Local Intelligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1584, 21 May 1861, Page 5

Local Intelligence.

Twu 1 oLUXxagft Band.— During thd pasl week tho parades of the Rifle Corps have been enlivened by the music of their exoellent liltle hand. The afternoon parade on Wednesday, involving a march to Thorndon the beach turn ed out at the now unusual sound of military music, aud the capital appearance of the corps was universally admitted. There was a large muster' of the "Colonial Infantry," who kept pace witb the Rifles, and will, in "due lime no •doubt, volunteer into Ihat service. . The Rifles will parade witb the 14th on the Queen's Birthday. The prize shooting will probably commence on the 271h and last several days. Hutt Stockade. — A correspondent informs us, that the party at the Hutt Stockade was to be broken up on Saturday the 18th inst. He also states, that, " contrary to their agreement, their rations have been slopped since the 14ib (Tuesday), and that they have been compelled to serve for half-a-crown a day, since that date, and find themselves. One shilling a day per man was also stopped from last month's wages," and tbe party consider " that they have been unjustly dealt with." Otaki,-— Our own correspondent, in a letter dated the 17ih May, says—" The Queen's Flag movement, which was commenced with such ardour by the natives connected with Mr. Hadfield's Church, is notv almost a dead letter, nothing having beon done further than biingiujj the spars to tbe ground on which they were to be erected. I fan by that Te Rauparaha did not meet with sufficient encouragement when in towu in tbe way of subscriptions ; however, I will, when I ascertain for certain, give you the cause of the sudden reverse in the loyal feeling of the natives. A number of influeu. tial natives have informed me tbat they intend seceding from the Episcopal Church and joining the Roman Catholic, in consequence, as they allege, of Archdeacon Hadfield's refusal to administer the sacrament to them because they belong to the King party." Presentaiion— On Friday last, Sergt Mjr. J. Callagban was presented by the officers of the Wellingion Batialion of Militia with a purse of sovereigns, which they requested bim to accept as come slight acknowledgment of the appreciation of his services during the time that the Wellington Militia was on active duty. The officers expressed themselves anxious also to assure the Sergeant Major, previous to his departure for Wanganui, of the respect which was generally entertained towards him for bis con slant attention and for the efficient manner in which he at all times performed his duties. The Sergeant Major in reply, thanked the officers for the compliment paid him, and stated that he would carry wilh him a very pleasing recollection of ihe officers and men of the Wel lington Militia. Arrival of the Airedale. —The Airedale arrived this afternoon with nearly all the Southern Members for the Assembly. We very much regret that two of the more influential members — men who would be an acquisition in any new ministry that may be formed — Messrs. Gillies of Olago and Crosbie Ward of Canterbury, have been obliged to stay behind for a month. Major Richardsou has been elected Superintendent of Olago. The whole of tbe returns had not been received, but tbe Major's majority is put down as about one hundred. Gold is being found somewhat plentifully, but the regular working awaits tbe arrival of spring. The Airedale sails totinorrow"Mr. Vernon Webster's Benefit.— The numerous friends and admirers of Mr, Webster intend giving- that gei.tlemau a complimentary at tbe Lyceum , to-morrow evening. The pro gramme which appears in another colum is very attractive, and when we mention that Mrs. Foley, Messrs. Webster, Wilmot, and Swan, together wilh otber Wellington favorites will appear ; and at the same time remind the public of Mr. Webster's services in their behalf, we ' need say no more to ensure a bumper house.