THE VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY AND THE HON. THE DEFENCE MINISTER TO TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1089, 5 October 1869, Page 3

THE VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY AND THE HON. THE DEFENCE MINISTER TO TARANAKI.

(From the correspondent of the ' Independent. ) New Plymouth, Sept. 27, 1869. In accordance with your request to furnish you with the latest news in connexion with the Governor's tour and the Ministerial visit northward, I take the opportunity of the departure of the Ahuriri to in' form you that Mr. M'Lean left Nelson in the Ashley on the 25th, and arrived at the boat landing here half an hour or so before the Sturt with Sir G-eorge Bowen on board. The population turned out to a man to welcome his Excellency and made a suitable display of beauty, bunting, and body guards, and were most enthusiastic in their demonstrations. The Governor and suite put up at Parris'. A large number of natives were in town to meet M'Lean, and the most enthusiastic " rubbing of noses" both figuratively and actually, took place. Mr. M'Leannext morning (27th) met the whole of the Maoris, and a korero of magnitude

fook ' place at the Native ' Office, where M'Lean carried everything before him, and sent back the representatives of the Various tribes assembled highly; pleased. - The "Chief was also, very well received; by. all, and.the public feeling here is certainly' unanimous, that both in liis capapiiy of Defence and Native Minister, he is the right man in the right place. Political feeling runs very high at present at New Plymouth in the matter of the election of a Superintendent, the candidates being Carrington, Kelly, M.H.8., and the present Superintendent Eichmond. The race, I think, from what I can gather, will be a close one. The winning horse, however, I fancy, will be Kelly. M'Lean was well received afc Netson, large numbers of people calling on him, and he was invited to a ball in the evening to which, however, he was prevented from going. So far I am much pleased, having ascertained from personal observation, that both here and at Nelson every one considers the late changes, particularly in' Defence and Native affairs, a very fortunate one. The Governor's parly proceeds next Wednesday to Waitara.- A levee" is to be held to-day at 3 p.m. and a ball given by the inhabitants to his Excellency to-morrow evening, to which Mr. M'Lean has been specially invited. People here, with the exception of Eichmond.and a few others, do riot believe that any but vigorous though not hasty measures will be adopted in the suppression of this rebellion. Every one appears to feel that the " gorgeous military element has too long run us into debt, with nothing to shew for it. The natives and chiefs at the meeting this morning all expressed their delight at the elevation of Mr. M'Lean to his new post, and assured him in turn that now they had confidence that things' would mend. Erom my personal observation today and from what my experience of Maoris in New Zealand has led me to assume, I am induced to think that if Mr. M'Lean could be induced to extend his tour and visit every Maori centre of population get-at-able, an immense benefit would result.