WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 59, 3 July 1852, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

The Criminal sitting of the Supreme Court commenced at Wellington on the 2nd ultimo. The " Independent" remarks — " We are sorry to say that Mr. Justice Stephen has at length found something to do. There is a serious I charge of manslaughter, and several charges of robbery to be disposed of at the present sittings." The labourers employed in reclaiming the land from the sea, on Lambton-quay, are continually throwing up a coarse mineral substance which, on examination, is found to be a common species of plumbago — the mineral from which lead pencils are made. The existence of this metal in a coarse state, in such abundance, leads to the inference that a superior description might be discovered in similar localities. Private letters from Hobart Town (says the " Spectator" of the sth ult.) state, that in consequence of the .extensive exports of provisions and other articles of general consumption to Melbourne, to supply the gold diggers, prices •were very high. Butter is quoted at Hobart Town at 2s. 2d. to 2s. 6d. per lb. ; meat sd. to 7d. ; bacon and hams, Is. 9d. per lb. ; ale and porter, 18s.-6d. per dozen. The report of good prices, especially of provisions, should encourage those engaged in cultivation in New Zealand to stay where they are, in the certain prospect of obtaining a fair share of the gold in exchange for their produce, rather than leave a certainty for the doubtful and uncertain chance of doing better at the diggings. It is reported that the dfferences between Mr. Endevby, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Auckland Islands, and the Commissioners of the South Sea Whale Fishery are likely shortly to afford employment to the gentlemen of the legal profession.