WANGANUI.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 9, 12 May 1875, Page 2

WANGANUI.

(from our own correspondent.) May 7. The late libel action has terminated as everybody expected, and a feeling of satisfaction exists on the minds of the general public that a Wanganui jury has had the courage to give the practice of publishing gross libels a decided mark of disapprobation. Mr Ballance seems never happy except when he has an action for libel pending. It must be pretty costly amusement though, and would no doubt cause the public to stare if the amount of money the different libel actions he has had instituted against him during the last three mouths were published. The sum must have been large enough without the last addition to it, as the hat went round when the Watt action terminated in favour of the much abused “ Willy.” They say the last one will cost the new M.H.R. about ,£3OO, which simply means his next two year’s honorarium is hypothecated, or that he is, to use a sailor’s term, “ working off a dead horse.” If he does not succeed in getting re-elected at the general election after the close of next session, ho will have no chance to work it off! Anent the next election, I hear it reported that Mr W. T. L. Travers will woo the sweet voices of the Rangitikoi electors when next they want an M.H.R. Mr Travers would bean immense improvement on the present occupant of the seat, and should have no difficulty in gaining a victory. Dr Duller has intimated bis intention of opposing Mr Bryce, It is hardly likely that the latter will offer himself for re-election, as it is generally understood that he is tired of political life, and is anxious to devote all his time to the improvement of his estate. He is a very worthy man, but is not cut out for politics, whatever he may be as a farmer. Dr Duller, on the other hand, is an energetic man of acknowledged ability, besides being a universal favourite here. Dillon, who was sentenced to two years imprisonment and twenty-five lashes, for criminally assaulting some little girls, received his flogging this morning early. He took it without a word, and told the gaol surgeon to be quick with the salt and water. He is no new acquaintance of the “ cat’s,” as marks of some of pussey’s former scratchings were plainly to "be detected when he bared his back for punishment this mornin (V -. It is to be hoped the lash has made as deep an impression on his mind as it did on his back.

The case Broadbcnt and Siggs v Dive terminated amicably after all. It is a pity so much good money was wasted in arriving at tliis result. Treweok’s evidence caused much amusement, owing to the way it was given.

People here are crying out about the dullness of business, and the scarcity of money. Many believe a reaction is setting in, but I don’t think there is any ground for such a belief. There has no doubt been a good bit of over-trading and underselling, which will cause a temporary depression, and perhaps cause one or two failures; but the prosperity of the place as a whole is quite safe. A numerously signed petition has been forwarded to Wellington, praying for the removal of Major Edwards, onr E.M. I There is a rumour of his being sent to the " Chatbams as Government Resident, and of Mr R. W. Woon being appointed bis ■••ssov. I have nothing to say for or

against the gallant Major, as I have not had occasion to seek a remedy in his Court. Outside, ho seems the beau ideal of bon famine, and has a smile for everyone. If ho is removed, I hope Mr AVoon may receive the appointment, as lie is a good painstaking magistrate, and one whose decisions always give general satisfaction. They say summer comes with a spring. I think winter has come with a fall, as there has been a groat diminution in the temperature since the break-up of the drought last week, before which the heat was very oppressive. To-day is a thorough winter’s day, and makes a warm lire enjoyable. The measles and low fever are still very prevalent, but fortunately not of a very serious character. Immigrants arrive but slowly, and are always absorbed rapidly. Female servants arc scarcer than ever, and twice as independent. It’s a ease of “ all day Sunday, and every evening to myself” maxim with most of them, and a general understanding that the work is to be given out! If the subject were not so much hackneyed, I could write a chapter on it, but it has been written about too often, and has become too serious a subject to joke about.