Latest The Tele

Star (Christchurch), Issue 268, 23 March 1869, Page 2

Latest The Tele

[by electeic telegraph.] Dunedin, March 22, 4.15 p.m. Mr Samuel Gibbs, member for Oamaru, and Mr Eobert Mitchell, member for Waikouaiti, have both resigned their seats in the Provincial Council. It is also reported that Mr Mitchell has resigned his seat in the Assembly.

"Wellington, March 22, 4.13 p.m. The Wellington Post has the following telegrams from Napier : — A fire broke out at the Spit on Saturday ; Benker's Ferry Hotel was destroyed. The following news is by the Star of the South : — The Tauranga arrived at Auckland on Wednesday, bringing 75 women and children from Tauranga. Colonel Harrington is in command at Te Papa, with 25 cavalry and settlers.

On Tuesday Kereopa, Hakaria and 400 rebels surrounded Te Papa threatening an attack. Friendlies are building defence pahs. Te Kooti attacked Major Mair's position at "Whakatane on March 12, and failed. He then left for the interior, or to join Kereopa, 400 Arawas pursuing him. Danger is apprehended from Ngatirangi. The settlers are called in and the Militia, and Volunteers put on pay. Free passages to Auckland are given to women and children. Twenty men about to start were stopped and put on pay.

The natives report that Te Kooti's raid is only the commencement of a general rising during this month. Waikato, Rotorua, Hauriki, and Tauranga are to be simultaneously attacked. The people of Tauranga are anxious for European reinforcements. Volunteers are called for at the Thames and Auckland ; if a sufficient number cannot be obtained, the firatclaas Militia will be called out.

Confidence is felt in Major Mair's eventual success. The Arawas are excited and likely to do service. The Tauranga natives are doubtful ; they ask for arms, but it is not deemed wise to grant their request. An application, made by the Resident Minister, for troops to garrison Tauranga was not granted.

The volunteers raised in Auckland left for Tauranga on Thursday. The news from Ohinemuri ia unsatisfactory. X'The Government chartered the Duke oP Edinburgh to bring away the settlers warned off by Te Hira. The warning ran thus : — " Clouds are darkening. „ God is good. Te Kooti is abroad^

Mr Farnall has been returned for the northern division of Auckland by a majority of two over Mcllhone. 6.17 pirn.

Messrs Kennards' agent has served a writ on the Provincial Government for £5000 damages, for breach of contract relative to the patent slip. McNeill, contractor for the "Wanganui bridge, who, after acceptance of tender received a sum of money not to press immediate fulfilment of the contract, is also about to sue the Provincial Government for breach of contract.

The Wellington Club intends to invite the Prince to dinner. The Governor has promised his influence to induce acceptance of the invitation. On Saturday the Club gives a farewell dinner to Captain Benson. To-night the membere of the Waterloo Masonic Lodge present him with an illuminated address and jewel.

Tenders for the New Q-overninent House have not yet been finally decided, but it is reported that the tender of Benjamin Smith, architect, Wellington, at £15,000, is likely to be accepted. The Cambodia from London is signalled at the Heads.