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Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 5, Issue 266, 31 October 1861, Page 3

. .. .. . v October 30, 1861. Sir,— ln a late issue I observe your remarks, upon the Ploughing Match at the Westmere. I was one of the many attracted to'thin busy, scene, and certainly was very much gratified with all I saw, but still more so by what I heard. Observing an old gentleman, who. arrived towards the close of the ploughing, scanning the work with his head erCbt; his eye following the furrow from end to end, I sided up alongside to bear liis opinion upon the respective merits ,of tlie-..eomj)etitoi's ; my knowledge of him warranted me in believing him "second to none in the district as a judge of what ploughing should be. I therefore .accosted him, and said, “ Now I shall hear your opinion,’’'epnfessing at the same time my..own ignorance. }Ye passed the' first rig,—“ Nothing to boast bf,” ; he exclaims. A second whs reached,—r“Ah,” ejaculated the old gentleman, “ he. has got a very unsteady iron in - liis plough ; I. would advise him to li ok to it, for I am sartaih he could not twist his plough, like that.” Another rig underwent a moment’s gaze, it was but for a moment, —“Oil! horrible, horrible !” he exclaimed ; “ yet, upon a sec'ohd'look, it is* not so bad,” he said. Now I, who had been listening, ventured, to speak, ami asked him what 1 was to infer from such language, or rather , opinion ; first you said, ‘ horrible, horrible,’ and in the very next bi’eath pronounced it ‘ not so bad. ’ “Ah,” he rejoined, “when I first spoke I, did not see the man that was doing fit,” .“ And now you have seen him, what difference does that make ?” I asked. “ Why,” he replied,, “ don’t you see he is smoking a pipe ; and I, consider it very good ploughing for ..a-nian that ploughs and smokes ; I never could do it in my life.” “Well,” I thought, “that is candid, aiid'nb't SO'bad.” We passed on, the old gentleman bestowing praise .where he thought it due, and otherwise, until we reached where the bullocks were working,—his observations hitherto were confined to the horse ploughs. “By gom ! ” says the old man, “ the bullocks are making the best work, ” I asked him if ho, really thought so. “ Yes,” he said, “there can be no doubt of it.” I think, perhaps, Mr. Editor, that you will say I have carried this quite far enough, but should you think the opinion of the old gentleman worth a corner in your paper, you will gratify • • An Observes.

October 30, 1861. Sir, —I read with pleasure the remarks you made in your last week’s paper, calling attention to the public works that require carrying out in this place. The - erection of the Wangaehu'- bridge';is, under present circumstances, an almost impossibility—that is, to make a permanent affair of it. It may, indeed, be erected ; but with the present timber, present plans, and- limited means, many predict it ■ would not stand one heavy freshet; better,: therefore, let it not be erected, than have the abutments, and probably a few stray piles, standing a monument of Provincial folly, as is the : 6ase at Wangaehu. It was doubtless a blunder in the commencement (caused, perhaps, by placing, o.verrconfidence in the skill of a road surveyor who chose to ape the engineer)-; but if time lias proved it a blunder, it "should not be persisted in. That wooden - bridges will stand has been proved at New Plymouth, where one- was erected over a river subject to more sudden and heavy freshets than the \V anganui. Hie Council there did not think-fit to-trust it to their Provincial Engineer, but offered tv premium for-the best plan, open to aIL Those .plans were submitted to Colonel Mould, of Engineers,-and'tkat which met his approval was adopted, and found to answer.

It is too late to adopt the same system with our bridge, as the timber is already, cut; to suit one particular plan. Would it not therefore be advisable to sell the present timber, and. wait a few years for a bridge ; tlie money mightJbe invested and accumulating,-instead of rotting on the banks as at present. Had the money voted been put out at interest in the colony, at 10 per cent, (it is now, I think, some six years since, if so), the interest would have now amounted to some £3900, which would have been, a handsome addition to' the original £.5000. Let us hope the money will not lay so idle for the next six years.. If v however, the timber will not soil, -why not appropriate if to some other 'purpose ; a part would surely be found beneficial in pileing the river bank on the upper end of the town—a far more requisite work than the bridge, as the river seems inclined to re..ume its old course by StV; John’s bush. A portion could be most beneficially used in constructing a wharf on, the south side of the river. If some such thing were erected, together with, a store, the want of a bridge would not be so much felt. It is not the transit of our horses and selves that if either so expensive or annoying) but that of wool and - other produce, which olteUi has to wait on the,bank until the punt can be worked, besides the'additional tax of crossing it, which makes some, difference, especially on oats selling at 3a 6d "a bu hel. We woyld-thbs-have a fair-division ol that timber which is "a present eyesore to the public ; the town would have,their share J# save their tovyn. acres, and we of this-side, Turaldna, ahd.Raiigitikei, would be greatly benefited by having some place to ship our produce direct. The erection of a store would, .1- .believe,-.be- no difficult matter /..probably some of. our. enterprising merchants: in town would buildlone in ‘shares,as there is little'doubt that’The commission on goods stored would amply pay v.r There may probably be objections to what I

propose psoinc may still wish to see the liridge up ; let.those take warning’by.our other bridges, and cause not to be erected, a bridge that can’t stand. -A Settler. [We learn tliat. we have'been misinformed as to the money stated in our last week’s issue to be lying in London for the Wanganui bridge. It is lying therebut it is part of the Provmcialloan wfiich has not yet been drawn for. The* interest, on the loan is 8 per centfi but of course that is payable only, on'the fai'f taken iip jiand as more thairlO per cent, could not be Calculated on'here;',-the gain would only be-2 per cent., while the transaction would be out of the usual course of dealing in such matters. We had previously understood that the money referred to had nothing to do with the loan, and that it was lying .in .the,.name of the Province till needed for "the bridge.]

Oct. 19, 1861. Sir, —I’ must 'Confess -to a feeling of disappointment that IVlr. / Eox and the, nimigj;ry decline to go into the‘'details of tlieir native policy. I do not think fit is the true reason. They surely must hayfi ' had .their minds made, up upon many matters of" detail before they took office at all, and even six weeks of office might . have enabled them to determine fin .-what manner they Would advise liis' Excellency On; the War question.. lam rather,inclined to believe that the fear of an outcry both in and-. Out of the house has deterred them from giving publicity to details which they felt would produce.it. I havefiead with interest the report of Mr. Eox’s speech oii"the policy, of the ministry on the native question* which appeard in your’ lasb issue. I, could not have' believed that Mr. Fox -would have gone,soffar fin favoi’pf the Kjngitep. Tlie.fcng movement the cause: of fifche lateund present troubles is spoken of, not .only with toleration but actual .approval.’ ;• “If, tliere be a wholesome sign in the condition of the fiuaori race, one feature which would lead us .to hope •that we may rescue it from destru.ctionfit is to be found in the great movement of the' national 'mind. The next principle we take for our guide is this,'that the great national movement which has been seething in the native- intact for years past is not as the Duke of Newcastle has bee.i taught to think based upon a, desire to get rid of British rule and British cmlizatiOn, lidt that it is to be recognised asthefilesife'of the native race for self-elevation.” _ _ , Sir, can any one-converse with King maoris ou the subject without being convinced that the wish to get* rid .of British law and British 'ruta is the prevailing sentiment—the sentiment of. the mind. That, the'King, movement has resulted in the , attainment ;.pf -their wish is '.to* notorious to be. ignored. Let your Rangitikei' correspondent ' of last week writing from Mr. .Fox’s district bear witness to the state' of things' fn Rangitikei, the 'description' wilTapply. equally to almost everyparf 'of *’ the island. ‘‘ In tlie present unsettled state of maori affairs however,g'Ehglishlawcoiirts are- held'-liy them in contempt, they make light of summonses, ■and instead of caring for warrants would probably send away the constable who attempted, to enforce them in a state of distress himself.” It is the movement'which has this condition of affairs that the ministry wishes to developed and herein it differs says Mr. Fox, “ Froiii'ltliose who would crush it by force or suffer it to die by supreme indifference and neglect.” If the details Cf the ministerial 1 olicy are framed on tlie principles avowed in the speech, it is little wonder that Mr. Fox declined to explain them to the house and the public, for assuredly they will go further in conciliating the rebels than would have been deemed possible six months ago; . The decisions of the runangas, in which Mr. Fox professes such unbounded confidence’arc mostly very queer. The plaintiff is alwhya sure of a judgment in his favor, especially j,if he well fees the magistrates, which; to do him. justice he is generally careful to do. .This will of coiirse . greatly encourage litigation, which can-hardly be beneficial to the natives. Before runangas can become a benefit they must be inode very different to what they now;,, areReferring more particularly to thefisebond of the three great ministerial guiding principles, I will conclude by expressing my conviction that nine persons out of ten who look to their practical experience among the niaoris instead of trusting to abstract notions,-will dispute yOur dictum. “ That the principles on which the policy of the ministry on the native question i s based must be acknowledged as sound, ’’—And remain your obedient servant, No KINGITE.

Koreromai Waho, . .. .. Oct. 18, 1861.' Sir.-—“ A Itangitikei Settler ” in the first . paragraph of‘.his letter published in your last week’s issue leaves it as quite an open question -whether the Militia Notice or his former communication are in answer to my letter. _ Now the latter could not be, and the former is not one, therefore I suppose the whole of his letter may be taken to be so intended. As however he takes the. opportunity of making a. general attack- on the administration of militia law in this district, I will, if you can kindly spare me the space proceed to analize it, and showhow far his statements may be regarded; as truthful or otherwise. . First, as to the absurdity of the notice, coupled with the fact of drill only taking place once a week, (as he says once a fortnight, in reality..)The case is this, had any man objected to the time of drill an instructor wcu’d have £been appointed at the times and places mentioned aud the objector would h'ave had to drill a certain number of hours per week, selecting his own times, thus rendering such objection invalid. All were,' however, willing to drill, a certain. day and; hour was therefore appointed suited to the convenience of all. As , to the question of the notice for drill being required to enforce the swearing of the men. Who on earth said it was ? • . I know nothing of the volunteer. corps. of IS6O, not having been in the district at the time, but your correspondent is hot very complimentary to the' settlers inlaying that they ■unwillingly enrolled themselves at a time of somuch danger to the colony. Your correspondent states that some of those who did not volunteer for,the militia got rifles, while'. some of those who did got none. The first statement is simply-untrue and for this reason,—-all who attested before the-day mentioned in tlie notice were volunteers,., and as all tlie rifles were served out prior to that date, and none “afterwards; none but the volunteer.-;, could have got them ; -as far -as the- second-, statement is concerned they did not-get then),, because there were not enough for all. Your correspondent appears to ho ignorant of the meaning- of the verb,. to attest. Dr. Johnson states it to be, “To call to witness,” —“To witness,” and the attestation of a soldjer is the “ swearing in” when he calls God to witness that-he will, bear true allegiance, &c." _ Itii therefore no cross with anything but a simple act of itself. As the men summoned to Mr. Bull’s were not then militiamen I uo not see how they could have been ordered there A o dri11.... Owing to the breach in ihe.cqmrinuiipation between 'hero 'and'-Wanganui,- there v as an uncertainty about the arrival of the • arms, and as it was mt very desirable-tbit they should afl remain in one place withduf protection; any sort, they, were issued as ;soon after the arrival as possible. • The issue of • the arms an 1 firing , five, rounds per'man being allowed to count'iks'driih \-A-' “ suppressio.. is I believe.fully equal to an “ assertio falsi..’’ Ak t‘i> tlie statement -concerning the presence or'rib.sonco of' m/*n on tlio 30tli of Sopt/ -X v myself in charge of the drill, and, as l am on*v answerable to” my conm.iaui.iing officer for the way'in. whicli -Urilf -;is. into up*, explanation further than stating it •< i absolu^y'**) ' T" have sir, I hope, nointfe-.i eluting inaccuracies with which'V'-r.j; "c-oiTespoiident’s. letter-abounds,- aiid xuuet -..y

- 'that whan everything -has been done to render th» drill in this district as light aaposslblw, a course which has been much assisted by the good feeling of the body eof the settlers themselves, it would be wiser for an indmdiial to abstain from attacks of this nature, so liable to create ill feeling, particularly when .aucb attacks ate supported by a nus-statement.of faqts. I have answered your correspondent s letter ' nio3tlunwilliiigly, especially as .by «till adopt- ’ Sz a soubriquet . .he refuses to place himself ' on an equal position with myself, a cojirse too , - ° bich still leaves it a doubtful point whether ‘ he actually is “A. R a ngitikei Settler or no. I should therefore decline any further, correspondence on the subject as I have something else to do than employ my time in correcting mistomcat,. rema youn. oltol, . ; John-. JoRHVN,, . Limit. Wanganui MHitia ilahgitikci Company;^,

. ! QptnbeT"22, IQ6L , Sip. —lf vou could, spare me a.small space, I , woidd endeavour to correct a mistake mr wo which appeared m. your issue of tbel7th, n a letter dated the 7tb, signed A. Country dirtier ” makin" some remarks on a oommun.iration of the Captain qf Nq. 4 Company of the W. V.R., .which appeared in your journal ol tlie ‘After several misrepresentations and false imViLtto, “ A Country Settler ' even ly visiles to mi»lsad, > an.l moke *“ "“,'g that the great majority of No. 4 Company left iVand volunteered, onStheUxpiratiqn of thep ‘roar,'to serve in the militia, which most deeidedly is finot words are, T the southern member—(the party the Captain was addressing)—could never infer by a sideling look at the gallant Captain’s letters, that the great majority of his late Company, on the expiration of tlieir year, volunteered to serv e m the militia with a smooth bore, to serving under the gallant Captain with the much superior Enfield rifle.” Not only no great majority but no great minority, volunteered into the militia, in order that they might serve under different -officers, though a few self-sufficient men who

imagined that the gallant No. 4 Company should belong to them, left it in disgust when they found that their (in their own estimation) very wiper-eminent, abilities were by it so miserably underrated. With the exception of these wouldbe officers, thp grga.t iqajojfity o| those left < ither did not volunteer, or if they did so, did not return to their old Company on account of its having been collected from too wide a district, say from fifteen to twenty miles, many of its members being thus too distant from any spot, however central, to attend the parades of the Company. Ajj&in lie says, others of his late Company are at large, neither volunteers nor militia, preferring their own hook to the gallant Captain’s plan of defence, the sweeping advantaoes of which they a.re toft dull perhaps to detect.” This also, with perhaps a little truth, contains a great deal that is totally false. ,‘ Vveral of those .who were in No. 4 Company, but who arc now “ neither volunteers nor militia ” as well as others who were never enrolled in either the one or the other, as also others who are volunteers, although never in his company, have, volunteered to risk their jive 3 along with him in endeavouring to defend the district. „ It appears to me that the “ Country Sptder mu3t mean to retire to the town, and remain vndcr .the. g\uw of Ifhft slioula avo * hancc to have a row here. Even then I can ~ee no object he can have in endeavouring to prevent us being properly armed, unless he is 4 ne of those who, disgusted witji not having his (xjmmanding abilities duly appreciated by IS o. 'i Company, is resolved on showing us he conpt lcr.s \yu have made a £ji’eat rnrsiwlce, AIKI also showing us that he has as well. I

rfvfclioT incline, lioAvevei*, i-o wic opinion, mul L dare-iay you will consider it more charitable to iup..»o"e,'that by some mistake he had probably taken a drop too much, and possibly saw double. I think I am nearly borne out m the latter opinion by his saying a little further on in ms letter “I don’t see what any.one wants with more arms than a rifle and revolver, except there are arms to spare, after, spnikydy arming every -white man in the island. ’ He there, towards the middle of the sentence, seems to come out of his hallucination, and begins to have a glimmering that after every man ha 3 been armed with a rifle aiid a revolver, and “there are arms to an additional arm, or peiliaps two even, might be advantageous m certain cases. I should have imagined that it an additional arm w'as advantageous after, it might also in some cases be advantageous before every one was. armed. ~ t , He seems to imply, too, thgt v<e are armed with a rifle and a revolver, which is not the case. And although it appears our Captain lias got a few arms sent to him from England, he is neither allowed to arm his servants with them, nor any of his neighbours who may be without arms, who might be willing to assist him in defending the district. ... <in . Perhaps, Mr. Editor, some of Mr. “ Country Settler’s” neighbours could tlyroW a little light «.n the condition he was in when he penned his epistle., lam sure if they would do so they might possibly confer a great benefit, as they might perhaps enable us to “ pity the sorrows of a poor old'man,” &c. „ Y ■ r A Yoi.unteeb.

Gold. —At Uoroinanctei, vumn nve hours sail, of. this city, there exists a gold field, wliich requires some experience and persistent labour only for its full development. Within twenty-four hours it will be possible for any one furnished with a rpade or pick and a tin dish, to satisfy himself on this head, eyen as we ourselves have just been satisfied. Nine, years since some gold was first discovered there, and public expectation was then raised to the < xtremest pitch j a Gold Commissioner was appointed, regulations made, licenses issued, and a kind -of convention made with the native owners, or the majority of them for the use of the land, they re/ coiving an annual payment from the Government at ‘per digger,’ according to the following scale : For anv number of diggers under--500 600/ 500 to 1000 - - - 900/ 1000 to 1500 - - 1200/ 1500 to 2000 - - 1500/ and so on in proportion. Some of the influential natives—one m particular, whose piece was generally regarded as being the richest—were opposed to the influx of Europeans, and withdrew their land from the general st )ck ; the licence fee of 305.-per month was complained of as a burden which the general profit pf the work could not bear. Cold was nevertheless found in considerable quantities ; and, although the digging* were finally abandoned, there remained a general conviction on the minds of all those who were employed there, that Coromandel would prove to be, in colonial parlance, a ‘ payable’ gold held. < . * Dr. Hochstetter’s report of his exploration tended tq confirm the opinion fben entertained. He spoke thus ' *' The geld which is washed out from

beds of quartz gravel in the. rivers and creeks flowing down from both sides of Coromandel range is derived from quartz veins, of crystalline character and considerable thickness, running in a general direction from north to south through, tne old primary rocks wnicli form the foundation of the Coromandel range. In some places these veins stand up like a-wall on the summit of the range to a height of some eight or ten feet. The clay-slate rock itself is exposed, only at the bottom of deep gorges, which form the channels of the principal streams. In almost all places it is covered hy large masses of trachytic tuff and breccia, of which the hills suiTounding the harbour ot Coi omandel are composed. The well-known Castle-hill, which can be seen from Auckland, is a characteristic example of the trachytic breccia formation. . The magnetic iron-sand, which in washing is found with gold, is derived from the same source as aU° the magnetic iron-sand of New Zealand, namely, from the decomposition of trachytic rocks. Small veins of quartz of amorphous charactei’ —that is, not crystalline, but in the shape of chalcedony, cornelian, agate, and jasper -are found in numerous places on the shores of Coromandel. These veins occurring in trachytic rocks are quite different from the auriferous quartz veins in the primary formation/ —a fact, I think, of much practical importance to state, to prevent the fruitless search for gold where gold does not exist. All the gold-bearing gravel in the creeks is derived, as I have already said, not from the veins in the trachytic breccia, but from the much thicker and crystalline veins in the primary rocks. The surface-deposit in those creeks is very rich, but, as compared with Australian and Californian gold, fields, of limited extent and depth- I washed a few bucketfuls of surface-earth and gravel, at a Creek pointed out to me by Mr. Charles Heaphy, near Thing's mill, at the ICapanga. Every panful showed scales of tilin’ gold, with small fragments _of quartz streaked and studded with veins and spangles of gold. These specimens, as they are termed by diggers, show no or very little sign of being water-worn, hut are sharp and crisp fragments, as if they had been broken up on the spot, or in the. immediate vicinity. I think the quartz veins in the mountains should be thoroughly examined, and, when once the day has come that the Coromandel gold fields are worked, the attention of the digger should be direoted as well to

the liills immediately above any rich posits, as to the alluvial workings below.’ 1 As a desire again manifests itself to give. Coromandel another trial) it would be well if prospectors would keep in mind the scientific opinion and advice given by Ur, Hochstetfcer, and would extend their explorations to the quartz reef itself. The lulls on the western side of the range run steop, nearly to the sea ; the courses of the streams are short and rapid, hut, although on the hanks of the creoles scales or spooks of gold can now be found in every panful of earth washed, —-from the configuration of the country deposits of large extent may not be found- On the eastern, or Mercury Bay side of the range, the country is said to he much less steep, and therefore to present better chances of finding extensive deposits. That side of the country may be said to be, up to this time, unexplored, and we believe it was Dr. Hochstetter’s opinion that it presented a better field for operations than the western slopes. We have heard from reliable authority that the disposition of the native owners

of the soil is favourable ; that they are quite willing, even anxious, that the land should be extensively examined by Europeans ') and they say that if the gold be found in such quantities as to make the working profitable, they (the natives) will I prepared to enter into a reasonable arrangement with the. Government for the use of the land. They are willing also, we understand, to sell some con-, siderable tracts there. Whilst so. many persons are preparing to set out upon a distant journey in search of gold, almost without specific information, we think the advice not irrational that they should first ti'y the chances which may be said to lie at their own doors. The. (act of the existence of gold at Coromandel admits of no doubt; the problem to be solved—one which only patient exploration can solve—is, fio.w tfie. wealth which lies there can be got at most readily, and turned to the best account. — cw Zealander. Opening of the PresbyteuianChruch at Wangaiiei.— This place of worship was opeued by the liev. D. Bruce of St. Andrew’s Church, Auckland, on Sunday, the 22nd Sept. We understand that the committee hope, to be free from debt by Christmas, X4O only hemg required for seating, painting, enclosing, and e\ cr) - thing else necessary to the completion of the building and grounds. Steps have been taken towards establishing a day school in connection with the church. The Kauihohore school room was also opened for public worship on Monday, ! the 23rd ult., by the Rev. D. Bruce. | Notwithstanding its being a weekly-day service the house was crowded. This buildin" has been erected solely at the expense* of the settlers erf the district. The school is now in active operation, and promises to be of great service to the community. —Southern Cross. ■ The State of Religion in theColqny. The following is a summary of an interesting statement made by Captain Baldy, at a meeting 'held in the Albert street Independent Church on Wednesday evening last, regarding the religious aspect of the several provinces m New Zealand which he recently visited. He said he had arrived at Taranaki on Sunday ; and the beach at New Plymouth was strewed with goods from the steamer. There was all the hurry and bustle of ordinary business going forward. On landing ho

saw several who were actively employed, dressed and going to Church, and that was the only indication of. the babbath. He* had made inquiries regarding the state of religion • there, and was told that recent events had ' caused one idea (that of self-defence) to tike possession of men’s minds, arid that religion had been lost sight; of to a large .extent". 1 Taranaki was not a ■ place at present calculated to foster religious feelings. It 1 was fortified on all sidesi and a military spirit was dominant. He was . mnch pieced with the state of things at Wellington ; and the Independent communion fthere was well represented by active and earnest men. The other evangelical denominations at Wellington were imbued with a most liberal spirit. The cause of Sunday schools was well upheld in that Phy* H e had not had an opportunity of satisfying himself regarding Nelson, but its whole aspect to him appeared to be that of d.rearaiuoss, and a place that was socially asleep could not be supposed to be spiritually active. Canterbury, which had been established as a Church of England settlement, he found to be anything but that, for although liberal endowments of land had been made for the Episcopal denomination, the Wesleyans held the leading place in the settlement. There were many Independents in that proyirice, ■ out they were engaged in 1 other .churches, promoting the cause ox true redgion. He hoped, however, from what lie had learned, that it would not be long until a church was established there on. Congregationalistic principles. In both Lyttelton and Christchurch the Wesleyans had the lead,, the Church of England being very lukewarm, notwithstanding its large endowments. Dunedin, he had expected to find purely Scotch, but in that he was disappointed. He had attended the Rev. Mr. Stewart’s church, and afterwards went tq the Sunday school, the superintendent of which was an Independent, and he was very muclLpleased with what he saw and heard. Although there was no Independent church in Dunedin, he had been informed that many settlers of that communion were in the. province. Many of the Presbyterian ministers were imbued with the most liberal sentiments, but there was an exception in Dunedin in one minister whose Sunday, school must be conducted on strict. Presbyteiian rules, and whose sentiments otherwise were not expensive. Taking a review of the whole colony, he had come, to the conclusion that'no'proylnce was so favorably situate ip all Respects for the cultivation, of Religions feelings as Auckland. In the South tlie out-stations were greatly neglected ; but some arrangements had been made to supply the want of religious instruction at the Tuapeka diggings, so that the large population suddenly.brought into the province of Otago, might not be left without gospel ministrations. The first invitation for that purpose came from a few of the diggers. , Captain Daldy expressed an opinion that owing to the mode of settlement of New. Zealand, and the intelligent class of immigrants, the foundation of a second Britain, in a religious aspect, was laid in the South Pacific. — Id. Tun Champion Rifle Belt.— At the parade of the Auckland Volunteer Rifles, on Tuesday morning last, his Excellency the Governor presented to Lieutenant Brighton of the Rutland Company, the champion belt, which is to be the annual prize of the best rifle'shot in the colony of New Zealand. In doing so his Excellency said : £ ‘ Gentlemen, I have great pleasure in presenting (on behalf of the New Zealand Government) to an officer of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers, the champion belt to be held and worn by the best shot in New Zealand. A few years ago such a badge would have conferred but little distinction /. the best marksman in a regiment not being able to do more than break two bottles out of three, at a hundred yards distant, and, with brown bess, shooting beyond that distance was almost accidental. But, with the beautiful weapons 5 you possess, you are able to achieve what would have been considered 'miraculous twenty years a*o. When all practise, and are proficient, to excel is an object of laudableambition, and to be recognized as the best shot in the whole colony is a subject of great congratulation. Mr. Brighton, , I have the pleasure to present you with the champion belt of New Zealand,, and to offer you my sincere congratulations, in which I am sure all your comrades will join, upon your having won it so fairly and so well. And now, gentlemen, I cannot let the opportunity pass without offering you my'best tha,nks for your constant attendance at. duties and parades, which must have been inconvenient to. many of you.. Your steadiness under arms and soldierlike appearance also deserve and have my highest commendations. I trust you may never be called on to perform r.i a arduous duties, or to fight in dek - of your homes. Should yon be’unh; - ■ forced to do so, you will, I am sure. : _■ .tetlie gallantry and endurance of brethren at Taranaki, and inqv© yt” dp, As this may perhaps, be the i opportunity I shall have of addressing you, I now bid vou farewell, and offer you my best v is lies for the future.” Mr. Brighton briefly expressed his acknowledgements/, and' three cheers for the Governor haying been given by the Volunteers, his Excellency left the ground, dd. , k New Zealand Insurance Comrant. At a meeting of the Board of Directors. of this Company, held, yesterday, the'Re--port of the deputation which has lately returned from ; the Southern provinces was presented, and it affords uS inubh pleasure to hear of the success which has attended the exertions of the. deputation to extend the operations of this Company at the south. The; Report stated that, At Taranaki if was thought desirable simply to initiate matters; for the estab.

Bailment ef an Agency, and tliat a business -offers -both in Fire and Marine. , At Nelson Messrs. Curtis Brothers have been appointed agents, and several applications had been received by them for Fire Insurance, and in all probability a local Directory will speedily be formed in this citv. At Wellington the agency was accepted by Messrs. Bethune and Hunter ; a local. Board is in course of formation. The deputation was very warmly received by the principal merchants of the city, and the press have ably lent tlxcir assistance to further the project. Several shares have been taken up, and the capital and premiums will thus be invested, in their own province. At Wanganui a Branch, under the control of the Wellington Board, will most probably be established. The Canterbury Agency, conducted by Messrs. Ji Hey wood and Co., Lyttelton, promises exceedingly well ; the Fire business will probably be large, and the insurance of small coasters, employed in carrying supplies to the various wool stations on the coast, promises to become a very valuable adjunct to the Company s Marine business.

At Otago, in consequence of the gold fever, few shares were taken up, but the Agency, conducted by Arthur "W. Morris, Esq., had already commenced operations, and a considerable Marine business to Oamaru, Taicri, Clutha, Bluff, and other places on the coast, was likely to result. The extensive field for operations thus opened gives highly encouraging promise, and when the London Agency is in operation, and the Marine Branches already established in Melbourne and Sydney are covering risks from those ports to our own and to the southern, settlements, wo may fairly augur a prosperous future for this young and enterprising Company.