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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 969, 15 August 1868, Page 3

Mr. Ormond's Speech. — The debate on Mr. Fox's motion last night was the most interesting which has yet taken place. Mr. Ormond surprised everyone by the temperate course and able tono of his speech. He spoke gravely, and he put the real question at issue in clear and forcible terms. Although intimating his intention of supporting the Government, he did not hesitate to censure the indecision T\hich characterised their policy, and, in earnest terms, embodying the senti- ■ ments of a large section- of the colonial party, he appealed to them to enunciate a bold and open policy on the great constitutional question of the day. Mr. Ormond's speech was spoken of by Mr. Bell as damaging to the Government, but wo are mistaken if it does not exercise some influence on the course of events, and in the end do more harm to Mr. Bell's now allies — the "Constitutionalists" — than to the Colonial party. — Advertiser, Aug. 7. The Rev. John Hall. — We (Independent) regret to learn that tho Rev. John Hall, who during the last twelve months has conducted the ministrations of the Free Church in Willis-street, is about to leave Wellington. His successor, the Rev. James Patterson, has arrived at Nelson by the Ballarat from England, and will shortly be in Wellington to commence his ministerial duties. The Rev. Mr Hall will, therefore, leave by the first opportunity ; but we have been given to understand that, instead of proceeding home direct, he will visit the Grey aud the Buller, with the view of organising Free Church congregations at those places. After that work has been accomplished, we believe Mr Hall will proceed to Great Britain via Australia and Suez. During the year that he has resided in Wellington, the Rev. Mr Hall has been the means of doing much good in his ministry ; while at the same time his visitations and personal intercourse with the members of his congregations have created for him many warm friends. As an eloquent preacher, an indefatigable and gentle counsellor of those who lacked consolation in time of distress, and as a genial kind-hearted man, many of the community will deeply regret the departure of the Rev, Mr Hall from Wellington. Wherever he may go, we heartily wish him, God speed.