AUCKLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 420, 17 December 1859, Page 6

AUCKLAND.

From the monthly summary in the " NewZealander " to the 26th ult., we take the following information as to the progress aud doings of that Province : — The past month has been a very busy one, politically, socially, and commercially; and under each of these heads there have been many most encouraging proofs of the steady progress now making by the Province of Auckland in those things which form the surest foundations of an intelligent and thriving community. Some drawbacks there have been, but the balance of account is decidedly in favour of the Province.

The elections that have taken place were necessitated by the Provincial Council Enlargement Act, which gave eleven additional members to the Council. . . On the whole, these elections may be safely said to have strengthened the hands of the Superintendent and his Executive, and to afford a certain assurance that no attempt to obstruct the continued vigorous administration of the Auckland Land Regulations will meet with much, if any, support in the Council. One point in connection with these elections deserves specific notice. The new system of conducting elections was found to work admirably. There was no unusual excitement, no quarrelling, no drunkenness, no hustling dubious or obnoxious voters : everything passed off very peaceably and pleasantly ; and but for a few placards at the respective committee-rooms, and in front of the polling-booth, no stranger would have known that an election was going on. Of how many boroughs in the old country, during an election, could the same gratifying statement be made ?

The past month has witnessed the commencement of our Wool Sales. The wool sent in has, on the whole, evidenced a marked improvement ia the manner of its preparation for the market, and also greatly increased attention to the careful selection of the finest animals, with a view to procuring the best breed adapted to this Province. At our Annual Cattle Show, also, held the other week, similar proof of careful selection and breeding was afforded in the Sheep department. Finer Leicesters, Southdown 9, and Merinoes, or better crosses between these breeds, could not be shown even in the old country ; and the vrool of many of the sheep was remarkable both for length and purity of staple. The whole exhibition afforded good ground for hope that New Zealand wools will soon take the first place in the home markets. — We may add that great attention is now being paid to the improvement of our horses, and that both iv draught and riding horses this Province possesses some really splendid animals. ■ Closely following the Cattle Show, we have have had our Annual Horticultural Show. The display of flowers was very good, and in vegetables there was a decided improvement. During the time H.M.S.S. "Niger" has been in harbour, her commander, Captain Cracroft, officers, and men, have become general favourites; and their return from their Southern trip — taking his Excellency on a visit to the other Provinces, is eagerly looked for.

The total immigration of the month has been extremely moderate, amounting merely to 283 souls. The departures were 193, so that the balance in favour of immigration is only 90.

To our Timber trade we may well direct attention, affording employment as it does riot only to a large amount of labour, but of shipping. Half a million feet of kauri pine has been exported within the last week or two to Shanghai and the {Southern Provinces, from Auckland alone; and, at this irioment, ihere are several large ships receiving spars and other timber in several of the northern ports of the Province. And if we turn to our building alips.^svebehold numerous vessels" ineveiy istage of construction ; from that With her keel just laid, to the other all ready for launching. , So far from retrograding, as the maljgners have not scrupled to assert, we venture to affirm that the present Mbndittbn l ifitf J future prosijecteof^uc^iana^ere^evl^mr^cßeter. ing than now. ' ~