The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-11-20

From these statements it will be observed that the
amount Of July received per escort exceeds any
other month this year; and that the amount sh pped
for that month also bears favorable average as
compared with any OF the others. A feeling pre-
walls in quarters that these returns do not ind
cate precisely the quantities received from the gold
fields, or the quantities. shipped; but though they
certainly do not and cannot represent either Of these
quantities with positive accuracy, still we believe
that for the purpose of exhibiting the progress Of
the mines, their yield and results, they contain what
may be relied on as pretty certain index of our
mineral wealth. The escort is now the chief source
relied for bringing dc wn the gold, although
good deal still comes by private hands; aud hence
by these means we may form a tolerably accu-
rate impression of what is doing at the gold fields
By this test we arrive pretty nearly at the
amount discovered but We cannot ascertain easily
or 30 accurately what has been shipped; for much
certainly leaves the country both for home aud colo
nal ports, by private hauds which is never entered
at the customs; though it may be assumed that the
quantity 30 leaving the colony in manner which
cannot be recorded, bears pretty regular averageto
the amount which Is recorded In both cases, there
fore, whether regards the yield of the mines the
shipments from the colony, we venture to say that
the returns now given are essentially accurate, and
may be relied on; and from experience of the
mines the present state of the weather. the period Of
the gear, and the numbers now focking to the dig.
gings, we may also venture to add that there is a
prospect OF growing increase to lie yield ofthis i'm
pOrtant branch OF our colonial wealth. Very hatter
ing accounts still continue to pour in, from new
field discovered within the last week or two, and
situated upon the banks of the GouIburn, at dis
lance of about eighty miles from Melbourne
OUR SHIPPING AND COMMERCE.
The position Of our shipping formed pro ninent
point in our last summary, exhibiting as it does in
o very marked manner the real progress and i'm
portance Of the port. The most casual observer can
not overlook extraordinary position in this re-
spect. He cannot fail to observe the magnitude of
our daily arrivals or if be does, be has only to cast
his eye towards Hooson's Bay. when the agnifcent
feet there riding at anchor must at once convince
him of the value and vast extent OF that trade which
can attract ard employ such noble commercial
marine. The numbers here assembled. from every
country and climate are SO great al most to cha
lenge belief. For the last III months no less than
968 resse representing PCS 900 tons, cere entered
tnrards; and $50 uesses, rcpre,ening 254O 900 tons
and uppards, were cleared through the Custm
House outuards. Presunting his TO continue,
zoe shDN haze an aggregate tonnage trading Wih
which actually almost equal to the tonnage Of Lon
don in 1917. Even in the year 1850, London only
exceeded us th-eefold, Liverpool being ahead nearly
in the same amount; while Newc astle is the only
other port in the British dominiops which has q
creator tonnage thar we mploy and that only to q
very uncomfortable extent Melbourne Is thus, so
far as the amount OF tonnage forms any criterion the
fourth port in Her Majesty dominiOns; and it is
other remarkable circumstance that her present ton
mage ia more than double what the Clyde shipping
represented in 1850. Such are curious facts; preg
nant with great results, and well calculated to strike
the thoughtful inquirer with establishment. when he
keeps in view that we are comparatively an infant
colony Of only eighteen years standing composed Of
mere handful OF inhabitants not exceeding $50 900,
who have hitherto been compelled to struggle against
an obstructive executive in the absence OF regular
constitutional government, and under the necessarily
loose administration Of somewhat unsettled laws, in
SSH more unsettled and distracted state OF society
We have referred elsewhere to the particulars Of
our commercial position which Is one of peculiar in
trest at the present moment and therefore, requires
great caution and discrimination in judging Of its
real state, and still more in advising commercial
men at distance az to how the market is likely to
rule when the spring trade opens. The elasticity
which the market has already exhibited in receiving
and disposing OF such vast quantity Of goods as
have been thrown upon it, is really wonderful but
appears TO us that great really is very little
u actually known Of the quantity and value Of the
imports which have poured in upon For the pur-
pose Of exhibiting this at glance, have prepared
short statement Of the various articles of imports
which have been entered through the Custom House
during the quarter ending 9Th July last (; and we
submit the following list ofa few Of the chief items,
the extent Of the imports Of which will, doubt
not, startle even those who are accustomed to
watch narrowly the operations Of the trade Of this
ords nnrf.-