AUCKLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 43, 13 March 1852, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

The following extract is taken fsorn the "Maori Messenger," and may he read with* some interest, as showing the steady, j>rogress* the Natives of New Zealand are making in the cultivation of the European arts, ajid exhibits a strong contrast, when compared with what New Zealand so lately was, to what she now is, and what she is' yet destined to be, — now that* Christianity and Commerce have taken ttje place of hated cannibalism and heathenism :— In a former munber of the Maori Messenger I wrote a short sketch of Ranginowhia, and of the progress made by the natives there in the cultivation of wheat. I wish now to draw the attention of its readers to another very valuable production. I mean Kauri timber in the district of Wairoa. I trust these occasional sketches^may prove useful in indicating the natural resources of the country, and its different capabilities, in encouraging en terprise and emulation, and in recording the pro- t gressive advance of native tribes in' civilization and good conduct. . The Wairoa falls, after a course of about 150 miles, into the«Kaipara. For 80 miles up its course, brigs of 80 tons often sail. Sixty miles * from the heads, at Mangoifrhare, also # lie vessels of* any tonnage, and take in freight with great facility. -.Magnificent forests of Kauri timber .jird the banks. i ' "

of this noble river, and strong tides soon sweep the rafts to the place of embarkation. Two European establishments for the timber trade have already been formed there, and in their employment the natives are busily engaged in felling, drawing, and dragging out spars, and rafting and loading. Two of them were recognised pilots, and the entire management, for the time, of large vessels and precious freights, was entrusted to their care. Within the last twelve months 434,000 feet of timber and 63 Kauri spars have been exported from Kaipara, to assist in the construction of houses, ships, and machinery. Their commercial value is £3,760. Such an excellent commencement leads one to anticipate far more excellent results in the course of a few years. The two chief difficulties at present in the way of the progress of this important trade therp, are the unsurveyed state of Kaipara harbour, and the unfrequent communication with Auckland. Both are, however, temporary. The first will soon be obviated by the arrival of H.M. surveying vessel, the Pandora, now engaged in surveying Ilokianga, but shortly expected at Kaipava. The second difficulty arises from the intervening obstacle of the bar at the head of Kaipara, which it is often dangerous to cross in open boats. I, however, trust that small decked vessels may soon be running along the Wairoa and Kaipara Rivers, as a chain of communication between them and the "Waitemate, (separated from each other so narrowly), and I think, as I have heard suggested, an overland road of a day's journey might be found between the sources of the Oruawharo and Waitcinata, and thus avoid the Kai- i para altogether. The advantages of facility and regularity of inter-communication are so obvious, that I hope, for the sake of the prosperity of a valuable district, these two suggestions may soon be carried into effect. Each is, I think, easily attainable by the natives themselves. How gratifying it is to see on both sides of Auckland — at Ilangiaowhia and at Kaipara, the natives j,o laudably exerting themselves to develope the resources of their country, and improve their own condition. For they are no less industiious than they are honest and well-behaved. It may be said those aTe only small beginnings, but I ask, who can predict the immense conclusions of small beginnings? The massive stem of the Kauri springs from an almost invisible seed, and the enormous hhip, in which that stem is, but an insignificant spar, t.ails upon a river which you can retrace to a petty rivulet. We can ouly calculate the future by recollecting the past. Within the memory of the present generation New Zealand was so dreaded by mariners, that for years the Rev. Mr. Marsden was unable to procure a vessel to convey him to his holy mission. Later still, the Native population of the North was decimated by internecine warfare. What have a few years done ? In this very district of the Xorth, the Natives are among the chief producers of colonial wealth, and best examples of morality. The spear and musket are now laid aside for the axe and plough. The lonely tra\eller is as safe and as sure of hospitality at native hands as at his own fireside. What then may a few more years do ? I can foresee, on the one hand of Auckland, the vallies of the Waipa and Waikato one vast district of corn ; while, on the other hand, the valley of the Wairoa yields it? abundant supply of timber. What a cheering prospect ! Agricultural and natural treasures floating the streams of Waikato, and on the tides of Kaipara, at the very threshold of Auckland ! Gold may attract multitudes to New South Wales. Let them come ; and as surely a time will come, when New Zealand shall be able, out of her stores of plenty, to furnish bread to feed them, and ships to bear their merchandise.— By a recent Visitor to Wairoa and Kaipara.