HOBART TOWN.

Wellington Independent, Volume I, Issue 13, 14 May 1845, Page 3

HOBART TOWN.

Our last paper announced the return of the Government brig Victoria, from Hobart Town, but we could not afford any information before going to press. It however proves to be of little interest. Upon the arrival of the Victoria, application was made, to which military answers was made, " assistance cannot be granted, because the standing order is to the effect, that I am not to dispose of the forces without orders from head quarters." The military gentleman who gave this answer would have made

a very queer Wellington or Nelson,—but, fortunately, we do not want such characters just now. It is stated that two hundred troops could have been spared, and that Sir E. Wilmot, the Governor, urged sending them, but the machine, dare not violate orders. The world may be destroyed, but orders must be obeye t, —very good doctrine for a man in the ranks, but poor show of head for a Colonel; perhaps, however, the gallant Colonel wished to establish that he was a soldier, and nothing but a soldier. If that be his desire, we recommend him to go into the ranks, or, at least, resign all his pay, minus the daily shilling. We should think the Colonel Commandant would find it difficult to justify his conduct, if the destruction of Wellington were to be the consequence. We would warn the Colonel, that there are times for following implicitly, and also for utterly disregarding orders ; but this is idle, for the worthy man must evidently be a mere military machine, and seeks no position above it. Sir E. Wilmot's son, an officer of the Royal Artillery, and A. D. C. to his father, is a volunteer, and is accompanied in the brig by two old Serjeants of the Royal Artillery, who are ashore, and usefully engaged in teaching folks how to work the guns. Sir Eardley's son, for self and father, ought to receive the thanks of the settlers, and we hope the hint will receive attention before the brig sails, say this side of Monday next. The Victoria has brought a large quantity of amuniuon, in the charge charge of Commissariat Officer. So much as is needed will be landed here, and the remainder will be forwarded to Auckland. By the Victoria, we have Hobart Town papers to the 22nd April. The latest English dates received there were to the 14tb December, and are without interest. Dates from Sydney to the 15th April were received on the 21st April, and announced the sailing of the Slams Castle for Auckland, and of the Bee for this port with troops. It is generally thought that an order from Sydney will be sent to Hobart Town, ordering the troops which can be spared to be sent to Cook's Straits, and that from one to two hundred troops may be expected here from Van Diemen's Land in a few days.