240
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

In answer, I have to request that you will
make known to the Government of the Colony
and the House of Representatives that I feel
very much gratified by this mark of their con-
fidence in my attainments and zeal in the cause
of New Zealand science, and that I have
already made some progress in the work in
question which I shall hope to finish for the
sum specified, viz., £500; also that I shall
make it my endeavour to render the work in
every respect worthy of their liberality and
produce it at as cheap a selling rate as I pos-
sibly can, consistently with its containing full
descriptions of the plants of the colony, their
uses as far as is known to me, and their places
of growth. I shall hope to finish it in two
stout parts, forming two small 8vo. vols. or one
thick 8vo. volume; and if possible so to arrange
it with the publisher, I will endeavour to have
one part published before the end of the pre-
sent year.

I have, &c.,
Jos. D. HOOKER.

F. Dillon Bell, Esq.

Electric Telegraph, open to the public for
transmission of messages.

Colonial Secretary's Office,
Auckland, 24th June, 1863.

THE following letter with its enclosure
from the Assistant Military Secretary,
respecting the Electric Telegraph between
Auckland, Otahuhu, and Drury, being open to
the public is published for general information.
ALFRED DOMETT.

Head Quarters, New Plymouth,
No. 2781.
17th June, 1863.

SIR,-I am directed by the Lieutenant-
General Commanding to acquaint you that as
the Electric Telegraph is now in operation
between Auckland, Otshuhu, and Drury, it is
the wish of the Lieutenant-General that the
community at large may benefit by it; and
with this view he desires that it may be notifi-
ed in the New Zealand Gazette that the line
will be open to the Colonial Government, and
the public, for the transmission of messages
between the places alluded to above, at the
hours and rates specified in the enclosed
extract from the Regulations for the Electric
Telegraph.

I am also to add, that this scale of charges
has been adopted in order to meet the increased
expenditure incurred, when making the line
available for the public generally.

I have, &c.,

F. W. HUTCHINS,
Lieut.-Col., Asst. Mil. Sec.

The Private Secretary,
&c., &c., &c.,
Auckland.

The offices will be open for the transmis-
sion of messages-
On week days, from 8 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
" " from 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
" " and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On Sundays, for transmission of service
messages, and private messages of an
urgent nature-
" " from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
" " and from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
The rates to be charged for messages will,
until further orders, be as follows:-
Between Auckland and Otahuhu, under
20 words, 1s. Od.
Between Auckland and Drury, under 20
words, 1s. 6d.
Between Otahuhu and Drury, under 20
words, 1s.
Above 20 words and under 35, half the
above rates in addition.
Military Officers' messages, at half these
rates.
All messages on Military, and Colonial
Government service, free.
Messages will be delivered within 2 miles
of the Office at which they are received.
For any distance above 2 miles, a special
arrangement must be made for delivery by a
civilian messenger, and the expense (which
will be ascertained by telegraph) must be
defrayed by the person sending the message
previous to its despatch.

MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS.
Resignation of Major Douglas.
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Auckland, 8th June, 1863.

HIS Excellency the Governor has been
pleased to accept the resignation of

Major WILLIAM DOUGLAS
as Major Commanding Militia and Volunteers
in the Napier Militia District.

ALFRED DOMETT.

MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS.
Appointment of Major Whitmore.
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Auckland, 13th June, 1863.

HIS Excellency the Governor has been
pleased to appoint

Major GEORGE STODDART WHITMORE
to be Major Commanding the Militia District
of Napier.
Date of Commission—21st May, 1863.

ALFRED DOMETT.