AUCKLAND.

Colonist, Volume VI, Issue 623, 13 October 1863, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

Military Settlements fob Persons in Auckland and other Provinces of New Zealand.—The Neio Zealander says:—"lt would not, from communications from time to time made to us, appear to be generally known that by the New Zealand Gazetteoi the sth inst., settlers within the province are eligible as Volunteer Militiamen upon similar terms to those offered to volunteers from Australia and elsewhere. They must be under forty years of age, and of good character, health, and general fitness for service, and will, as militiamen of the Province, be entitled to pay, rations, and allowances accordingly, until authorised by Government to take possession of the land allotted to them in the Waikato, after which time they will be relieved from actual service, but .during the first three years after taking possession they will be liable to be trained and exercised as other militiamen; nor will they be permitted during these three .years to absent themselves from their settlement for more than one calendar month in any one year, without the leave of the Governor. The following sized blocks of land, together with a town allotment of one acre, will be provided according to the several ranks of the claimants—field officers 400 acres, captains 300, surgeons 250, subalterns 200, sergeants 80, corporals 60, and privates 50 acres each. Priority of choice for each rank will be determined by lot. THs opportunity is open to all, whether long settled or newly arrived in the colony, and applications to join such force will be received by Colonel Balneavis, at the Militia Office in Princesstreet. "When will the War Cease?"—" Old Practical," writing to the New Zealander, puts the above question, and replies to it thus : " Never! So long as tampering is allowed to go on between friendly natives and the enemy. Never ! So long as it is morally impossible to take the Maoris by surprise, in consequence of their being foreioarded of our proceedings by friendly Maoris. JHFever! So long as friendly Maoris can not only buy in goods for themselves, but supply ihe enemy with them. Never! So long fes Pakehahating Maoris are allowed to walk about the streets of Auckland and the village of Onehunga—as they are —picking up information to use against us. Never! So long as you have a twaddling ministry, with an executive pulling all ways, and without nerve and vigor to act with promptitude and decision." The Avon steamer has had a ball proof cupola erected on her deck, for the preservation of her sharpshooters. The vessel is also heavy armour-plated. Friendly Natives.—lt is pretty clear that a number of Maoris have lately crossed the Waikato in the Waiuku direction. How did they cross except in friendly native canoes? for all the others which could begot at have been seized. — Neio Zealander. ,'• Railway Sleepers.—As1 railways (says the Neio Zealander) are talked^ of in the province, the following may be interesting • — Anew economic permanent way, designed by Mr. G. F. Griffin, is attracting attention in the railway world. The sleepers are made of corrugated cast iron, and the cost per mile is £1245, against £1806, or £1844;, under the existing systems.