AUCKLAND.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 49, 1 May 1866, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

Mr. Sharps, of Newton, informs us rhat Messrs. Huston, Proctor and Co., engineers, of Lincoln, have written, to him to send them samples of New Zealand ikx, with the view of making machinery for preparing it, Mr. Sharp accordingly sent home samples of flux: by a passenger in the Silver Eagle. it would appear, therefore, that the attention of machinists has beeu directed to tho preparation of the New Zealand flax iv England as well as here. From our knowledge of the ♦engineering ability and reputation of Euston,

Proctor and Co., we are persuaded that they will contrive a suitable machine. Messrs. Fraser and Tinne have made a small macbioe for cleaning the flax, after the boiling process, for the Government, under Mr. Finlay McMillan's instructions. It is a very simple machine, consisting of a pair of horizontal rollers, acting on each other, and turned by hand. The pressure between the rollers is sufficient to remove the green substance encasing the fibre, and without injuring it in any way. Samples of flax, prepared by this machine, may be seen at our publishing office to-day. — W. News, April 21. The Governor at Hamilton. — We have received intelligence from Hamilton that the Governor had arrived there, where he was waiting for Thompson. The rebels at Kawhia refused to meet the Governor, so that his misson to that quarter has been unsuccessful. Petroleum at Poverty Bay — The following appears in a Napier paper: — "Allusion has more than once been made iv these columns to the fact of petroleum being present in large quantities in portions of tho Poverty Bay district. By the last trip of the St. Kilda, two fresh sample bottles have been received by his Honor the Superintendent, the contents of which show that the discovery is one likely to be exceedingly valuable. The locality would seem to be a valley adjoining the Waipaoa stream, a few miles abve its junction with the Maugatu, and about 35 miles from Turanganui. Within a small area, not less than seven or eight petroleum springs are visible, from each of which are constantly exuding gas, oil, and water. The whole valley, indeed, is saturated with oil, while similar springs are to be found spotted over the adjacent rises, to some distance on either side of the valley. This discovery opens up a wide field for British enterprise, which will not, we hope, remain long unoccupied."