WELLINGTON POLITICAL GOSSIP. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, August 11.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 65, 14 August 1869, Page 3

WELLINGTON POLITICAL GOSSIP. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, August 11.

The House of Representatives actually did some real work yesterday afternoou by reading several bills a second time, and passing others through committee. At seven o'clock, the further consideration of the resolutions relating to the employment of troops, was resumed. On Friday last, Mr. Stafford's amendment waß rejected upon a division j and last night Mr. Ormond moved his resolution as an amendment to those of the G-oveminent, the Government consenting. After a lengthened discussion, in the course of which Mr. Hall moved a series of amendments — first, that Commissioners should not be sent to England ; secondly, that the period for which the troops were to be obtained should not exceed three years; and, thirdly, that the amount to be paid should be definitely stated. One by one these amendments, and others proposing to insert words to the effect that the request for troops was made in consequence of the resolution sent to General Chuto, were severally put and negatived. The i*eaolution agreed to is as follows : — i " That, in the very threatening aspect of native affairs, the maintenance of a highly disciplined and well-organized force has become a matter of imperative necessity. That the presence in the North Island of a small body of Imperial troops would greatly assist the colony in its efforts to form and discipline such a force, and would tend to check the spread of disaffection amogst the native race. That, in conformity with the above, this House is of opinion that Commissioners should be sent to England to treat with the Imperial Government for securing the services for the colony of an Imperial fox'ce, not exceeding 1,000 men, for a period not exceeding five years ; and this House engages to make provision, in respect of the cost of such force, upon such terms as may be agreed to by the Commissioners on behalf of the colony." Mr. Cracroft Wilson then moved the addition of the two following resolutions, speaking at length in support of the employment of his favourite Ghoorkas. The first of the two was carried, and the debate upon the second was adjourned until to-day, when it will in all probability be adopted without a division :—: — " 1. That tlie Commissioners be instructed to lay before the Imperial Government the grounds upon which the colony feels justified in asking for assistance, and to ascertain to what extent aid, either in men or otherwise, will be afforded. " 2. That the Commissioners be also instructed to confer with the Imperial Government and military authorities as to the description of force, "whether Ghoorka regiments or other body of disciplined men, in addition to the one thousand Imperial troops already authorized, it will be most advantageous ior the colony to employ for its defence — it being clearly understood that such force will be subject to the control of the Colonial Government ; and that the Commissioners be empowered to conclude arrangements for the organization and employment of such force for three years, provided that the whole cost of it to the colony does not exceed the sum of £70,000 per annum." Mi*. Fox announced that the Government would support the proposition, inasmuch as it only proposed that a full inquiry should take place upon the subject. Mr. Travers and Colonel Haultain strongly.opposed the resolution. The Government will probably propose to-day that an addressof thanks be presented to GeneralSir Trevor Chute, for the readine-a with which he has acceded to the request of the Assembly. According to the telegram received from Dr Featherston, the General undertakes to cancel the tenders which have been accepted for the removal of the troops. This certainly cannot be done without expense, and a large | sum will have to be paid to the tenderers for foregoing their contracts. This little diversion may i therefore cost the colony many thousands of pounds.