WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 148, 18 March 1854, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

The " Independent" announces the arrival of the "I)uke of Portland" at Wellington on the 12th ult., having had a fine passage from-Eng-land, the time occupied from Land's End to sighting New Zealand, being only 82 days/ Among her passengers is Wm. Fox, Esq:,.Political Agent for this Province, who, says the " Independent," after having so successfully advocated the cause of the settlers in, England, has again come to settle amongst us. The " Munford," from Hobart Town, brings 25 passengers for this place, who have been induced to come here in consequence, of the reduction in the price of land, and are now determined to make, New Zealand their future home. They are persons of the right stamp," being mostly agriculturists, and have brought a considerable amount of specie with. them. ,„ As an -.instance, -"of -the rapidity* with which the la.nd of this I'rovince is. ; being; occupied,, we maj st»te r that three .of ;6ur coaling vessels,, heavily Jadeir, "sailed from this, port; for the j

Ahuriri district within the last few days, the smallest' of which had 21 passengers (men, 1 women, and children,) on board, all going to settle in the country.- ' 'In the Karon district' considerable damage has been done by setting fire to the dry grass, which has run along the grass and up the dead trees, by which the houses, furniture! and other articles, and a considerable sum in bank notes, belonging to Mr. Thos. Cole, and Mr. Bowler j -'sen., were totally destroyed. Several barns, hay-stacks, and other valuable property, belonging to other parties were also entirely consnmed by the raging element. " The Provincifcl Council has voted £2000 in aiu* of Steam Communication in the_ event of the Superintendent being enabled to make any with the other Prjovirices • or, the Neighbouring colonies relative to this important subject. . - • '