Telegraphic Intelligence.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 979, 19 September 1868, Page 2

Telegraphic Intelligence.

WELLINGTON.

(From the telegraphic correspondent of the "Sou* • . i(t Jihern^Pross.") '

■ „»■ :'^Vp'w.^f' dnesda 7» Sept. 16. LAsTJiight _Mr.:Vogei spoke for two hours and 'a-half.\Mfr|iiohmond replied. Messrs. Hepburn, Wil^Sn, and Haugbton spoke on the Government side ; Messrs. Taylor and Wilson on that of the Opposition. Mr. Stevens was accused by the speakers on the Government side of opposing what was substantially his own policy, by voting in favor of want of confidence in the men by whom it is now proposed. The adjournment was moved by Mr. Macandrew. Mr. M'Neill, of Southland, has been telegraphed for, and is now on his way up to vote for the Government.

Mr. M'Lean, the member for Napier, has given the following notice of motion : — " That this House views with alarm the position the Colony has been brought to by the conduct of the Government in native and defence matters." The following is telegraphed from Dunedin :-— The Free Trader, ship, had arrived, with 800 salmon and trout ova in good condition. Mr. Young, the Provincial Railway Agent, was about returning to the Colony. He reports that the Southern railway was favorably regarded in England, and that capitalists were about sending out engineers to survey and report upon the line.

At Arrow, a lunatic stabbed Constable Hunt and a storekeeper called Cullough. The wounds were not dangerous.

Business was dull. No alteration reported in the price of breadstuff's. Stocks of flour and wheat were light. Transactions in wines, beers, and spirits were slight. Sugars, yellow crystal ex Severn, sold at £34 10f. per ton. Fair lines of Baltic and Colonial timbers realised full

prices,

H.M.S. Brisk arrived here last night, homeward bound. Mr. Lempriere, His Excellency's Private Secretary, goes home in her on leave.

There have been great anti-Ministerial meetings at Nelson, at which the financial proposals of the Government were strongly condemned. A resolution was passed, asking Mr. Stafford to resign his seat for the city of Nelson.

Colonel M'Donnell's despatches have been received. The affair at Nguto-o-te-manu seems to have been a most disastrous defeat. The Wanganui papers blame M'Donnell very much. They say he refused to allow the pa to be charged, although strongly urged to do so by Major Hunter and Capt. Buck.

The volunteer Dixon, reported as killed, has come in wounded, after five days' wandering in the bush.

The conduct of the friendly natives in covering the retreat is highly commended. But for them our loss would have been much greater.

LPBOM OTTE OATN COEEESPONDENT.]

Wednesday, Sept. 16,

Mr. M'Lean gave notice yesterday — "That this House views with alarm the state into which the country has been brought by the action of the Government in defence and native affairs." There was cheering in the House upon the notice being read.

The "no confidence" debate will probably close to-night.

The Advertiser of this morning publishes Colonel M'Donnell's despatch upon the engagement at Ngutu-o-te-manu. The force got into the bush, with the enemy concealed on all sides, and hot firing kept up from hollow trees, loopholed. It was impossible to prevent the force huddling together, instead of dispersing to take cover, the effect of their short training. The Native Contingent killed fifteen of the enemy, without having one wounded themselves. The newspapers state that Patea was abandoned as far as Baachus. Mr. Booth had closed all the grog stores. The enemy's dead is variously estimated at five to twentyeight. M'Donnell is praised by some — by others blamed. Accounts only agree in regard to our loss, the excellent conduct of the friendlies," except for whom the loss on our side would have been fearful. Friday, Sept. 18. Mr. M'Lean's motion was introduced yesterday. Mr. Stafford replied to the mover, and Mr. Brown supported the motion. The Government then insisted on the debate being adjourned until after the debate upon Mr. Fox's motion of " no confidence." A division was called for, which resulted in favor of the Government — the votes being 38 to 31. This division was considered practically to test the strength of parties. Excluding pairs, every member voted.

Mr. Fox's motion of "no confidence" is still being debated in committee, and will not probably close before next week. It drags along very slowly. Many are waiting for the disclosure promised by the Government of the terms conceded to the country party. Last night, Mr. Ormond spoke long and ably on the opposition side.

A public committee has been formed today to collect subscriptions towards a fund in aid of the relatives of the slain in battle. Major Richardson and Mr. Graham head the list with a donation of ten guineas each.

A Bill has been introduced to enable the authorities to close public houses in disturbed districts.

Mr. Seed has been appointed acting Auditor General during Dr. Knight's absence in England upon leave.