AUCKLAND.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 15, 19 January 1869, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

The Stormbird, from Onehunga and Taranaki, arrived in harbor on Sunday morning. We are indebted to het obliging purser for late copies of the local papers. From the Auckland Herald oi the llth, we make the foliowing extracts: — The Siam which sails for London this day with a full cargo of colonial produce takes with her also 20001bs or nearly a ton of gold, a portion of the last 10 weeks' work at the Thames. As the New Zealand Bank is not sending its gold by this vessel, there will be, we understand, from 6000 to 10,OOOozs. obtained during the same period, unshipped. There has been a snake found in the Upper Waikato — the first of this order of reptilia yet found in New Zealand. The interesting specimen has been deposited in the Museum, where it can be seen by the curious. The barque Gustave Adolph brings several fine Java sparrows from Batavia. Theoriginal troupe of Japanese Jugglers have been playing to crowded houses for some time. A subscription has been initiated for the boy Jones, whose presence of mind, in giving prompt warning to otbers, on the occasion of the Poverty Bay massacre, was doubtless the means of saving many lives; but we do not see that any steps are being taken to get up a subscription for the survivors. In noticing the annual swimming matches and other aquatic sports which came off on Saturday afternoon, at the Baths, the Herald observes: — There is perhaps no country or colony where the advantage of being a good swimmer is so apparent as in the colony of New Zealand. The list of accidents in crossing creeks, from boats capsizing, and the numerous misadventures incident to our dependence upon the favor of wind and weather for the means of locomotion, furnish evidence of this; and if the return of the number of those who have escaped drowning, by their ability to swim, on such occasions, could be made, the advantage of proficiency in the art would be made still more manifest.

On Saturday afternoon a fire was providentially discovered in time to prevent much mischief. From enquiries made we learn that about 3 o'clock symptoms of fire were noticed in the store of G. Wi Owen, next the Waitemata Hotel in Queen-street, and on search being made, it was found to proceed from the upper storey, where a quantity of paper was stored. Prompt measures were at once taken and the fire extinguished. The supposition is tbat the rats had got into a case of vestas and by gnawing at them had produced ignition. Had this fire not been discovered in time one of the finest blocks of brick buildings in the city of Auckland would have been burnt to the ground. As it is, goods to the extent of £50 or £60, principally paper, are destroyed or damaged either by the fire or the water used to extinguish it. This occurrence would suggest that more than ordinary precaution should be taken in the storing of lucifer matches. Since the invention of lucifers, it is wellrkndwny that the risk of fire has been enormously increased, and double the number of houses have been destroyed, owing entirely to neglect of caution in handling, lighting, or extinguishing lucifer matches. There is danger in storing matches which have not greater protection thau the flimsy paper boxes which are so largely employed. This case is a proof of their inadequacy, and cases are known where the London onices have disputed their liability for insurance, owing to wilful and culpable neglect in the manner of storiug these dangerous compounds. That rats should have been able to eat into those cases, and so cause the destruction of a block of valuable buildings, is a danger that should at once be looked to by those concerned. .

The homeward mail per Omeo and via Suez, will close to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock. It will be seen, on referring to our advertising columns, that the steamship Mataura is appointed to sail from Wellington on the 22nd, for Southampton. This is a rare opportunity for passengers, as she will steam all the way; the fares, also, are very moderate. The Gourlay Family gave another of their pleasing entertainments last evening* to a crowded and delighted audience. Tonight tbe Indian Basket Illusion will be presented. It was not performed last evening at all, though our contemporary of this morning states that it was. 'Probably', to use our contemporary's own words, '- it might not be inadvisable for newspaper and other reporters to satisfy themselves in something like a logical manner, as to the actual grounds that exist for notification of this kind before they are made public,' as the public will soou begin to doubt his facts — facts that may exist only in his imagination, logical or otherwise. Mr Henelly and Mr M'Donnell, of Charleston, are mentioned by the Herald as probable candidates for the Grey District, in the Nelson Provincial Council. A requisition to Mr Hennelly has been signed. The following temperate and sensible remarks were made by the newly-elected member for Westport, Mr M'Dowell, in returniug thanks. After alluding, inter alia, to the necessity of developing the resources of the district by constructing and maintaining tracks and roads, he observed — These are, indeed, the primary practical works which require attention j and one particular work of the kind in this district is the construction of the road up the Buller. It is especially a matter requiring urgent attention; Of course there are other local requirements almost equally urgent. There is the river protection, and we have no wharf accommodation. How far your members may be able to effect any good in these matters or in others, I cannot undertake to say. I fear that the influence they can bring to bear, in a Council where they are so outnumbered, wili be very small, unless they can get others to join them and give justice to the district. I do not pretend to have the extraordinary powers, which were attributed by the local paper, to the other candidate, Mr Crate, who, it was presumed, might resemble Samson, in his efforts to bring down the pillars of Provincialism, and at one fell swoop accomplish his own destruction, and that of the whole fabric. But I may assure you, that I shall do all in my power to forward the interests of the district, and more than that, I cannot promise you. If we are not successful,

We ha,ve still got a remedy, and the remedy which we will have to adopt if we cannot get our revenue legitimately expended, is the remedy of Separation. A writ having been issued for the election of a member for the Grey District in the Provincial Council of Nelson, the Returning Officer, J. R. Dutton, Esq., R.M., has appointed tbe nomination of candidates . to take placo at the Courthouse, Cobden, on Tuesday 26th instant. Tbe poll, if necessary, will be taken on Friday the 29th instant. The only names which we bave yet heard mentioned of gentlemen likely to contest the seat are those of Mr J. D. Pinkerton, Ahaura, Mr D. Girdwood, Greymouth, and Mr Bain, Charleston. — Westport Times.