19 DECEMBER 1863, Page 3

From New Zealand we hear of a very important geographical

discovery. Martin's Bay, on the west coast of the southern island, had long been known to receive a river flowing from the interior ; but the river has now been explored by a Dr. Hector, found to be navigable for a great distance, to be directly connected with a considerable lake, and to bring him by water within forty- six hours' march of Lake Wakitepu. This will open up the interior of the southern island for at least 100 miles, and a settlement on Martin's Bay is very likely to eclipse Dunedin.