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lime, and probably of tertiary age, had been mistaken for the auriferous slates. On the Windy River, which joins the Oreti from the Eyre Mountains, I was, however, informed that a small quantity of gold was recently obtained; but I was not within several miles of the locality, and from all I have seen, there is little reason to expect that the gold fields will extend in a south-westerly direction from the Waikatipu Lake.

I was much pleased with the country in the valley of the Waiau, but there is only a small extent of open land upon the Otago side of the river, below where it leaves the Manipora Lake.

Returning to Riverton on the 5th inst., I found that the Maoris had arrived, and with the assistance of Mr. Howell, I was able to obtain a first-rate crew without much trouble. There are seven Maories going in the sealing-boat, but only five are to return, as two of the number belong to Jackson’s Bay, and intend to remain with their own tribe. To the five others I have agreed to give £20 each for the trip, and a further sum of £20 for the use of the boat. They have signed a written agreement to keep with the schooner for the purpose of towing, guiding, and aiding her, and to make themselves useful to me in any way I may wish. No time is specified, but they understand that I will not require them for less than four months from this date. Besides the above crew, I have, by the advice of Mr. Howell, also engaged a Maori named Henry Paramatta, who was formerly a mate in one of his whaling vessels, and accompanied him in that capacity as far as California, and who is so well acquainted with the details of the Harbors of the West Coast, that he is qualified to act as pilot.

The whole expense of the Maori addition to my party, will, I am glad to find, be under £200, instead of £500 as was anticipated.

As boisterous weather with westerly winds has prevailed ever since our arrival in this port, no time has really been lost by this delay, as it would have been impossible for us to have rounded the South-West Cape.

Upon the evening of the 5th inst., at 10:25 p.m., (10:15 p.m. of Dunedin time), a severe earthquake shock was felt here, there being several sharp concussions, followed by a rocking motion which lasted fifteen seconds.

I have had some conversation with Mr. Howell, regarding his letter to Government, offering information respecting the coal, sandstone, and slate, which exist in Preservation Inlet, a copy of which was forwarded to me. He has freely communicated to me all the particulars he could give, respecting the source of mineral wealth, and which he considers to be of great value. He particularly instances the occurrence in a very accessible situation, extensive beds of flagstones, well adapted to the paving of streets. As Preservation Inlet is the first place I make to from this, I hope soon to be able to furnish more exact information on this subject.

I have the honor to remain,
Dear Sir,
Yours very obediently,
JAMES HECTOR.

NOTICE UNDER “THE FENCING ORDINANCE.”

I, THOMAS MARSH of Inch Clutha, Otago, hereby give notice to William Begg, proprietor of half section No. 4, Block III, Inch Clutha, that the division Fence dividing his property from mine on said section, is now finished, and I do hereby demand that the said William Begg, or his agents, do pay me half the cost of said fence under the provisions of “The Fencing Ordinance, 1856,” amounting to £26 5s.

THOMAS MARSH.
June 15th, 1863.

Superintendent’s Office,
Dunedin, 15th June, 1863.

HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT DENT directs it to be notified that he has nominated and appointed the following gentlemen as after-mentioned:—

Thomas Windle Parker, Esquire, J.P., to be a Visiting Justice of the Gaol at Oamaru.

Thos. Ansley Mansford, Esquire, J.P., to be a Visiting Justice of the Gaol at Port Chalmers.

Edward Musgrove, Esquire, J.P., to be a Visiting Justice of the Gaol at Tokomairiro.

Edward Croker, Esquire, J.P., and

Charles Worthington, Esquire, J.P., to be Visiting Justices of the Gaols at Lawrence and Waitahuna.

Jackson Keddell, Esquire, J.P., to be a Visiting Justice of the Gaol at the Dunstan.

John Nugent Wood, Esquire, J.P., to be a Visiting Justice of the Gaol at Queenstown.

By Order,
JOHN LOGAN,
Clerk to Superintendent.