The Hawke's Bay Herald. NAPIER, APRIL 14, 1860. NEWS OF THE WEEK

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 134, 14 April 1860, Page 4

The Hawke's Bay Herald. NAPIER, APRIL 14, 1860. NEWS OF THE WEEK

By proclamation in a Gazette published on the 7th instant, the GPeneral Assembly is prorogued till Monday, the 18th June.

We have hot heard who are likely to be candidates for the solitary seat at the disposal of the electors of Hawke. Mr. Ferguson is again in the field ; and it is believed that the Superintendent will also come forward, should it'be the wish of the electors. We have heard Mr. Duncan, of Wellington, mentioned as likely to be another candidate ; although upon what grounds his name has been used we cannot say. The subject of our representation in the General Assembly is not receiving the serious attention it otherwise would, from a prevalent idea that the session will be a very short one, and that the adjustment of the loan between Wellington and Hawke's Bay will be deferred till a more convenient season. Even were this to be the case, we want a member who will do us justice in the matter of increase of representation and of the land regulations. But we think it well to be prepared for the worst ; especially as politicians seem greatly at fault in speculating upon the events of next session : and with this view to secure the services of the best man we can get. It happens unfortunately that a new difficulty presents itself to the electors, from the fact of the community being greatly divided on the subject of the proposed land regulations, and the consequent impossibility of securing a member whose opinions on this point will meet the views of more than a section of his constituents.

The Taranaki news we gave in our " Extra " of Tuesday, and further details of which appear in this morning's issue, is of a highly cheering character. The success of the military and volunteers — the latter under fire for the first time — and the dashing exploit of Capt. Cracroft of the " Niger," will have a great moral effect throughout the colony. The " bounce" of the rebels, which had been on the increase since the affair before the pa at Waitara, has been well taken out of them — the prestige which attached to Maori valour in general and to Maori fortifications in particular, been greatly lessened. The arrival of fresh troops from Sydney would enable the officer commanding to act with vigour against the enemy ; and we trust,, ere the winter begins to interfere with field operations, that more than one heavy blow will be added to that which has been already recorded.

We observe that in Auckland and Nelson offers of assistance have been freely made to those whose homes have been rendered desolate, and whose substance has been in a measure swept away. In the former place a puhlic meeting was convened, and the sum of £300 collected before it closed — the Auckland people considering it both a duty and a privilege to come forward under such circumstances. The misfortunes of the Taranaki settlers are calculated to awaken every generous emotion in the hearts of their fellow colonists ; and we trust that in all the provinces similar meetings will be held, and that Hawke's Bay, if least, will not be last in so good a work.

By proclamation in a Gazette of 26th March, the Governor prohibits throughout the colony the importation, sale, and other disposition of arms, gunpowder, and other warlike stores, except under license in writing under the hand of the Governor, or of some person duly authorised by him. The officer so authorised in Napier is the Collector of Customs.

The annual licensing day falls on Tues" day next. In addition to the applications for renewals, new licenses are applied for by M. McNalty, Shakespeare road, and Thomas Williams, Carlyle Street. We learn that, pursuant to instructions from the General Government, the militia roll for Napier district is being prepared. Yesterday, part of the military detachment were engaged in rifle practice. It will be seen from the notice published in another column by the Registration Officer, that 160 persons have preferred' claims to>a right to vote.