The ' Astcrope ' was the first, ship of the season, and took a large cargo, the value of which was estimated "at £J3,000. The ' Chrysolite ' will be the next vessel; she has already on boarci about 3,000 bales of wool, and is expected to sail about tho 20lh instant. The individual mentioned in my last as pos sessing a mania for geological pursuits — that ia, when others have got tho "pleasure" of paying — returned to town on Friday last. The following semi-official report of his proceedings is from the Independent ; — Mr. Crawford and party returned on Fiiday last, having examined the valleys of the Hutt anil Paku» lati, the gullies in the neighboiuhoodof Featherstou, tho gorge of the Waihohino, and (passing the Wain gawa- already prospected) the gorge of tho Ruama hiinga, in none of which valleys the slightest trace of gold was found. An attempt was then made to roach the open country above tho forest zone from tho Ruaniahunga, but the party was diiven back by heavy rain. The forty mile bush was then traversed and the beds of tho Makakatu and several other rivers were examined without any appearanco of gold. Tho highest part of tho road lies between tho Euatnabunga and the Makakatu where it crosses tbo watershed, a height say of 800 feet. From this point tho level of the land falls to 400 or 500 feet above tho sea towards the JManawatu. AVo are glad to learn that tho land appears to be of excellent quality, the bulk of it terrace land, but a. considerable quan tity of it rich alluvium, of which, however, much may perhaps be flooded. It is in fact a valley ten miles broad, and, say, seventy miles long lying be tween the Tararua aud Kuahino ranges on.tne west, and the Puketoo and other ranges of the East Coast on the other sido. The openings found, in the t bnsh do nob exceed n, few hundred acres. AH* the rest is forest. A Maori track ,'jwasJonnd all tho way, whicb.migut.be easily., improved.. into a good road. 