AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

" A Squatter on the Greenstone," in a let ter to the Queenstown paper regarding the track to Martin's Bay, says :—": — " 1 beg to state for the guidance of intending travellers to or from Martin's Bay that the track is now blazed and the under srub cnt through the Greenstone gorge to Upper Greenstone Valley, upon the north bank of the river. The main Greenstone has only to be forded once about four chains above the junction of the Caple, and again near the source of the upper branch at Lake M'Kellar, where it, is a mere rivulet. From memoranda in my posses sion, the distance is calculated to be 15 miles from the Lake by Greenstone Gorge to source of Greenstone, which is 800 feet above the level of Lake Wakatip. The descent it then 1500 feet in two miles for the first part, and 400 feet in thirty miles to the sea. I may also state that having had the ground thoroughly inspected by a party who has had great experience in such matters, we conclude that a good bridle track could be formed through the Greenstone Gorge, which would join that already made via Mavora, for the sum of £250. The track through the lower gorge is already formed."

A Blenheim paper says that black swam are becoming so numerous on the river be low that town, as to rival even the wild 4«ckp,

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Few of your readers probably know any thing of Napier beyond the fact that it is prolific in Cabinet Ministers and in authori ties on Native affairs. There are rumours, however, prevalent here, which render it likely that Napier will occupy a large place in the debates of the next session, as having done much to precipi tate the present crisis in Native affairs, by alienating our most faithful friends, and strengthening the King party and our ene mies. A brief reference to the story of Napier since 1869 will prepare your readers for the more complete narrative which is, I hear, to be shortly published in connection with the enquiry of the Royal Commis sion, whose proceedings will be laid before the Assembly. 