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Star (Christchurch), Issue 265, 19 March 1869, Page 2

Latest Telegrams.

[by electbic _elegb__?h.]

"Wellington, March 18, 7.35 p.m. The Superintendent opened the Provincial Council to-day with a very long and able speech. He invites consideration to the general circumstances of the colony, declaring that since the foundation it has never been in so critical a position with so little prospect of immediate relief; strongly condemns the confiscation policy, and sees no prospect of our reconquering.or holding those lands; declares the "policy of withdrawing Imperial troops without replacing them by an adequate local force to have been a suicidal policy, as inviting the Natives to rebellion. He says we have sustained a succession of defeats without a single decisive blow being struck by the colonial troops, however gallant they may be, sufficient to detract from the prestige of victory implanted on the rebel standards. He states that there is now a greater amount of discontent, distrust, aud hostility amongst the Natives than ever before, . and that day by day larger portions of even hitherto . loyal tribes are becoming disheartened and discouraged by our defeats, and growing so doubtful of the result of the conflict as seriously to ask themselves why they should be involved in it. It was, he said, impossible to magnify the importance of the present crisis, and he concluded the subject by saying, — " My opinion is, that if this island is to be rescued from almost utter destruction, there must be an almost entire reversal of the past policy and an immediate application for the Imperial troops, on . the terms offered by the Imperial authorities. The retention by them of the 18 th Regiment in the colony is a sufficient proof that such an appeal would not be made in vain." He praises Mr Fitzherbert's management of the negotiation under the Publio Debts Act, and says that by the operation an annual saving on interest and sinking fund on the three "Wellington loans affected would be £3345, but of this £1062 10_ is caused by the reduction in the rate of sinking fund. He expresses the hope of getting the Government's consent tb place £72,000 additional loans on the same footing as those under the Public Debts Act, and thus saving £2500 yearly in interest. Of the £12,000 claimed from the General Government, £7000 had been paid, what remained was to be submitted to arbitration. He acknowledged the earnest desire shown by Mr Stafford- to have these claims equitably adjusted. The estimated revenue for the year was £76,700 ; expenditure, £76,300, without any public works or assistance to Road Boards or schools. A proposal is hinted at . to pay for public works in land, instead of money ; members of Executive to be paid by fees per sitting, instead of salaries, and ail ordinary departmental duties to be discharged by the Superintendent, accountant, and one clerk. No new legislation to be initiated. A vote is recommended for the reception 'of the Duke of Edinburgh. There was a prospect of the Manawatu case being settled. The Kennard patent slip dispute was still pending. In the Council a notice of motion for a vote of £200 for the Royal reception was given. A public meeting about the reception is to be held.

Whaka Mau, the Maori murderer, is ordered for execution on Tuesday next. He has confessed the justice of his sentence, expressed penitence for his

crime, and was this morning baptised by Archdeacon Hadfield. Colonel McDonnell's wife died in Auckland, on the 7th instant. Greymouth:, This Day, 9 a.m. The events of yesterday resulted aa follows -. — Selling Stakes — Prince Patrick, 1 ; Mazeppa, 2 ; Corsair, 3. Greymouth Handicap — Nebula, 1 ; Flying Jib, 2. Ladies' Purse— Backbiter, 1: Native, 2; Nebula, 3. Hurdle Handicap— Blink Bonny, 1 : Don Pedro, 2. J