MISCELLANEOUS. [From August 1st to August 10th.]

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2822, 11 August 1866, Page 6

MISCELLANEOUS. [From August Ist to August 10th.]

300 ounces of gold, the produce of a fortnight's crashing at the> Kapanga Company's claim, Coromandel, were brought to Auckland on the Ist August. The steamer leaving Coromandel on the 3rd August brought 400 ounces from different claims. 783 ounces of gold were shipped in the last mail steamer for Sydney, by the Bank of New Zealand. The coal mine at Wangarei is increasing in productireneas, and the steamer is sow loaded by a -a shoot from the nine, which is situated close to deep water. Several cargoes of coal have been brought up to town by coasting vessels during the week. The report of the Marine Board Department of New Zealand states that there are now five lighthouses on the coast, and suggests advantageous places for others. A survey of the west coast of the Middle Island is recommended. A return of the ' Customs revenue at the several ports of New Zealand, for the quarter ended the 30th day of June, 1866, appears in the last New Zealand Gazette, and shows a very satisfactory increase upon the corresponding quarter of 1865. The total revenue received during the last March quarter amounted: to £207,856 ; and in the corresponding quarter of 1865, to £179,052. The sum contributed by Auckland was £41,316, Dnnedin £44,097, Wellington £18,355, and Lyttelton and Christchurch £24,433. A number of designs have been given in by engineers for a bridge over the Manukau harbour, between Onebunga and Mangere. The committee of selection have not yet announced their decision. In onr monthly summary, we reported the decision of the Court appointed to revise the awards made to settlers us compensation for their losses during the war. Since that time, a large number of cases have been settled by agreement between the Government and the claimants. The Papakura Agricultural Association, and the New 1 Zealand Agricultural Seciety, have memorialised the House of Representatives with reference to the wholesale destruction of pheasants and quails by shooting in the province of Auckland, and praying that some steps may be taken to protect these birds from the indiscriminate slaughter they are at present subjected to. An attempt was made on the 27th of July to lay a telegraphic cable over Cook's Straits, between the South and North Islands ; but, unfortunately, the cable broke, owing to a hitch in the paying out. It is said that the submerged portion can be grappled up, and that another attempt to submerge the cable ■will soon be made. There is at present no theatrical company in Auckland, but performances have been given lately by amateur companies, at which there were good audiences. Monday evening concerts are held regularly. Two slight shocks of earthquake were felt at Napier, province of Hawke's Bay, on the 29fch of July. Sereral alpacas which wire imported into Auckland from New South Wales about two years ago, and which have since that time been running on the Government Domain, were sold by auction < on August 4th. They brought from £10 10s. to £12. These animals appear to thrive in this climate. The general cemetery at Auckland has been improved lately by the formation of footpaths, and the planting of trees and shrubs. Hitherto the cemetery has been neglected to a discreditable extent. Mr. Utting, district surveyor, has completed the ■urvey of a portion of a township at Tauranga, in the Eay of Plenty. A detachment of the military ■ettlers are to be allotted land at Tauranga, which is well situated, and possesses an excellent harbour.