MISCELLANEOUS NEWS FROM THE AUCKLAND PAPERS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1514, 16 April 1861, Page 5

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS FROM THE AUCKLAND PAPERS.

[From tho "New Zealander.] Dangeuous Position oj. the Victoria. — This noble ship sailed from the Manukau, — on what, in all probability, is likely to prove her last New Zealand cruise — on Tuesday the 26th having the Governor his Private Secretary, Col. Sir James Alexander, 14th Regt., the Attorney General, the Minister for Native Affairs, the Native Secretary, and a number of Native Chiefs on board. In crossing the Manukau har, she shipped, or rather cut through, an enormous sea, which suddenly rose up like a wall, deluging her decks with more than fifty tons of water. The scene for a moment was a perilous and exciting one to those on deck. The Native Minister, tall as he is, was immersed to the neck, the Attorney General leapt into the mizzen rigging for safety, Sir James Alexander was washed off his legs, but caught hold of some part ofthe rigging, Mr. Baker of the Native Department, who was sick at tbe gangway, had his legs washed from under him and was nearly thrown over the side, most of the Native Chiefs were sent swimming and floundering about the deck some of them being brought up by and jammed under the guts, whilst even on tho bridgo Captain Norman was soaked high up his legs; fortunately for the Governor he was safe in the cabin. There was comparatively little sea, anti no great break on the bar, hut this was one of those wall like waves which ri3e up. on the instant, and the chief sources of anxiety lo mariners. The Victoria arrived off the Waitara ou Wednesday morning, and shortly afterwards i the Governor disembarked under a salute (yards manned) of seventeen guns from the sloop which was followed, otr landing:, by a similar salute from the camp at Waitara, b,ving the first blank i cartridges burnt in that quarter for many a day. A guard of houor was iv attendance to receive his Excellency who was conducted to a pavilliou pitched in the centre of the camp for his accommodation — the Attorney General and Native Minister having been furnished with a camp tent immediately contiguous. Removal ok Head Quaut__i.s 'if. 14th Recit. to Wellington'. — Tho head quarters of the 14th Regt., so recently arrived, and which were sent ont in relief of the 65th, are we are informed, under orders lar Wellington ; whilst tbe head quarters of the gallant 57th, which sailed for Waitara on the 20th February last,

are under orders to return forthwith lo this garrison. Colonels Waive, 0 8./ anil Sir Jnmes Alexander it is reported arc lo he Brigadiers. GUNK HAT. CaMRKON'b VISIT T<> THK WAIT ARA. — On arrival ofthe Airedale at New Plymouth, the town wasthiown into the utmost excitement by the unexpected announcement that a new General had arrive. I from England to take the command. At firat, the news was considered much too good to be true ; but when Major General Cameron, with Major Whitmore, (62nd) Military Secretary, and Capi. McNeill, of her Majesty's ImlianAimy, A D.C, landed on tl.e beach at a little before 8 o'clock, tho enthusiasm of joy reached to fever heat. Colonel Sillery proposed to telegraph the arrival to Waitara, but General Cameron preferred to notify his own coming, and lo that end, horses for himself and staff, tvith two guides, were on the instant forthcoming. The Geneial made the utmost of his brief stay at Taranaki, having visited the camp at Waitara, the Bell Block, the defences ofthe town, the Omata Stockade, the Waireka, and other places of note. General Cameron is a line tall, active, euergetic looking man, with abundance of muscle, and au evident abundance of hard Working resolution in his composition. In the Crimea, in command of the 42nd Regi , he was acknowledged to be one of the most dashing Officers of tho Jar famed Highland Brigade, and" a deserved favourite of Sir Colin Campbell, now Lord Clyde. When appointed to his present onerous oflice, General Cameron was in enjoyment of tbe pleasant and lucrative situation of Commander in Chief in Scotland, he was also Vice President of the Council of Army Education. Bank op New South Wales.— lt has been determined on the part of the Directors of this' old and wealthy establishment to loun a connection with New Zealand, and we understand that the necessary steps are vow being taken preparatory to the opening of an agency or branch at Auckland.

Separate Military Command. — It is stated that, henceforward, the Militaiy command in New Zealand, is to be made separate and distinct from that of Australia, and that a considerable force will, in future, be maintained.

Probable Reinforcements.— Several letters, addressed to Officers of the 13th, 44th and 85th Regiments, have arrived by the January Mail. The 13th were in Bengal, 44th iv China, and 85th at the Cape of Good Hope.

Rifle Coups.— On 10th March the Auckland Rifle Volunteers, under the command of Lieut. Coi. Balneavis, were inspected by Col. Wane, C.8., comman ling the garrison. They mustered including 20 of the baud, 300, divided iuto four companies. After going through several manoeuvres Col. Wane signified his approbation in a short, soldier-like speech, complimenting them on their appearance, and particularly on the excellent way they skirmished, pointing out at the same time the necessity of frequent ball practice. *X The Boswortk.— On April 4, the ship Bos worth, 611 tons, A. Nicholls, cleared out (rom Auckland for Wellington, with l case containing boat, 1 case hooks, aud original cargo for Wellington and Madras, consisting of military stores.

Naval Movements.— H.M.S. Iris, 26 guns, Captain Vernon, sailed for England on the 6th after a long and varied service in the Australasian colonies, iv the course of which she has changed Captains, aud several Lieutenants. From her first arrival here, in command of Captain Loring, with Sir William Denison, on the first October 1857, she has been a frequent visitor to New Zealand ; and from almost the commencement of the present war up to this tiinfi. xheJias_bee»jyu_udship ja the Waiternata She landed her two mirtslifp~¥igM-ii.eirguir many months since, and ut this moment thes remain in position in front of Te Arei at No. y redoubt. Her seamen and marines under Luu t Hume and Bent, contributed an honourable quota to the Naval Brigade, and it cannot be forgotten thatherjlastariival iv Auckland was at a period of much anxiety, and was consequently hailed with univeisal joy. She leaves us under altered auspices, with a reasonable probability of ultimate peace. We rejoice therefore at her ielief ftnm a commission which has extended considerably beyond the customary term ; and in bidding adieu .to the good ship her officers, and gallant ships' company, we heartily wish- them a speedy passage and a happy leunion wilt) their families und friends.

H.M.S's. Harrier, 17 guns, Commander Sir Malcolm McGregor, Bart. ; and Miranda, 15 guns, Commander Glynn, are looked for immediately in the Manukau. Upon arrival of the latter, onr gallant old Niger will return forthwith to England.