The S.S. Pikkbe.— The present is the second tiip to Otago which the s.s. Phoebe has pel formed since she left the building yard at Syduey, aud she continues to improve iv the estimation both of her officers and those who are passengers by her. Tlio extensive alterations and improvements which weie made upon her w ere executed according to the plans and under the pel soual supervision of Captain Vine Hall, and he lias succeeded admirably in fitting out the boat in a manner which has converted her into probably the mo&t commodious and comfortable steamer on the coast. She still continues under the command of Captain Kennedy. In crossing the Manukau bar by the main channel the Pha;be bumped heavily on a bank, fortunately doing no other damage than that of terrifying some of the people on board. The coneot course, according to the most lecenfc survey— that of the present year, by Commander Mayne, of H.M. s.s. Eclipse — was being steered, aud the lead kept constantly going, when suddenly, after repeated soundings of five and-a half fathoms, she struck, aud a wist of the lead taken immediately afterwards gave but three fathoms, which in a moment or two increased to seven fathoms, showing that the bauk formed a narrow ridge, which Captain Kennedy feels assured stretched light across to the noithern bank, leaving absolutely no channel. This fact is worth noting if calamities like that of the Orpheus are to bo averted, and wo recommend increased caution to masters of vessels taking the bar. Wo learn that after (much delay, the South Channel is now being buoyed ; and we are inclined to think that surveys of the main channel cannot bo taken too frequently. Strong •nestcily gales were blowing during the six days the Phcebe lay in the Manukau, which probably ac counts for tha s.uid-bauk forming across the channel. — Qlago Daily Times. Another INTEK-CotoxiA.ii Steamer — The Hero,, steamer, Capt. Logau commanding, on her first trip between Melbourne aud Otago, leached the Bluff on Monday in four and a-half days, and Port Chalmers on Tuesday morning at 8 a.m., thus accomplishing the rim in five days 1 9 hours, haying sailed from Mel boarne on Wednesday, 2nd inst. She cariied 17 saloon and 80 steerage pnssengers with 350 torn of caigo. She has been despatched by Bright, Brothers, and Co., and Mr. 