AUCKLAND

Otago Witness, Issue 569, 24 October 1862, Page 8

AUCKLAND

(from the daily timus correspondent.) September 30th, 18G2.

Since the despatch of my last letter per Airedale, several events have transpired in this city which are worthy of a notice in your journal. First and foremost then, conu-s the resignation of Mr. Williamson, as Superintendent of the Province. Mr Williamson had only just returned from his duties in tne FLousj of Representatives, when his announcement of resignation surprised the community early on Wednesday morning last. He states in his address that he was satisfied, from the course of action taken by the Provincial Council in its last session, that harmony between himself and the Council could not be ensure 1, he had therefore come to the determination to resign. Mr Williamson's pet scheme since accepting the Superintendence", had been the apportionment ot tue Waste Lmds for encouraging immigration nnd promoting: settlement in the Province, but the passing of the Natives' Land AcL by the Gcncial Assembly during its recent session, would present an insurmountable obstacle to the carrying on of this system of colonization, and, were he still tj continue holding office, he would feel himself conscientiously impelled at once to direct the Emigration Agent of the Province, to discontinue the issue of land orders, as he feared the Mucks of land in the hands of the Provincial Government would shortly be insufficient to meet the demands of those to whom land orders have already been and are still being issued at home. Several gentlemen have been spoken of in town as possible candidates for the Superintendency, but as yet no addresses have been issued with the exception of that by Mr Joseph Newman, Provincial Auditor. A requisition is being got up in favor of Mr David Graham, the other gentlemen iumcd being Captain Daldy, Maior Peacock, and Dr. P ,llen.

Rather startling news has come up to town from Corotnandel, and this gold field now bids fair to become a second Dunstan. On Saturday the steamer Tasmanian Maid brought up from Gibson's claim, No. 13, twentythree pounds' iceiyht of pure gold, ami in one week this party succeeded in turning up fifteen pounds weight of pure gold. These products, it must be borne in mind, are the result of hand crushing from quartz obtained in the reef's, the machinery intended for Keven's Reef not yet being fixed in a p ><■ tion for working. Tiie amount of highly auriferous tailings preserved by Gibson's party fro.v their imperfect process of extraction, will also form a nice addition to their present larjre earnings. On Friday, 35 lbs. of rich stone were tnken out of Inglis's claim. The Driving Creek yields from three to four ounces of specimens daily, and is worked by two men only. A rumour has also been circulated that the Victorian ciaimholders have sti uck the reef, but I have not heard with what result. And now the tide again begins to flow onwards towards Cororaandcl, and every day a number of swag-laden individuals make their appearance on the ground. The number of diggers, however, is as yet sensibly very much lower than could be reckoned upon ere the Dunstan rush. I don't doubt, however, that many will find their way back to this oft-reviled and forsaken field ; and, from present appearances, it certainly would be to their profit. In my remarks concerning Gibson's claim, I might have mentioned that a gentleman of this city, who is stated to have been present at Gibson's ciaim, on the 20th September, when the party took out about 100 lbs weight of stone, and which was calculated to be worth £300, offered to give £1 per minute for every minute that lie might be allowed to work on the reef. Tiiis news is not confirmed ; but there cannot be the slightest doubt of tha exceeding richness of the reef, which, in so short a time, has yielded such results as above particularised.

In native affairs there is very little of interest to communicate. At Raglan preparations are being made for the erection of a Jail and CourtHouse, to provide a foundation for which on the ground already chosen, has proved a somewhat difficult task, owing to its having been honeycombed and undermined with ancient Maori pits — not rifle pits, but excavations in which the natives stored their kuuieras, and other root produce. This has necessitated the digging of holes many feet in depth, before coining to the solid base of undisturbed ground.

From Lower Mauku I learn that a meeting has been held to consider the necessity of providing school accommodation for the neighbourhood, and subscription lists Lave been opened for the purpose.

At Waiuku the natives seem particularly alfeeted "with kleptomania, and three acts of stealing hare recently been reported. 50s. worth of coppers were recently carried away from Mr. J. Ritchie's store, and of which the police were promptly j>ut in information, but the theft was compromised by the native repaying the 505., and another 10s., which could be considered either as compensation, or to repair the broken glass. This •was • according to Maori custom, and it is well known property can more frequently be recovered by this means, than could be effected by putting the powers of British law into force. A storekeeper named Mr. J. Woolley also had^a dozen eilk handkerchiefs purloined, whilst unpackiug some goods in Ins store, and having good reason to suspect a native who had been about his premises, procured, the assistance of Tipene, the native chief, and the thief was overtaken on his

way to Phra Pura. Tipene charged him with the theft, and at the same time promised to allow

hin. to depart in peace, should he produce the handkerchiefs. This was at oncedone,andthenative about to depart, when Tipene stayed his further progress, and extemporising a court on the road side, fined the culprit in'the value of the good 3 stolen. The native, however, possessed not so much worldly wealth, the self-constituted court therefore tcok what he had upon him, and he was then liberated. Tipene displa3'ed commendable activity in the affair; and though his proceedings were scarcely compatible with English judiciary proceduie, they will yet doubtless have a wholesome effect. The narrative of " The Black Rocks," which I noticed in the Daili/ Times, and which was re- • printed in the Daily Southern Cross, provoked the following reply from its Russell correspondent: — " The people here have been both amused and astonished by the article on " The Black Rocks." The tale has grown wonderfully. The real facts of the case are something like this: — The person who is most likely to be the writer of the article describes himself truly as a clergyman of the Church of England, and did live among the Maories for a time ; but his greatest adventure was his being blown off the land to the " Poor Knights," where he remained two or three days, and returned with a favorable wind ; but I don't think he found many " kivi's eggs." The natives at flokianga are reported to be dying fa3t, and no medical aid is to be had. The Maories in this district are friendly to the-Euro-peans, and deserve to be much better attended to than seems to be their lot at present. The Chief Makoare Taonui died on the 18th instant. He was a staunch friend to the

Pukeha, and was one of the principal allies of the British in Ueki's war. His brother Hum was killed in a battle with Heki the same time, and had a son, Aperahama, wounded. A runanga has been held at Rangiawhia to discuss several important matters. The proposed steamer on the Waikato was much talked over, aud the general effect appeared to be not to allow a steamer to travel beyond Mangatawhiri. Finally, it was decided to forward a letter to Sir George Grey, inviting him to come up to the great meeting, which it is intended shall take place at Wm. Thorn paon'a, on the Upper Waikato, about the 20th October. The Natives evidently desire to have Sir George Grey face to

face, when they can hear from his own Sips what his intentions really are. The anniversary of the King movement— the 12tli September — was commemorated by feasting the Natives. On the preceding Friday the Princess Sophia, representing the Maori King, arrived at Kangiawhia. She was escorted by Taati's soldiers to the residence appropriated for her during her stay, and the Roman Catholic priest and the medical attendant of the district were next honoured in the same manner. The Euro >can Settlers, including J. E. Gorst, Esq., Mr. Clark, -and others, were also hospitably treated. The Auckland people do not relish being left behind when any charitable undertaking is afloat, tod the example furnished by Otago in securing subscriptions for the. relief of the destitute operatives of Lancashire has stirred the tradesmen of this city into action, On the 27th inst. a public meetjng, convened for the purpose of considering "(jest means for alleyiating tho distress was held— the Chief Justice, Sir George Arney, in the chair. There wa» a very fair attendance of the leading merehaia^Gf _ the city, and several .itjpring addresses hating been delivered, sub•*priptton ilats were opened, and upwards of LSOO Contributed ia the worn. It U intended to for-

ward tills sum hunt , u> aid in tuo relief' of the distressed artisans ; and on the recurrence of" each mail, to siijiple-iK'tit it by donations so long as> the necessity shall exist. The Oddfellows and other societies are also taking steps in thu mutter.

Tnerc is a great deai tli of amusement in the city at present, no aspirant to .secure public favor liavi.ig appeared since the departure of Miss Harriet Gordon and Mr J. P. Hydes.

The Gas Company do not appear to be making much progress, :u least so far as fie geneial public are permitted to be cognisant of their tnnsactions. It has, however, been repeatedly stated that the cify will be lighted with gas ne\c winter, though present appearances do not favor that assumption.

Auckland can now boast of a manufactory for the production of sulptmric acid, an article indispensably necessary for tlie satisfactory carrying out of many operations connected n-itsi the arts and manufactures ; but which bus hitherto been somewhat difficult to obtain, and at a very high rate. The making of this article adds another to the list of com mo litics obtainable and producible in the colony, and consequently so far lessens our dependence upon importation, and tho exaction of a high rate of insurance.

AueKr.vND, Gth Ootoher. 1832.

In mv last letter I muitioned the resignation of Mr Williamson, so long Superintendent of this province — aud the reasons which he assigned lor the step. Since then he has given up the keys ot office to tho Speaker of the Council, his ieiral successor in carrying on the business of the province, and has bee.i obliged to return, and resume them again. His resignation has not beeii accpted by the Governor's deputy, the ground assigned being, that he c uniot Ksne .vi its for a new election ; and so the old official is forced to cositinue in office yet a little longer. It is to be rciri-f-tted that this de'ay should have occurred ; but f-i'ice delay was unwiilable, ii, i* rather muter of congratulation to eveiy one, txeept parl>ai)& Mr Williimson biui*eif, t!at he, aud not .in in.'xperi'Miced man, should carry ou tho Administration Several candidates have b r eu prop wd for ths ( o soon to be) va-ant dignirv. And one has proposed li'niselt. Amongst th'- form r, tho mo-,t likely na.iios were — Dr Pollen, so lon^ Piovincial Tra'isuivr, and Colnu-ls H mitain and Nixm. All these thro 3 gmtleaien luv, !io\ve\er. declined tlu honor of a cou'e^t, and tiie c'lance of a seit on the (by no means) easy couch nf tlie Auckland Superintendent. Dr. Pollen would, of the three, have had muc'i the best, chance of sue-ess : l,ut although having the assurances of suppoifc, he would not expos 1 himself to an election c mteit. Mr JKowunin. th 1 Pnr/mohl Auditor, has offered himself; wlinther his offer will be a -copt' 1 1, it is not ye r possible to say ; I fear, howev.-r, hi 1 will not obtain the dejre'd position wiMiout a sliarp contest. Tie prospects of Coromandel are brightening. For sjme time past, a st"a ly increase of sucjes> seems to hive attende I those digerers who wu - e inclin' d t> work — and the-*e, for a wonder, are now almost the O'lly mon at (Joromandel. the loafers Inv ing a.ljouruci to the Dunstau ti-'ds. ])uiin«r the last few dajv, howevpr, the increased success uf several parties has been reun'kable. One party, tint of Gibson, iv claim 13, obtained, and Sent to town i i the beginnimr ot last wvek, twenty-three poitu Is wiglit of s>li-! gold. This was not picked up in the form of specimens, but taken out, of the leader crossing th ir olaim. Not more thau t'm cor f jur days' work were represented by this r turn, which is the more remarkable as they had not any prowr applit'K'es for either* crashing or sepirat.nj; the metal, hut were forced to pound anl wash it merel\. The leader seems to bs of almost fabulous richness, and it is generally believed, apparently wirh re\«.)>, th'it t'ds party's fortune is secured. In No. 1(J Claim, lnrje and valuable finds, have b.-en made within tlr; last flw dajs. Nearly 401 Its of <]uartz, as rich as specimen gold, is said to have been tiken out by the fortunate holders, Ing' UN party, in oae day. Thfse two aiv at this m -merit the mo^t iniiikeiily successful of the parties but any miil snay brinu; intelligence of equal or greater success falling to th ■ lot of .some other party, seeing that every claim contains brief bpuiv) or leaders more or less auiifoious. i'he quietly progressive chaiacterof our go id production may be seen from the fact, that nearly -190z of our own gold was sent to Sydney per Lord Ashley, aloiu with the larger quautuics rescued from the [\k ill-fated Lori) Worsley. The erection of the Keven's Keef Company's machinery is goiu^ on rapidly: the machine seems to be a verj complatj as well as a powerful one, its stampers, ten in number, weighing each severa 1 hu'idred-weights. Speculation in This city turndaily more and more in the direction of (.'o'-oimudei, and the formation of new companies seems an almost daily occurrence. Within the last few days two of these have come into being, one (The U'iue'l Gol I Mining Company) in tweve shares of LIOO each, an.l the other (the Kapuuga Company), with fifty-six shares of LSO each. If our success increases jet more, or even if it continues, we can scare ly fail of having more or less of a "rush 1 ' from the nei^hbjuriner gold fie'ds. Rushes, I suppose, are iieoessnry evil?, but evils in some respects they must be nevertii!es->. And I have no doubt that very many will rush hitherward next summer who had very much better remain away. Merely to tell diggers whar they should do is, I suppose, of little or no use, yet, for the of your alluvial diggers at Otago, I must repeat the warning that two things are needed for a success in Coromandel. money, and experience of rc*ef work ; without these our field will be only a disappointme r to them; with these it will, I believe, be an almost certain sonrce of «reat profit.

In Native milters I have not much news to give you» From the Lower Waikato we have lately heard some news of the thieving and o'her misdemeanours of the Natives, which the arm of the new laws seems unable to reach or punish. Much greater stress has, howfver, been laid up hi such things than there ought to have been. 1 have been at the place in question within a few days, and all but witnessed one of the robberies referred, to. A quantity uf shirts and other articles of clothing were stolen during tae night from the windows of a shop iv the small village of Waiuku. Putting a«ide the fact that the act was

mere thieving such as we daily hear of in all tuwns, and not a case of forcibly breiking into any house ; F cannot help remarking, as I did at t)i3 time, that to leave an unshuttered window all night is an experiment which would scarcely Le tried iv Auck'aud. and one which presents a temp'.ition to any uuprlnoiuleJ Native nltjgcther inesistible, In this case to which

I refer, every effort was made to hrimr the offender to justice, but, as mi^lit be exp"cted, without any very striking success, the start ot half a night being rather too great a one for the vigilance of the new police. In the Upper_ Waikato and W.iipa districts, accounts appear to point to a blight improvement in the feeling of the Natives manifested particularly towards the Europe vi residents. Any move in this direction is a healthy sign, and may possibly lead to -greater results. There is to be a great meeting at Thompson's place towards the end of thh month, I understand it is the wish of a great m my of the Natives th it Sir George Grey should be asked to attend. Whether he is so or not, the propo.sal lojks like a move towards reeonciliatbn. Mr Goist. whose name is now well known as the author of the able report upon the King districts, laid before the Assembly, finding, I suppose, that his magisterial duties were not heavy, has set on foot an industrial school. The scheme seems to be an excellent one, and great hopes are entertained by competent judges, of his ultimate success in establishing it. it is under his own management, and hN qualifications for the task are in some respects very remarkable. Should he su-ceed, he will confer a great and lastiug benefit upon the Natives in Uf | district,

Some excitement seems to have been caused in the mind.-, of many Natives in the Waikato districts, both Upper and Lower, by a leport which has become current amongst them by some means that the Government intends placing steamera upon the river. Some of them dec are that no vessels of this kind must ascend above iMaun£atawi'iri. The soundings of the river made by the officers lately may have given rise to the notion. This, in common with many other causes which at present tend to keep up the agitation of the native mind, will in all probability yield rapidly to the influence of a careful and reassuiing policy. Tb») City of Auckland in its material fabric is now beginning to assume an appearance more in accordance with its rapidly advancing prosperity. Tht mud of winter now no longer prevents our seeing anything but where to plant the next step, and one is amazed to find how much the city has improved in the last lew months. There are at present several very large stores and warehouses in progress, whose architectural pretensions are by no means insignificant ; these being built of brick and stone, must iepresent a very large outlay at pre-ent prices. Tlu City Board seems determined to earn a name for activity and zeal, 'and I have no douht will prove an intense benefit to the community. I think we need scarcely fear a repetition of the last winter's streets. Owing to the largely increa«ed population in the city, it is now proposed greatly to enlarge St.* Paul's Church, the only one belonging to the Church of England in Auckland which is built of brick. It ha 3 not at present any great architectural beatify to recommend it. so I hope the additions may make it rather more ornamental than formerly, as from its position it forms a marked object in a view of Aucklauil from the harbor.

On Thursday ht3t tlioie w.is held a grand review of the forces at a pace about three miles from town. The particular reason for this military display was the occasion of presenting the Victoria Cross to Ser-geant-major Lucas, of the 40ih Regiment, awarded him for his gilUnt conduct at T.iranuki, particularly his saving Lieutenant Ilees at the Jluirangi I'ah. The ceremony of investiture was conducted with great pomp and circumstan c. The General made a very spirited and soldierly address to the gallant soldier (who is still quite a young man) on the occasion. . I understand that the proprietors of the New Zea» lander newspaper intend issuing that paper daily, in-

steat of twio.' a w(\k a a h'>re»"f iro. Tvo >lai!y jnopra in so -"ma 1 a c lunnuuits a^ou.'i 'o^k-5 1-u.h^i' amHiiious, but 1 suppose it won't do u> be ieu !>ehi id in the r,i.e.

ft'- Ch ipm iv's il'igiziiie has now reached it 1 ? third nu.aber, aiid has so far improve I upon its earlier elf>rts, that it may now be re^ir l''d, I t'duk, as very celital.le to the publisher, an I, >->pDn the who!<», to t'i'j olony. Mr Cnipinau is n>w alvi'rti-ing hi-^ alinina" i'u- next yea' 1 , a pib ijatiuii which has a'r ady obtained con-.i l^i.ible bta'idui^ from iN proved value. I am o|-il lo obsnA'e that he is ir)i.:g to puH'ish it til had' i s form -r p. 'ice.

The Cuilotns ll'-vfime it t'ns port for last month was close upon LS ; G!)>). baiur the large 't unoant ever received he'-e ii one mxiih. T'i ■ eorre^jjf.ii'llm.'month of 18<ll produce I Hule immv Lri 2)0 the -same umith in LSofl uid rL3 TOO Tiiis, we A. ickiandeiy, po.tsi.ler a pro if of p'eU^ fair pro^re&^, a though it nny appear a trifle in the ejes of O'a^o men. Anewfeitme in our Cu4oins returns t)iis mo'ith is duty on upwa'tls of 1/2,01)0 woifch of (Joromtudel cold e\pii't.-d to Sydney. Tni 3 uUn U but asm ill mitt^r, but 1 do'i'>t not tho item of duty <>n i<ol I will m ike a very different figure in our revenue by the i^ii 1 of the \ ear.

Writing of trold reminds me that I have read sjiiw\vh v; that many of th. 1 dig^e"'' who have rptunied to Ora^i fro'Ti CicroniaMde', complain hitt-rlyof the in inne" in which tiiey hivp befn tieab'ct by the Vuclc l.i'id pe^pie- ft would b;we!l it' t!u-e <? utleiuen r.'oald be a lift'e more f-pscifi; in fch/.r i''iar.;-s, buth as to the offl-ncc and the prison by wimn Hioy wi'iv com.nitte'l. I can testify tint the best pos-ibie spirit towards the diners was s'.iown b >th by the Provincial G )vermn.'nt and the public in ueueral. Sev.'n or eiujht hunilied p'lumls was expended in rations, tooK, \'C to a-ssist them in prosppctinr, and every facility aff.)'ded them. 'The only c iinplaint I ever heard w.is that Auckland uvrfih mta would not mirchase f'cir .sp"cimi i n < ', which simply meant that Auckland nt 'il-chi Ich mt- would not give s'ich prices for them as iho di<rir''i's «i\li?'l. heinjr de-iirous, at leist, not to lose i)V th J ir transißtioiis ; and, in fact, tho-u wio did purohas-', I bplicve, tjo'ier.illy Cmnd Unt tlu-y did make a losi to a small extent. At the sttne titns more thi'i one rcsjeft tl>lo psirtv was re.ilj' to m ike advances on all specimens until the real value could ba ascet\i"ed.

Th a Wonga Wonga arrived on.S-.tarday from the South.