New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, October 6, 1849.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VI, Issue 436, 6 October 1849, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, October 6, 1849.

Emigration to California appears to be one of the principal topics which just now engrosses the attention of the settlers at Auckland. Both the local journals are full of dissuasives to those who in their haste to get rich are willing to abandon the quiet industrious pursuits of a New Zealand settler for the tempting hallucinations of this new El Dorado, and while they both record the fact of the numerous departures from the Northern Frovince to this land of promise, they either recur reluctantly or slightingly to the subject, and in some instances affect to regard the departures (and we presume on this point they are well-informed) as no great loss to their community. The official returns up to the end of June showed that ninety-nine persons had left Auckland for California ; several vessels have since sailed from thence for the same destination while others are appointed to follow them. The Southern Cross in speaking of the departure of the Ennerdale, regrets that some of the best colonists were about to leave the Northern Province in that vessel " while | many more," our contemporary states, " are j preparing to follow — nor will the tide when once set in, cease to flow, till all those whose presence amongst us is so essential to the progress^ of the colony's interests, have left our shores." While, in common with every one who desires the prosperity of New Zealand we deeply regret that any, misled by the false glare of these golden visions should leave the certain prospect of comfortable independence which this colony holds out to well directed persevering industry, for the adventitious prosperity of a country where there is no law or constituted authority, where life and property are held on the most insecure tenure, and robbery and murders are events of daily occurrence, as public journalists we feel that, in this, Province, it is only necessary to refer to this subject by way of informing our readers of the news of the day. Though three vessels, the Ennerdale, Mazeppa, and Agenoria have sailed from this port for California (the first named vessel proceeding to Auckland for its passengers) only three persons have left Wellington for the "diggings," and of these two were from Sydney and

posssesed no property in this place. This I fact places in the strongest light the r differ' ence between the populations of the tw<> settlements. The colonists in Wellington, nearly all direct from the mother country, came out with the avowed intention of remaining in New Zealand ; this intention they have steadily carried into execution* ; they are a fixed population, living for the most part on their own property, which in various ways they are bent on improving, and adding to the wealth of the colony by fresh investments of capital, and in spite of the interruptions and checks they have received (and they have not been a few) are well satisfied to remain where they are. Our neighbours at the North, on the other hand, are for the most part settlers from Sydney and the adjacent colonies, a shifting i population, and if we may judge from these and other indications, appear to be restless, . prepared for change, and ready on' '.the** slightest check or the prospect of a greater advantage to abandon the colony in which' they have taken no root, for any other place which for the time holds out the inducement | of being a more promising speculation.

By the Promise we have received Sydney Papers to the 15th ult.; the English intelligence they contain is not of such recent dates as has been received by the Enterprize*

On Wednesday last the Inconstant from Adelaide, bound to Callao, on entering the harbour missed stays in tacking, and went on the rocks near Pencarrow Head, where she remained for several hours. Captain Sharp,, the Harbour Master, immediately put off to the vessel, and assistance was promptly rendered by Captain Stokes of H. M. Steamer Acheron, by whose exertions chiefly the vessel was got off from her dangerous position, and towed into the harbour on the following day. It is' reported that she has not sustained any serious damage, and after the necessary repairs are effected she will proceed on her voyage.

We are informed by a settler recently returned from the Wairarapa, that the report of the murder of Charley the Ngatitoa Chief reached the Ngatikahunus living in that district from the' West coast and npt from Poverty Bay, ' atad that- they' did ntit' appear to place much reliance on it. Our informant was of opinion that the report wanted confirmation.

Quantitt of rain fallen during the month of September — 4in. 3 tenths.

Wellington, Ist October, 1849. ■Spirits and Tobacco under Bond this day: — Brandy 8953 gallons Rum 18527 „ Gin 4169 „ Whisky 744 „ Tobacco manufactured ......... .32129p0und» Do. unmanufactured 1525 „ Cigars 854 „ Snuff 144 „