TARANAKI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1778, 14 October 1862, Page 3

TARANAKI.

Our correspondent from tbis place writes— Taranaki, October 6th. The news from Taranaki is necessarily very depressing. Spring is now far advanced, and tbe only abundant crops to be seen are those of thistles, which, notwithstanding tbe money and labour that has been spent upon tbeir eradication, are flourishing more luxuriantly than ever, if their occupation, of the land inasmuch as it can be used for no other purpose, was a negative evil, it would not be of so much consequence, but the overshadowing leaves are fast destroying our once beautiful pasture 'lands. At last steps have been takeu towards 'abolishing the injurious system cf paying themen on the roads daily wages, tbe works for the future are to be carried on by contractors The placing of young men in a position wbere by a labour they can only obtain a certain amount of remuneration, whether they work hard or light, has a tendency to engender habits of indolence. On the contrary, when they find that rapid and judicious movements will increase their Saturday night's amount, an in ducement is given to cultivate those habits of stirring industry upon which the future welfare of our small community so much depends. The road ought from tbe first to bave been carried out a military one, without reference to the Provincial Council, a bill should have been passed empowering its execution in tbe General Assembly, when all the bickerings tbat have eusued, would have been avoided. King, of Umuroa, bas endeavoured to bring up from the wreck of the Lord Worsley some more of the passengers luggage and goods, but Erueti, in behalf of his Majesty the King of New Zealand seized them. There bas been a rumour in town tbat King Potatau has abdicated bis throne, and is about to assume the title of Superintendent. lam afraid the news is too good to be true. On September 24th Dr. Madden met with his death from having taken an overdose of opium . The following is the present Ministers answer to the address forwarded sometime ago, to his Excellency Sir G. Grey concerning the migra* tion to other shores. Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, Sept. 20th. 1862. Gentlemen. — I am directed by Mr. Domett to acknowledge the receipt of your memorial to hi Excellency the Governor (written in July last) representing the disastrous state ofthe settlement of Taranaki, and to inform you, that your me* morial has been duly laid before his Excellency. The Government are fully aware of, and deeply regret, the unfortunate position in which the Taranaki settlers are at present placed, and you will probably have seen from the public prints, that the whole subject of the reinstatement of that settlement is one that engages the anxious attention of his Excellency and of his advisers. Steps will be taken as soon as practicable, to give effect to this very desirable object, but it is one the attainment of which involves many serious considerations, and will no doubt be attended with difficulty. (Signed) W. Gisbokne. Under Secretary » To the Gentleman signing the Memorial.