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You are probably aware that, under the provisions of the "Land Fund Appropriation Ordinance," passed in the recent Session of the General Legislative Council, it is competent for the Governor of the Province, at his discretion, to authorize the application of any proportion not exceeding one-third of the gross proceeds of the Sales of Crown Lands effected within the limits of the Borough, towards such purposes as shall be signified to him by, or on behalf of, the Corporation. Since your election a Sale of Crown Lands has been effected, realizing upwards of £1,400. I shall have great pleasure in authorizing the application of one-third of that sum to such public purpose, for the benefit of the Borough, as may be signified by you in that behalf.

Accompanying the Proclamation and Charter, you will find a Schedule of the Lands to be shortly transferred to you; a detailed statement of the Expenditure on works not yet completed, with an Estimate of the probable Amount required for their completion; and much useful information respecting the Public Works and Institutions to be committed to your charge.

As the management of the local affairs of the Borough will henceforth be vested in the Inhabitants themselves, I confidently anticipate that a powerful stimulus will be given to its improvements, from the increased zeal, economy, and efficiency with which its affairs will in future be administered.

I am quite aware, Gentlemen, that the duties of the Office-Bearers of the Corporation will trespass largely on their time and attention, and entail upon them responsibilities inseparable from the exercise of every important public trust:—but I think, Gentlemen, it cannot fail to be a matter of gratifying personal distinction to yourselves to be selected from upwards of fourteen hundred Burgesses, to fill the office, and discharge the duties, of the first Council of the first Corporation established in this country under the immediate sanction of the Royal Authority: and I feel assured that you will be stimulated to a zealous exercise of the high trust reposed in you, by the consciousness of possessing the confidence of the great body of those on whom the Elective Franchise has been conferred.

The objects of the Charter, and the principles on which it has been framed, have already been fully explained in the published Despatch of the Governor-in-Chief, a document which I would recommend to your careful consideration.

How far the Charter, in its details, is calculated to effect these objects, time and experience alone can determine: but I have no doubt that the Provincial Legislature, by whom alone its provisions can be altered, will give due weight to any recommendations for its modification or amendment which the mature practical experience of the Council of the Borough may lead them to suggest. Looking, however, to the liberal principles on which it has been framed,—the varied and extensive powers conferred by it,—and to the already numerous and rapidly increasing population incorporated under its provisions,—I feel assured that the AUCKLAND CHARTER will organize a Public Body, who, co-operating, with the Government for the furtherance of the common good, may be the means of securing, not only for the Inhabitants of the District, but for the community at large, many important advantages which neither the Government nor the Corporation, alone, would be enabled to accomplish: and I express the sentiments of the Governor-in-Chief, as well as my own, when I assure you that it is our sincere desire not only to aid the Corporation in their own particular field of local usefulness, but cordially to co-operate with them for the advancement of the colony at large.

I have now only to express to you, Gentlemen, my confident expectation that, when the various Incorporated Settlements of New Zealand shall have started in the race of honourable rivalry, the first Council of the first Corporation will take and maintain a place no less distinguished in the field of practical usefulness: and I will conclude by expressing to the Burgesses at large, through yourselves, their chosen representatives, my sincere desire that the Corporation of the Borough of Auckland may be distinguished by a long, useful, and prosperous career.

(Signed) R. H. WYNYARD,
Lieutenant-Governor.

By His Excellency's command,
ANDREW SINCLAIR,
Colonial Secretary.

Private Secretary’s Office,
Auckland, 25th November, 1851.

THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR directs it to be notified that, in consequence of the wanton and increasing damage done to the Shrubs and Walks in the Grounds of Old Government House, and the insolence to which respectable Inhabitants have recently been exposed, the admission (except during the hours the Band plays) will be through the medium of Tickets obtainable on reference to the Private Secretary; and, for accommodation and recreation, the Government Gardens will be opened to the Public on Wednesdays and Sundays, from noon till sunset.

By command,
W. COCKRAFT,
Private Secretary.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Auckland, 25th November, 1851.

HIS Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor directs the following Notice to be published for general information.

By His Excellency's command,
ANDREW SINCLAIR,
Colonial Secretary.

NOTICE TO MARINERS.

A sunken Rock, between Brown’s Island and Rangitoto, about a quarter of a mile from the latter, should be avoided by vessels taking the Waheki passage. A temporary Buoy has been placed upon the same. Magnetic bearings:—From Southern extreme of Motutapu, S.W. ¼ S.; centre of Brown’s Island, N.W. ½ N.; and Peak of Rangitoto, S.E. by E. ¼ E.

ISAAC J. BURGESS,
Acting Harbour Master.