WELLINGTON.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 15 October 1863, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

[JEOM OTTB OWN COBBESPONDENT.] Weil/Ington, October 10. There is not much news to communicate to you by thia opportunity. The Sturt arrived here on the Bth instant, and proceeds to-day to Wanganui and your port. From her light draught of water, she appears well adapted for the costal Bervice. The New Zealand Steam Navigation Company hold their first annual meeting on the 20th instant, and, amongst other business, will take iuto consideration the proposition of one of the directors to increase the capital to £250,000 — the company's shares at present are 5,000 of £10 each. The company, to make itself strong, should really and substantially be a New Zealand Company. The directors are considering the desirability of procuring more steamers, and thus extending their operations ; and it has been rumoured that they contemplate sending some one home to purchase steamers captured during the American war and condemned. This, no doubt, would be a wise step, as these steamers could be purchased for much less than those built to order. The speeches of your members of the House of Representatives, before proceeding to Auckland, have been duly criticised by our presß ; but in this place the public do not seem interested in what their representatives' opinions are on the existing state of affairs, and thus we are left totally in the dark as to what their intentions are. As things are at present, und if nothing unforeseen arises, all the members for this province will attend. All is quiet in the out-districts, and everyone is anxiously waiting for news from the North j and we are all glad to hear that the Home Government have decided on sending out more troops. It is stated, on good authority, that 1,000 military settlers from Australia, on tb» uana principle v tbow at Weikato, arc

to be stationed here. The question arises, Where are they to be located, and what land will they occupy ? The iuquest on the murder of Rayner has at last closed, and the jury have returned the following verdict :—": — " WiKul murder against some person or persons unknown." The Militia are called out for three months more drill, to commence from the 21st of this month. The favourite clipper Asterope, after a smart run of ninety-five dajs, ariived on the 4th instant, under the command of Captain Stuart, her late chief officer. Our market is now well supplied with every description of goods, but trade is at present very dull. The Gazelle, from Auckland, has just arrived, but no news of importance by her. The Airedale broke down on her way to Otago, and this letter goes by the Phoebe. I hear that the Airedale will be able to be despatched to Sydney, and that the damage done to her is only slight..