THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “Verite sans peur.” WANGANUI, July 24, 1862.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 6, Issue 301, 24 July 1862, Page 3

THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “Verite sans peur.” WANGANUI, July 24, 1862.

Tlie business in the Assembly has been chiefly of a formal character—the laying of papers on the table and notices of motions. The reply to his Excellency’s addi’ess ■was moved by Mr. Eitzherbert and seconded by Mr J. Williamson An address of Condolenceto the Queen was adopted. It appears that the Home Government has a Bill of 190,000 against ours for tho expenses of the late war. The outlay f. r the new Native Institutions will be much less than anticipated, the half of it or £25, 000 being guaranted by i. is Excellency to be deducted from the charge for troops made by'thelmperial Government. It seems the determination of the Government to proceed in a summary manner with the Taranaki natives, if they do not quietly submit. Some papers have been laid upon the table relative to the Wanganui Militia which seem to le the same as those that have appeared in our advertising columns. The Taranaki Natives have tlireatered to fire on the Militia force, which was to commence the repairing of a road neai the Omata Stockade on Monday last. The English mail arrived at Otago on the 17th instant. There is no news of gieat importance, 'i he taking of New Orleans by the Federals is confirmed. Their fleet has been defeated with heavy loss in James River. A battle has been gained by the Confederates under General Pope near Corinth with heavy loss on both sides. A bill abolishing slavery in the states has been passed in the house of Representatives, by 85 votes to 50. France has declared war against Mexico. The Southern Cross which hitherto has been foremost in bai-king at the heels of the Governor, has lately changed its tone jrom the extremely cynical to the opposite extreme of excessively fawning. Sir George Grey is the. man and the on y man

to put everything to rights. His ministry are little better than imbeciles. And if the Maories are to be brought under law at all, it will only be by the more than magical influence which Sir George seems to have over them. His success at Coromandel and at Kaipara has been the occasion of this extravagant, eulogy whijh would not have been so extraordinary if it had appeared in the pages of the New Zealander, but which coming from the quarter it docs come from is sulliciently disgusting.

JSTo one will deny that there is a virtue of prepossessing and conciliating others possessed by Sir George Givy, of which in these two cases he has made very successful and gratifying use. We would be the last to decry the usefulness of this quality. It was partly because he possessed it, that he was at first sent to Hew Zealand, then to the Cape, and has now come back among his old friends. There can be no greater contrast than between liis character and proceedings in this respect and those of his predecessor. There was a case to which Governor Browne’s attention was drawn on his arrival here, rt markably like that at Kaipara. We allude to the quarrel between Ihaia and Katatore, which kept Taranaki in dread ot an embroilment with the natives for years, and made the fields of the settlers, the scene of fighting between the natives. Go\ ernor B; owno was solicited by .the Taranaki Provincial Council as well as by Ihaia, to interfere by euforeing the law against Kaitatore and his followers; but he did not think proper to go near the scene of dispute himself, and the only effort he made to quell the disturbance, or at least to free the settlers from the great annoyance occasioned to them by it, was to issue a proclamation that no pers ns would be allowed to assemble in arms within the E . o e; n boundaries. This interference of course did nothing towards the settlement of the nat ve t'eud, whicli educated the natives in fighting and gave them such restless and predatory dispositions, as finally found their gratification in the plundering of the settlement of New Plymouth, as soon as an opportunity presented itself. And this was but a sample of the general • policy towards the natives. A most respectable witness, intimately acquainted with the maories, stated before a Committee of the House of Representatives his opinion on this subject in the following terms.

“ When murders hare been committed and the parties have a} plied to the Government for protection, they have been plainly and distinctly told that they must protect themselves. This has compelled them to establish an organization for the purpose of punishing crim nals. The greatest step towards alienating the feelings of the natives from the Government was taken when they were denied the protection and the justice to which they clearly had a right, When natives are told that they may carry on a war with one another, in ordnr to proteet themselves , I am not surprised that they should go up and down wiih arms in their hands, and that they should lose that respeet for the Government which they otherwise woidd have had.” This is the t.uth. and shame it has been to the so calle i Government that it is the truth. Sir George Grey now acts in a different fashion. But it is not his interference we so much admire, as the manner o!' it. No doubt it would have shewn his power more if he had' said at W angarei. “ 1 am the Governor appointed by the Queen. I will be obeyed. If you do not stop your fighting and do wliat I tell you, I will bring down a regiment of soldiers and compel you to submit to my authority.” This is what Governor Browne did, when he at last interfered in the Waitara land case—the very worst kind of a case he could have intermeddled with. No doubt also Sir George Grey would have shewn his influence over the native mind more, if he had settled the dispute personally by his persuasive powers. But all that he sought to do was that the disputants should agree to settle their quarrel themselves peaceably by arbitration. This was however the highest style of procedure. It was inducing the so-called savage voluntarily to submit to reason. It was teaching the stronger party that there is a stronger power in -right than might. It was a step towards the establish ment of law and order which the whole of the Queen’s army could not have compelled. And it is at this very point that the present native policy differs from any that has preceded it. The' first was a policy of cajolement; the second was one of personal influence which ceased with the presence of the person ; the third was one ot power and force • the fourth is one of reason and firmness. Abstractly there can be no question as to which of these is the best. As applied to tlie solution of the present native difficulties, there can Ve no doubt in the mind of any reasonable man as to wbicli is best. It is not the personal influence of liis Excellency on account of which the Southern Cross now beslobbers him with adulation, that is ultimately so important, altho’ that in itself is of immense use in bringing things to order; but it is the system of native government being introduced by the Governor and his ministry, which will give a prosperous future either to the Maori or the Colonist. That system will continue after liis Excellency lias left the Island, and will be a standing proof not only of liis great personal influence over the native mind, but much more of his wisdom iu availing himself of plans proposed to be acted on by his present Ministry before it was known that they would have his powerful aid in carrying them out.

While our Northern Daily contemporary thus lauds liis Exeellcncy as much as he before depreciated him, lee doe; his little utmost to damage the Msnistry. His efforts to do so sometimes almost go the length of insanity, as for instance in his accusing the Ministry of having wilfully lost the public papers at the wreck

of ahe White Swan. The accusation is so monstrously absurd that it can only weaken the influence of the journal that makes it. Of the same complexion are many of the ridiculous statements made by that part of the public press which sides with the Crass as for instance that Sir George Grey’s speech at the opening of the Assembly did not express his sentiments, but were made at the dictation of the Ministry. Such absurdities surely cannot fine credence with the readers of these journals, They are so preposterous as only. to merit that s lent contempt which-generally meets thorn.

The Late Affray. —The Inquest on the deceased maori resulted in a ‘verdict of Excusable Homicide in these terms. “ That the deceased Unakawa Selwyn met with his death in consequence of injuries received from one W. Lister, such injuries having been inflicted by the said W. Lister, during a furious struggle with the deceased and in defence of his own life.” 'J he evidence taken confirmed the account given last week. We have received a statement of the affray made by Mrs. Lister, whose evidence was not taken, at the inquest; referring chiefly to the Maori boy’s struggle with her, but we are oblidgcd to postpone its publication till next week. GENERAL ASSEMBLY: On Monday, 14th July, the Legislative Council assembled at 2 o’clock. The Speaker of the House of Representatives entered, followed by the Members of that House, and £Sir Geo. Grey read the following opening speech. SPEECH. Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,—

1 Since the last Session of the General Assembly a great Calamity in the death of her illustrious Consort Prince Albert, has befallen Her Most Gracious Majesty. This sad eventhas touched the heart of Her people in every part of .Her dominion. I take tki3 the earliest pnblic opportunity of expressing that deep and respectful sympathy for Her Majesty which lam well aware is shared by the inhabitants of New Zealand, and which has been fully shewn by the numerous addresses of condolence which have already been transmitted to Her Majesty. 2 I have great satisfaction in meeting for the first time since my return to this Colony, the General Assembly, which is so important a branch of those institutions of self Govenrnment which has been bestowed upon it by the imperial Parliament. During my absence from the Colony I have watched with deep interest the working of those institutions,, and on my return have bean much gratified by witnessing the result. The progress of the Colony as a whole appears to have been steady and rax>id ; settlements which at the period of my leaving, were in their earliest infancy, have grown into populous, wealthy and flourishing Provinces, exhibiting a healthy vitality which appears attributable m no small degree to the large amount of local self-government which forms so prominent an element in the constitutions of tho Colony. 3. But while there is so much room for congratulation to be found in the general progress of the colony, the unsatisfactory relations Which have grown up between a portion of the Maori race and the Government are a source of deep regret. In the attempt in which it is my duty to make to restore the frendly relations which formerly existed my hope of success rests mainly (under divine providence) on the co-operation and support which I may receive frem the Colonists, and the resources you may place at my disposal. It is an arduous task only to be effected by earnest and persevering exertion made in the spirit which becomes a great and civilized nation in its dealings with a people but partially reclaimed from barbarism, and very imperfectly enlightened. At the same time I am not .unmindful of what is due to the European population which relying on well known treaties and guarantees has made this country its adopted home, and is entitled to expect that the progress of colonization shall not be unnecessarily or improperly obstructed, 4. Documents will be laid before you which will show you the character of sonic of the Institutions by which I hope to confirm the attachment to the government of those Native tribes wli C i have hitherto continued friendly, to restore . h 3 confidence of those which have unhappily been alienated, and gradually to elevate the race to a higher level of civilization. Some progress, neccessarily limited by c earr.stanc\~, and by the extent of the resources at my disposal, has already been made in the introduction of those institutions. How' far this has been done and what success has hitherto attended it, you will learn from the Deports _ of the Civil Commissioners and Resident who have been engaged in the work, and which will belaid before you. 5. In framing the Institutions referred to, you will observe that I have endeavoured to avail myself, as far as possible, of the machinery provided by certain acts passed by j'ou in your Session of ISSB, and other existing laws of the Colony. It is desirable, however, that the power conferred by those acts should be in some respects enlarged, and Bills will be laid before you for that purpose. I have found also, that great impediments exist in the way of enabling tlie Natives to deal with their lands, and particularly in the administration of Native Deserves, tlie indivdualisation of Native title and the issue of Crown Grants to Natives. Bills will be laid before you which have for tlieir object the removal of the impediments referred to, and the amendment, in several particulars, of the existing law on those subjects. 6. 1 have hitherto had no occasion, and 1 hope that I shall have none hereafter, to employ the Military forces in any active field operations. Shortly after my arrival in this Colony however, I became aware that the Southern frontier of tlie settled portion of the Province of Auckland w T as entirely unprovided with' a line of defence against the quarter from which, iu case of further insurrection, an attack was most likely to be made, and tbat tlie absence of roads would render it impossible to remove Troops further inland than 15 or 20 miles from the Town of Auckland, so that insurgents might have approached within that distance of the Seat of Government, and the population oi’ a large part of the Province been involved in destruction and ruin. I therefore lost no time in requesting the Officer commanding Her Majesty’s forces to employ a portion of the Troops under his command in completing, to the banks of the Waikato River, the .Great Southern Trunk Road. The Officer responded to my request w r ith the greatest promptitude. The works were commenced in January and a metalled road is all but completed to the banks of the Waikato, where a Military Post is established commanding that River, and presenting a barrier to any hostile attempt against Auckland from that quarter. I gladly avail myself of this opportunity of expressing my chanks to the officers and men who have been so employed, and ■ who have continued tlieir operations to a far advanced period of an unsually severe and rainy season. At Taranaki works of a similar class have been commenced

by the Militia, and I hope shortly to nderta^* 3 operations of the same character in other d l3 ' tricts. These works, while greatly contributing to the security of the settlements, will largely and permanently benefit them in other respects. Their constructions will necesarily involve a considerable outlay, & a Bill will be laid before the House of Representatives, by which it will be proposed to authorise the Government to raise a Loan not exceeding £IOO,OOO for the purpose of meeting the necessary outlay. It is proposed to charge this Loan on the Northern Island,® ultimately allocate itproportionably to the several Province in which it may be exponded.

7. Her Majesty’s Government has repeatedly expressed its anxious desire to learn that the Colony has taken effective’steps towards local self-defence by the. creation of a militia force. It is extremely desirable that- greater preparations should be made in that particular. To enable this to be done, a Bill will be laid before you for the better organisation of Militia and Volunteer forces, and it is hoped that the encouragement which it is proposed.to give to the latter may result in the increased strength and efficiency of such corps. I cannot conclude this subject without expressing my thanks to the Auckland Volunteer Corps which lately took the garrison duty of that Province, thu3 enabling a considerably larger number of troops to be employed in the construction of the Military Road than could have otherwise been detached for that duty.

8. The rapid growth of the settlements in the Midde Island, and the sudden developement of their resources, arising in a great degree from the discovery of gold and other mineral wealth, will probably have suggested to you the expediency of making some further provision for the administration of the General Government in that Island. I trust also that the arrangements which have lately been made for the increase of the Steam Postal Serviee between the Northern and Middle Islands, will be found greatly to lessen the inconvenience which has hitherto, 110 doubt, existed. The late unfortunate loss of the White Swan will, I trust, not involve more than a very temporary and partial derangement to this sendee. I cannot, however allude to that event without expressing the gratitude which is due to Almighty God for the preservation of so many valuable lives as were in peril on that occasion ; and also the deep sense which is entertained by my Government of the very great kindness and hospitality which were exercised towards the ship-wrecked persons by Mr. John Moore, the Resident proprietor of the station near to which the wreck occurred. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, — 9. The Estimates for the financial year wil he laid before you without delay. They have been framed in the same spirit of as I trust you will find has directed of the funds placed at the dispopPr of the Government by your last Appropriation Act. It is my duty to call your attention to the correspondence which has taken place between Her Majesty’s Government and the Colonial Government, relative to the cost of the Military operations which have taken place since theoutbreak at Taranaki; and I have to request that you will enable me to state to Her Majesty’s Government what proportion Gf the cost the Colony will be prepared to take upon itself. Honourable Gentlemen op the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen op the House of Representatives, —

10. The Census which was taken on the 18th day of jDecemher,' in the year 1861, i 3 in the course of compilation, and will very shortly be published. In the meantime a full abstract of all the most important returns will be laid before you. A comparison of this Census with that of 1858 will be found to exhibit a most satisfactory result.

11. In conclusion I earnestly hope that the Supreme Ruler cf the World, who controls and directs all human events, may so inspire your counsels with wisdom, and so support me in the execution of my duty, that our j- i -t efforts to secure the peace and advancemei t o’ this country may be crowned with success.

ATJCKL \ND

(From our own Correspondent.)

Our coast has been famous for shipwrecks lately. The Pole star waß wrecked not long ago on her voyage to Napier and some 15 souls wore lost, and last week a small trader between, this and Matakana went down with 4 men and a boy on board, and all perished. The mast of the vessel lias been seen above water with a man’s coat attached to it. 'J he disaster occurred. about a mile from shore on a stormy night, and it is supposed that the craft had sprung a-leak, and that the men in charge was endeavouring to run her on shore when she went down. The parties on board the JJ hi e Siean were more fortunate than those on board these two illfated vessels; and yet how narrow was their escape. \\ hat a terrible calamity it would i ave been had that Steamer gone down at sea with her living freight of New Zealand’s foremost and leading men. We are too thankful that so many lives were saved to have any sympathy with the Jeremias that some are penning over the loss of public documents, as if parchments were more precious than people. The escape of those on board the White Swan suggests to my mind the arrival here of the Messina from England contrary al. most to the expectation of every one. She had been out six months and all hope of her safety was given up, when she unex pectedly made her appearance at the Heads one day in a crippled state. On leaving London she met v. 1 1 very stormy weather about the Channel, and sprung her mainmast, so that she was obliged to come creeping along the whole way. The length of her passage was so unprecedented that high rates of insurance were given in connection with her, under the impression that her arrival at this port was very problematical. Arrive, however, she did, and all on board hale and hearty. You will notice from the Newspapers that a course of Lectures is being given in connection with the Young Men’s Christian Association. A very decided interest is manifested in the Lectures, the attendance being excellent. The subjects already treated have been, “ Human advancement,” “The West Indies in relation to Negr.o Emancipation” and “ Crime its causes and cure.” The course will afford not only an evening’s rational entertainment but give, I think, a decided stimulus in intellectual pursuits, 'ihe Hall in which the Lectures are delivered is a very spacious one brilliantly lighted with chandeliers and lamps. Ifc is over the Auction Mart of Mi*. Staunus Jones, and the building altogether is truly magnificent for a Colony so young as this. In addition to this noble structure, there

are several other splendid stores in the course of erection, among' which I may mention these of Mr. Hoi son and Messrs Henderson and McFarlane, the material used being brick, faced in front in the one case with scoria, and in the other with beautiful free stone brought all the way from Sydney. A. new Savings Bank stands also ] rominently forth in Queen Street, as one of the best buildings, the free stone facings with' which it is ornamented having added much to its beauty. This structure, however fine though it is, will sink into "insignificance when the new Union Bank, which has been contracted for, is built. Something very grand should be got for £IO,OOO, which is about the sum the building is likely to cost. But this new Bank may soon itself be thrown into the shade, if Coromandel turns out all that is expected of it. Great hopes-are entertained that the quartz reef will be very auriferous. At present the. expectation is not great that there will be extensive alluvial diggings, and hence parties should pause before they think of a rush hither. Ultimately, the valley of the Thames may afford alluvial diggings, but in the meantime it is in the hands .of the na'ives, and no arrangement has been come to with them in regard to' it. However when diggers assemble in numbers, here, as they are sure to do’, in some wry or other the auriferous character of the valley will be fully tested, and if the result be favorable, the Maories would, it is to be hoped be willing to enter into asimilar arrangement with respect to. it, to the one they have made with respect to Coromandel. In the meantime, there can be no doubt from the specimens of quartz obtained from Coromandel, that many will find employment in reefing. One specimen of quai’tz found in a creek the other day was sold for £l5O purchaser Mr. Cochrane, Auctioneer.

COROMANDEL. Coromandel is still, and doubtless will continue to be for some time, the most interesting topic of speculation amongst us. Although within forty-five miles of Auckland, by a safe easy communication, it is. nevertheless, to a very large majority of our readers, an entirely unknown land. Passing between the passage formed by the islands of Rragitoto, Taylor’s Island, and Waiheki with the mainland, the first thirty miles are run down in reaching the Thames, across the mouth of which fine river, at a distance of some twelve miles, the high mountain ranges of Coromandel are first distinctly seen. The harbor, which is sufficiently capacious to accommodate a far larger number of craft of all sizes than have ever lain at one time in the Waitemata, is approachable at the South-western end by a comparatively narrow entrance, and is completely la d-locked. Beeson’s Island, which is separated only by a very narrow passage from a long neck of

high land running out in a circular sweep from the Northern end, forming a complete defence on the Western and Southwestern! sides The slur is of Coroma; - del facing the harbor are divided into crescent-shaped bays, of about equal size, by a point of high land, known as Preece’s poiut, which runs out into deep water opposite the centre of the harbor Into the Southern bay tlio Ti‘ i, and into the inner or Northern one, the Kapanga, river discharges itself.

A t a distance of about two miles from the beach, the land till then a level flat, rises abruptly into precipitous ranges crowned with the dense forest of the New Zealand bush. Part of this flat belongs to Native owners, who are at present unwilling to come to any terms for the erection of stores, q-c. ; but, the larger part belongs to Mr. Preece. and it is here in all probability that the future township (f Coromandel will he situated, The only deep water on the mainland is at Preece’s point, to which there is good access for drays from the main flat, while in the Eapanga and Tiki creeks there is water only for small coasting craft drawing but a light draught : and a mud flat, dry at low water, extends to a distance of a quarter of a mile along the whole of the Eapanga or Northern h..lf of the harbour ; on the other bay there is the same shoal water, but with this advantage, that the fiat when dry is a hard sand. Much has been said concerning the richness of Coromandel, more perhaps than, with the limited knowledge we as yet- possess is justifiable. To allow the wish so far to become father to the thought as to proclaim it at once the richest gold-field in the world, is simply ridiculous, not because Coroman ’el may not prove to be such, but because pex*sons so writing or talking have no data on which to ground such a foregone conclusion, and raise expectation to so high a , pitch that disappointment is the certain result. The chief wealth of Coromondel must lie in its quartz reefs, or it can never attain to the position of mere than a third-rate gold field. Those who have visited the gold-fields of Ballarat, of Bendigo, and Castlemaine in Victoria, will see this at a glance. In Coromandel there are no large fiats with the exception of the one mentioned, no gullies miles long, and from half a mile to a mile in breadth; the hills and ranges form a very large proportion indeed of the whole area of the district, and it is therefore to the quartz x*eefs in Coromandel that we must look for the great results which noue more than ourselves are anxiously waiting to see realised. The gold has evidently been carried no distance from the matrix. Scientific men have all agreed on this point, the nature of the country, and more still, the character of the gold found in the gulches and creeks, bears out this assertion. Ihe probability is that leads will be found on the large flat before-men-tioned, and in the valley of the Eapanga, and up beyond King’s mill, good al-

luvial. diggings may be opened when the spring has fairly set in, and the water can be overcome by the united effoi’ts of a large body of miners working systematically. an a"erupt has already been made by "Watson’s party to sink a shaft on Preece’s flat, but after reaching a depth of 146 feet this party was obliged to desist on account of the quantity of water.

The miners up to Monday last have remained passively waiting for Mr. Turton’s permission to commence operations on the newly acquired land. Driving creek, which lies higher up and to the left of'Ring’s null, and which is the creek upon which the “moonlight raids” were some time back . made, was to bo commenced upon on Monday last; possibly by the next ten days this creek will be bared to its bed rock, and its gold have found its way to this city. The next creek spokon of and a far more extensive field for operations, and if report be' true, equally as rich, is the Kaputauaki; this too is on Paul’s land, further to the north by some three milts and empties itself on the coast, altogether on the other side of the northern boundary of Coromandel harbour, feyond Kikowhakariri. The banks of this creek fi r more than four miles are open to the miner, but as 'yet there cannot be fifty men engaged upon them. Gold to a considerable amount is said to have been discovered here by the natives who have a settlement in that neighbourhood. Miners intending to visit Paul’s land, should make for the Kapanga. Towa ds the Tiki little or no prospecting was going on as late as last week, though from the appearance of the country at this end of the bay and back to the Castle rock, there is every reason to believe that the prospect is equally good as is that towards the northern extremity, or Paul’s, land.

At present, the miners are suffering: from many inconveniences, foremost amongst which is the want of houses of accommodation on landing \ the only accommodation to be obtained at the Kapanga, was permission to occupy a portion of the floor of a house at the rate of 2s. per night, the lodger finding his own bedding and buying and cooking his own food how lie could ;• even this accommodation was necessarily limited, while at the same time, in the absence of licensed houses for the public, liquor in any quantity, could be purchased under the very nose of the magistrate and. his solitary policeman. The post office too, is situated at the Tiki, some miles from the present diggings, a source of great inconvenience to every body. These however, are difficulties which will be met as they become apparent. We cannot expect, and the miners themselves do notdook for, all the appliances and co > veniencies of an established gold-field on one which has been opened but a few days. There cannot at present be morethan 200 men upon the diggings,'far too small a number to develop the extent of the country, which ia now opened to our enterprise. Were there as many thou , ands there as there are now hundreds the chance for all would be far bet er ; new leads- would bo rapidly opened up, creeks hitherto unknown, back in the high ranges explored and worked. The; e is no reason to believe but that the whole, of the newly acquired lands m-y turn out equally rich as those already prospected and which are now being worked. New Zealander, 2nd July.

WAIKATO. (fso: >i our. own correspondent.) 10th July, 1862. I have little of importance to communicate to you respecting the state of native affairs in this district at present, as like every other public matter of importance, there ■will be a stagnation until after" the meeting of the General Aseembly and return of His Excellency to Auckland.

Sir George Grey’s firm but conciliatory policy is steadily progressing and gaining' ground—of which evidences are daily appearing. A section of Ngatihau, at Tamahere, headed by a younger brother of Te Wefcini, the great Chief who was killed at Taranaki, have agreed to adopt our laws ; and doubtless, ere long, as confidence is restored, others will follow the same example. The news about the successful negotiation of Sir. George, at Coromandel, has not excited much comment —objection I have heard none.

Matutacra, and some of his party, have lately paid a visit to their few supporters in Lower Waikato, with the object of coming to some arrangement or undeistanding about V 7". Nero’s proposed road from Bag] an to Waipa. MatutaerA strongly objected to any hostile interference by his party, asserting as his reason that it was a ] rivate quarrel between Nero and his tribe. He also strongly advocated the doctrine of non-interven-tion in any future quarrels—except with a pacific intent. It is only right to add that his followers did not all fully approve of his sentiments, but the desho some of them to oppose by physical force the constimetion of Nero’s road we. 3 overruled by the good sense of the Paeiai natives. A deputation was appointed to sec Nero on the subject, and unless Nero or his friends force a quarrel—which is improbable—l do not apprehend any disturbance on this account. I am informed, that- a 'very officious native, called Tamuhina, applied to Mr. Armitaga for a contribution in the shane of tribute to Matutacra, as the so-Cabed King, but on Mr. Avmitage’s declining to comply with his request the matet r dropped. I hear Tamuhina made use of some threats which were afterwards di - avowed by Matutaera and the whole of his party. It is thus that the acts of an unauthorized individual bring, discredit upon a

"whole party, and give rise to so many absnrjl rumours and statements which unfortunately find their way into the public prints. Ido not wish to be understood as endea vouringi; to J enlist _> the sympathy of the public with Matutaera and his foolish people. I merely claim for them CDommon justice. Time will, I feel assured, convince them of their error.

Wire mu Kingi Te Rangitake is said to he about to return to Taranaki, with the object of commencing hostilities against Te Teira there ; biit the Waikatos on the non-intervention .system., before alluded to, are' not to assist him —at least so I am informed. —New Zealander , July 16. _____

July 10th, 1862

William Naylor has commenced his roul between Waipa and Waitetuna, bo far as cutting down the fern. Now it remains to be see n what steps the Kin-' gites will take in the matter. If the ro id is persisted in we shall in all: probability have a fight- A large number of the Ngat’imaiopoto are coming down the Waipa to-morrow (Thursday). It is reported they arc all getting theirS guns in readiness. I should not be surprised to hoar of the" Wangaroa settlers taking alarm, should the fighting he carried beyond the Waitetuna, and possibly, justly so. How far we are safe up here regains to be proved, but it looks very, much as if government did not care one straw what became of the out-settlers or their property either. There is very little doubt that if the road was properly opened its advantages would be great indeed ; and I should like to see Sir George Grey stand Naylor’s friend, and back h m out in it, if he his true to his coLurs to the Queen.

The Maoris in Rangiahia district are trying to starve out the Europeans, if they will not come to their prices, which are increased to 300 per cent, on some nrfcicl s of food, and have forbidden any native selling anything at all to Europeans. Chithara is to get his sheep if he can find them, by paying £10; probably not half will be found. Mr. Perry’s cattle are still in their hands and they refuse to give them up. It is rumoured up here that government intend stopping the mail between this and Auckland ; can it he with the view to prevent the public from being made acquainted with matters relative to this district 1 Mr. Gorst has returned, and rumour says he is to take charge of the Otawhoi school, so that the Rev. John Morgan, will have nothing to do with it for th efuture. Ido not vouch for the correctness ot this.

There is very little doubt but that every movement of Sir G. Grey is watched, and with a very keen and jealous eye. Only yesterday a native informed me of his going all round the Island visiting natives. Some of his statements were very incorrect. It is a well known fact, by those who are at all acquainted with the Maoris, that any native coming from a distance, if he has not a good bud get of news, he is not a welcome visitor : hence their carrying so many lies and cause so much mischief. They appear quite to liavo made up their mind in this district that we arc to have war in the spring ; to dispel that idea is useless ; you may as well talk to a mu’o, —South e.n Cross , July 14.

The following communication, which was sent to us too late for Saturday’s issue, contains what we have reason to believe a true and faithful account of the particulars of the claims on Driving creek, so far as they have at present been worked. The gold which was sold by auction on Saturday last, was from claims Nos. 3 and 4, and we have been assured that claim No. 4 is only but partially worked out, and that there is every prospect of a considerable quantity of similar specimens being yet taken from it.

To the Editor of the New Zealander

Sir, —We left Auckland by the cutter “ Annie Laurie,” on Wednesday last, and reached Coromandel on Thursday afternoon. On Friday morning we landed, and after breakfast at once proceeded to the diggings in the creek on haul's land. The diggers at first were rather shy about giving information, but after statng. that I wanted to collect impartial evidence, I got the report of the parties which I subjoin. Junction claim.—McEwan’s party at work three days, had seen colour but not bottomed.

No. 1, Watson’s party, at work ten days, had se u colour, not bottomed. No. 2, at work ten days, have not washed.

Nos. 3 and 4, Watson’s party, about 12 lbs. had gone to town, per Thames, cutter, 5 lbs. to 6 lbs., found Thursday and Friday and remain on liai.d. No. 3 nearly worn out. No. 5, two weeks at work, no specimen, stated that this claim had been formerly worked. No. G, Champion's party—had been at •ork for some time and found nothing. >n Thursday, 10th inst, found about[3G :s. containing from 70 to 80 per cent., e-y rich specimens, and found in one roup, and at the same time. No. 7, Murphy’s party, at work ten [ays, 6 ozs, cont, iuing 70 to 80 per cent, ne pieces nearly pure. No. 8, Von Tempsky’s party, 7 days work, found in two ( days about 7 ozs, tainmg 75 to 81 per cent, one piece >ut 2 dwts. pure gold. The work done this claim has been simply prepara■y. It is situated on a principal ader to Keven’s reef,, and may be exited to tui‘n out well. Nos. 6 and 10, men at dinner some itance off, reported to be doing pretty ’l.

No. 11, Watson’s party, ten days at k, 26 ozs. in one specimen.

No. 12, specimens sent to auction. We had no time to go higher, but were informed that the diggers generally were in good ■spirits. At this point we left the creek or alluvial diggings and inspected No. 1, or Grey’s reef, shaft 25 feet, found no colour as yet.

. Ring’strive is also near this point, evividently making for Keren’s reef; walked down the reef, known as Keren’s reef, compass bearing due north and south, for 2or 2| miles; inspected Keren V claim ; could easily discern with a powerful glass, gold thickly imbedded, in very minute particles. A pile of quartz lies outside the tunnel, and can be inspected with ease by any one. The alluvial sinkings are not likely to become a certain source of income for a lengthened period, therefore, careful attention should be turned to quartz mining ;, but before this can be accomplished, the capitalist must step in and assist skilled labour. This seems to be the only method at present, and with careful managemeet may answer the adventuexpectations.—New Zealander, July 16.

Coromandel Gold Sale. —On Saturday last, about 18 lbs. weight of gold in quartz was offered for sale by public auction by Mr Stannus Jones, in bis mart, Brunswick Buildings. Great excitement prevailed to obtain sight of the gold—the same which had been on show for the two previous days—and the auctioneer invited the public to repair to the large Music ball above, which in a fVw minutes was densely crowded. The first piece offered for sale was the “Welcome Nugget,” weighing 9 lbs. 15 ozs.; for this, the only bid was that of Mr. S. Cochrane, at £l5O, and it was accordingly knocked down to that gentleman. Lot No. 2, a fine specimen of 25 ozs., was knocked down to the same party. No. 3, 7|- ozs., was bought by Captain Harrison for £9 ss. For Nos. 4,5, and 6, there were no offers. No. 7,2 ozs., was knocked down to Mr. Lewis James for £4 ss. No. 8,3 f ozs., for £6, was bought by Mr. Macready. A very handsome specimen weighing 32 ounces —the one found by a digger named Mahon—was bought by Mr. Jones for £3O. Although the attendance at this sale was large, the bidding was by no means spii'ited. Few, if ai.y, could form other than a mere approximate guess at the actual value of the gold which tne specimens contained, and apparently they were bought more as specimens than as a matter of business. The bona fide sale of so much Coromandel gold, and the knowledge tnat this is but a mere fraction of the amount which has been found, but which remains in the hands of its discoverers, had given a new stimulus to the gold fever. Yesterday we obsei-ved more than one small craft passing down the harbour for Coromandel apparently crowded with passengers. —New Zealander, July 16.

NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE CO.U-

PANY.

The following annual Report of this Company was read at a Meeting of the Shareholders at Aucklun l on the Ist July.

The directors of the New Zealand Insurance G./inpany have again the pleasure of submitting their half-yearly report for the approval and adoption of the shareholders.

The total amount at risk as far as can be ascertained is <£403,633 I4s. Od., and the total receipts from premiums for the halfyear have been £8,806 17s. ] Id ; the losses (hiring that period have been unusually light, iind the financial statement exhibits a net profit on the Company’s operations to the 31st May. of £7,401 16s. sd. Your directors recommend that a dividend be declared at the rate of ten per cent, per annum, on the paid-up capital of the Company, leaving a sum of £6,910 Bs. sd. to he carried to the credit of a reserve fund, sucli dividend to be payable at the Company’s (.ffice oil Monday, the 7th instant. The shareholders admitted under the new Deed of Settlement, although not receiving any immediate benefit from the declaration of this dividend, will nevertheless participate in the future advantage of the reserve fund, which itself forms a very considerable bonus. The accompanying table will give at a glance the progressive increase of the Company’s new assurances, and while it is indicative of the growing confidence of the public in the New Zealand Insurance Company, manifests at the same time a laudable and patriotic desire to support an institution conducted entirely by residents in the colony, which, instead of withdrawing its capital for transmission to England or elsewhere, retains it, investing at moderate interest its surplus -funds iu colonial securities, and thereby materially promoting the advancing and prosperity of the country from which it derives its support. The directors would refer with much sa-. iisfaetion to the fact that the fourteen ageucies recently established are now in full operation; and, that their efforts to extend the business of the Company have been ably seconded by the activity and interest manifested by the agents, the results now placed before the shareholders amply prove. The directors would take this opportunity of impressing upon the share and policy holders how desirable it is that each in his own sphere shou’d use every opportunity to extend the interests and business of the Company, bearing in mind that whatever directly benefits the institution must indirectly benefit more or less every individual member of it.

In concluding their report, the directors would assure the shareholders that the unprecedented success which has attended the Company’s operations during the past halfyear, will serve only to induce them to exercise increased caution, rather than to take indiscriminately every risk that may be offered to them.

The table referred to shows sums ins ured against fire iu the years 1860, 1861

ami 1862 which are respectively £ 1.66,245, £259,07&, £347,020; and those insured against sea risk being £11,852, £23,880 qnd £83,823 : —thus showing a great increase in the Company’s business every year.

AMERICA

THE BATTLE OF PITTSBURG,

The Rev. Robert Collyer, who went up to Pittsburg landing with one of the first boats sent with comforts for the wounded in the late battle there, contributes to the Chicago Tribune some interesting details of what lie saw and learned there. With regard to the bringing on of the first day’s battle, he says: Among these 285 (wounded) men, many of them officers of intelligence, I gathered the only clear ideas and conclusions I was able to come to, concerning the battle. I will give them as I got them. They were so evidently the true convictions of the men that I listened to them with the deepest inttrest, not so much because they must be true (though I think that is of great value,) but above all, because that is the way the fighters think, not individually, but in masse?. All who said anything about it, said that the fatal surprise of Sunday morning was the result of unpardonable negligence on the part of the commanders. The men themselves knew that the woods all about them were swarming with the enemy (I quote the exact phrases); but there was no effort made to get a clear knowledge of the real condition of things, and not even a picket guard sent out until perhaps Saturday, and that this knowledge of a certain danger was near them, for which their officers mgde no I rovision, made the men feci unsteady and unstrung. If they could have known exactly what was hidden among the trees and ravines, they would have had hotter courage to grapple with it when it sprung upon them. S) when the enemy came, storming down with a fierce determined onslaught almost without parallel in battles, they were taken at a double disadvantage. They were outnumbered and dispirited at the same time. Second—Thabattle on Sunday was badly managed. Tl™BLeu said to me: “We would have meant to fight; we wanted to fight; wie will fight; but we were outflanked every time. Just a 3 sure as we made a stand, we had to fight superior numbers, put where they could do as they liked, aucl we could only do as we could. We did run away, we don’t deny it; we gut under the bank, and staid there; vve could not come out. Why ? Because it was no use. If a man gives his life, he wants to get the worth of it.”

Third—The Tennessee river, the gunboats, lind Col. /febster saved Grant’s Division on Sunday afternoon frojn a second bull’s run, or annihilation. The river held the troops in, and the’gunboats, with the batteries skillfully placed by Col. Webster, protected them until Buell came up. Not a man or a steamboat, probably, would have been left but for these cannon. Fourth—These same men who had ruu on Sunday went in with Bueli’s men on Monday. Fragments of regiments, patched togetherjin thehasteof the morning, gathered new spirit when they knew what they had to do ; and the universal testimony is that they fought well-—never men fought better than those that went hack to fight again. Fifth—The battle on Mumlay was a battle on the part of the enemy in which he appareutly did his utmost before he began to retreat. He did not mean to retreat, but he had to do so because we beat him back. Still, while on the Sunday we were routed, on the Monday he retreated and was not routed! His retreat was well done. Such is the universal testimony. The cavalry made very little impression on him in the retreat, for three reasons: First, his forces were well ordered ; second, the roads were bad for cavalry ; and third, they could not tell what sort of a trap might be set for them in the woods. I enquired diligently after the idea of the men as to the final result, and it was that we are about where we were a week before the battle, with a loss of 8,000 in killed wounded and missing. Yet that, with every desire to see fair, the prestige of the battle remains finally with our forces. As soon as vve fought, at ail on equal terms, our men heat them without the shadow of a doubt The men everywhere, wounded and well, are m good heart, I saw no sigu of depression any where beyond what comes out of paiu and loss of blood. The men look serious, as if they had grown older; but I did not speak to a man who did not say we can beat the enemy every time if we get fair play.

Advance of the Federal Army to wards Richmond and Capture of Norfolk.

After the defeat of General Joseph Johnson’s army, on the 3rd of May at Yorktovvn, a retreat was commenced towards Richmond. The only feasible method of accomplishing this was to go up the peninsula near the west batik of York River to /Test Point, whence they relied on railroad communication with Richmond. On this route they started, General Lee, apparently, leading the advance. McClellan judged that if his troops fell vigorously upon their rear, he might compel them to make a stand at Wiliiamsburgh. General Hooker was ordered to do this, while General Franklin instantly, and General Sedgwick on the following day, each with a division, were sent up the York River to land at West Point, and cut off the retreat of the enemy. It was apparently the intention of McClellan to take the great body of his army up to West Point, —nut for the .sake of marching thence directly on to Richmond, but to get between Richmond and Johnston’s army. At mid-day of Monday, however, he learns that Hooker lias brought on an engagement with the enemy south of Wiliiamsburgh. Leaving in all three divisions to prosecute the West Point undertaking, he hastens;to reinforce Hooker, who had bravely withstood a superior force, though with considerable loss of life and the

loss of several guns. On McClellan’s arrival, Hancock makes his gallant charge, which drives the enemv into their entrenchments, enables us to recapture our lost guns, and turns the fate of the day in our favour. Next day, Tuesday* McClellan occupies Williamsburg, which the enemy had evacuated during the night, and presses on after the retreating enemy, who, finding that the road by West Point is cut off, succeed in crossing the Chickahominy. There is a good deal of sharp skirmishing during the day, but the pursuers have to halt at the Chickahominy, as the enemy have destroyed the bridges after passing them. The enemy is now in two bodies, the advance 30,000, u’i-der Lee, having got a g ,o 1 s art, presses up toward West Point, lioi.iug to reach there before Franklin can debaik his men to dispute their passage—ahe rest on the west side of the Chicahominy, with only marshes before them toward Richmond, and the roads all !e ulr g southward to the James. Their position is known at Richmond ; if Jeff Davis can get boats down the James to Charlas City County House, or to Eppes, iu time, the fugitives may still escape by the river or across to City Pi.int on the s irhwest bank of the James, and thence find railroad transportation through Petersburgb to Richmond.

On Wednesday McClellan rested his army on the east side of the Chickahominy, probably to construct bridges and prepare for crossing in pursuit. But meanwhile a heavy battle ia raging some fourteen miles to the northward on tlw bank of the loik. a short distance from West Point. Franklin and Sedgwick, having disembarked their men at West Point, intended to take them west, ward to New Kent County Home. But before getting far into the interior they met Lee’s 30,000, and a battle ensues. Our troops are said to have numbered hut. 12,000; perhaps that is ail that couid be brought into action, but we know by the despatch to the. War Department that the two divisions numbered 20,000. Aided by our gunboats the fight resulted in a complete Union victory, and Lee’s broken ranks fled westward, hoping to cross lha Chickahominy, and share the fate of the remainder of Johnston’s army. Next, day, Thursday, the Bth, the ironclad Galena and two oilier of our gunboats in spite of the Merrimac, which lay at Craney Island, ran up the James river, to prevent the escape of the fugitives by water. The Galena was soon after reported aground on Hog Island, which is 24 nile? above Newport News, bat still south ofWilliaus u g. Meanwhile, six of our vessel i including the Monitor, cross //ampton Roads and bombard Sevvull’s Point—probably, however, their main object is to tempt the Merrimac into their midst. The Msrrimac did sluggishly come out at last and take her station where she could be supported by the guns of Sewall’s Point, Finding her challenge unaccepted the Monitor returned in the evening to Fortress Monroe. Next day, Friday, the Monitor again sallied forth and fired a few shots st Sewull’s Point, which a few hours later was reported to be abandoned* That night tne veteran General Wool, with 5,000 men, crossed Hampton Ro ads to Willoughby Point which lies directly South, and is the nearest point of the peninsula on which Norfolk is situated. They landed on Saturday morning and straightway commenced marching on Norfolk. Five miles from the landing they encountered a battery on the south side of lanner s Creek. After a few shots, however, the rebels having burned the bridge over the creek, left their battery and ran. 1 his destruction of the bridge compelled Wool to turn out of his course, making Ins road five miles longer; but at five p. m., while approaching the suburbs, there met him a peaceful delegation of citizens, who surrendered to him the city! General Wool then marched his troops in and took possession, and Brigadier- General Viele is left there as Military Governor. The men of Norfolk were far more sensible than hud been presumed of them. / They heard that Burnside with a large force was near -Weldon why postpone the crisis ? They did not burn the city. Huger, who commanded the lebel forces there withdrew without firing a shot.

The San Francisco Bulletin of May 19, says — From Pittsburg Landing we have nothing of a positive character, Our army is advancing slowly and continuously, fortifying as advances are made. All General Halleck’s movements are predicated upon the supposition that the enemy are in large force and that they will make a stand at head quarters. The number cf the enemy is estimated at 170,000. Grand Junction is being, fortified by Beauregard, with the evident intention of falling back there if beaten at Corinth The Bulletin of May 5, gives the follow ing meagre information respecting the cap ture of New Orleans. As was anticipated, New Orleans was attacked oil both sides at once. Wh.le Com. Farragut was shelling the forts on the Mississipi, the troops of General Butler were working through Lake Poiitchartiain toward the rear of the city. At the latest advices his command was a few miles distant toward the Lake, whi'e New o.leans was held by< a battalion of I* ariaguts marines. Whether there is open communication between them or not we are not informed. But that is probable, since the enemy oil the 25th of Apiil evacuated all the forts on the lake and burned their gunboats. Lovell, the rebel commander, and late fugitive from the New York Street Commissioner’s Office, had gone northward to Camp Moore, on the railroad that leads through Jackson toward Memphis. J?roba bly there is nothing to present General Butler’s moving in to the formal occupation of New Orleans , Chicago, May 16. New York advices, per steamer Catawba, state that General Hunter has. issued s proclamation freeing the slaves in his department. He was a negro brigade and bad directed officers to train the contrabands in the use of arms.

If this proclamation, freeing all the slaves in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida, is made upon the authority of the government, it is the most important step that has been taken during the war.

PULL ARMSTRONG, PULL ADMIRALTY.] p

A PROBABLE CHRONOLOGY. [From “Punch.”] 1860. Mr. Armstrong, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, invents rifle ordnance that will knack any ship to pieces. He is knighted and the admiralty is benighted. 1861. The admiralty recovers, and invents iron ships that resist any known cannon balls.

1862. Sir William Armstrong invents a gun that smashes the iron ships into blacksmithereens. The Admiralty collapses. 1863. The Admiralty re-expands and invents platina ships fastened with diamond cement, and Sir William Armstrong’s balls fly to pieces like bon-bons. Mr. Gladstone doubles the income tax.

1864. S'r William Armstrong invents brazen thunderbolts (supposed to be the original Jupiters), and in pleasing experiment sends the igreater part of the British fleet to the bottom of the sea.

1865. The Admiralty invents torpedo vessels which sail under watei-, and below any range of guns. Sir William Armstrong tears his hair and swears in the Newcastle dialect. 1866. Sir W illiam Arms, rang invents a vertical gun that discharges Greek fire straight down, and a second time he des roys the greater part of the British fleet The Lords of the Admiralty are about to hang themselves when a thought strikes them, and they don’t. 1867. Dr. Gumming, who has fulsome weeks been having in coals by the sack only, suddenly proclaims the Millennium. As there is now to be peace everywhere, the Amiralty does not invent anything, but waits to see. In order to test Dr. Gumming’s veracity, and to find out whether lions will lie down with kids, the Zoological Society (against the advice of their excellent secretary, Mr. Sclater) let loose their biggest lion while a charity school is in the gardens. As the lion instead of. lying down with the kid, only lies down to digest him, the Admiralty thinks there is some mistake somewhere, and determines to invent a new fleet.

Mr. Gladstone once more doubles the income tax.

.1868. The Admiralty invents a stone fleet, with cork keels, and defies Sir William Armstrong. 1869. Sir William Armstrong invents the Hannibal, or Alp-shell, which contains the strongest vinegar, and melts the stone ships. Having for the third time destroyed the British fleet, he is raised to the peerage as Lord Bomb. 1870. The Admiralty invents an serial fleet, which sails in the clouds, out of shot range, and the First Lord takes a double sight of Sir William Armstrong. Mr. Gladstone a fourth time doubles the income tax.

1871. Lord Bomb invents a T balloon battery train, and in an experimental discharge brings down all the British fleet into the German ocean,

1872. The Admiralty, in desperation, invents a subteiranean fleet, which is to by tunnels to all the colonies, but Mr. Gladstone blandly suggests that as everybody now pays twice his income in taxes, the people may object to!! further impost unless some proof of economy is given. Government therefore stop the pensions of a hundred superanuated clerks, discharge some extra night porters at the Treasury, and bring in estimates for the subterranean" fleet.

1873. Lord Bomb invents his typhseons or earthquake shells, and suffocates the British fleet in the Tasmania Tunnel.

Mr. Gladstone a'fifth income tax. 1874. The Emperor of the French proclaims} the Millennium, which of course immediately occurs, no more £war ships are wanted, and the collectors remit the quarter’s income tax not yet due. Lord Bomb invents his volcanic fireworks in honor of the occasion, and by some cacident burns up the public. MARKETS. Wanganui July 24,—Wheat 6s barley s<* oats 6s, maize 6s per bushel, flour (at Netlye mill) £l7, (in town) £lB per 2000 lbs, potatoes £3 per ton, bread—4lb. loaf lOd butter -wholesale Is 4d retail Is 6d. per lb, bacon wholesale 8d per lb.

Holloway's Pills and Ointment. —'Disordered stomach.- —Whenever the stomach fails faithfully to perform its functions, indigestion is produced, the issue of which is uncertain. The food after passing undigested through the sluggish stomach, irritates the bowels, and sets up diajrhcea, -which probably relieves the sufferer for a time To rectify the disordered digestion, and check the first morbid symptoms, nothing previouslyfprescribed, equals Holloway’s digestive Pills, which in severe cases, should Wassisted by his Ointment, rubbed over the Btomach and right side perseveringly for ten minutes twice a day. The unlimited action of these remedies over stomach, liver and bowels is immediate, beneficial, and lasting; they restore order and ease, and simultaneously remove the cause.and consequence oi the disease. 44

Moon ("New CAL END Alt. Moon July. 27 8. 44 a.m \ First Quarter Aug. 3 4. 30 a.m July. - S. rises. S. sets. High water at Head 24 7 17 4 43 7 57 8 22 25 7 16 4 44 8 40 9 10 28 7 15 4 45 9 34 9 58 27 7 15 4 45 10 22 10 46 23. 7 14 4 46 11 10 11 34 29 7 13 4 47 12 0 12 24 30 7 12 4 43 12 49 1 13 31 7 11 4 49 1 33 2 2