MISCELLANEOUS.

pfeox October 2 to Novimbxr 2.] 'The Panlma mail arrived in Auckland on Wednesday, the 2nd October, being five days after the advertised date. . We are happy to be able to record the safe arrival of five out of sir very superior Leicester rams, •hipped in the 'Siam' for Messrs. R. andE. Maclean. These gentlemen deserve great credit for their euterpri*e and public spirit in importing the best . English blood to recruit our New Zealand flocks. 'The rams were selected with great judgment from celebrated English flocks. One of the r»ms cost i £60, and they were fortunately insured for £40 each. ' These Bheep were put on board a cargo boat on October 5, and taken up the Tamaki to the landing, without the fatigue of a land journey af berth© long sea voyage. Too much credit cannot be given to our old friend, Captain Ashby, for his care of these valuable sheep on the voyage. Captain Wright, the chief American Consul, who recently arrived in the colony from New York, left in the schooner * Joanna' on October 2 on a visit to the Bay of Islands and Mangonui. Our Opotiki correspondent writes on September 26, " The ' Whitby' sailing to-day offers me an opportunity of forwarding you a few lines. The settlers are improving their properties; and in spite of every difficulty the appearance of this township wonld compare favourably with many of the other military settlements, which have not had the same obstacles to contend with. The different companies are being gradually weeded of those migratory spirits who axe unsuited for settling ; and, at the expiration of the twelve months' rations, I expect we shall have only those amongst us- that intend remaining. The natives appear to be now resting on their laurels, Everything is quiet."

are less tame, no sensible diminution is noticeable. We are also glad to learn that partridges vr ere seen a few days ago at the Thres Kinijs, and which it is only natural to suppose will prove an extension of the covey reported by Mr. W. T. Bassett some time age to the Acclimatisation Society, to have been noticed at Mangere. This assumption is farther strengthened from the knowledge that no notice has been forwarded to the Crown ranger of any partridge having escaped from confinement. Mr. Henry Walton has resigned his seat in the Provincial Council for the electoral district of Marsden; and that Mr. Joseph May has also resigned hU seat for the district of Raglan. The Nathan Troop are again performing in Auckland, prior to their departure for California. The return match for £10 aside between the Auckland Volunteers and Cambridge Frontier .Rifles took place on October 8, and again resulted in the defeat of the Cambridge team. The following is the score aade by the Auckland Volunteers :—: —