WELLINGTON.

Press, Volume V, Issue 558, 13 August 1864, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

The only especial item of news from Wellington is of tho arrival of the Seat of Government Commissioners, thus described in the independent of the 9th instant : — Towards one o'clock on Sunday afternoon the s.s. Lord Ashley appeared within the heads bringing, as was expected, the Commissioners from Aucklaud, appointed to select a site for the Seat of Government. As the steamer ran alongside the wharf, the forenoon services had just been completed in several of the churches and the congregations were dispersing homewards. A considerable number of people however collected at the wharf, who soon had the pleasure of seeing the Commissioners disembark. The first on shore was Mr. Gunn who, accompanied by the Secretary, walked briskly up towards the reclaimed land, and passing the carriage in waiting, proceeded up Willis-street to the Queen's Hotel. Meantime his Honor the Superintendent had arrived, »nd about midway un the wharf met Sir Francis Murphy and the hon. Mr. Docker, accompanied by his Honor Mr. Justice Johnston, who had been their fellow-pai-senger from Napier. On meeting, Dr. Featherston, who appeared to recognise Sir Francis, bowed to the party, when the Judge stepped forward and performed the ceremony of introduction. The four gentlemen then proceeded to the carriage which they entered and drove off to Government House, where every preparation had been made for their accommodation during their stay in Wellington. Mr. Gun afterwards joined the others. Last night the Commissioners entertained a select party of our chief citizens at dinner. We understand that the Commissioners intend visiting the various districts throughout the province, and will shortly proceed overland to Wanganui. The limit of their stay in Wellington has not yet been determined. Tbickeb's Case. —We understand that in consequence of the information given to the authorities by the Native Wirihana, inquiries are about to be made on the West Coast which, will probably soon either confirm or entirely set aside hie statement. Wirihana has mentioned the names of eight Natives who were working on the road along which it is supposed Tricker passed, and alleges they all saw him. He gives the names of two other Natives who were going with him towards Turakina when the alleged occurence took place, and states that ho told of it to two Natives in Turakina besides, whose names he mentions. It will thus be a comparatively easy matter to test this fresh evidence, and we trust ere long to learn the result. — Independent, August 6. West Coast Railway.—The Wanganui Chronicle is highly in favor of the talked of railway from Auckland to Wellington through Taranalri, as it thinks that such a scheme would tend to making Wanganui the scat of Government. In its issue of the 3rd inst. it say 3 :—lt will be observed from an article copied from the TaranaJci Herald that the Taranaki Provincial Council ia moving in a matter most important to the interest of thie district —tho formation of a railway along the West Coast. The proposal of ■uoh a scheme in another quarter, and its approval in principle at least by the General Government, are remarkable at the present moment when taken in connection with the claim set forth by this place to be the seat of Government. In the memorandum adopted by the magistrates this very subject ie touched upon to show the centrality of the. position Wanganui occupies; a railway is mentioned as a feasible project from Pakakariki to Mobui, an.l the expense of construction ia stated at about £6000 a mile. The confirmation of these views of the Magistrates by this indepen-.knt and till notf- unkuown project at Taranaki, is striking and important. It is obviou3 thnt if a railway were taken down the West Co3?t to Wellington, that port would occupy much the same position to AVanganui fin the event of the latter beinj; made tho capital) a? Southampton does to London ; and the want of a harbor here accessible at all times of the tide would not thus be such a drawbuck to the place. This project is also remarkable, as !in its very birth demanding a drawing together of the several provinces whose interests are affected. This is a hopeful and a benefit-ill thing. If three provinces are asked to unite for-the realisation of such a ! project; why shoul.l they not go hand in hand in ! other matters ? why foi instance shonld not the provinces i;i the North'lslanJ unite in obtaining o fireti rate engineer who shall advise and guile all the engineers ? This is but an illustration of the advantages of such a system. There may be co-operation without incorporation ; and unless there be bo, provincialism will soon only exist in history.