IT is always gratifying to have occasion to refer to individual enterprise tending to the advancement of this or the neighbouring colonies, and in speaking of the William Denny, and the new line of steam communication which she has opened, we cannot but congratulate the spirited proprietors of that vessel upon the favourable commencement of their project, and we think the colonists of New Zealand are much indebted to them for having placed at their disposal a vessel so admirably adapted for trade between the colonies. The William Denny was purchased about two months since by three or four gentlemen, at a cost of �24,000, and her peculiar qualification for carrying a month's fuel, besides a large cargo, and having superior accommodation for passengers and cattle, rendering her so well adapted for the New Zealand coast it was at once determined to run her between Sydney and Auckland, Wellington, and Nelson.

She sailed for the former of these ports on the 17th ultimo, and against strong head winds completed the voyage in six days. Her unexpected arrival was greeted as an event amongst so small a community, and as regarded the object of her owners was most opportune, as the House of Assembly were then engaged in an enquiry into the subject of steam communication with Australia. Captain Mailler was called upon to afford information to the Steam Committee ; and an arrangement was ultimately entered into between the Government and Captain M., for securing the services of the William Denny for the conveyance of mails to Auckland once in every month, for upwards of twelve months, for the sum of �5,000 - a contract was also signed by the Superintendent of Nelson and Wellington, for the service of a similar vessel, can she be procured, to convey the mails to those ports, for the sum of �6000 for twelve months. As soon as it became known that Captain Mailler was prepared to dispose of a certain interest in the William Denny, a public meeting was called, and within twenty-four hours of that meeting shares to the amount of �12,000 (equal to a purchase of half the vessel), were subscribed for, and every arrangement made to keep her constantly in the trade between Sydney and Auckland, and we may mention as an interesting feature in the matter, that many shares in this fine vessel are now in the hands of Maori residents at Auckland. At the conclusion of these arrangements it having been announced by some of her new part proprietors, that previous to the vessel leaving the port, a short pleasure trip would be afforded the good people of the town, in a few hours the steamer was crowded with the gay and fashionable of Auckland, and with the military band on board, and saluted by the various vessels in harbour, she cruised about for a few hours, to the evident satisfaction of all on board.

The general interest taken in this steamer, and the readiness with which all classes came forward to secure her continuance in the trade, speaks well for the future success of the undertaking ; and although the first two or three trips may be attended with some loss, yet we are satisfied that this is a great step toward the increased prosperity of New Zealand, and that the owners of the William Denny will soon find sufficient inducement to enlarge their operations.

The steamer has returned to Sydney, calling at Wellington and Nelson, and remaining a few day, at each port. The voyage altogether has been completed in four weeks. The William Denny reports that the steamer Queen made the passage from Sydney in nine days. The Queen had some difficulty in procuring coal at Nelson to carry her on to Wellington. She left Nelson for Wellington on the 5th instant. The William Denny experienced a heavy southerly gale on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, which rendered it necessary to heave her to for two days. In lat. 39� 30' S., long. 169� 30' E., she spoke the Young Australian from Wellington, bound to Melbourne.

SG & SGTL Vol 11 ; P. 156

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