The Macquarie.- Yesterday morning, H.M.S. Racehorse, arrived from the Bay of Island, bringing with her the barque Macquarie, of Hobart Town. It appears that this vessel arrived at the Bay of Island, on the 16th of August, and that on the 19th information was laid against the master, William Campbell for having sold at Russell a musket to some natives of Wangaroa. He was summoned to appear before the Resident Magistrate, on the 21st, but sailed out of the harbour on the night of the 20th, without clearing at the Customs. The harbour master, accompanied by the native chief Reppa, immediately put out in pursuit of the vessel, hailed, and ordered her to bring to, which the master with strong language, refused to do.

Mr. Bateman, having seen a sail that afternoon off the heads, pulled towards it ; she fortunately proved to be the Racehorse, which immediately went in chase, using her sweeps. She fired a gun over the Macquarie, which made her bring to, when she was boarded by an officer and boat's crew, who brought her back to port. Captain Campbell was tried upon three charges - one preferred against him for a breach of the Arms Importation Ordinance, in selling a musket to a native for a pig, for which he was fined �100, or three months imprisonment, in addition to the forfeiture of the vessel to Her Majesty. The two others were preferred by Mr. Bateman, sub-collector, for sailing without a certificate or clearance from the Customs, and for resisting that officer in the execution of his duty - upon each of which he was found guilty and fined � 100 for each offence. It was given in evidence that the master had been particularly warned when he entered the harbour, by the sub-collector, against selling ammunition or warlike stores of any kind to the natives. His Excellency has been pleased to mitigate the penalty to �200, and ordered the release of ship and master on its payment.- New Zealander.

SG & SGTL ; Vol 4 ; Page 266. 9 Oct 1847.

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