In order to give Auckland business men some idea of theprogress of the Kaipara set tlements, and also of the country through which the proposed northern extension of the Kaipara railway will run, Captain Colbeck, ex-member for Marsden, recently organised an excursion to the Kaipara. A number accepted his invitation, and came back to Auckland with very different views concerning the " despised North " to those which they held on starting. It was unanimously agreed that the northern extension must prove remune rative, as in addition to the traffic certain to accrue from the timber industry, the line would strike a number of prosperous agricul tural settlements, the residents of which are patiently waiting for an Auckland market for their beef and mutton and fruit. Every where the tourists went in the Kaipara they were met by evidences that this district pro mises to be the leading fruitgrowing district of the colony.
Nothing could be more pleasing than the manner and terms in which our late mayor resigned his office and the new mayor as sumed it. As has been well said, Mr Wad - tlell, by his devotion to the duties of the office, has spoiled the post for any other man. Mr Devore, however, has begun well, and has intimated his intention of pursuing that course of economy and retrenchment which can alone rescue the city from im pending financial trouble. It is believer], from his previous career, that he has suffi cient force of character to resist the demands which will be made for continued expendi ture, notwithstanding- the embarrassments o£ the city.
The recent organisation formed here for promoting and fostering local industries, in cluding farming, is progressing very favour ably1, and ntfw numbets SOO sjsmbto.
