LATEST TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 879, 10 November 1874, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE

(fbom oub own cobbespondjsnt.) Dunedin, November 9th, 8 p.m. Arrived at Nelson —The Ocean Maid, 81 days out, with 400 immigrants. Mr O'Rorke has joined the Provincial Executive of Auckland as solicitor. The mail between Wanganui and Ofcaki has been robbed. The annexation of Fiji to the British Crown was carried out on the 10th October. After signing copies of the deed of cession, King Cakabaa presented Sir Hercules Bobiuson with a war club, decorated with palm leaves, emblematical of peace, for presentato the Queen Before hoisting the British flag, Sir Hercules proclaimed the Fiji a dependency of the Crown amid the cheers of the people. He expressed a hope that all animosity would be buried at the foot of the staff on which the Union Jack was hoisted. One of the Pearl's lieutenants then hoisted the flag, which was saluted with 21 guns from the war ship, the following officers being appointed:—Consul Layard, Vice-Presi-dent of the Executive, aud Administrator of Government ; Thurston, Colonial Secretary (late of Hokitika) ; and Treasurer, Finnes (member of the Executive.) In consequence of the holiday, which was generally observed, nothing was done in town to-day. The barque Planter brings a little ADDITIONAL CABLE NEWS. The British representative at the Vatican has been withdrawn —Government officially confirm report. Nana Sahib's capture is repoated. Prince Bismark, on behalf of Germany, has promised to send a note of remonstrance to France if the complaints of the Spanish Government about French interference with Spanish affairs are unsatisfied at the end of October. Money is easier. The prices in wool have slightly given way, owing to manufacturers being stocked. Nelson. The Ocean Maid's passengers were landed this morning. The ship had a most favorable passage. Very little sickness was experienced. There were three deaths of infants and two births.

"Wellington.

The Times, this morning, publishes the reply of Sir James Fergusson to Sir George Grey's petition. After acknowledging receipt, and recapitulating the substance of the prayer of petition, the reply goes on to say "It appears to his Excellency that in praying him to summon the Legislative Assembly immediately, and transmit said petition to her Majesty's Government, you propose he should act independently of, if not in opposition to, his resposible advisers—a course which would be justified only by great and exceptional emergencies." Referring to the objects to be gained, Sir James Fergusson continues "As his Excellency is aware that there is not, on the part of the Government of New Zealand, any intention to make ap plication to me imperial government to propose any such measure to Parliament, or that there is any necessity for so doing to enable the Assembly, in the exercise of its legitimate functions, to carry out in its next session by specific legislation on constitutional changes —which, by resolution in its recent session, it declared to be advisable—his Excellency hopes that, without further information on this point, you will be satisfied that the prayer of your petition ought not to be complied with; and it is also needless to make any telegraphic communication to her Majesty's Government on the abolition of Provincial institutions." The latter part of the reply is to the effect that, while Sir James is sensible of Sir George's greater experience as to the duties of a colonial Governor, he must act according to his own view of his duty; and that, to transmit the petition in its present form tc her Majesty's Parliament, would be accepting the premises upon which it is based; but his Excellency will, in consideration of the opinion of one so highly qualified to judge, transmit any represensation Sir George Grey may desire to make directly through him as the appointed channel to her Majesty, in regard to New Zealand affairs. Within the last few weeks about £25,000 worth of Provincial land has been applied for, and sold.

Judges Arney and "Richmond have arrived, and the Court of Appeal opens to-day.