The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-06-05 00:00:00

HENGLER'S CIRQUE.

The greater the patronage bestowed on Mr. Hengler by
the public, the greater exertion he makes to please. Some
people imagine that because public approbation stamps
the performance, that nothing more is necessary. This is
a mistake. The more Mr. Hengler is patronised, the
more he endeavours to render the best entertainment. We
notice that since the able arrangements made by Mr.
Francis, that the performance is much enhanced, and that
the performance of Mr. Wallett, the celebrated Shakesperian
jester, independent of anything else, has drawn very large
houses. The Delvanti troupe is very well worth seeing,
and altogether the Cirque is one of the most attractive
entertainments, at present, amongst the many in town.
We may mention, that the working of Mr. Francis, has
given the most general and ample satisfaction, and that
under his able and gentlemanly auspices, the Cirque will
become (if possible) more popular than it has been since
its auspicious opening in Liverpool. For the last week,
both at the day and evening performance, the house has
been crowded.

THE DIORAMA OF INDIA.
As a pictorial illustration of India and the Ganges—the
Holy River, with all its wm. derful scenery and associations,
religious ceremonies and funeral rites, its manners, cus-
toms, prejudices, and pastimes, we have already recorded
our opinion, and that is one of unequalled approbation—
indeed of admiration at the beauty of the painting, the
fidelity of the pictures to nature, and the close
appproximation to life of all the figures in the
one hundred pictures that comprise this most gigan-
tic of all dioramas. On our recommendation some
thousands have visited this very magnificent piece of
art, co-mingling as it were with nature, and all bear
testimony to the fidelity of the scenes, the beauty of the
artistic skill displayed, and the exquisite painting of the
whole monster piece of canvass—such a surface as was
never before seen on canvass in Liverpool. There are
two attractions combined with this glorious diorama
scarcely to be met with. One is the lucid and instructive
lecture and explanation, given by Mr. Cassidy, of the
scenes which are so faithfully laid before you, and the
other is the musical illustrations by Madame Corelli, whose
very elegant performance draw forth repeated applause.
Indeed this lady in herself is a host, but when combined
with the other attractions, the whole is a matchless per-
formance, and those who miss seeing it, will miss a sight,
indeed.

THE QUEEN'S THEATRE, EDINISURCH.—We understand
that the members of this company trave received intima-
tion of the intention of the proprietors to close the theatre
in about a month, when their services will no longer be
required. It is no secret that, for some time past, the
receipts have been tar below the current expenses, and
therefore no other course wiis left to the management. In
justice to the lessee, however, it is right to state that
liberal expenditure, tasteful scenery, and a talented com-
pany, have always formed prominent features of his
management. it is understood that negotiations are in
progre,s with Mr. Wyndham, of the Theatre-Royal, for a
lease of the Queen's Theatre. Should it fall into his
hands, as it is likely to do, we presume that he will open
it alternately with the Theatre-Royal.—Colorant.

TO THE CAPTAIN AND OFFICERS O 1 THE
OLIVER LANG,

We, the undersigned, passengers by tho ship Oliver
Lang, from New Zealand to England, at the close of a
prosperous voyage, the shortest yet made from that colony
to England, desire to express our entire satisfaction with
the accommodation afforded us, and take this opportunity
of thanking Captain IVlundle, Dr. M'Cane, the surgeon,
Mr. Osborne, the chief officer ; and Mr. Davis and Mr.
Reeves, the second and third mates, for the unremitting
kindness and attention they have shown us during the
voyage. We attribute the rapidity of the passage in a
great measure to the skill and good seamanship of Captain
Mundle, assisted by the zea'ous efforts of his officers ; and
request they will accept our best wishes fir their future
prosperity and success, and this slight assurance of our
good-wit I.
Rev. H. GOVICTT J. BARTON MELAND
Mato Ama GOVETT WILLIAM KENNAway
IS&BELLA HUNTER L. J. KENNAWAY
Mr. and Mrs. SEYMOUR CHARLEi Y G OLD
Mrs. T. TESCHEMAKER GEORGE HOOTER
MATILDA DAMPIER J. and CATHERINE HEWITT
MARTHA H. BETHUNE
JOIIN GORDON
JANET M. PIETHUNE G. WILLIE
JANE TRAVERS
JAMES GEORGE Coa
MARY ANNE ROBERTS G. B. MYERS.
P. STUDLEHEIM

-
SUDDEN DEATH.—Yesterd,ty, a poor fellow named
Charles Geary, who used to play the bag-pipes in the streets,
was taken suddenly ill in Chisonhall-street, and died almost
Au impost will be held en the body
this (lay,
ACCIDENTAL DEATH.— Yesterday, a boy named Millar,
who was a pupil in the Industrial School, was killed by a
Tar! falling over him, on the carriage of which he was
sitting at the time it turned over.
A report of a case of the death of a child, said to have
been poisoned in Shaw-street, was made at the coroner's
court yesterday, but as the case is ex-parte, we do not give
the particulars until the inquest is held, this day.

AUSTRALIA.

PLYMOUTH, THURSDAY MORNING.

The Sussex, Captain Scanlam, 87 days from
Melbourne, with over 48,000 ounces of gold, was

off the port this morning.
She left the Heads on the 19th March, rounded
Cape Horn on the 6th of April, and crossed the
line on the 3rd of May.
The Sussex is laden with wool and copper ore,
and has 137 passengers, of whom eight mechanics
landed here. They stated that their wages varied
from 15s. to 205., and those of labourers from 10s.
to 205., working eight hours per day, which is the
prevailing time.
Profits are less. Business is more steady.

The Sussex spoke, north of the line, the South
Carolina, 102 days out from Melbourne, for Liver
pool ; May 17, the Glorieuse, from India, with
troops, last from the Cape, out 92 days, all well;
June 3, in the Channel, the Black Swan, out 92
days from Hobart Town.

NEW Z EALAND.

ARRIVAL OF THE OLIVER LANG.

The splendid ship Oliver Lang, Captain Mundell,
belonging to Messrs. James Baines and Com-
pany's Black Ball Line of Packets, and the
Pioneer ship in opening a direct trade between the
port of Liverpool and New Zealand, arrived in the
Mersey, last evening from Wellington, after an
extraordinary passage of less than 69 days, having
sailed on the 28th March, bringing 22 passeng3rs,
and a cargo eonststing of Wool, Oil, Whalebone,
Flax, Shells. &c. The Wellington of the 28th
of March, gives the following particulars of the
movements of this noble ship in the New
Zealand ports•

The unexpected delay enables us to furnish particulars
of her cargo, interessing not only to ourselves and the
other Provinces, but to the many elsewhere, who having
heard a great deal of talk lately about our readiness to
raise loans, make roads, and increase our population, will
be very glad to see some substantial proof of that which
we have hitherto done in the way of producing an export.
Something in the shape of a guarantee that, having been
diligent in turning to advantage the means and opportu-
nities hitherto at our command, we shall not be found idle
now that our pocket is longer, our views more extending,
and the smiles of Fortune's fair Goddess brighten our
path. At Nelson-20 bales of Wool were put on board
from New Plymouth, estimated at 6000 lbs weight, and
valued at £4OO. At Canterbury--(according to the best
information we can gather,) there were shipped 1,105 bales,
weighing 386,526 lbs., and valued at £23,315. The in-
dividual shipments of which the above total is composed
are as follow :

Bales. lbs. Value.
Cookson, Bowler, and Co., 377 124,692 £7,702
H. Le Cren,
Gould and Miles,
F. Banks,
Waitt and Co.,
A. J. Alport
Various unknown
At Wellington- (as per Custom House Entries) the
shipments amount to 1,201 bales, weighing 374,898 lbs, and
are of the value of £25,777, the quantities noted against
Messrs. Morrison, Monro, Eyes, and Sinclair, 119 bales,
having been sent over from the Wairau, in the Nelson
province.. The following are tho details :-
Bales. lbs. Value.
Bowler and Co. 303 99,303 £6,613
Bethune and Hunter 297 90,660 6,799
J. H. Wallace
Hervey, Smith, and C 0... .85 32
,368 2,007
Morrison and Co 59 17,036 1,279
Stuart, Kinross, and Co 56 15,797 1,060
Monro
Levin and Co.
W. W. Taylor
Johnston and Co 34 11,200 750
Joseph and Co.
G. Moore ... 22 8,000 500
J. Harding
J. Kelham
Hickson and Co.
A. Hort
Eyes and Co.
Sinclair
The other shipments comprise small parcels of
oil, whalebone, flax, and shells, with a few pre-
sents of plants and curiosities, valued at £l,OOO.
The most cursory glance at the above manifest will show
that Canterbury shares an equal part with Wellington in
the credit which attaches to the despatch of the first
Liverpool liner ; and to the friends of that province this
fact will to a gratifying evidence of its prosperity. It
must not at the same time be supposed that her wool
exports are equal to that of Wellington. Whatever Canter-
bury, Otago, and Nelson may become, Wellington yet takes
the lead, though we are free to confess that the day may
not be far ahead, when the policy pursued by the
General Government of cramping our energies, by
refusing to purchase from the natives the land we
so much need for the depasture of our increase, may
cause the younger provinces to make a more rapid pro-
portionate advancement than we shall be able to do. At
the close of the season we hope to publish the quantities
shipped from this port via Sydney and Melbourne, and
per vessels direct ; in the meanwhile we need add nothing
to that which we have already said on this head in our
summary last week, except to point out that since the
arrival of the Oliver Lang in this port, no less than 1,185

bales have been exported via Australia, which next season,

if early arrangements are made, may be secured for a
vessel direct. The saving of fifty per cent. in freight
insurance, and other expenses, is an item in the calcula_
tion of the benefits conferred by the employment of the

large ships of the Black Ball line, which we are not likely
to forget ; but great as this is, it will be but trifling com-
pared to the many advantages which must accrue to the
south, if the bonds of commerce lead the provinces to look
upon each other as having a community of interest, instead
of our being tempted to feel that spirit of isolation which
is, we fear, sometimes provoked and fostered by the petty
rivalries and jealousies which our political struggles are
apt to er gender.
The Wellington Independent publishes a summery
of news for transmission by the Oliver Lang, from
which we make the following extracts :
The fourth and last session of the Provincial Council
terminated its sittings on the 20th February. To review
fully the proceedings of the Council, would occupy many
colunms. The Council contained a large portion of " new
blood," introduced into it by the elections resulting from
the enlargement of the Council having taken place during
the recess, the number of such members is twelve. the
whole number now being thirty. The work before the
Council was of an important character, inasmuch as the
raising of loans and their appropriation devolved upon it.
It was first supposed that an opposition of a stronger
chaacter than was formed in the previous session would
be manifested, and very early in the sitting a defeat of the
Government seemed to confirm it ; but the defeat in gnos-
tic% was only on a form and not on principle, and arose
entirely from an ignorance of the proceedings of the House
by many of the members who had only taken their seats
a few days previously.
PUBLIC Wow:rt.—The public works are being prosecuted
with considerable vigour, and pushed forward in all direc-
tions, every advantage being taken of the fine weather
which may be expected to break in about a couple of
months. We were anxious to show the progressive increase
of our annual expenditure under this head, from the time
when, from a revenue of about £30,000, the late Colonial
office appointed Government could only manage to spare
about £2,000, to the present, when, out of a revenue cf
£183,000, the Representative Council appropriates no
less a sum for public works than £lOB,OOO. The only
way in which we can convey to our home friends an idea
of the inereased activity in road making, bridge building,.
&c., is to show the amounts voted by the Provincial
Council during the four sessions it has sat. The amount

appropriared for public works and undertakings during
the last four years is as follows :—Session 1, 1854, £8,950;
2, 1855, £34,256 ; 3, 1856, £28,800 ; 4, 1857, £168,063
The large amount just voted is in consequence of loans
having been raised to the extent of £lOO,OOO, and another
of £25,000 authorised to be negotiated when required or
opportunity offers. It is not possible, even if it were con-
templated, to spend the above amount during the present
year—the works provided for will occupy at least two
years, probably more, and find employment for a large
number of the workmen recently contracted to be intro-
duced from Great Britain during, this and the following
year. The precise character and cost of the works to be
undertaken are classed as under :—Roads, £70,990 ; immi-
gration, £5O 000 ; bridges, £10,284 ; public buildings,
£11,179; surveys, £10,115; lighthouse, £10,000; miscel-
laneous, £5,495. The other vote requiring notice is that
of £lO,OOO for a lighthouse on Pencarrow Head. In June
1832, the late Governor led the public to believe that a
thoroughly useful lighthouse should be erected by the
G ,vernment on Pencarrow Head, at the entrance
of this harbour, as soon as it could be procured
from England ; and that in the meanwhile a tempo-
rary light should be placed there, which it was hoped
might at least be useful to coasters. To defray
the cost an extra duty of one shilling per gallon was levied
on spirits. Nothing, however, was done beyond obtaining
plans and specifications and the erection of a light keeper's
house, in the windows of which is shown a light of so
extremely an inferior description that it is doubtful
whether it is not of more harm than good, being calculated
to mislead the unwary. The plans and specifications pre-
pared by Mr. Roberts, the then clerk of the works, provided
for the erection of an iron building, thirty-five feet high,
with a revolving dioptric white light, to distinguish it from
bush fires. Pencarrow Head rises 400 feet above the level
of the sea, and the light would be seen at a distance of
eight miles. The estimated cost in 1852, when the
specifications were drawn out, amounted to £2,596,
to which must now be added fully fifty per
cent. for increased value in England of the
material and labour. The present Government
have determined to adopt Mr. Roberts plans and send to
England by the Oliver Lang to have one purchased and
sent cut immediately. All who have had anything to do
with builders et hoc genus oinne, know how liable an
architect is to under estimate the cost of the contemplated
erection, and as this liability is likely to occur to a much
larger extent in estimating here the cost of material and
workmanship some months hence in a country so far
distant as England, the government have wisely erred on
the right side in asking far a vote much larger than may
possibly be required rather than risk another twelve
months delay by finding their amount insufficient. In all
probability the work will be advertised for by the London
agent of government, the contract to include the erection
in New Zealand.
On the 9th instant, the foundation stone of the buildings
intended for the use of the General and Provincial Legis-
latures, was laid by his Honor the Superintendent, in pre-
sence of a large concourse of spectators.
STEAM POSTAL COMMUNICATION. —The re-establishment
of the overland mail service from England to Australia,
has necessitated the taking steps to insure a quicker com-
munication between Australia and New Zealand. The
plan recommended by the select committee appointed
during the last session of the Assembly, is the only
feasible one—to make Wellington a centre, running
from thence two coasting steamers, one to the
north, and the other to the south. Tenders have
been called for in Sydney and Melbourne, inviting con-
traeters to suggest routes of their own in addition to those
proposed in the advertisement, we look forward to the result
with some little impatience. Under the impression that
the route proposed by the general government would be
persisted in, the Provincial Council of Wellington ap-
pointed, in January last, a select committee on the subject,
and, hopeless of the proposed steam communication proving
any advantage to us in the securing of speedy deliveries of
European mails, it reccommended :—" That the govern.
ment be authorised to make arrnegements for a line of fast
sailing packets to convey the mails from Melbourne to this
port, immediately after their arrival there, and take back
the return mails in time for the next home steamer, from
Melbourne to Europe. The sum of £1.25 to be authorised
for the service, as a monthly bonus, if only for six mono hs'
engagement ; to be reduced to £lOO per month, if a twelve
months' engagement." This recommendation was at once
acted upon, and a powerful fast sailing schooner, the
Marchioness, well known in the trade during the
last three years was chartered, leaving the
second to be contracted for at Melbourne. A
proposition has, within the last month, been made by
the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company to open up the
Panama route, and an agent, (Mr. Wetton) has been
despatched to make the necessary arrangements. The
company propose to run in conjunction with their already
etsablished West India line, calling at Tahiti, New Zealand,
and Sydney, with a branch to Melbourne. The annual
bonus required is an exceedingly moderate one—Lso,ooo,
but of this amount the proportion expected from New
Zealand (£20,000) is we think excessive. The feeling of
the New Zealand, government may be inferred from the
speech of Mr. Stafford, the colonial secretary, at the dinner
given by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. He
says :—" I can only regret—and it must be a subject of
regret to us all—that this proposal was not made sooner,
and that the company is not now consequently the Aus-
tralian and New Zealand Royal Mail Company."
Our opinion is, we believe, that of the whole of
the southern provinces ; and was thus expressed in
the Independent of the feSth ultimo. We quote at
length, because we think the importance of the
subject demands it :
The Royal Mail Company have empowered Mr. Wetton
to negotiate with the Governments of New South Wales
and New Zealand, for the payment of an annual subsidy
sufficient to warrant the company in opening the Panama
line—to determine the ports at which the steamers
shall call—and make other arrangements for the
service. The line cannot come into operation
under two years, inasmuch as it would take twelve
months to build ships of the size proposed—say
2,500 tons ; and the time consumed in the present nego-
ciations, the return of the agent to England, the taking up
their station, and other unavoidable delays, to which both
the company and the vessels are sure to be subject would
occupy twelve months longer. Notwithstanding this, the
importance of the propositions now made can scarcely be
overrated. They are such as will exert, if accepted, the
most powerful influence on the future progress of every
port of New Zealand, and if rejected it is certain that
Australia will never submit to have any arrangement she
may make, interfered with, simply to benefit a small
colony like ours. It is equally certain that from
th e circumstance of one half of the line having been
in successful operation for many years, no other company
but the present ono can, for a long time to come, compete
with or be able to offer the same easy terms as those
which Mr. Wetton is empowered to make. The bonus
asked for the whole service between Panama and
Australia, inclusive of New Zealand, amounts only to
£30,000 per annum. Of this sum New Zealand is ready
to pay her part, whatever that may, under all the circum-
stances, be fairly rated at—whether in proportion to
population, revenue, or benefit conferred. But it is in the
determination of the ports of arrival and departure that
the real difficulties occur. Mr. Wetton proposes to
arrange for the steamers to call at Auckland on their way
to Sydney, and at Wellington on their way to Panama.
At Auckland there would be stationed a branch steamer, to
proceed t o Melbourne. By this arrangement Auckland would
have the advantages of the quickest intelligence outward.
and direct communication to Australia, while Wellington
would have those of an rarlie.r mail froi;i Australia and a
later one homeward. If Auckland and Wellington were
the only two piovinees in New Zealand, and the Middle
Island a terra incognita, we know of no arrangement that
would be more fair or satisfactory, but remembering that
three out of the siN provinces arc so located, and that when
time has developed their resmiroes, they will be by
means the least in wealth or influence, we cannot consent
to sacrifice their interests by grasping solely at our
own. In any arrangements therefore, that are
b:ing made by the general governm• nt, vs must
insist that the claims of the whole south shall not
be disregarded—that the Middle Island Provinces,
shall not be called on at the next Assembly to confirm a
contract or vote a subsidy for any purpose which has for
its object the advantage of the Provinces on the Northern
Island to the neglect of all the rest. In this detet mination
we know the Southern members will heartily concur, and
with the weight, the unanimity of the members for this
Province will give to the opposition, we cannot think the
Stafford Ministry will be fool hardy enough to make any
unnecessary arrangements for the arrival of the males at
the extreme north, when the whole of the Provinces
can be so advantageously benefited by the use
of the Wellington Centre. We do not begrudge
Auckland any advantage she is fairly entitled
to, but we protest against the continually repeated aggrar -
disement for her sole benefit, of those which properly
belong to the colony as a whole—for those for which the
general revenue pays, and in the distribution of which,
therefore, the general interests should be cousulted. Me.
Stafford and Mr. Wetton will proceed to Sydney. what will
there be done can only be surmised. We believe that
Sydney would much prefer paying the whole subsidy,
and leaving out New Zealand as a port of call.
Whether this be so or not, the advantages of
being able to ccmtaunicate with England in six weeks are
so great that we trust an arrangement beneficial to the
whole of New Zealand may be complete so that the
establishment of the line shall be effected with the con-
currence of all the provinces. Anything short of this will
be " paying too dear for our whistle," and be a consteet

source of jealousy and strife. Mr. Wetton was very plea-
santly entertained
think
the Wellington Chamber of Com-
merce, and we
that Wellington can do, faairly and honestly, to the pro-
vinces who have hitherto been her allies, she is fully
determined to do.

COMMERCIAL.
The past two months have fully borne out the remark
made in our previous summary that " soundness at the
core" never more characterised our commercial relations
than it did then. The depression and scarcity of money
are alike gradually passing away and our market is fast
progressing towards a most robust and easy state. Over-
crowded bonded stores, and a low customs chest are no
surer indications of a glut and paucity of current business
than are removals and large customs revenues correct
indications of a demand equal to the supply and a good
home consumption.
The arrivals from England during the last two months
have been heavy—the Rose of Sharon, Indian Queen,
Myrtle, and Monsoon—but their cargoes are being cleared
off at generally remunerative prices, suitably selected
invoices paying well, especially where the commercial
maxim of " goods well bought are half sold" can be made
to apply. The customs revenues show a large increase.
In the corresponding quarter of last year, Ist January to
31st March, the receipts amounted to £6,029 8s ld—
those for the months of January and February, 1857,
alone amounted to £6,401 4s 6d, and during the fortnight
ending the 14th ult., they have been £1,812 4s l Id, giving
an average increase of upwards of £3,000 for the quarter.
Some portion of this is perhaps owing to the new tariff,
but, if any, it must be very small.
Of liquids, the only scarcity is Porter, both in bulk and
bottle. Of the former there is not a hhd. in first hands,
and the demand is mostly in advance of the supply.
Draperies and soft goods generally are slow of sale. At
this period of the year, between the twn seasons, stocks
usually accumulate, especially when money is not
sufficiently plentiful to induce the purchase of winter
goods in advance.
Groceries being mainly imported from Sydney, are not
much affected by the arrivals from England. The stocks
in importers hands are good, with no disposition to sell
except at remunerative rates.
Hardware of all kinds is slow of sale, and the supply
just now excessive.
The demand for Candles is increasing, and will neces-
sarily continue to do so as the winter draws on. We have
not heard what quantities of composite are expected,
but they geaerally comand good prices. Large importa-
tions of tallow Candles have taken place from Sydney,
several of these parcels have been sold lately at consider-
able loss to the shippers, in some cases as much as 2d per
lb., owing to the Wellington-made Candles being of a
superior quality, Soap will not command the market for
some time to come. Large stocks, especially of Liverpool,
remaining on hand. London Soaps of first qualities are
however realising paying prices. The Soap manufac-
tured at the Wellington factory, sells readily at from £2
to £4 in advance of that from London. Liverpool is
almost unsaleable.
Galvanised iron and slates will probably meet with a
ready sale for roofing, in consequence of the new Act for
the protection of the town from fire, giving local boards the
power to condemn and remove shingles. Tin tiles are also
used in Australia, and would, we think, pay here, being
cheap and easily put on.
This season's wool is not yet all in, but will continue to
arrive for another month. In consequence of the high
price it is fetching at home, buyers have been anxious to
purchase for remittance, but there has been an evident un-
wiliingness on the part of the growers to sell, preferring
to take their chance of the English market. They are
induced to do this from the large profits made last year by
many who sent their wool on instead of realising here.
The prices asked have been too high to leave a sufficient
margin for speculation. A very fair parcel of 23 bales was
sold by Messrs- Bethune and Hunter, on Thursday, at 17/d,
[Fete Oliver Lang sails early in the week with a full
cargo of wool, taken in at Nelson, Canterbury, and this
port. Waiting the passing all her entries at the Custom-
house, we are unable, we regret to say, to state quantities
and value. As regards loading, better arrangements will,
we hope be made next year, in consequence of the experi-
ence gained this, so as to prevent the necessity of sending
any of our wool via Australia. Both to Sydney and Mel-
bourne, several large parcels have been shipped, in order
to save the June sales. We cannot blame the merchants
for this, they must look after their own interests, but we
strongly advise Messrs. Bathes and Co., to make their
arrangements snfficiently early so as to have on the berth
for Liverpool next season, one if not two of their fastest
vessels, commanded by pushing men, like Captain Man-
dle, and the advantage of the direct trade will then be so
obvious, as to necesitate the abandonment of the more
expensive, but hitherto quicker route cis Sydney or
Melbourne.
The Monsoon, so well known for the regularity and
quickness of her voyage both out and home is now
taking in her wool. She will not proceed to the Wairau
as in former years, there being enough in port and to
arrive to fill her up. She will get away some time next
month if the weather favours pressing operations. Under
any circumstances no time will be lost, our old friend
Captain Turnbull having a mortal aversion to let the grass
grow under his feet.
We are happy to continue recording a more liberal
policy by the Union Bank, yet still narrowed by the
uncontrolled power of being obliged to please nobody but
itself, which a monopoly always gives rise to. We are
informed that the Oriental Bank has determined to es-
tablish a branch in Wellington, and we have learnt su
rosa, that it is not improbable anothor Bank, whuse name
has never yet been publicly mentioned as likely to have
connexion with New Zealand, will shortly take up a position
here.
The Commissariat contracts which were taken last year
at 5d per pound for bread, and 5'1,-(1 per pound for mea-,
have this year been taken at lid and 34c1 respectively.
The necessaries of life are all declining in a greater or less
proportion, as is also fuel, but rent is higher, for small
houses especially, in consequence of the continued increase
to our population.
The hours for landing free and bonded goods have been
lengthened, which greatly facilitates the discharge of the
1 irger vessels.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that our markets
present a hopeful prospect, but we caution English houses
from making consignments, except on the recommendation
of local agents. Our market is rather a peculiar one, and
random shipments very seldom hit the mark, and as most
of the principal retailers now indent largely, the market is
likely to continue to be fairly supplied.
Gold has lately been discovered in one of the
small valleys on the Aorere river in Massacre or
Coal Bay—a portion of the Nelson Province.
At present (the yield is small and is confined to
scaly particles, though a nugget weighing a few
pennyweights was, we believe, on one occasion
picked up, Whether these fields will turn out
sufficiently remunerative to cause anything
like a rush or whether they will prove like the
Corromandel diggings in the north too unpro-
fitable to work, it would only be idle in us to con-
jecture. Gold is known to exist and has been
found in small particles in other portions of the
colony—in Otago for instance, and was once found
at Wanganui, in this province only it unfortunately
turned out to be bisulphuret of iron. In all pro-
bability profitable fields will be found in many of
the provices, and while we shall be by no means
slay in making known the auriferous advantages of
Wellington when we can find them, we doubt
whether, in the end, the province who grows the
produce to feed the diggers, will not be the better
oft of the two.
The latast accounts received from Nelson are
those by the Mimmie Dike, arriving here on
Thursday last. The Examiner of the 14th instant
furnishes the following information which we give
unabridged.
Since our last notice of the gold-fields in Mas-
sacre Bay, the number of diggers there has greatly
augmented, and not less than 200 persons are now
engaged in the district either in digging or in
prospecting. Several persons have retuanccl
to Nelson, some well satisfied with their
gains, and with a' determination to return,
better equipped, to prosecute their search
for the auriferous treasure ; and others disap-
pointed, and evincing no disposition to abandon
their farms and cultivations,and a settled course
of industry, for what at best is only a lottery
of esin—the prizes sometimes large, but the
blanks often numerous. From the best informa-
tion we have been able to collect, we believe that
all who keep stc adily at work in the gully where
the gold was first discovered, are making cxeol
lent wanes ; but as the extent of this • gully is
but small, parties have pushed out in various
directions prospecting. At the date of our last
a ivices, another gully containing gold in increased
quantities had been discovered, but it laboured
under the disadvuntnge of being without water.
About 50 ozs. were put on board the schooner
Ann, which, from having called at the Tata Island
for a cargo of limestone has not arrived here ;
and at least 50 ozs. more were in the hands of the
diggers at the time the Ann sailed. Additional in-
telligence must reach u 5 in. 9, few days,"