TOWN NEWS.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume III, Issue 135, 19 August 1869, Page 3

TOWN NEWS.

IVBOM OlJtt OWX CORRESPONDENT. ] "Wellington, August 17. Matters political went on very quietly last week, with the exception of a parting hit at Mr. Wilson’s pet Ghoorkas. When the amended defence resolutions were reported to the House, Mr. Stafford moved that No. 5, the one relating to Ghoorkasbe not agreed to. On this a little debate took place, but in the end the Ghoorkas were triumphant, being carried on the shoulders of 32 supporters, against 29 opponents. It is not, however, thought very likely that we shall ever see any Ghoorkas here for all the resolutions being carried, for even if Mr. Wilson is sent home as one of the Commissioners, Dr. Eeatherston and either Mr. Bell or Mr. Gisborne will be sent home with him, and political purposes served, they are not very likely to countenance the Ghoorka

idea, or give it any practical elect. One of tiie moat am suing speocne-f made in the H mse tin's long time w:H made by Mete, King! on the Ghoorka question. He opposed the prop Med importation, as he had heard that G-hoorkas were worse than Hail Ham, and spared neither age n»r sev. Tna Mfi,oris did not mind the Queen's soldiers who quietly remained in their barracks, but were very much alarmed at the idea of G-hoorkas who would ught coming, and so they mint u >t be allowed to come. ])oipite this however, Mete did not venture to vote against their coming, as to d i so, he would have had to vote against the Government.

The Colonial Treasurer was laid up with gout last week, but, he was today able to resume his seat, and to introduce sis or seven financial Bills required to give practical effect to the financial policy of the Government, Several of these will cause considerable discussion, especially the one for the union of Nelsonjand Marlborough which will be most strongly opposed by both the provinces interested. The discussion on the general financial policy of the Government, will be taken on the second reading of these bills. Nearly the whole of the ordinary departmental estimates have been got through without either division or redaction. A thingalm ist unpiecedented, The session is not likely to end for four or five weeks, yet although, an effort will be made to get it over in time for members to get homo by the steamers, leaving on the 10th of next month.

The inquest on the fire in Mr. Russell's Music Warehouse was held with the usual result, of no evidence to show how it originated. The evidence however, abundantly proved that Mr. Bussell is a very heavy sufferer by the fire, the insurance not covering much more than half the value of the goods destroyed. Considerable sympathy is felt for Mr. Russell.

Another of the Han Hau prisoners has died from the elfects of disease contracted during their late campaign, and several more are said to be in a very shaky condition. There is a rumour that the hulk and its freight are likely to be sent to Auckland, but, it is difficult to imagine the object of such a move. The Summary Trials Bill as amended by the Legislative Council, and shorn ot half its usefulness has been finally passed by both houses, and as soon as it receives the Governor’s signature, Judge Johnston will have the largest job he has ever yet had on his hands. Mr. Booth has been up the West Coast looking out for evidence against the prisoners, and he arrived yesterday with five Maori witnesses, who it is to be hoped will be able to speak with sufficient authority and certainty to insure conviction.

Mr. E. J. Wakefield, of Cantorbury, has been up hero for some time with the view, it is said, of starting a new newspaper, the plant for which has been ordered from Melbourne. It seems that Mr. Wakefield was one of the unsuccessful competitors for the Gold Fields Essays, and on Saturday last he delivered bis essay in the shape of a lecture in the Odd Fellow’s Hall. As the front seats were 2s. each, people did not seem to care about going to hear one of the unsuccessful essays at that price, when the [successful essays can be bought for Is. 6d. Mr. Wakefield’s audience was therefore more select than numerous, but those who were there seemed highly pleased both with the essay and with the lecturer’s very rigorous supplementary remarks on things in general.

One of the most amusing instances of journalistic ratting which ever took place occurred here last week. Mr, Anderson, who has very ably filled the post of Editor of the “Independent” for the last seven years, was compelled to resign last week owing to ill health. Mr. Anderson is well known as an excellent Editor, and under his care the “ Independent” rose from a miserable rag to a fairly respectable journal. Ever since Mr. Weld's day, the “ Independent” has been one of the most earnest and consistent supporters of self-reliance, even when most bitterly opposed to Mr. Stafford’s Government. Since Mr. Fox has been v.

office the “ Independent ” b;.; been an Opposition paper, but rc was pretty well known that the Government was anxious to secure its support, and that Mr. McKenzie was anxious to emerge from the cool shades of Opposition into the glow and sunshine of government patronage. As soon as Mr. Andersou’s resignation afforded an opportunity, negotiations wers entered into through the medium of Mr. Knowles, of the Superintendent’s office, and the following day without a word of apology or explanation the “Independent” renounced self-reliance and came out with a flaming article in favor of the government resolutions for sending for troops. And so under the tomjx>rary editorship of Mr. John Knowles, the “Independent” has become a strong government organ, having most unkindly cut out the poor little “ Pbst,” which fought so hard for the present Government, and for a time aspired to the dignity of “ organ.” The “ Post ” is of course a little annoyed, and' no wonder, but the “Independent” is jubilant in its new line, and as long as it enjoys the government patronage is quite willing, to lot. people laugh at it.