COMMUNICATION WITH THE INTERIOR.

New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 69, 26 September 1846, Page 2

COMMUNICATION WITH THE INTERIOR.

Retrenchment is not always the sign of prudent economy ; a judicious outlay is fre--quently productive of increased gains. His Jixcellency the Governor is doubtless desirous to curtail in every possible way the expenditure of his Government, so as to bring it within the amount derived from the various' sources of the public revenue ; but, we feel persuaded that by the expenditure of a few hundred pounds, in opening up roads into the interior districts, a very large increase in the' revenue would be the result. One of the most important items of the public revenue, is the duty on the importation of British manufactures, and it is morally certain, that the present consumption of British, goods would be nearly doubled if roads were opened into the interior. Fifteen hundred pounds expended in this manner, would, in the course of eighteen months, yield cent per cent to the Government ; and roads in this Colony could be made with much less trouble, and infinitely less expense, than in most other countries. — The Natives might be engaged on the work, and an incalculable amount of good would accrue to the community by the employment thus afforded to the Natives, who are always ripe for mischief when, they have nothing to. do. We hope His Excellency will take this matter into his serious consideration,

His Excellency the Governor. — We learn with sincere regret that His Excellency has been suffer-" ing from indisposition during the past week. The cares and responsibilities cf the Government of a Colony like New Zealand, are sufficiently onerous when health and vigor are enjoyed by him who sustains them ; but when coupled with sickness, they must be a burden indeed. Governor Grey has endured much in the course of his life ; his travels in South Australia were accompanied with hardships and privations sufficient to' enfeeble the mosi robust constitution ; and for his sake we could wish, that the cares of hia present office were of a lighter complexion. Hib Excellency' is, however, recovering, and we trust that the ensuing summer #ill perfectly, re-establish his health. H. M. Ship " Racehorse."— On Monday evening last, this vessel was suddenly got under-weigh, and proceeded to the Bay of Islands. She sailed under sealed orders, which were not to he opened until her arrival at the Bay. As might be naturally expected, there are many opinions afloat respecting the cause of this sudden movement. Rumour says, that arms and ammunition have been landed from some vessel, and that the Racehorse was ordered off on that account. Another version states, that she has gone to Wangarei to enforce the restoration of the horses, stolen by the rebels at the commencement of the late insurrection. Knowing nothing definitely, of the real cause of her departure, we cannot express any opinion on the subject. Promptitude of action is the soul of good Government, but promptitude may merge into rashness; however, as the Racehorse will be under the orders of Captain Graham, who is as wise as valiant, we do not apprehend any undertaking' will be entered upon without due precaution.

Public Works. — Sereral large and substantial buildings have been erected, under the superintendence of George Graham, Hsq., of the j Engineer Department, which by the durability and neatness of their construction, add materially to the appearance of the Settlement. A large bomb-pioof magazine, 50 ft. by 15 in the clear, ■with a wall 4 ft. thick, built of stones procured from Mount Eden, many of which are solid and run through, faced on both sides, has been erected by civilian mechanics, in addition to the smaller ordnance store, for daily issue, which was completed some time ago. A stone hospital of two stories, with accommodation for 40 patients, and I •with necessary offices, has also {been erected by men of the 58th regt., in a manner highly ere- i ditable to their industry and skill; the estimated expense of this building is £1300. Very commodious officers' quarters are nearly completed at Point Britomart j this building is also of stone, and cost £500. Government has also issued di- ' rections for the construction of six temporary ■wooden barracks, each 50 ft. long, 22 ft. wide, and 10 ft. high, to contain about 30 men each, •which are now in course of erection. How ridiculous the rumours respecting a change in ihe seat of Government appear when considered in connexion with these facts. Queen Stkeet. — We understand that arrangements are being made by the Government for covering in the " gulph" in Queen Street, aud completing other necessary repairs m this thoroughfare. We trust that whatever is undertakeu, will be clone promptly, aud executed in a permanent tnanuer. The inhabitants of this street have been deprived too long already of safe aud convenient access to their premises, we therefore hope that the Government by present dispatch will make amends for past neglect. Chancery Street. — This thoroughfare is in a disgraceful state; and as the Government have commenced to repair the streets, we hope they will not pass over this one. Firewood. — We are very glad to perceive that Mr. Fulton is about to establish a Wood Yard, at which the families of Auckland can be regularly supplied with dry fuel. The manuer in which firewood has hitherto been sold is anything but satisfactory; and we feel certain, that an establishment of the kind contemplated by Mr. Fultosj, will be found a great convenience to both buyers and sellers.