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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 2, Issue 56, 16 October 1858, Page 2

We learn from the Melbourne Herald of the 24th ult., that, on that day, the steamer Lord Ashley was telegraphed as having put into Belfast for water, coals, and provisions. The pioneer of the inter-colonial and inter-provincial fleet has at length turned up, and is in all prohability, now in Auckland harbour. By this time, possibly, the arrangements of the company may be matured. It becomes a question of importance to us in what way we are to benefit by those arrangements — whether directly or indirectly. It appears to be decided that the largest vessel of the fleet, to be engaged in sustaining the inter-colonial communication, shall make the port of Nelson the New Zealand terminus. Statements, it is true, are yet conflicting, but the weight of authority would seem to indicate this as a settled arrangement. Thence the mails are to be distributed to the provinces by the smaller steamers ; but upon what defined plan does not seem to be determined. Upon this point we shall anxiously look for information. Meanwhile, we trust that the claims of the new province and of the East Coast generally will not be overlooked. The scheme suggested, if we remember rightly, by Mr. Sewell, and since advocated by other writers, included communication betwen Auckland and Wellington byway of the East Coast — the two ri- j val cities enjoying, alternately, the advantage of being the first port of arrival. This, or any similar plan, would surely point to Napier — only some 15 miles distant from the sea board— as a port of call both on the up and down trip. The ad- i vantages to be thence derived we need not pause to'enumerate. The new province, al--ready vigorous, might then eclipse some of its elder brethren.