WELLINGTON. (FROM THE DAILY TIMES CORRESPONDENT.) 29th March, 1865.

Otago Witness, Issue 697, 8 April 1865, Page 5

WELLINGTON. (FROM THE DAILY TIMES CORRESPONDENT.) 29th March, 1865.

The election for the Superinlendency has terminated in favor of Dr Featherston, who for the fifth time has been entrusted with the Government of the Province. Wellington is unique in this respect, there has been bten no change from the introduction of the constitution in 18-53 to the present time — a fact which speaks well alike for those who confer, and for him wlfo is entrusted with power. All the returns but one are in, and that one will slightly increase the majority. The numbers thus far are : — Featherston ... .. 778 Borlase ... ... ... 546 232 Wanganui, which has always hitherto contributed materially to swell Dr Featherston's majority, this time polls 116 in favor of Mr Burlase to G3 for himself ; but the adjoining districts ot Turakina, Rangitikei and Manawatu more than pull up ; their vote*? being 79 for Dr Featherston toll for Mr Borlase, with the return from one polling place yet to arrive. The absence of the doctor in Australia has been a great drawback to his success. The other candidate has attended meetings in all parts of the country ; and everyone who has had anything to do with elections, will knoarhow much the presence of the candidate stimulates his supporters. The election has been about the tamest one I have ever seen, and in the absence of excitement (which it was desirable to avoid) comparatively few came to the poll. The Council elections have not yet been notified— about them there will probably be more furor.

Serious apprehensions are entertained in reference to the spread of the Ilau Hau fanaticism on the West Coast. Intelligence was received in town on Friday night that, in consequence of the efforts of some Northern emissaries, the Manawatu and Otaki natives were fast becoming converts. Archdeacon Hadfield, who happened to be in Wellington, hastened back immediately, and on Saturday the West Coast Magistrate came in to consult with the Government. An agent for some of the Manawatu settlers, who had an interview with the Government as to the means of protection, tells me that it is intended to put a small steamer on that river as soon as one can be procured. The St. Kilda draws a little too much water, and the other Government boats are fully employed. A handy steamer of light draught would find ready sale, I dare say, just at this moment. The Manawatu settlers and those at Otaki are too thoroughly acquainted with natives to be easily cowed, but they feel that there is no trusting these fanatics. A vision by some of their prophets is sufficient to change the quiet of last night into a butchery this morning, and the proceedings lately taking place on the east coast tend to keep the settlers on this portion of the west coast in a state of chronic uneasiness. You will learn from Auckland by this mail, that the Rev. Mr Grace has escaped out of the hands of the fanatics. I sincerely hope that it will be the end of our trouble in that direction.

The Governor made an attempt to leave Wanganui last week, but the river steamer grounded, and his detention, being signalled to the Esk, she made her way to Wellington for fresh provisions, returning to her anchorage 6ff Wangaaux last Sunday. We

do not expect the Governor back for a few days. He is still living at the late John Williams' house, near the Patiki pah, and on the opposite side of the river to the town. With the exception of his aide-de-camp and soldier servants, no one scarcel} 7 sees him but the natives. He has rarely any intercourse with the townspeople. He seems to be very much depressed, and such a mode of life is not calculated to remove it. He expresses himself, I am told, as very desirous of entering into a crusade against the Ilau Haus, who«e faith is something more than a religioug one, and needs to be exterminated promptly. * But the Governor is known to feel the utter hopelessness of undertaking anything of the sort, or of any other sort that requires active military measures, al! the while the present system is pursued. The Governor professes to be, and I have no doubt is, as disgusted as as everyone else at the slowness of the General's movements, and laments his inability to control him. Every day impresses more deeply on all classes, that the Government must have control over the troop?, and that as this cannot be expected of Imperial troops, the sooner a colonial force of some kind or other is resorted to the better.

The Wanganui Chronicle echoes a note struck in Auckland that there is a coolness if not actual difference between the Governor and his Ministry. I don't profess (o know State secrets, but I do know that it is no secret that the Governor and the Ministry are thoroughly hand and glove. The Governor works as cordially with them as it possible for him to work with anyone, and at present there is no intention to call the Assembly earlier than June — the first week in. that month is spoken of. " The desired site for G-overnmeni House, at the Thorndon end of the town, has at length been given up, in consequence of some one or two of the holders of portions of it refusing to go to arbitration. A site has, however, been fixed on the opposite side of the harbour, and embraces six hundred acres, the property of Mr George Hart. It is a pleasant enough spot for a suburban residence, with a sandy beach and all the advantages usually looked for at the sei side. It is the most suitable spot for such a purpose in the harbour, and is about ten miles distant by the road over the Hu f t bridge, or about twenty minutes run by steamer. The cost is not known, but beach gossip says about L9OOO ; but as beach gossip is so often wrong, I should not like to vouch for her truthfulness on this occasion. The official residence it is proposed to keep on the reserve where the present Government House stands, and as the Governor wants largely increased accommodation forthwith, extensive additions are going on. Ministers would no doubt have preferred erecting a totally new building to extending the old ; but if the Governor wants extra accommodation at once, he must have it. The Governor last year somewhat childishly complained of the Whitaker ministry allowing him offices about the size of a moderate lady's bandbox. Mr Weld, therefore, without hesitation, makes provision in the additions about to be made for a 3uite of offices large enough for all purposes. The Rangitira is in from Wanganui this morning. She brings no news of importance relative to the war.