THE "Wellington Independent." Saturday, May 25, 1850.

Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 482, 25 May 1850, Page 2

THE "Wellington Independent." Saturday, May 25, 1850.

Tho annual cost of each Nominee ? Whatever difference of opinion may exist on many subjects, we imagine, that no one will for one moment deny, that, since the of tho Council, we have ever paid the Nominees, that deference and attention, which are so pre-eminently due to the exalted position, in which it has pleased Governor Grey to place them.. Anxious to lose no opportunity of advancing ourselves, and fellow-settlers, in every branch of political knowledge, we have attended the Nominees here, there, and every where, chronicling with the most minute and faithful accuracy, all the lessons of wisdom, which at different times and places they have been pleased to impart. Eager to hasten the advent of the day, when it shall seem fit to Mr. Nominee Moore to. give us a certificate of the requisite qualifications, and to declare it consistent with the safety of the British Empire at large, to exchange our " bone knives" for somewhat more useful weapons we have at some inconvenience to ourselves, been most assiduous in our attendance at the Council chamber, treasuring up with almost miserly affection, every word that fell from their 'honourable' lips. We have pourtrayed them in their various characters of orators, statesmen, Merry Andrews, and what not; we have at all times borne a willing testimony to the vigorous intellect—to the dazzling eloquence—to the prophetic foresight which they have so uuiformiy evinced in their various debates, upon some of the most abstruse, and complicated questions, that have ever engaged the attention of statesmen in any ago or in any country. Thus (not to weary our readers with multiplying instances,) we have called upon our fellow settlers to admire, and admiring to appreciate, the clear, comprehensive and moral views, taken in the Great Donkey debate—the gallant and slashing onslaught made upon "Jack-asses " in particular—the intimate personal acquaintance manifested with the " Scabby question,"—above all,the noble and patriotric stand (a stand that reminded us forcibly of Hampden's against ship money,) which they one and all made in the ever memorable flour discussion.in defence of bakers and the unlimited adulteration of bread. We have, in short, and we say it in all humility, done our utmost on all occasions to prevent their light being hid under a bushel. And if unfortunately we have failed in convincing bur fellowsettlers of the inestimable blessing of having such rulers, and lawgivers over them, —of having their affairs managed in spite of themselves by men imbued with such profound statesmanlike views—so deeply versed in the science of Government—so thoroughly acquainted with all the principles of political economy, our failure must be attributed either to our own lack of ability, or to the innate obtuseness of our readers. But although we have done all this ; there is one thing we have not done; we have never regarded the Nominees in a pounds, shillings, and pence point of view. To do so, may appear low, but it must be remembered that the century we liv« in is chiefly remarkable for its utilitarian tendency. People like to know the cost of every thing. Now from the official returns, we find that the total expenso of the Nominee Council is £552 10s. 6d. To this sum must bo added £150, (the sura stated in the estimates, though we believe it to be much greater,) for printing and contingencies, making a total of £702 10s. 6d., as the annual expense of the Council. Divide this sum by eight Nominees and wo have £87 16s. 3ijd., as the annual cost of each Nominee — the answer to the question

proposed. The Nominees cost us £702 10s. 6d ? Cut bono!' What have they done for the money ? We are really ashamed to hear such questions put to us. What have they done for the money ? Is such your gratitude. Did they not vote a Civil List "of £6,000 a-year, thus giving the Government unlimited control over nearly onehalf of the whole revenue ? Did they not vote all the salaries of the Officials to the tune of some £16,000 a year ? Did they not pass estimates to the amount of several thousands in excess of the revenue ? Did they not religiously abstain from voting a single farthing for Education, for Roads, or for any other object of public utility ? Did they not pass we know not how many Ordinances, imposing all sorts of taxes upon you—Ordinances which, however the Justices of .the Peace refused to permit being brought, into operation? Have they not aided and assisted in reducing the Government to such a state of hopeless bankruptcy, that at the present moment tbe Heads of Departments are consulting together, as to how many of the underlings it will be necessary to turn to ! the right about, in order to make the payment of their own salaries safe? And yet you ask, whatthey have done for the money! Verily, the public is ever an ungrateful master.

On Tuesday evening, the 21stinstant, the Bachelors of the 65th Regiment gave, at their Mess House a Ball to His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and Mrs. Eyre, to which a large body of the settlers were invited. Although the rain fell in torrents till 10 o'clock, yet most of the guests managed to find their way to the festive scene by 11 o'clock. The excellent Band of the Regiment was in attendance, and dancing was kept up with great spirit till the dawn of the morning. At one o'clock the party adjourned to a temporary building, most tastefully decorated, where a most sumptuous supper, comprising every procurable delicacy was laid out. The splendid service of plate added not a little to the effect of the supper table. No exertion was spared by the gallant hosts to contribute to the enjoyment of their guests, and judging from the spirit with which the dancing was kept up, and tho happiness depicted on the countenances of all present, they fully succeeded in making the evening one of the most social and agreeable ever enjoyed by the Settlers of Wellington.

Yesterday being the anniversary ofthe birth-day of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, it was commemorated in the usual way. The day was delightfully fine, —scarcely a cloud to be seen,—and a gentle breeze from the N. W. was barely sufficient to display the flags of all nations with which the vessels in harbour were decorated. Nearly all the shops were closed, and at an early hour Thorndon was; graced with the presence of most of the beauty and fashion of Wellington, who seemed determined to make it a day of recreation and enjoyment.

H. M. 65th Regt. was reviewed by Col. M'Cleverty,' and went through their various evolntiousiri a well-disciplined and soldier like'manner. At 12 o'clock they were formed in line, and a fue de joie fired iti honour of the occasion.

H. M. S. Meander, 44 guns, Captain Keppel, fired a Royal salute, at the close of which her band struck up " God save the Queen." -

At one o'clock, his Excellency the Lieut. Governor held a Levee, which was numerously attended—much more so than on any previous occasion. A guard of Honor, under the command of Capt. O'Connell, arid the Excellent Band of the 65th Regt, were in attendance. The following are the names of the gentlemen who attended the Levee. Hon. Lieut.- Col. M'Cleverty, E. C. Hon. A. Domett, E.C., the Attorney-Ge-neral, E.C., Hon.W. M. Bannatyne, W. Hickson,' G. Hunter, and G. Moore, Members}' of the Legislative Council; Lieut-Col. ■ Gold, 65th Regt, Rev. R. €olei Colonial Chaplain, Rev. T. B; Hutton, Rev. Bishop Viard, Rev.—Forest, Rev. J. Sap. Petit Jean, Brigade Major. O'Connell, Major Johnston, 65th Regt, Captain Barry, Lieuts. M'Gregor, Gordon, C. O'Connell, Drought, 65th Regt., Dr., Prendergast, Mr. W. Marshall, Paymaster, Mr. A. G. Montgomery, Assist. Surgeon, do., Ensigns, Bulkely, Hutchinson, Ewen. do., Mr. J. C, Wood, D.A.C.G. Mr. J. 0. Hamley, Ordnance, Captain Hon. H. Keppel, HM.S. Meander,Lieuls. Murray, C. J. Johnston, Lieut. Allen Gransmore, R.M., Messrs. J. H. Marrvatt, P. W. Dalyell, W. S. Crealock, Rev. J. Thompson, H.M.S. Meander, Commander Richards M. M. Steamer Acheron.

Rev. J. Aldred, Major Baker, Messrs. Brierly, C. D. Barraud, Bradey, K. Bethune, S. Carkeek, E. Catchpool, Major Durie, Messrs. W. Dorset, W. Eades, Dr. Fitzgerald; Messrs. T. H. Fitzgerald, Godley, Gill, Rev. H. Green, Messrs. S. E. Grimstone, J. Hoggard, T. Hoggard, W.Kelham, J.King, J.Knowles,Rev. W. Kirton, Dr. Knox. Dr. Logan, Messrs. Levin, Levy, R. Lambert, D. Lewis, A.E. M'Donogh, C. Mills, J. Marshman, G.-D. Montieth, W. P. Pickering, G. Pickett, J. C. Raymond, E. Roberts, H. Ross, W. B. Rhodes, R, 11. Rhodes, S. Robinson, C.

Sharp, J. Smith, J. Sanctuary R. Stokes, R. R! Strang, A. M. SeaJ. J. L. Smith, Godfrey J. Thomas, J. lelford, J. Wallace, J." 11. Wallace, R. Wain.

Among the other festivities in honor of her Majesty's Birth-day, we were glad to observe a large assemblage of natives from different parts of the coast, and among them we recognised many of our allies in the field—the number collected on Thorndon Flat, could not have been less than 600, and a more orderly or respectable meeting could not have taken place among a community of Europeans. There were several chiefs, or heads of the following tribes present, viz., Ngutiroukawas, Ngatiataas, Ngatiloas, ttndJVgatitamas. As soon as the Governor and his Lady made their appearance on the; ground,' each division formed a circle, gave cheers and received them in the most enthusiastic manner, according to; the custom of the country. Immediately after which they sat down and were served with bread, meat, and tea to their heart's' content. Our town's people, who flocked in numbers, were no less gratified than the natives themselves with the novelty of the scene, and good humour prevalied oni all sides.

In the evening, his Excellency and Mrs. Eyre gave a Ball at Government House, at which about 180 ladies and gentlemen were present, including the officers of H. M. 65th Regt., and H.M.S. Meander. The large rooms were tastefully decorated, with flags and other ornaments, and the toute ensemble was most effective. Both the military and naval Bands were in attendance, and supplied some excellent music, relieving each other, so that no time was lost. Dancing commenced about 9 o'clock, and waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles followed in quick succession, until about 4 in the morning, when the company separated, having spent a most delightful

During the evening some rockets were let off from H. M. S. Meander, with splendid effect. The atmosphere was perfectly clear at the time, and the stars were twinkling most brilliantly. It was really a beautiful sight to watch the rockets in their upward course, till almost lost in the distance; then to see them burst, and (to appearance) mingle their pale blue light with the stars around them.

Died—On board H. M. S. Meander, on Friday, the 24th Inst, William Campbell Smith, Sail-maker, aged 41.