges, Woolwich, from February 26th to March 4th (inclusive) under the auspices of the “ National Rifle Association” ; each maker competing sent 6 rifles which at each range of 500 yards and 1000 yards were fixed in a rest, carefully adjusted by trial shots; and then had 20 rounds fired from them without being moved. At the first range the mean distance of the whole number of bullets from the centre of the target was Whitworth .53 of a foot; Rigby .70; Henry .82; Turner .97; and Terry Ift. 90. At the second range Whitworth 2ft,35; Turner 2ft.52; Henry 3ft .07 ; Rigby 4ft.79; and Terry 4ft.92. In the Times of A/arch 6th Mr. Henry published a letter challenging Mr. Whitworth “ to shoot six of Mr. Henry’s rifles against six of Mr. Whitworth’s, from a table or sand bag rest at 1000 yards, no restric. tion as to powder, but the ordinary, not mechanically fitting hardened balls, to be used.” Mr. Whitworth decliued these terms. By a letter from Lord Bury in the Times of March 7th it seems that such terms would be no test of tbe rifle but rather of the skill of the marksman firing on either side; also that the hardened balls are regarded as a great improvement to the benefit of which Mr. W as their inventor is fairly entitled: and, what is of far more consequence to riflemen, that while Mr. Whitworth’s rifle requires but 85 grains of powder Mr. Henry’s takes 95 grains which with a 530 grain bullet would in the opinion of Lord Bury (no mean authority) •* knock any ordinary rifleman off his balance”; though Captain Ross declares he “ can stand up to it”, MARKETS. Wanganui June 26, —Wheat 63 barley ss, oats 68, maize 6s per , bushel, flour (at Netlye mill) £l7, (in town) £lB per 2000 lbs, potatoes £3 per ton, bread—4 lb. loaf lQd butter la 6d per lb, eggs 2a 6d per doz.

Holloway's Pills and Ointment. —Physical strength.—For the proper developement and nourishment of the human body, it is essential that the function of the stomach, liver, kidneys, aud bowels be performed with order and regularity. Holloway’s remedies readily ensnre both. The powers of the stomach are augmented, and good gastric juice secreted in abundance, when this Ointment is diligently rubbed twice a-day over the pit of tbe sto jiach. The Pills and Ointment enable it to extract all the food’s nutritive matter, aud to thoroughly digest most articles of diet. Holloway’s preparations iiot only preserve the frame from “wear aud tear ” but stimulate it to store up nervous energy, as necessary to vitality as the mainspring to a watch. 40

CALENDAR. Moon ("New jMoon June 27 6.33 a.m (_ First Quarter July 5 10. 30 a.m Juno. S. rises. S. sets. High water at Head 25 7 31 4 28 9 aa ,10 0 27 7 31, 4 28 10 24 10 48 28 7 31 4 28 11 12 11 36 25 7 31 4 29., 12 Q 12 24 30 7 ai 4 29. 12 48 1 12 July 2 0 X 7 31 4 29 1 36 2 7 30 4 30 2 24 2 48 3 T 30 4 30 3 13 3 3,7