THE Marlborough Express.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1868.
“ GIVR me the liberty to know, to utter, and to ergee freely according to conscience, above all other liberties.” —Milton.
By the arrival of the Falcon we were placed in possession of information, which, if confirmed will prove of the utmost importance to every member of the community, who will doubtless join us in the hope that it may turn out correct. Shortly before the departure of the schooner, it was asserted in some of the best informed circles in Wellington that His Excellency, having at last grasped the exact situation of affairs, had resolved to dissolve the Assembly immediately. The dissolution, it was stated, would be proclaimed in a few days, and the writs for a new election issued forthwith. Earl Bel more, it is said, had notified to Sir George that were he in want of assistance, he would gladly send him a few companies of the 18th Regiment quartered in Melbourne. At last therefore it would appear the Governor intends “ crossing the Rubicon,” and will call into the rescue the Voice of the Country ! We sincerely hope such step will be taken speedily, and shall await further intelligence from Wellington with anxiety. Since the above was written the Nelson journals of Tuesday last have come to hand, which give the same statement with a subsequent correction. The Colonist says in its Wellington telegram : “Mr. Pilliet says that Mr. Haughton, Undersecretary for Defence, stated that a dissolution had boon agreed upon. From enquiries made, there appears to be no reliance placed on the rumor. It is true that the Governor differs in opinion from Ministers regarding troops being requested from Sydney and Victoria; but this difference is not of a character sufficient to induce Ministers to tender their resignations, or to lead to a dissolution.”
—Upon seeing this statement we telegraphed to a well-informed person at Wellington to make further inquiries. In reply we learned that Haughton—ex-Gaol Commissioner, Government whip, and man of all work —asserted publicly that a dissolution would take place in a few days, as above stated. The news.was received with such unmistakable satisfaction, on being telegraphed to all parts of the Colony, that on Monday the Advertiser (the Government organ) contradicted it, and it is now impossible to say how it will end. That some foundation existed is unquestionable, for even Haughton would not trifle or jest with a subject so important as this. On which, we cannot help repeating, we believe our lives and liberties are now depending. In every part of the Colony the demand is for a Dissolution.
THE Marlborough Express. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1868.
Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 149, 19 December 1868, Page 3
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