AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1118, 14 June 1867, Page 4

AUCKLAND.

—June 13 —Pino, with liprlit showers atintcrvub Wind,

ARKIV A L 9. JTJXE 13.

Hebo, brig, C. Charlesworth, from Sydney, with coals and bono dust, o passengers. Heather Bell, cutter, Dam, from Mahurangi, with cargo and passengers. Wangarei, cutter, Anderson, from wnngarn, with coals Miranda, cutter, Judd, from Maugawai, with produce and passengers. Alacrity, cutter, Smith, from tho "Wade, with produce. Speedwell, cutter, 35 tons, Bolger, from the Bay of Islnnds, with produce and passengers. Argo, schooner, McLeod, from Wangarei, with produce.

DEPARTURE 8.

June 13. Rita, brig, Trayte, for Tahiti, with general cargo. Lord Ashley, s.s., Worsp, for Tauranga, Napier, and Southern Ports, with cargo and passengers. Mavis, schooner, Purchas, for Tauranga, with timber and passengers. Saucy Lass, schooner, McKenzie, for Napier via. Mercury Bay, with timber. Eclair, cutter. Hone, for Kikowhakiriri. with sundries.

OUTWARDS COASTWISE, June 13.

Mavis, for Tamanga, with 500 feet timber and general cargo 2 passengers ; Eclair, for Ivikowhafciriri, with sundries, 2 passongers.

OUTWARDS INTER-PR OYINOIAL, - June IS.

Saucy Las?, 38 tons, D. McKenzie, for Napier via Poverty and Mercury Bays, -with 20,000 feet timber, and 30,000 shingles, for Ifapier, and miscellaneous cargo for Poverty Bay. Passengers—Mrs. Green and two children, Mr. Smith. Excelsior, 92 tons, Iwerson, for Omaru via Mercury Bay, with 70,000 feet kauri timber. —Lilewall and Battray, agents. Lord Ashley, 5.«., 196 tons, for Tauranga, Napier, and Southern ports, with : For Napier—i J-tierces tobacco (under bond), 1 bos tea, 1 package paper, 1 bale, 1 parcel, E. W. Knowlcs ; 7 cases drapery, W. E. Robinson and Co.; 5 casks and 3 cases, Newton, Jones & Co.; 1 box silver coin, Bank of New Zealand. For Wellington—l case cigars (under bond), 13S packages, G-. H. Yernon ; 6 do. sashes, 2 casks, 1 case 1 package, Krull & Co.; 198 bars iron, 5 bundles, 8 bales, E. W. Mills ; 1 case, L. Moss ; 1 ditto ludlam ; 1 ease, 1 trunk, 1 ease, 1 bird and cage, 1 parcel addressed; 12 cases lead, order ; 1 parcel, addressed; 27 packages doors and saßhes, order ; 1 case and 1 parcel, as addressed ; For Lyttelton—2 i-tierces tobacco, Jacobs & Isaaos (under bond), 1 case clothing, addressed; 1 case cards, Jacobs & Isaacs ; 1 case, Bank of New Zealand. For Nelson —1 box addressed. ForOtago—4 boxes gold coin, Bank of New Zealand; 1 ease, French, Kempthorn & Co. For Melbourne —14 kegs nails, 1 parcel, J. McEwen & Co.; 2 cases drapery, Copland ; 1 parcel, Straington. For Grey mouth— 1 case, Bank of New Zealand.—Passengers—Bev. T. Hamer, Mr. B. Hill and infant, Mr. S. Hart, Mr. S. W. Lanprland?, Mr. and Mrs. Campney, Mr. Johnstono, Mr. Eempthorne, Mr. J. Kirkbride, Mr. J. McLean, Mr. McDonald, Mr. J. A. Wilson, Mr. Sanderson, Mr. S. H. Smith, and 42 in the steerage.—EL M. Jervis, «gent.

INWARDS FOREIGN. June 13.

Susan, 18-5 tons, H. Poulson, from Newcastle, with 241 tons coal, 13 tons coke, Henderson andMacfarl&ne.

Hebe, 176 tons, C. Charleswortb, from Sydney, with 40 bundles hoop iron, E. Porter and Co-; 378 lags bone dust, J. Dilworth ; 50 tons coal, Harris and Laurie. Passengers—Mr. and Mrs. Quinn, and S in the steerage.—Harris and Laurie, agents.

ARRIVAL OF THE HEBE. The brig Hebe, Captain Charlesworth, which left Sydney on the 29th May, arrived in harbour early yesterday morning, with a cargo of coals and bone dust. She experienced strong S.E. winds from Sydney Heads to the North Cape, which was rounded on Tuesday, the 4th instant, since when n continuance of light E. and N.E. winds have prevailed, accompanied with thick rain. She brings as passengers Mr. and Mrs. Quinn, and three in the stcerago. The only vessel sighted was a barque, about 150 miles from Australia.

TRIAL TRIP OF THE TWIN SCREW STEAM SHIP TAURANGA. Notwithstanding the severe squally weather which prevailed yesterday, this fine steamer, a local enterprise, made her official trial trip uader the inspection of Mr, James StGwart, Marine Board Engineer. At 11 a.m. the visitors were conveyed by the p e. steamer Enterprise No. 1 on board the l'auranga, which vessel was coaling at the hulk Bella Marina, and shortly after the vessel got under weigh, and steamed on her trial trip. Amongst the li3t of visitors we noticed Mr. Gussing, Chief Engineer H.M.S. Brisk; Captain Williams, H.M.O. ; Captain Smith, ship Warwick ; Captain Marks, late p.s. Sandfly ; Captain Loutitt, late B.s. Midge ; Messrs. J. and S. Cochrane, W.J. . Hnrat, T. Macky (Agent for the Company), Sherrard, and Mr. Stewart, Inspector Government Engineer, and several others. After leaving the hulk, the vessel proceeded round the North Head, steam:n:; down to the South Head of the Wade, in the teeth of a heavy N.W. and W.N.W. gale, accompanied by heavy squalls of rain, the fiercest we have hnown for some years past. Notwithstanding this the Tauranga displayed herself admirably, shipping scarcely any water, and going over the •waves like a duck with so small a motion as not to cause the slightest unpleasantness on the part of non-sea going personß, of whom there were a great number on board. Captain Smith, of the ship Warwick, kindly furnished one of Walker's patent logs, by which, during this trial, in the very teeth of the gale, the distance run in one hour wasß4 - rnilesagainst Kind and tide; upon the return trip the same distance •was done with only one screw at work, a distance was achieved at the rate of 1J knots an hour. The •Tauranga then headed for Auckland, passing up the harbour under fine steam as far as Stokes' Point, when about this time it was ascertained that the Panama Co.'s s.s. Lord Ashley was starting for the oouth, when a mutual race was agreed upon. About Jfc p.m. the greatest excitement prevailed aboard the two vessels, they being then to the eastward of the wharf, and bow to bow coth proceeding down the harbour under InU pressure of steam, giving to the trip the animation incident to a contest of speed between the two coats, each boat keeping pace and pace. Numerous bets •were made as to the result,hut it was soon plainly seen that the backers of the Tauranga were sure winners DJ that vessel drawing gradually ahead off the buoy, Sif* the Station, and at the time of the race being concluded, at the termination point—at the red buoy ouside the North Head— Tauranga passed the lbnoy half a length in advance of her competitor. Three hearty cheers and farewells were given by those on board the Tauranga, which were duly acknowledged by those on board the Ashley. During this race the Tauranga ran three miles and fiveeighths in twenty minutes, averaging tea and a hah' inots per hour, which of itself speaks highly of the - steaming and sailing qualities of this vessel. Upon again returning to harbour, the Tauranga made several circles in accordance with the regulations of 0 ® the first circle being described wiUi both engines, at full speed ahead, with helm nam a port, she made a complete revolution in Irviß and_ a quarter minutes ; the second circle with reverse< 3, starboard engine astern, the \ p ° rt ' tte revoluti °n was made in three a <£«ter minutes, her own length and a 1 aCC ?i n P hahia g th ese feats the Tauranga steamed alongside the wharf and discharged her living freight, and will commence to-day to take in cargo for lauranga and the East Coast. Mr. Stewart, the Government Inspector of Steamflhips, expressed himself highly satisfied with the vessel b capabilities, and will at once give the necessity sea-going certificate on behalf of the directors of the Marine Board. During the trial trip the -Lauranga averaged 119 revolutions in one minute, witn 8o lbs- pressure of steam, 20 inch vaouum • Oat upon being put to, the teat, with only 23J lbe!

steam, she averaged from 130 to 140 revolutions por minute. The engines and machinery r.io the whole and solo manufacture of Messrs. Fraser and Tinne, of tho Phamir Foundry, Anokland ; and tho greate.-t credit is due to that firm—in fact, wo can only repeat the high oncomiums passed upon tlioso gentlemen by those who witnessed her almost marvellous exploits yesterday during the severe galo. Now tor a few remarks about tho vessel horself. Tho Tauranga is tho first steamboat turned out by Messrs. Nicol and Son, and docs them infinite credit. Sho is of exquisite model, having a beautiful ontrance, and very fine linos, reflecting tho highest credit upon tho builders .for their modelling and modo of construction. No expense Ims been spared by them either, in building her, everything being of tho very best material ; tho woods all picked kau-i and pohutukawa, and the vossel put together in tho strongest and most substantial manner possible. Tlio interior fittings are roomy, and carefully constructed, giving ample room both in tho siloon and furecabin, in addition to a largo and capacious hold. The saloon accommodates 24 persons, and the second-class 10 ; to tho former is also attached a ladies' cabin, possessing comfortablo accommodation, and fitted with water-closets, wash-stands, and evory othor requisite. With all this sho cannot fail, whon onco fairly started, to provo not only n favourable trader amongst us, but a lasting credit to Messrs. Nicol and tion. Tho furnishing and finishing of tho saloons has been entrusted to Messrs. Winks and Hall, upholsterors, of this city, who, wo feel sure, wdl supply tho best possible material, and acquit themselves creditably. The painting and decorating of tho cabins was entrusted to Sir. Hibblo, of Newton, and is a specimon of very neat workmanship.

Tho dimensions of tho Tauranga are :—IOS feet | length of keel, 17 feet beam, 8 feet depth of hold, 120 feet overall, 175 tons register (including engine space), and t> carry 90 tons dead weight; sho is topsail schooner rigged, with wire rigging, patent steering apparatus and windlass, and fitted with all tho latest improvements; and alsi a twin screw boat, propelled by a pair of direct acting inverted engines, each engine working on its own shaft, 21 inch cylinder, wilh an IS inch stroko, 40 horso power nominal, but working up to 120 ; tho diameter of tho propellers will be 6 feet. Tho making of these engines has been entrusted to Messrs. Fraser and Tinuo, and we can safely say they have acquitted their order in tho most creditable and satisfactory manner possible to all concerned. Tho engines wore designed by Mr. Lowenliagan, late of the firm of K. and W. Hawthorne, Newcastle on Tyne, and are tho first pair of marine condensing engines constructed in the-se colonies. In conchision, we heartily wish the Bay of Plenty Steam Navigation Company and their pioneor boat every measure of success and encouragement; also tho builders, Messrs. Nicol and Co., aud may they soon be called upon to build Tauranga No. 2, and many others. Captain Sellars, of tho schooner Tauranga, takes command of the now steamer, and Mr. Griffiths, late of the Government gunboat Sturfc, has been appointed chief engineer. This is another step of tho company's in tho right direction, for a better or more prudent choice could not have been made than in selecting these two gentlemen. | the luncheon'. About midday a sumptuous collation was furnished in the saloon, and to which the guests did ample justice. The table having been cleared, Mr. W. J : Huhst was called to tho chair, who proposed the health of " The Queen," " The Governor," " His Honor the Superintendent," and the " Army and Navy," which toasts were drunk with enthusiasm. The Chairman gavo " Success to tho s.s. Tauranga, and her Officers." CArT.ToNKS responded on behalf of thoshareholdcrs. He could state that everything would be done by the settlers to advance the interests of Tauranga. He also stated that a whaif was about to be erected in connection with tho steam company, and ho hoped this would bo an inducement to the people of Auckland to pay th?m a visit, as the groat excuse was in having to travel some three miles in a boat. This hindrance, however, would soon be obviated, as they intended erecting a wharf, so as to allow the steamer to come alongside, and tho passengers land dryfooted. Mr. Macky proposed tho health of the builder, Mr. Nicol. He felt sure that that gentleman and his shipping building qualities were too well known to require any comment at his hands ; ho only Roped that lie would soon have to build another for tho Company with the same success. Mr. Holmes remarked that, as a resident of tho North Shore, he had frequently visited the building yard of Mr. Nicol, and watched the construction of the steamer, and as far as his opinion went it was to the effect that a more faithfully or creditably built boat had never been turned out of Auckland, »nd he felt sure would give satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Nicon responded in suitable terms, and eaid he was well pleased that the boat had given general satisfaction. Mr. J. Yorxo roso to compliment Mr. Niccol on his undertaking, and Etated that ho was ono ot tho first settlers with Mr. Niccol, and had watched his ship-buildings from small to large ; it also gave him great pleasure in meeting him on the present occasion, and he hoped that he would live to build manv more. Mr. Nicol here remarked that tho greatest credit was due to Messrs. Fraser and Tinno for the success of the day, as tho vessel could not go without the engines ; she might look all rioht when afloat, but there was another thing, she had to gain a character,, which was tho most essential point, and that character was more desirable from tho engineering community than the builders. He was also glad to seo that she was in tho hands of so able a commander as Captain Sellars, and concluded by trusting that he, as builder, had given general satisfaction to the shareholders. Mr. Joseph Cochrane rose to propose tho manufacturing departments of Auckland, he might say the makers of the engines of this boat at present rosiding in Auckland. He knew from his own experience that as good machinery could be turned out here in Auckland, as in Great Britain, as regards power and steam In fact, the firms-hero had attained that pitch that they could compete with any firm! n tho United Kingdom. When engines like those they had seen tried this day here, thero was no need to go elsewhere to procure them, and as regards any order being given hero he had no fear as to the result. The masters, tho men, and the appurtenances were here to do it, and ho sincerely hoped that all present would join with him in drinking tho healths of tho engineers engaged in this undertaking, and ho wished them every success. Mr. Fkazeu said that everything had beon done on their part to ensure the success of the Compnny, and lis hoped that it would meet with tho approval of those concerned. Mr. Tin'ne said that after tho compliment that had been passed upon them by Mr. Cochrane, he thought that a few remarks concerning tho workmen would not be out of place. Several workmen had lately arrived here from England, who had been forced away from the home country; he had found them mostly to be skilled men, forced to como in from their own land hero, and take almost any labourer's work. A great many of these had left tho colony, andmany more weronow leaving it, which ho was sorry I to see, as it was a loss to the colony to let them go. To show what good followed tho present undertaking he would inform tbom that a little timo ago they were told that they could not compete with either Svdnev or the homo market, and the work had to be sent to other places. Tho men also put on unreasonable charges, but in spile of this, after agreeing for this great enterprise, they still stuck to the work and proved that nothing but skilful labor was wanted here; although they (the employers) were at a great loss, and still those workmen waived the ruleß, and worked overtime without overcharge When those men are now in Auckland, and remain here, it ought to be the duty of the people to keep them here, and not allow them to go elsewhere. Water roads were already made, and it only required steamers to open up the different places along the coast, and he hoped that other places besides Tauranga would start steam navigation to give ■ employment to the people of Auckland as the present company had done. Captain Williams proposed " The health of the commander, Captain Sellarshe had known him for several years, and felt assured that a better man could not be found to command the Tauvanga. Captain Sullahs responded in suitable terms. Mr. J. Cochrane eaid that he thought that although there were very few representatives present, the general interest was in favor of Tauranga, and that they should be favourably represented as they had contributed largely to the present undertaking, and laid out their expenses from the fruit of the soil. He hoped that this was only a model to others to go and do likewise. He had resided there for many years, and looked upon it with greats pleasure'and joy as the moat pleasant spot in New Zealand. He

would ask tho company to drink tho health and prosperity to Tauranga, its harbour, and its people. Ho felt suro they would do so on tho present occasion, as ho could not givo n bettor name for Tauranga than tho twin screw of Auckland. Mr. Loddeii proposed the health of " Mr. Stewart," Government Inspecting Engineor,"coupled with tho name of " Mr. Griffiths," engineer of tho Tauranga. Ho had great pleasuro in being present at the trial trip, and during liis visits to Auckland he had sovural times inspectoJ the engines during their construction ; and from his past experience as Government Transport Officer in t!:o AVaikato, could testify to thoir having given general satisfaction. Mr. Griffiths replied in suitable terms, and statod that ho would leavo no . stono unturned to promote tho interests of all parties concerned. Mr. Sri.wAiiT returned thanks. Tho Chaiuman proposed the health of "Mr.Tlios. Macky, as agent for tho B.P S.N.Co." Tho toast was duly responded to by that gentleman. Mr. S. CocititANK, in a humorous speech, proposed tho toast of " The Press." Which was duly responded to by Mr. H. It. Lewis. A vote of thanks to the Chairman wound up tho proceedings. We cannot close this report without highly complimenting the B.P.N.S.C'o. for the groat success which has attended tho trial of this their fust steamship. We heartily wish tho Tauranga, her commander, and owners every success and prosperity, and may we soon boo Tauranga No. 2 gracing tho waters of tho Waitemata.

Trijj An Revoih.—Tho schooner Au Rovoir, was loading for this port whou tho Hobo sailed from Sydney, and was to proceod to Newcastle to fill up with coals, previous to sailing for Auckland. Tho brig Moa, lionco, had not arrived at Sydney on the 29th ultimo, when tho liebe sailed. Tho barquo Mistlotoo, Captain Dndor, Wfts loading at Sydney lor Batavia on tlio 29th ultimo. ° The cutter Heather 8011, arrived from Mnhurangi yesterday morning with a cargo of produce. Tbo brig Rita, Captain Trayte, sailed for Tahiti early yesterday morning, with a full general cargo. The cutter Wangaroi, with a cargo of coals from the mines, Wangarei, arrived in harbour yestorday morning. Tho cutter Miranda from Mangawai, aud tho cutter Alacrity from tho Wado, both returned early yesterday morning with produce, &c. The Princess Alice —Tho brig Princess Alice, Captain Kiddoy, may be expoetod to arrive daily. Sho sailed from Adelaido for this port on tho 22nd May, with a full cargo of breadstuff's. The s.s. Lord Ashley, Captain Worsp, loft tho harbour at about 3 p.m. yesterday for Tauranga, Napier, ond Southern provinces, with agoneral cargo and a largo number of passengers. Tho cutter Petrel will loavo tho Queen-street wharf for Coromandel this day at noon. The Joanna.—Tho clipper schooner Joanna, Captain Munroo, arrived at Hokitika nftor a fine run of 7 days from Kaiapoa after experiencing heavy weather ; she was to sail again for Cliristchurch. The Speedwell.—The cutter Speodwell, Captain Bolger, has made a m ost rapid passage to the Bay of Islandß and back. She left Auckland on Saturday last at 12 p.m., and arrived at the Bay On Sunday, after a run of 13 J hours, the quickest passage on record. Sho sailed again on Wednesday at 5 p.m., and arrived here yesterday at 12 o'clock, experiencing W.N.W. winds. She brings up a small quantity offish, and four passengers. The shipment of coal this week has been a fair average for the season, being 13,188 tone—B93o of which wont to Sydney, 2781 to Melbourne, 1883 tons to Adelaide, 1883 to Point do Gallo, 260 to Hobart Town, 1438 to New Zealand, 661 to Callao, and 671 tons used for homo consumption and steamers. The arrivals during tho first part of the weok were vory numerous, consisting of vessels of largo tonnage from Melbourne, numbering sixteen, of a tonnage of 6000 tons, amongst which is tho Castlemaine, of 1361 tons. Several largo vessels liavo also left tho port, the largest of which aro tho Tizrah, with nearly 2000 tons coal for Point do Gallo, and tho Norval, for Hongkong, with over 1000 tons. Tho King of Italy has nearly completed her loading, and is expected to leave for Lyttelton about tho beginning of next week. —Newcastle Chronicle, May 25. Accihent to the Steamer Kaikoha. — Tho steamer Kaikora arrived at Wellington from Sydney on Friday evening, at 7.30, having encountored very heavy weather, during tho prevalonco of which, her port life-boat was washed uway, and tho wheel-house smashed by the heavy seas which broko over her. Tho Wellington Independent of tbo Bth instant says .- —" Wo learn from private sources that the Kaikora ran ashoro at Taranaki—somewhoro in tho neighborhood of the Sugar Loaves—at a quarter to two o'clock on Friday morning. Sho bumped three or faur times, but 011 tho engines being bucked and tho holm being put hard-a-port, sho camo off without difficulty into deep water. Tho weather was fine at tho time. She appears to have sustained no damage from the shock, as sho mado 110 water yesterday. Of course, tho passengers were a good deal frightoncd at tho timo tho accident occurred." Tho Kaikora loft Wellington again for the Panama at 8.30 p.m., on tho Bth, taking a largo number of passongers and and 15,000 ozs. of gold.—Kelson Examiner, Jan. 11.

Basque Indus.—This vessel, laden wilh cattle, from N ewcastlo bound to Kaikora Peninsula, put in hero for wood and wator 011 Sunday, having had a prolonged voyago, and experienced a succession of gales chiifly from tho S. IS. Out of 200 head of cattle shipped she had lost fifty-fivo. Tho Indus left Newcastle on tho sth of May, but returned again to port on the 13th to fill up with water and hay, having in the interval experienced strong E.S.E. and S.E. winds, and in oonsequeuco had bepn ablo to mako but lit: lo way on her voyage. Sho sailed a "second timo from Nowcastlo cn tho IGth. For tlio first three days tlio Indus had strong winds from the N.E., but oil tlio following day, May 20th, mot wilh a terrilllc galo from tho S., which got up a heavy sea, and tho wind going round to S.W., continued to blow heavily for the tlireo following days. On tho 24th the wind moderated and wont round to the Eastward, but there was a heavy sea. On tho 25th and 26th, the wind blew strongly from tho E., but moderated 011 the 27tli; for tho next fivo days had light airs from the N.K., and calms; on June 2nd it camo on again to blow strongly from tho E., which increased to a galo on the 3rd and 4th, when the Indus mado tho land off Rock's Point. On the sth tho weather moderated, and on the 6th a fresh broezo sprung up from tho 8., which, in the afternoon, went again round to tho E. As tho vessel was again running short of fodder and water, and thero being every appearanco of a continuanco of Easterly weather, Captain Hodgo resolved to run for Nelson for supplies.—lbid.

Bahuite Uaueiet Aejiitage. —The barque Harriet Armitnge arrived in harbour on Sunday morning from Newcastle, after a prolonged passage of thirty days. Elie left Newcastle on the 10th of May, experienced fine oastorly weather for five or six days, when it came on to blow hard from the aamo quarter, which weather lasted throughout tho passage; made Capo Farewell on the 20th, hut on account of tho prevailing easterly winds, was unable to make this port till Sunday morning. She brings a cargo of coal for tho Panama Company. When lying off Capo Farewell, on tho 6th, alio spoke tho brig Nil Desperandum, twenty days out from Newcastle, bound to Port Chalmers.—lbid. Steameii Hat/ycon.—Tho Grey River Argus of the 25th ult. says:—" We aro glad to announce that the steamer Balycon is in such a position that her launch into the river may be daily expected. Fortunately she has received no damage, her strength of build being proved sufficient to sustain a much severer test even than that to which she haß been subjected. It is expected she will be able to resume her lisuul trade next week." The s.B. Knife oura, Captain Macliin, arrived in harbour at half-past seven yesterday evening. She left Sydney at 5.30 p.m., on tho Ist inßt., and the next day met with one of the most severo gales yet encountered between Sydney and this port. During the continuance of this weather, owing to the heavy sea running, tho port lifo-boat was washed away, and the wheel-house smashed by the heavy seas which broke over the vessel. Indeed from what we hear, tho June voyage of 1867 wbb of equal Beverity with that of 18G6. The vessel behaved very well, though she has got a sevoro handling from the weather. She brings in all Bixty-two passengers, whoße names will be found elsewhere. Mr. Naylor, thfl purser, has kindly furnished us with files.— TV"tiling ton Independent, June 8. The BEiUTiroL Stab.—The s.s. Beautiful Star, Captain Morwick, arrived from Napier at 8 o'clock yesterday evening. She loft that port at noon on Thursday, and had fine weather down. Bhe bringsa general cargo. Captain Morwick haa obliged, us with files.—lbid*

The schooner Argo, Captain McLeod, arrived from Wangarei last evening, with a miscellaneous cargo of produce and several passengers. SrsAMEB Paheoba.—'Fears have beon felt for tho steamer Pareora, now very much overdue. She was built on tho Clyde for the Southern Steam Navigation Company of Dunedin. According to a paragraph in tho Jlomc Kcws, the missing steamer was spoken in latitude 19 deg. 8. longitude, 31 deg. W. She was then eighty-seven days out. This must have been about the 26th of January last. The report adds that " she would neither steer, sail, nor stay." This being tho character of the vessel the date of her arrival in New Zealand is uncertain, as sho would most probably bear up for Porambuco to get provisions.—Kelson JExaminerj Juno C. Tho s.s. Taranaki cleared tho Manukau Heads at •5.30 p.m. on Monday ; arrived off Taranaki at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, encountered a stiff hi.E. breeze with heavy sea all tho way ; intended to leave Taranaki the samo afternoon, at <1 o'clock, for Nelson, but ut 3 o'clock a steamer : appeared from the southward, which proved to bo the Phcobe, and Oapt. Wheeler reported that thero was a severe gale blowiug in the Straits from S.E., and that ho deemed it advisable to return to tho anchorago. Under these circumstances the Taranaki remained until 7 a.m. next day, when sho got under way, and arrived off Nelson lighthouse at 9.30 p.m. tho same day, having met with heavy head sea crossing tho Stuits, and the tale end of the S.E. galo. Notwithstanding sho mado tho passago at an average of nearly 10 knots an hour tho whole distance. —Kelson Colonist, June 7. The Magenta.—Tho first Italian war vossel that lias over visited these waters arrived in port early yesterday morning, and sho is certainly a splendid specimon of marine architeeiuro. Tho Magenta is by no means an old vessel, having been built at Leghorn in 1864, and bears in tho formation of her lines all the impress of tho more modern improvements in naval modelling, as will be seen by reference to the following dimensions. Sho is 230 feet long, 45 feet beam, depth of hold 22 feet, gross tonnage 2500. She is driven by two engines of 517-horso power combined, the machinery having been constructed by Messrs. Pc-nn, of Loudon. Sho is provided with an armament of 20 guns, GS-poundors, .which are all carried on tho deck, her main deck being entirely freo from offonsivo weapons of any kind. The Magenta sailed from Genoa in the beginning of June, 1860, and has since beon employed in scientific research ; her field of operations hating been already extended to tho Chinese and Japanose territory, touching in her course at Gibraltar, South America, (east coast), as far as Monto Video, the principal ports in China, and from thence to Singapore and Batavia. On her completing tho repairs necessary at this port, sho 'fill proceed to thcWest Coast of South America. Immediately on her mooring in Farm Covo yesterday morning, sho saluted with 21 guns, a compliment which was as speedily returned from Dawes Battery. During tho day tho ship was surrounded by boats, a rich harvest being reaped by tho watermen, and tho forbearance of the officers was n moro than ono instance put to tho test, although none could dispute their courtesy. The Magenta carries 300 men and 16 officers, including the commander, Captain Victor Armigon, Lieutenants Paßqualot, Le Brett, Samplier ; Paymaster, E. Guibbilee; Chief Engineer, S. Colitzo.—Sydney Herald, June 1. Destruction of Tithee Vessels by Gunpowder. —Information haß been received in Liverpool that the Themis, a Bremen schooner, while lying alongside the powdor hulk Zepbry, in Hong Kong harbour on tho 17th of January, Buddonly exploded, and in an instant every vestige of both vessels had disappeared. It was known that there was 115 lb. of gunpowder in the two vessels at the time of the explosion. There were on board tho Themis five Europeans, but the number of the Chinese was unknown. Tho bodies of two Chinese were afterwards picked up in the harbour frightfully mutilated. At the time of the explosion the Themis and the powder hulk Were lying about a mile and a half from the town of Hong Kong. A similar disaster occurred in tho harbour of Shanghai on the Bth January, when the English vessel Adelino suddenly blew up. Four of tho erew, two English and two foreigners, were killed. Tho British steamer Corea, winch left Hong Kong for Yokohama harbour, Japan, on tho ISth January, struck on a rock near Swatow, and immediately sank. A portion of those on board rnanagod to roach the slioro, but a boat containing several of tho passengers and crew has not sinco been heard of.—Manchester Examiner.