SPECIAL TELEGRAM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6149, 24 October 1881, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAM.

(from our own correspondent.) Auckland, October 22nd. Tho Star says:—"Thero has been a gooi deal of speculation as to how Sir Arthu Gordon received tho intelligence of tho Jfativi crisis in this Colony, and it was erroneously stated that a telegram was sent by way 0 Coolctown. Conjecture was set at rest by th( arrival of the Southern Cross from Fiji. I turns out tho intelligence was conveyed tc Levuka by that vessel, and soon after ho: arrival steam was got up on boarc H.M'.S. Emerald, and Sir Arthur Gordon se out under full steam for Now Zealand. Si Arthur Gordon is intensely unpopular in Fiji On his arrival some residents hung out flag: half-mast high, but wero advised to take then down. Tho cause of his visit was ponding land claims, and it is said Sir Arthur was disap pointed by Mr DesVojux, the Governor, insist ing upon presiding, although Sir Arthur was accommodatod with a seat on the Bench as Com missionor. The chief allegation made by tlu settlers is^ that all who have opposed Govern ment, or incurred resentment in any way, art punished by tho refusal of their grants, nc matter how clear the proof of purchaso is oi how willing the natives are to recommend tho claim. One correspondent writing by tilt Southern Cross to a gentleman in Auckland says :—' I sincerely hope the outbreak amongstthcMaoriswmbespeedilyrcpressed.yei that occurrence has been a godsend to us, a; it has relieved us of tho presence of Sir Arthur Gordon. He camo down tc Fiji, not to transact High Commission business, because there has boon none to transact, but merely to sit as Executive Councillor of the Colony of Fiji, and to endeavour in that position to deprive a number of settlers of thoii dearly and honestly bought land at the. Court of Appeal. It was a gross insult, not qnly to our Government and to all appellants, but to the colonists of New Zealand as wejl. His appointment as Execntivu Councillor is only dated tho 22nd March, last, nqar-ly fivo months, aftor ho ceased to bo our Govomor, and proves that he must havo uxpomlod his utmost endeavours to get it through his friends at Home.'"