WELLINGTON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 226, 26 September 1867, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

[from our own correspondent.]

As I promised to inform you of the fate of Major Atkinson's resolutions relative to the Volunteer force, I may at once state that one or two of them of minor importance were carried, and the remainder thrown out. I think now that your red coats may rest satisfied that the Act of 1865 will not be materially interfered with. What is it in the harmless little announcement I sent you that your Cadets are to have the privilege of furnishing the guard of honor to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh that has so excited. the ire of the editor of the Colonist? For some time past he has, I think, shown indirectly that he does not view the Volunteers with a favorable eye; but in this particular instance he seems to exhibit the same ludicrous symptoms that are to be seen in a demented turkey-cock when a youngster is teasing him with a piece of red rag. Holding up his head . and looking ridiculously fierce, getting alternately red and blue in the face, he blurts but a senseless gobble-gobble-gobble, which can only be interpreted, * I am awfully annoyed by that particular color, but I can't think why the dence it should have such an effect upon me. As it cannot he on the score of economy, (the money for the reception of the Prince having been voted long since) I am unable to imagine why tbis self-dubbed Cassandra should characterise a scheme that appears to be so well received by his fellow-towns-people as ' a piece of folly and expensive parade,' unless it be that he has always, although editing a Nelson paper, acted most consistently in his endeavor to

obstruct the advancement of that province, and having lately failed most signally in ihe political arena, he now growls and snarls at anything that is likely to bring Nelson promineutiy before the colony,' even though it be so simple a matter as turning out a company of well-dressed, well-behaved, well-drilled boys, to take an honorable part in the reception of the son ofour Sovereign. Such of the Wellington people as favor the Colonist with their perusal consider that the fact that thi3 wrathful editor has not been burnt in effigy, ducked in the nearest pond, or greeted with some equally convincing proof of the seutiments that must be entertained towards him by the Nelson Cadets, speaks volumes in favor of the high state of discipline maintained in that corps, as there can be no manner of doubt as to the direction in which the youngsters' inclination would lead them.

The dull mouotomy ofthe parliamentary proceedings was relieved last week by a fracas between Mr Yogel and the Chairman of Committees (Mr Carleton). Mr Yogel having something to say which he thought might prove edifying to the Committee, set the Chairman (who ruled that the hon. gentleman was not entitled to speak), at defiance, and would insist in the face of cries of 'chair, chair,' that issued from the lips of every member present, on making his speech. A division was called for in order that the House might express ita opinion of the conduct of this the 'rowdiest of its members, when his behaviour was unanimously condemned. Such a general expression of opinion would no doubt have a salutary effect ou aDy member who had the smallest particle of self-respect ; but where such thick-skinned gentlemen as Mr Yogel or Mr Reynolds are concerned, all signs of disapprobation, though conveyed in the strougest terms, are entirely thrown away.

Anothor scene took place a few days later between Mr Reynolds and the Colonial Secretary. This occurred during a division, and happened thus. Mr Reynolds, who has a partiality for walking about the House and speaking in confidential whispers to such of the members as are sufficiently good natured to listen to him, strolled up to Mr Stafford, and favored him with one of these communications. Suddenly that gentleman was seeu to color up to his forehead, move quickly back from his confidential adviser, and then, in tones that were heard by all present, made reply in the following expressive words ' When you're not ridiculous, sir, you're impertinent.' Of course all eyes were at, once turned on the interesting pair, but although many of the members questioned the good taste of the remark, there were but very few who doubted its truthfulness. On the House resuming, Mr Reynolds brought the matter before the Speaker, but as the words were not used in debate, Mr Speaker of course did not happen to have heard what took place.

The Westland petition has not yet occupied much of the attention of the Houses, but has been referred to a select Committee in both branches of the Legislature. It is difficult as yet to predict what is is likely to be the result of it, but from conversations I have had with individual members of the committees, I am inclined to think they will recommend that the prayer should be granted. Should such be the case, this will have been a disastrous session for the Province of Canterbury. The Timaru and Gladstone Local Government Bill passed, Hokitika and its neighborhood constituted a separate province, and the northern portion of the western gold-fields clamoring for annexation to Nelson — -these events will hot increase the influence of the once flourishing Province of Canterbury.