OUR LOCAL-BUDGET.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIX, Issue 1751, 28 February 1863, Page 11

OUR LOCAL-BUDGET.

' Lake Takaphna.— On' 'Friday i last a large number of pleasure 'seekers Were attracted "to the North Shore, to 'witness , the sports/ announced to come off at ,Takap'una. Scarcely" loss than one thousand persons were present,' conveyed thither by the steamer 'Tasmania^.' Maid/ and by a largo number of cargo boats.^ The ' weather was very fine and well adapted for outdoor sports. A race between some of the cargb boats, from the wharf to the loading place, excited some interest, prizos having been offered to the eai'liost boats arriving. The first, prize, £5, was won by the ' Henry,' and the second by the 'Ariel.' As the visitors arrived, they scattorcd themselves in groups according to their disposition. Four boat races took place on the Lake, in each ca&o for a prize of £10. ' The watermen's race was won by the ' Bosoy ; ' 'Harriet,' second; 'Venture, 1 third. The whaleboat race was won easily by the ' Stranger ; ' 'New Zealand Mnid,' second. The prize for the gig race was carried off by the ' Arrow,' after a good contest with the 'Belle of the Water,' and ' Shamrock.' For the swimming match there were eight cntrios, and a good race for the prize £5 ensued between the competitors. Two Maorics of the Ngatihakowi tribe came in first and second. The horse races wore not so good as anticipated, although fair prizes were offered. There were two bands of music on the grounds, and to the strains thereof many tripped it on the "light fantastic toe." Towards the close of the ovening a war dance was performed by a considerable number of Maoris. By tho treat bulk of the excursionists a very agreeable ay was passed. Towards six o'clock they turned their thoughts homewards, and having re-embarked were all safely landed on the Queenstreet wharf, though not without a little inconvenience ; the steamer arrived at eight o'clock, and the sailing boats within an hour or two after.—" Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 2. Erratum. — In our Monthly Summary, published on Saturday, there was a printer's error which spoiled the sense of a paragraph. For " there are desirous in the councils of the King," read there are divisions. — Ibid. University Degree.— -By Sydney papers to hand, we notice that Mr. William Lynch, eldest son of Mr. Daniel Lynch, of this city, has successfully passed a difficult examination at the Sydney University, and has taken the degree of Bachelor of Arts. — Ibid. Eoyal Company Volunteers. — A meeting of this company was called to be holden in the Mechanics' Institute last evening, but an hour after the advertised time only six or seven members presented themselves, and there was then no appearance of going on with the business for which the meeting was called. — " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 3. Auckland Naval Volunteers. — A meeting of the Auckland Naval Volunteers was held last evening, in the Market House. There were thirty members present. A committee was appointed to report upon the best uniform to be adopted, and the days of drill were then fixed upon. Subsequent to the meeting a portion of the companj r was put through the manual and platoon exercise by the drill sergeants who were present. — Ibid. * Cobomandel. — Last evening the ' Tasmanian Maid ' returned from Coromandel, and hauled alongside the Queen- street "Wharf about five o'clock. She brought a number of passenger?, and the dead body of Mr. Levy, whose untimely end we have before noticed. — " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 4-. Presentation. — It was stated by the Chairman, at the settling dinner, on Monday, in the Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu, that the race committee had resolved to present Mr. Geo. Fiak with a valuable gold watch and chain, for his untiring exertions in getting up the late Auckland races. Mr. Fisk has well earned this public acknowledgment of his services. — Ibid. Baglan Flag Stones. — We are glad to announce that a fair trial is being given to the Unglan quarries by at least one of our fellowsettlers. Messrs. Moon and Vercoe have brought up about thirty tons of Eaglan flagging, for Messrs. Seccombe, Great Northern Brewery, whose cellar is now bcin<j paved with it. The stones, we have been told, are of a superior quality. A private correspondent informs us that stones, eight feet square, can be procured from the quarries in question ; and we understand that vessels can go alongside and load. We would suggest to the City Board of Works that they recommend Mr. Stewart, their engineer, to examine these stones, and report whether it would not be possible to procure a supply, at a moderate rate, for paving the footpaths in tho city. When stone of such . dimensions can be procured near Auckland, if found at all suitable, wo think an attempt should be made to got a proper supply for street flagging. — " Daily Southern Cross, ' Feb. 5. An vruEit The vtric vr. Performance. —On Tuesday evening last an amatuer theatrical performance was given in St. Patrick's school-room, Hobson-street. by the members of the Eecitation Class connected with the Auckland Catholic Institute. Tke performance -was given, foy a charitable purpose — viz., in aid of the orphans under the care of the Sisters of Mercy, in this city. The pieces represented were selections from Shakespeare's " Henry TV." and from " The Merchant of Venice." The cast of characters was very good : and the scenery was effective. We have not space to go into detail on the merits of the performance, nor would it be failto do so — the whole company being amateurs. Suffice it to say, that it went off successfully, and was> well received. A farce, entitled " Did you ever send your wife to Onehunga ?" brought the performance to a close. An excellent orchestra was present, and contributed very considerably to the pleasure of the evening. We understand that about £10 was taken for admission, which will be very acceptable to the charity. — Ibid. Franklin Election. — The official declaration of the polling in favour of the candidates for a seat in the Provincial Council for the district of Franklin was made at noon on Wednesday last, at Otahuhu, by Mr. John Jermyn Symonds, the returning officer, and was given in favour of Mr. John JKerr, of Panmure. So far as we have been enabled to gather, tho following 'were tho number of votes polled for the respective candidates : — Kerr. Moore. Auckland 33 47 Newmarket 21 0 Otahuhu 27 0 Howiok 8 0 Fapakura 0 0 Coromandel 0 1 89 48 Majority for Mr. Kerr, 41. — " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 6. Eagged School. — We had occasion recently to notice the delivery of sermons in aid of the Auckland Eagged School, collections being made at the close of the services with tho following results: St. Andrew's Church, £7 Us. lOd. ; Albert-street Chapel, £3 7s. Od. The amount realised at St. James's Church, Hobson-streot, has not yet been ascertained. — " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 7. The Contbactoh for the new offices of the Union Bank is vigorously pushing forward with his work. The foundation course is being laid, and will soon be completed. We have previously described the design of these new offices, which will bo, when finished, the finest structure in Auckland — perhaps in New Zealand. This will bo tho head office for the colony. — Ibid. Expected Abbivals. — Yesterday the " wellinformed" were on the look-out for tho arrival in Auckland of the Princess Sophia, sister to Matutaere, and other natives of consequence ; but they were disappointed. The distinguished party did not arrive, but as they aro on their way, they may be looked for this morning. We believe the party consists' of Tepaea (Sophia), Hori Koru, Makorata, and Eupuha. — Ibid. TheELaipaba Land Dispute is now in nearly the same state as it was before the arbitrators commenced their work. No decision was come to/ and indeed none could well be come to by them. The whole matter aow resti with the,

..Governor, to whom it has been finally referred. ~*We trust his Excellency, may succeed in pleasing bpth parties to the dispute. The death of Tirarau may make that task somewhat easier than it would otherwiso have been.— Kid. The Fire Block. — Yesterday workmen were employed.' by the contractor to remove the front and side-walls of Messrs. Newman and Ewen's now warehouse, which had been damaged in the late fire. The work was successfully accomplished, without an accident of auy kind. Building operations will commence immediately, to carry out the original design of the warehouse. We trust the spirited firm in question will be more fortunate in their future undertaking. This warehouse, when finished, will add greatly to the beauty of the street; we regret that other new erections on the fire block will have an exactly opposite tendency. The new shop buildings now' going up next the Brunswick Hall, are, we understand, to be only one story high. They are built on short leases, and consequently the lessees will not go to greater expense than they can avoid. This is to be regretted for many reasons, but the most patent is the unsightly appearance which buildings of that class will give to the principal street of the city. We believe the permanent structure which is to occupy the sito of the old Greyhound Inn, will be in a measure worthy of the site.— lbid. . . The Princess SorniA and party arrived in town on Saturday morning from Onehunga, by Mr. Hardington's omnibus, and wore driven direct to Government House. They were conducted from Onehunga by Mr. Brewer, subcollector, who received them on their arrival by canoo from Mangario. They remained about 3| hours at Government House, and returned to Onehunga in a carriage shortly after 7 o'clock. It appears that the Princess and party did not like tne idea of sleeping in Auckland all night. His Excellency the Governor presented each of the ladies with a book, in which their names were written by himself, and on which they prided themselves not a little, exhibiting them by the way, and remarking, "Kapai the Governor." The female who accompanied the princesß is the wife of the printer of the Holvioi. For the sake of our lady readers, who may be anxious to know the latest fashions at the Maori Court, we may mention that we were told the Princess Sophia made her appearance at Government House in a black silk dress, pork -pie hat, but innocent of shoes and stockings. Like "Dame Margery/ she is " not very handsome, nor yet very young, but is notwithstanding an important lady in Mnoridom.— " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 7. Main Sewer. —We perceive that Mr. Stewart, Engineer of the City Board, is superintending the construction of the main sewer, on behalf of the sureties of the contractor, who knocked off work. There is every chance of the work being done within the contract time, and at the contract price.—" Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 11. Savings' Bank.— Yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, a meeting of the trustees of the Auckland Savings Bunk took place in the banking room, Mr. Dignan in the chair. There being only a fovr trustees present, the question as to the extension of the Savings Bank Act to country districts, subject to the approval of Government, was deferred, — Applications for the loan of money were received. — Ibid. Boat- Back. — Yesterday an exciting boat race took place in the harbour, shortly after eleven o'clock. The competitors were Thos. Barron, rowing in the Waterman's boat the ' Harriet,' and John Northe, the stroke oarsman in the ' Stranger,' and who rowed in a boat named the •KoseyV built by Mr. Morgan. The stakes were £5 a-side ; the race to commence from the end of the Queen-street Wharf, round the ' Caroline ' gunboat lying opposite Official Bay, round the ' Marian ' hulk, and back to the cud of the Wharf. Mr. Copland, of the Waitemata Hotel, acted as judge, and took up his position on the ship ' Devonshire,' now unloading at the end of the Wharf. A large number of persons interested in watching the race likewise assembled on the ' Devonshire/ and other vessels near, and on the end of the Wharf. A moderately good start was effected, Northe certainly having a slight advantage. Botli pulled well, but gradually Barron gained on his opponent, and upon arrival at the ' Caroline ' it was estimated lie would be about thirty yards ahead. Unfortunately, however, he rounded the 'Caroline' the wrong way, and haying to rectify this mistake Northe succeeded in shooting in advance, and leading by nearly thirty yards by the time Barron had gone round the gun-boat in the required manner. It soon, however, became apparent that Barron was not destined to remain long in the rear, and before arrival at the Wharf, in making for the ' Marion,' he overtook Northe — the boats by some means becoming fouled Barron led when passing the end of the Wharf about ten yards, and continued his vantage ground to the end of the race, winning by about thirty yards. — Ibid. Cohouandei. Quartz. — We were yesterday shown two specimens of quartz, weighing about 181bs. avoirdupois, which were taken from a leader in claim No. 5, Driving Creek, containing not less than 20 per cent, of gold. All week good stone has been taken out of this claim. It will be scon by advertisement thnt a dividend will be declared on Wednesday evening ne\t, when the shareholders in the Golden Point Company (No. 5) will have a first instalment of £800 divided among them. The specimens in question are deposited in the Union Bank, which is giving every facility to the miners to dispose of their auriferous stone or gold dust. Coromandel requires a fostering hand, until the prospecting companies become more generally producers, and the Bank which renders the greatest amount of assistance in the weak days of the diggings is certain to reap the reward when they become developed. Speaking of the Golden Point claim we may add, that since Christinas the Union Bank lias forwarded to Sydney, on its account, 1,001 ouuees of golddust, besides a considerable quantity of auriferous specimens previously to the Sydney mint, the returns from which were handed to the claim holders. — " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 12. Day of Mourning. — We understand that in compliance with a numerously signed petition from our leading citizens to his honor the Superintendent, Tuesday next has been appointed a day of public mourning as an expression of sorrowfor the late melancholy catastrophe to the 'Orpheus.' The government officcs,banks and places of business will be closed. — " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 13. Tabanaki. — The ' Abeona/ which arrived in the Manakau from Taranaki, on Wednesday, brought a mail with news to the 7th instant. No facts of consequence are stated. The principal question under discussion is the eradication of thistles, £500 for which has been voted on the recommendation of the Superintendent ; and a resolution was passed, on the suggestion of Captain Atkinson recommending a further expenditure for the same purpose, in native reserves, distributed among European cultivations. It was felt that this was a difficult question, as the natives if they instituted legal proceedings would be certain to exact damages for trespass. — Ibid. Boat Hate. — Yesterday another race came off in the harbour, between John Northe and Thomas Barron, the parties who contested a race on Tuesday last. On the former occasion Barron was the victor, he pulling then in the ' Harriet' and his opponent managing the ' Kosey/ On this occasion the men changed boats, which was a manifest disadvantage to Barron. the ' Eosey ' being too largo a boat for him. The match was for £5 ; course, from the ' Devonshire/ at the Queen-street Wharf, round the 'Caroline' gun-boat, on the north side, thenco round the hulk ♦ Marion/ on the south side, and back to the starting point. A large number of persons assembled on the wharf, in boats, and also on board the 'Devonshire/ to witness the race, considerable interest being taken in the event. Mr. Copeland officiated as starter and judge. At 9 minutes before eleven the signal was given for .' off/ and away both men went together ; after ftfew.itroken, Korthe

drew a-head of his opponent, and seemed perfectly easy at his work: ; • Barron was a little agitated, and the boat being very high out of water, she tossed considerably ; there appeared but little difference between the boats until half way down to the ' Caroline/ when the • Harriet^ had a most decided lead ; Barron, in the 'Rosey,' pulling in the dead water. Upon rounding tjio ' Caroline/ Northe was about two lengths ahead, and Barron made a wide turn, thereby drop-, ping much further astern. After this he pulled a wide course until the 'Devonshire was Sassed. When the 'Marion' was rounded, forthe was still ahead with a lead of ten or twelve lengths. From hero Barron made nn attempt to collar the leader, but without avail, although the distance between the two was lessened by a few lengths before the finish. Nor Ihe came in winner, having gone over the course in eighteen minutes, Barron occupied eighteen minutes and a-half to do the same. The latter pulled a bad course or he would have had a bettor chance. Northo pulled an easy and confident stroke all through. We believe it is likely another match will come off between the same men, both to pull in the 'Harriet' against time. This trial, after all, will best test who is the bettor man. — Ibid. Thr VoTii T NTEKK MoA'KSiKNT. — Woarepleased to notico that his honor the Superintendent has fallen in with the view expressed at the volunteer meeting on Wednesday night last, and has convened a public meeting to be hold in the hall of the Moehanics' Institute, on the evening of Thursday next, at half-past seven o'clock, " for iho purpose of ascertaining the views of the community as to the advisability of forming a corns, to be called ' The Auckland Battalion of United Biflo Volunteers,' and for taking such further steps as may bo considered proper in connection therewith. ' — " Daily* Southern Cross," Feb. 14. Provincial Government Gazette.— A Provincial Government Gazette was published on Thursday, containing copy of correspondence relative to the presentation to the surviving officers aud crew from the wreck of H.M. s. ' Orpheus ; ' likewise a notification that Tuesday next, the 17th instant, will be observed as a day of mourning. All the Provincial Government offices will be closed on that day. — Ibid. Wreck op tths ' Okpheus.' — Inquest on the Bodies. — We learn that the authorities have detcamincd on holding au inquest on the bodies recovered from the sea by the natives, and which, we were informed, had been buried by them. The inquest will be held to-day, at four p.m., in Mr. Eeid's hotel, Onehunga, before Dr. Philson, coroner. Four policemen were despatched from Auckland yesterday, by the Commissioner of Police, to render assistance in bringing up the bodies. The steamor ' Avon ' w ill bring the remains of the ill-fated men up from the Head* to Onehunga, where they will be decently interred.— lbid. Coromandel Racks, which commenced on the 10th, wore kept up on the 11th and 12th. on which days foot races and a hurdle race were the main attractions. Everything went off quietly ; and a race ball in the Kapanga Hotel wound up the event. Two of the horses were brought up on Saturday. — " Daily Southern Cross." Feb. 16. Brsii Fires at the Wade. — We learn from a private source that extensh c bush fires have been rnging in the Wade for some time past. The bush and fencing of Mr. William Turner have been entirely destroyed ; and on the bush known as " Kellys new and old bush," a fire has been burning for the last fortnight. A number of cattle have been destroyed by the fire in Kellys bush.—" Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 16. Fiucis at Newmarket. — On Saturday evening last a number of Maoris called at the Itoyal George Inn. Newmarket, for drink, which was refused. They declared they would have it, and assaulted the proprietor, who endeavoured to turn them out. Mr. B. Turner interfered, advising them to go away, but instead of taking his advice, stones were flung at the windows, which were broken, when Mr. Turner administered a striking reproof with his .stick. Four Maoris then threw the boves which they were carrying to the ground, and attacked Mr. Turner, seeing -which several European residents of Newmarket interfered, and the Maoris were forced to take flight. There were about a score of natives — men. v> omen, and children — and some of them were the worse for drink. Mr. Turner received a scalp wound about two inches long, from a blow with a spear. Dr, Stratford dressed the wound, which is not dangerous. — Ibid. Matakana. — A friendly day's ploughing was held at Mrs. Stewarts, Matakana, on Friday, the 6th of February. The day being fine, nine ploughs turned out, and finished their work in a very creditable manner ; half an acre was }>lougned by each team. The ploughing being inished, the parties adjourned to a spot beautifully shaded with Puriri trecTin front of the house, where upwards of forty sat dow n to an excellent dinner, got up by Mrs. Stewart. Mr. Mcible, Mahurangi, proposed that Dr. Cruickshank take the chair, which was seconded by Mr. Campbell, Matakana. Dinner being over, Dr. Cruickshank rose and said he was very happy to see such a large turn-out of ploughs, considering the distance some of them had to come, and the break-neck gullies a few of them had to cross before getting to the field, and ho hoped that this was only the beginning of having annual matches in the district. Before sitting down, he proposed a vote of thanks to the committee, Messrs. Meible, Hill, Matthews, I and Warren, for the exertions they had used in getting the ploughing up. Mr. Meible reI sponded in a humorous speech on the part of the committee ; and the company separated at an early hour, highly pleased with their day's proceedings — " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 19. Glee and Madrigal Union. — A young musical society under the above name, gave their first concert last evening, in St. James's Presbyterian Church, Hobson-strcet. The concert was a private one, admission being obtained by cards of invitation. A numerous and respectable audience assembled to hear the first efforts of the young choristers. The programme was divided in two parts, and comprised solos, duets, part songs, and glees. A small out well-tuned orchestra materially assisted the vocalists, and contributed to the success of the i entertainment. The orchestra performed the " Gloria," from the Twelfth Mass,as the opening piece ; after which " Scots wha hae wi Wallace bled," was sung by the company." " Afton Water" was next given by the conductor, and was warmly applauded. " Homo, sweet homo " was well rendered as a part song, and after it an amateur performed a solo on the violin, in a style that would do credit to practised professionals. His performance was most deservedly applauded and encored. Moore's beautiful Irish melody, "The Last Hose of Summer," was pleasingly sung by a lady amateur and the conductor. A pretty glee — " See our oars with feathered spray," gave much pleasure to the audieuco, and brought the first part of the programme to a conclusion. Before the commencement of the second part, the Chairman (Mr. A. Clow) briefly addressed tho audience in reference to the foundation and progress of tho society, from which bright prospects might be looked for. Tho second part comprised : — Concerted piece, " Village Choristers;" new national Scottish song, "Whore has Scotland found her fame ; " part song, " Tho Cuckoo;" round, "Hark! 'tis the Indian drum;" part song, " Hearts of oak ;" a solo, and " God save the Queen." Tho whole passed off successfully, and. the audience spent an evening agreeably. We wish the Glee and Madrigal Union every success which their efforts merit.— lbid. Cobom andel Gold. — Yesterday Mr ,-B. Kelly, of claim No. 4 Driving Creek, brought up 260 ounces" of gold dust, tho produce of 1661b5. of gtono taken from the claim. The report is generally satisfactory from the diggings. — , " Daily Southern ( Crdss," Feb. 20. .; . Body Found. — Last , eyening the body of John Porter, whose, death by drowning in the Manukau has been already reported, was buried at Onehunga. It was found floating' in the water on Wednesday night. The face was. very mubh

disfigured, bivb the body was recognised "by the clothes deceased hod on when last seen alive. — Ibid. One of the ' Obfheus ' Boats- FotJnp.— Wo have been informed that a diagonakbujlt boat belonging to the • Orpheus' has been fpund J by the Kaipara natives, near the South Kaipara IJoad. 1 In the boat wns found a box of papers, some seamen's caps, (which the natives are now wearing,) and a small cane containing three medals. A native chief has possession of the papers and medals and will forward them to the Government. — Ibid. Thb Late Accident at Waikeri. — Our obituary contains the notice of tho death of Mrs. Julia Bushot, aged 2<l years, who expired yesterday in consequence of tho severe injuries she received from her clothes accidentally talcing fire about 12 days ago, at her husband's rosidenco in Waiheki. The decoasod had been removed to hor father's residence, Coburg-street, in this city, and there attended by Dr. Stratford, but whose efforts to save her life proved \inavailing. — " Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 21. Wangabei. — We are glad no notice that an, attempt is about to bo made to afford the inhabitants ,of this settlement a more regular and speedy means of communication with Auckland ' than lias heretofore been the case. Tho paddle steamer 'Tasmanian Maid' is announced to leave the Queen-streot Wharf at eight o'clock on Tuesday evening next for Wangarei, and return thenco to Auckland on Thursday. Wo quote the words of the advertisement :— " Those who arc interested in the Wangarei district, I consulting thoir own convenience and comfort, and the general interests of the settlement, should support this initiation of steam commucation with Wangarei, which will bo maintained weekly if inducement is 1 now offered." — " Daily Daily Southern,'' Fob. 21. • :*: * BaftiBT CHAPKii.— The anniversary services in connection with theßaptist Chapel ,Wellesloystreet, wore hold on Sunday last, when two sermons were preached; that in the morning by tho Rev. P. H. Cornford, tho resident pnstor, and in the evening by tho Rev. J. Mandeno, of Rcmuera. There were large congregations assembled on both occasions. The Rev. Mr. Cornford chose his text from tho 2nd chapter and 2nd verse of Isaiah :—": — " And it shall come to pass in the last days that tho mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall bo exalted above the hills ; and all nations that flow unto it." The Roy. Mr. Mandeno founded his discourse upon tho words: — "And Jesus wont into the temple of God. and cast out all them that sold and nought in tho temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the scats of them that sold doves. And said unto thorn : it is written, my house shall be culled the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." Matthew 21st chap. 12th and 13th verses. Collections wcremadoattortheservices, and the sumof £20 realised. — This evening a public meeting will take place in the Odd Fellows' Hall, at half-past 6 o'clock, after which recognition services will bo held in reference to tho acceptation of the pastorship of the chapel by tho Rev. P. H. Cornford. Several ministers and friends have signified their intention of being presont ; and*' during the evening several interesting addresses will be delivered.—" Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 24. Justices cf thk Peace. — The following gentlemen have been appointed justices of the peace for the colony -.—Henry Stratton Bates, Esq., Lieutenant 65th regiment, Pokono; James Irwin Wilson, Esq., Kaipara; and John Watson Bain, Esq., Auckland.--" Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 25. Cabinet Work. —We have pleasure in noticing a double book-case of New Zealand woods, manufactured by Mr. Seufcrt, Wcllesleystrcet, for his Excellency Sir George Grey. The principal part of the case is of mottled kauri. The crest and coat of arms of Sir George are handsomely inlaid in New Zealand woods. Those who have scon specimens of Mr. Soufert's workmanship need not bo told that this sample is creditable to our city.— " Daily Cross," Feb. 26. " Escape of Puisonejis. — Yesterday, at three o'clock, two prisoners named Richard Dumfrey, 70fch regiment, and James Reade, 57th regiment, who were undergoing terms of imprisonment for felonious offences, managed to effect their escape from the stockade. The escape was managed from the end of tho building. One sentry and an overseer were on duty at the time ; tho overseer was at the rear. The police were put on the alert so soon as intelligence was conveyed to the Commissioner, and no doubt they will be recaptured. — "Daily Southern Cross," Feb. 27. We heard that his Excellency the Governor accompanied by the Hon. Mr. Domett, Colonial Secretary, and the Hon. Dillon Bell, Native Minister, would proceed to Taranaki in H.M. | s.s. ' Harrier,' this day. The visit to Taranaki has been fixed on, whether his Excellency can proceed to-day or not. — Ibid. Tobacco. — We were yesterday shown two exceedingly fine leaves of the tobacco plant, grown on land in the occupation of Mr. Charles Brown at Oroma, North Shore. Tho plant from which they were taken was about 2 feet 9 inches high, and the loaves measured about twelve inches. The present summer has been very unfavorable to the successful growth of tobacco plants ; the size of tho leaves in question is therefore tho more remarkable. The plant was grown in a hollow in a gully at the place before mentioned, and was transplanted with aboxit 900 others, which were subsequently destroyed by the continued drought. A gentleman who has taken some interest in the cultivation of tobacco plants in New South Wales, has stated that the size of the leaves in question exceed the average there obtained. Tho specimen may be seen in our publishing office, Queenstreet. — Ibid.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.