LOCAL SUMMARY.

We have little to lecord for the past month, except the favourable nature of the weathei foi the growing crops The season has been very moist, and the pastures look unusually well. The corn crops are very encouraging in their appearance, although if is to be regretted that the disturbed state of the country should have prevented the settlers planting larger tracts of wheat in some localities. The potato crop will be most prolific. We have not heard further discouraging accounts from the Bay of Islands district regarding the potato blight, but we understand that many there whose crops proved a failure have planted late oats instead. The leading events, in a social aspect, were the shows^ of the Papakura and Auckland Agricultural Societies, reports of which app ar elsewheie in our columns ; the Horticultural Society's exhibition of plants, fruits, floweis, vegetables, and wines; and the establishment of an Acclimatisation Society, having for its object the introduction of varieties of European animals, birds, and fish. The only religious body which held public denominational meetings was the Wesleyans, whose annual missionary meeting was well attended; as was also the annual missionary soiree. The result of the proceedings at the criminal sessions for Auckland province has been favourable to this community. No grave offences were committed ; and only two lettlers were implicated, although fifteen persons were tried. The majority of the offences were committed by soldiers quartered in New Zealand. There has been one fatal accident to record since our last. A military prisoner named Wm. Niell, royal artillery, was accidentally killed on November 14th, by a large block of scoria falling on him, while working at the stockade with other prisoners. The health of the community is in general good, although we have heard of several cases of low fever. As the w»rm season is approaching sickness will be more general, unless greater attention be paid to the sanitary state of the city. The elections for the provincial council were held during the past month, and excited n. good deal of interest. The result has been favourable to good government, and social and commercial progress. The meeting of the provincial council has been fixed for the 6th of January next. The day named for the meeting of the general assembly of New Zealand is the sth February next; but most likely the assembly will be again prorogued by his excellency the governor, who no doubt desires to meet the colonial legislature after his system of pacification has had time to bear fiuit. There has been one arrival from England, the "Black Eagle"— during the month. Many of her passengers have been already absorbed into our population, and are regularly employed. They appear to like the country, and adapt themselves readily to their altered circumstances. The frequent arrival of immigrants is greatly to be desired, because it will tend to strengthen the hands of the authorities, and lead more readily to a peaceful and speedy solution of our political difficulties His Excellency the Governor returned from his northern tour on the 14th November, in H M.S. 'Pelorus.' He was accompanied by Lieutenant-Gene-ral Cameron, C.8.,_ and staff; Mr. Fox, Colonial Secretary, and the private gecietary. A semi oEScial report appear* in another column. The ' Pelorus left the following Sunday for Great Britain, vilt, Sydney. His Excellency Sir George Grey, K. C. 8., was sworn into office as Governor on Wednesday last, by his honor Chief Justice Arney, before the Supreme Court was opened. The oaths of office were taken in Government-house. __A baza»r^v*3 held on the 28th in' aid of the funds of the homo3opathi(f hospital, in a tent on the grounds at Government-house, close to the Horticultural Society's marquee. In consequence of the inclemency of the evening the bazaar was closed ; and on Tuesday evening last it was resumed in the Mechanics' Institute. The proceeds of both exhibitions amounted to about £120. We have bad a rather brisk trade during the month, owing to the number of intercolonial, foreign, and interprovincial arrivals. The rush to Otago has ceased, but a regular trade has been established. The Coromandel gold-fields have attracted some attention during the past month, but the anangeinents are not yet Satisfactorily completed, although considerable progress has been made by the authorities. The public of Auckland have great reason to complain of the defective steam postal arrangements. The English mail was not delivered till the 2nd December. '