MONTHLY SUMMARY FOE THE DECEMBER MAIL TO EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1994, 10 December 1863, Page 4

MONTHLY SUMMARY FOE THE DECEMBER MAIL TO EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA.

Wellington Independent Office, 9tli December, 1563. The present mail will take home more important news than it lias for a long period been our lot to clironiclc. Both as regards politics and war, events pregnant with future results have taken place during the past month, such as we scarcely dared to hope for, far less expect. THE WAIKATO REBELLION. HOW THE EVACUATION OF MEBEMEEE WAS VIEWED. Last mail conveyed the news of the bloodless occupation of Mercmere, that famous stronghold, where if Greek was not expected to meet Greek it was at least supposed there would prove something like the tug of war. Gloss it over as we may^ii cannot be contested that from one end of Now Zealand to the other the evacuation of Meremere caused the greatest disappointment ; instead of a great battle, a crushing defeat, a blow which would break the neck of the rebellion, it was indoedt mortifying to learn that Meremere added another to the many empty pas which have been taken, and that all we had to laud over was the name of some oilicei' or other who was the first to rush gallantly in. For some little while the Colony consoled itself by talking of "the great moral effect" which the occupation of Mere mere must have on the JNatires, and we had almost succeeded in persuading ourselves that more was probably gained by what had happened, than woidd have resulted from what we had been for so many weeks — even months — been ardently hoping would happen. Many religiously shut their eyes to the circumstances which induced the Natives to leave Meremere a few hours before it was to be stormed, and attributed their doing so to cowardice. The belief that they would melt away from Waikato like snow before the summer sun began to gain ground, and in Hawko's Bay and Wellington the fear existed that the occupants of Meremere would become scattered into small bands, raiding the frontiers of these hitherto quiet provinces. But an event was

at hand which, turned the current of our? thoughts into a far different—their old channel, and the most reluctant have been compelled to acknowledge that the Natives can prove themselves foemen worthy of British steel, while the readiest converts to "the great moral victory" theory have as readily ratted, and become again convinced that a severe defeat is far more conducive to the suppression of the rebellion, than the taking of any number of empty pas would be. CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE GENEEAL AND GOVEENOE. No one -was more disappointed at the British force being allowed to occupy Meremere quietly, than General Cameron was. He appears to have been very much digusted at it, and judging from the remarkably short despatch he wrote on the occasion he evidently thought the least said about it the better. Sometimes when a petty skirmish has occurred, the despatches have been very voluminous ; but with regard to Meremere, a score or two lines bear witness to the General's chagrin. He soon after visited Auckland whither he had not been for some months, having remained for a long period at the " front." What was the gist of his consultation with the Governor and his Ministers may be inferred from what speedily followed. We may infer that action was its Alpha and Omega, for no sooner did the General return to the front, than the telegraph flashed Auckland into amazement at a victory such as no one was sanguine enough to dream of. MOVEMENT TOWABDS EANGIEIEI. Mere-Mere was intended to have been, stormed on Monday, the 2nd November, but the natives seeing that not only was the military force in the neighborhood more numerous than their own, that by means of the gun-boat the river was not the defence they- had supposed, and that under the protection of its iron-plated sides 600 soldiers had been landed in their rear, they availed themselves of the swamp on the only side that was not in possession of the troops to make good their escape on Sunday afternoon. To retire before superior force is not thought discreditable anywhere, and it certainly does not display " cowardice" for an indifferently armed body of a thousand natives to make good their retreat before a larger force of soldiers, aided by Armstrong guns, iron-plated gun-boats and other appliances of civilized warfare. Mfteen miles further on, at a place called Rangiriri, they made another stand. The site .was not so well chosen as has generally been the case. The earthworks covered about 40 acres, and were commenced by Rewi, last May, as soon as his commands to way-lay and shoot soldiers at Taranaki had been obeyed, and on Friday, the 20th November, the day of attack, it was garrisoned hj (at the highest computation) 1000 natives. On the morning of that day an expedition to attack Eangiriri started from the position which the troops had taken up at Mere-Mere. MAECHING OUT STATE. The force consisted of about 2000 officers and men, with two 12-lb Armstrongs, and one 6 lb. naval ditto. The following is the detailed list: —

±he whole ot the above force of 2200 soldiers and sailors, except 175 of the 40th and 25 of the Naval Brigade (who under Lieutenant Alexander and Midshipman Watlrin were In charge of the 6 pounder naval Armstrong) inarched from Meremere at 10 a.m., the detachments of the Naval Brigade proceeduiginthe iron-plated steamers Pioneer and Avon, towing four gun-boats. THE ATTACK AND SUBJSENDEB . It was intended that these gunboats should have anchored off Bangiriri and rake the rifle pits so as to cover the advance of the land force, but just as the Pioneer neared her position a heavy squall came on and she grounded. The Avon with some difficulty got her oft, and seeing that the time necessarily consumed before the gunboats could be in position would be longer than was anticipated, the General determined to advance the land force, which had taken up a position 800 yards in front of the long line of rifle pits. The Armstrong guns opened fire at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, but the river guns were unable to ralce the rifle pits in consequence of the skilful way in which they had been traversed. On another page (6) full details of what followed will be found from the graphic; pen of the Soul/urn Cms* correspondent, suffice it here to say that attacked in front and rear, the latter speedily made their escape with some loss over a swamp, while the former wore driven from their first line of rifle pits on to the second, which proved to be the key of the position. Here the natives rallied, and so determined was their stand that they drove back the troops who took shelter under cover of the first (or abandoned) line of rifle pits. " Fqut attempts (says the Cms) were made to storm the centre of the enemy's position, and four times the assailants were repulsed with loss.

The 40th attempted to storm it ; then the Royal Artillery, under Captain Mercer, but with a like result in both instances — the enemy remained in possession, and our force retired. The evening was advancing, and General Cameron requested Commodore Sir William Wiseman to land a strong party of sailors and marines to assist in storming the works. The request was gladly complied with, and the gallant blue jackets and marines, led by Captain Mayne, of the Eclipse, were soon at the scene of action. This reinforcement was composed of fresh | men, and they advanced to the attack with j the greatest impetuosity, in the face ,of the heavy and continuous fire the rebels were keeping up. The naval brigade was repulsed. Again they rallied, again they attempted to storm the enemy's works, and again they fell back discomfited. These repeated repulses proved that the position was much too strong to carry by storm without scaling ladders, and accordingly it was determined to effect a breach. For this purpose guns were got into position, and fire opened upon the works, which consisted of a square redoubt, surrounded by a dry ditch 9 feet wide, and protected in front and on the j flanks by lines of traversed pits. The parapet was 21 feet high. This, in itself, was a formidable obstacle, but defended by a resolute enemy, who was fairly brought to bay, the difficulty in storming it was very much increased. If there had been a supply of scaling ladders at hand, uo doubt the place would have been taken by escalade at the first onset. And so the firing continued during £he night, the moonlight enabling the contending forces to discern each other. But in the meantime the entire of the posi- j tion, save the redoubt in question, was in our hands, and the troops had gradually worked in and surrounded the enemy. Escape for the rebels was impossible ; and finding further resistance useless, they hoisted a flag of truce at Lalf-past five o'clock on Saturday morning, and surrendered at discretion." 185 PRISONERS TAKEN. The number of prisoners was 185 including a few women, and they had 175 stand of arms. The General complimented them on the bravery they had shown, and they have since been placed in safe custody on board H.M.S. Curaeoa, at anchor in Auckland harbor. Among them are several chiefs of the highest rank, one of whom was a candidate for regal honors, when Potatau, the first King, died a few years since. Among the prisoners is one who is supposed to have been engaged in the murder of the Merediths, at the commencement of the war. He is to be given up to the Supreme Court, but what is finally to be done with the others has not j T et been determined OH. Meanwhile, their confinement on board the Curacoa, probably has more terrors in it for those who are at large than had they fallen in fight. NATIVES KILLED AND "WOUNDED. The loss on the part of the rebels was a* first said to be "hundreds" a large number having been shot in the swamp whose bodies could not be recovered ; but the dead on the field was only 41, and on permission being given to some natives to search the swamp, 3 more were all that were found. It is probable that their actual loss in killed was little more than 50, and of the wounded it is impossible to guess, but it must have been considerable. OUR OWN CASUALTIES. The loss on our side was heavy, viz : — Officers wounded ... ... 13 „ killed ... ... ... 2 Soldiers and marines ... ... 40 „ wounded, about ... 85 Total casualties ... ... 140 We have to add the subsequent deaths of Capts. Mercer, R.A., and of Capt. Phelps, 14th Regt., and 2 privates to the following detailed report : — ARTILLERY. Killed— Officers, none; bombadler Martin; gunners Culverwell, and Kcvan. "Wounded — Officers, Captain Mercer, Sergeant-Major P. Hamilton, Gunner J. Bold. Total Casualties: Killed, 3 privates; wounded, 1 officer, 1 sergeant, 1 gunner. 12th Eegt. Killed — Lieutenant Murphy, Privates Needham, Osborne, Sayers. Shea, G. Smith, and Wood. Wounded — Corporals Norgrovo and Savage; Privates Baxter, Bozen, Oain, Dornan, Doward, Grainger, McOamon, Mcßeynolds, ilolloy, Maloney, Meads, Yatss, Boucher. Total killed, 1 officer, 5 privates ; wounded 15 rank and file. 14 th Bert. Killed — Lance- Corporal Burrell ; Privates T. Bollew, B. McCrory, Nowland, H. Kussell. Wounded — Lieutenant-Colonel Austin, Captain Phelp3, Sergeant ->tansbrid:;e, Privates Shinton, Lewis, Swaine, Murray, Carroll, Hanuigan. Total killed, 5 privates ; wounded, 2 officers and 7 rank and file. 40th Kegt. Killed — Privates Loughlin, Barber, Howne, Goldsborough, Usher, Daley, MclsTa lly, Johns. Wounded— Ensign Ducrow ; Corporals Holnberg and Mann ; Privates Brown, 8011, Healy, Brotherton, Ginnes. Boberts, Doran, Scales, Jones. Total killed, S privates ; wounded, 1 officer, and 12 rank and file. Goth Regt. Killed — Privates 8011, Blackburn, Cavanagb, Clarke, Hepburne, Johnson, King, Manley, M'Lellaud, Mooney, Neat, Itoberts and M'Causland. Wounded— Captain Gresson, Lieutenants Chevallier, Talbot, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Lewis ; Sergeants Hughes, Mangan, and Howson ; Drummer Crinman ; and Privates Bartlett. Brown, Brimsby, Cain, Cairns, Codbrook, Conway, Cotham, EUentree, Gorman, GriiHn, Halpin, Hopwood, Home, Law, M-Adatn, M'Bamey Jl'Connell, McLean, Mullin, Mirrell, J. Norris, Bussell, Shean Smith, Swift, Waving, Welsh, Lockerby. >. Total killed, 13 privates ; wounded, 4 officers, 3 sergeants, 1 drummer, and 30 rank and file. Naval Brigade. j Killed — Midshipman Watkin and 5 seamen and marines, names not related. Wounded — Capt Mayne, "Eclipse"'; Lieut Downes, "Miranda"; and Lieuts Alexander audHotham "Curagoa." Seamen, &c, not reported. Total killed, 1 officer, 5 seamen &c ; wounded not reported. SYMPATHY OF THE COLONY. It is with no ordinary pain that we record this severe loss which the troops have suffered. It is not with lip homage only that we offer to General Cameron, and the forces under Mm, our hearty congratulations on the success that has at last rewarded their attempts to crush the rebellion, still less is it with any other than the most heartfelt feelings that we express our sympathy with those who have so severely suffered in securing this great victory — as great in its results it must undoubtedly be. This mingled expression of sympathy and congratulation is shared in throughout the colony. Auckland has had the privilege of cloiug honor to some of the dead at the funerals which have ou two occasions taken place, and hovr largely they testified their respect will be seen frem the accounts inserted in another page (C). SUPPOSED SUBMISSION OK THOMPSON. The native King was supposed to have been present and to have been among those who fled on the rear being attacked, but the prisoners deny that he was, affirming him tobe at Ngaruawahia, his own place, farther along

the river. Wi Thompson was present and with a few others managed to get away, it is supposed, during the night to obtain reinforcements. He appeared in sight with 400 followers just as the occupants of Eangiriri had surrendered. A small party advanced with a flag of truce, and asked what were the conditions that would be granted if they gave themselves up. On being told that their doing so must be unconditional some objected, and after Thompson had sent in his mere (a sort of club) to the General, the I party retired. This is generally regarded by the natives as a sign of submission ; as an admission, in fact, that he has been beaten. A native officer writing to a contemporary says that, when native chiefs are at war, if I one presents to the other a mere, a whalebone club, a mat, or such like article, it is done as a token that he admits himself to have been defeated, and requires to fight no more. NATIVE PROPOSALS FOB PEACE. The following translations of letters from certain ofthe native chiefs, taken prisoners at Rangiriri, were laid on the table of the House of Representatives a few days ago. "While it is satisfactory to find that the captives arc anxious for peace, it will be still more so to find those who are at large expressing a similai* feeling, and showing the sincerity of that feeling by laying down their arms and permitting the quiet occupation of their lands by the military settlers, who are about following the advance of the General : — " Rangiviri, Nov. 21, 1863. " O William and those with you, O tribe. Salutation. Friends, those of us who are alive number 175. TV"c are sent to the Queen's Redoubt. Peace is made. Our guns are given up to the General. Be you like unto us ; let peace be made. These arc (the terms of) lasting peace. The mana of the island, let it be put down. Let the man a be given up to the Governor. Do not devise any different plan of action. Join with us in one, the same plan in reference to peace. Let your letter (in reply) be quick, immediately on our young man with our letter reaching you. " Consent to this. Be quick, as soon as our letter reaches you. .Enough. From Tireni, Tapihana, Kumete, Pairoroku, Takerei, Hapipaia, to Wircmu Tamihana (Thompson), Pene te Wharepu, Tamati Ngapora, Hori te Waru, and to you all. " This is another word of ours. Send some one after those men who are desirous of going to the road (meaning parties going to lay ambuscades by the roadside.) Put a a stop to this. Be quick. Be quick, let all be done in reference to peace. The terms of the answer to this letter may be judged by the third paragraph of the following letter to the Governor : — " Ongarahupa, Maungatawhiri, " November 23, 1863. "O Father, o Governor Grey. Salutations. This is to tell you that Waikato has fallen. The survivoi's have been brought to the Ruato, 177 in number, and the chiefs Takerei te Rau, Wi Kuinetc, Waihato Tetawhana te Tapihana Tiriwa, Tioriori, Kihi Taiporutu, Pairoroku te Whikitea, Reihana Tepoki, and many other chiefs. " The guns have been given up to the General. " Word has come from the chiefs who escaped, that Mr Gundry, the interpreter, and I should go and arrange the terms of peace. They have consented to the words of the prisoners, that peace may be made, to do away with the king, and give up the land. White nags have been hointod at their places. "I have said to the General that I and ]\Cr G-undry, the interpreter, should go ; he did not consent. It is for you to say if you are willing that I and a Government interpreter sliould go. But you must give the word. The General has Tamihana' s mere in token of peace. Enough. • " From your loving son. "Wi Te Wheoeo. "To Governor Grey, Aucklaud." How careful we ought to be in believing the " facts" as well as " rumors" that are so abundantly prevalent just now of the native desire for peace, may be gathered from the following ludicrous perversion of vision mentioned by the N.Z Herald : — " The iollowing telegram, was receivedyesterday|froin Drury : — ' A party of natives in number about 200, appeared on the ranges bearing a flag of truee — a party ofthe 50th Regt., with some cavalry went out to see what was meant." Later last evening we were informed that on the reconnoissance of this supposed body of natives by the party mentioned in the above telegram it was discovered that a number of stumps had been taken for Maories, no natives "whatever being upon the spot indicated. PROBABLE RESULTS OF THE VICTORY. Again referring to subsequent pages for the incidents connected with the outline of events above given, we need only to observe that the rebels have now learned a lesson wliich a hundred petty skirmishes and taking of empty pas would never teach them — they have learned that bravery, such as no people need be ashamed of, is powerless against the appliances which the ppJccha can bring to their overthrow. What will be the practical effect of that lesson depends greatly on the manner in which the General follows up his victory. We are informed that he was intending to inarch on to JSTgaruawahia without a moment's unnecessary delay ; the occupation of that place being considered by the Waikatos as tantamount to utter defeat. We put little faith in the " wise saws " of those who profess to dogmatise on what the Maoris will or will not do ; but one of two things looms in the distance — either the Waikatos will submit with very little farther resistance, or they will say " since we arc no match for the pakchas' ships and big guns, we must take up our future positions where neither can be brought against us." They may possibly make another stand in a more dimcult position to reach and surround, if the General delays ; but if he only pushes forward, scouring the country as much as his force will permit, the neck of the rebellion may be broken before many months are over — the fountain will be destroyed and the streams of rebellion that flow throughout the country will be dried up. EXPEDITION TO TilE THAMES. Ail expedition to the Thames had been planned previous to the attack on "IJangiriri, but owing to a combination of circumstances it is generally regarded as a failure. Its object was to put an end to the system of supplying the rebels, for doing which this district is said to be the headquarters. Col. Carey with about 1000 men comprising soldiers, militia, and troopers, sailed in two war steamers and sundry transports on the 1 16 th Nov., and remained cooped up until the

ollowing Sunday. Whether the landing [ could or could not have been effected is a moot point in Auckland, but as the fleet of four steamers and five cutters and other small : fry was under charge of Capt. Jenkins of , H.M.S.S. Miranda, we have a right to sup- ' pose that the landing was not sufficiently safe to be attempted. To carry out the preven- \ tion of further supplies to the rebels which , this expedition was to accomplish, it was in--1 tended to form a line of posts inland towards j i the front on the Waikato, but the delay occasioned at starting has led to numerous other ' delays and the expedition has at present proved abortive. Further particulars will be , found at page 8. PEOCEEDUs T GS IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY We must refer our readers to the two i Acts printed elsewhere (page ) if they wish i to understand the determination of the Goj vcrnment and Legislature to put down the rebellion with a high hand. The " Settlements Act," and the "Act for the suppresi sion of the Rebellion," when first introduced, j were far more formidable than they even now are, and the " necessity of the case," that necessity which knows no law is all that we can plead in justification of measures, which, i had they been promulgated by President Lincoln would have made us stand aghast. THE " NEW ZEALAND SETTLEMENTS ACT." This Act empowers the Governor in Council to declare any tribe or section of tribe to be in rebellion, and also to declare that the district within which any land being the property or in the possession of such tribe, or section, or considerable number thereof, shall be situate, shall boa district within which the Governor may summarily seize whatever lands he may require, whether belonging to rebels or to loyal men, native or European, and appropriate them for the formation of military settlements. Although it is provided that the lands so taken within such district, belonging to loyal tribes, shall be valued and compensation made to the owners, fears are naturally entertained as to whether tlie seizure will not, even under such circumstances, be a fruitful, source of irritation aud trouble. Compensation can only be claimed by loyal natives on condition that they give up their arms, and is awarded by a machinery necessarily cumbersome and vexatious. The thoroughly sweeping character of the power 1 thus placed in the hands of the Government is opposed to the spirit of British law, but the necessities of the case forced the Legislature to accede to it without a division. THE SUPPRESSION OF REBELLION ACT. This Act would simply be atrocious, if it were not intended to prevent the operation. | of a law deemed still more atrocious by all constitutional peoples. The operation of ordinary law had been found too cumbersome to act with that promptitude which circumstances required. The Government found themselves continually compelled to act ille- ,' gaily, and they therefore determined to ask for powers to do so without incurring the risk to which Governments as well as individuals are rendered liable. The proclamation of martial law was open to tlie Government, but the grave objections to subjecting large districts to such a law, in or order to "punish the few who might be guilty of acts fomenting rebellion, such as, for instance, by rendering assistance of various kinds to the rebels, suggested that power should be given to the Governor to act towards individuals precisely as he could have acted under a proclamation declaring the district to be I j under martial law. With this explanatory introduction, those of our readers who will turn to the Act, as reprinted elsewhere, may expect to find in it powers which would make j a residence in this Colony intolerable, were I it not for the assurance we naturally feel that the Governor will not delegate any of the powers which the Act confers on him, except under the conviction that the persons so deleI gated will refrain from calling them into j exercise, otherwise than on the clearest nei cessity. The second reading of this Bill was carried in the House of Representatives by ' 26 to 10, and in the Legislative Council by Il3to 4. Most of those who voted with the ' ( majority doing so only under the conviction ; that if the Government in whom they had ' ( confidence demanded it as necessary, it ought i not to be withheld. The Act only continues • in force until the next Assembly. LOAN POR WAR EXPENDITURE. THE BUDGET. The expenses of the war, including military settlements, and the emigration from England of 15,000 to 20,000 people to occupy them, roads, &c, are to be met by a loan of £3.000,000, which it is proposed to send home a Commission to raise, if possible under an imperial gurrantce. The. Budget will be found elsewhere, and it will be gratifying to observe the greatly increased strides which the colony as a whole is taking. The proposed telegraph from the extreme South across Cook's Strait to Wellington was previously in rapid progress, and as soon as circumstances will permit, the line will be carried to the "far North." A further supply of 2000 men is being obtained from Australia for active service in the Waikato . Tl lcsc with the 3,000 already there will eventually be located into 50 settlements of 100 each.. The 15,000 to 20,000 from England (or Germany if they can't be obtained in England) will be similarly located, their emigration hither necessarily occupying two or three years. PROPOSAL TO APPOINT A LIEUT.-GOVERNOB FOR THE SOUTHERN ISLAND. When the present Ministry came into office, the Southern members anticipated that some arrangements would be made for the better government of the Southern provinces, the attention which the late ministers had given to the war having left them little time for the consideration of the many pressing affairs which continually demand their notice in the South. Accordingly on the 9th November Mr Fox moved the following series of resolutions, stating that the Government! did not press them if objectionable to Southern ' members, and if these did not meet the requirements of the case, he would be glad to be informed what they considered would : — L. That in lie opinion of this House it is desirable tlii't pi'ovisio;: sii'.ulil be minis for the better adifliitistr.itio:: >i! iLe 'iovuiuuieut in the southern j portion of ll. 1 ' 1 colony. 2. That, with tins view tin- 1 colony should, for the purposes <>r administration, be constituted into two divisions, V/ a lim.- running; iliruugh the centre o;' Jooi;'.-; Strait*. 1 ;!, Tliat a Lic;itcnant-Govenior should be ap- i pointed for the ''ninny, 4. Thai the administration of the Government should be conducted tor the t mo being by the Gd- ! vernor of the Colony, in thu division in which lie j may happen to ba, and tbe idnjiuistration of the Government of thu division f;om which lie is absent by tlie Lieutenant-Governor .

5. That on the appointment of a LieutenantGovernor, all the necessary officers shall l>e ap- I pointed for administering the affairs of every dopartment of the Generttl Government in each I division, separately from the other division. i 0. That a bumble petition be addressed to her j Majesty, praying that her Majesty will be pleased j | to appoint a Lieutenant-Governor. 7. That a bill be introduced atosoe to give effect to these resolutions, so far as it is within the power ' of the General Assembly to do so. | i The first resolution was carried without : discussion, the words therein above printed j in italics being omitted. On the second resolution being considered , Mr Cargill, of Otago moved the following i amendment, Major Richardson of the same ! province seconding it. " That in the opinion of this House it is esseu- ; tial to the welfare of the population of these islands : that the colony should remain united under one general executive Government or one Legislature. " That it is not desirable that a divided execative Government should now he established in the Middle Islam), as tbe first step would thereby be taken towards the permanent separation of the two islands. " And that in order to maintain the unity of tbe colony, it is necessary that the seat of Government and the place of meeting of the General Assembly should be in a central part of the colony.*' The feeling of the Southern Members being evidently strongly in favor of the amendment, the discussion was adjourned, and when it came on again two days afterwards (11th) both the resolutions and the amendment were withdrawn, and the proposal to appoint a Lieut.-Grovernor and a separate administration abandoned. PROPOSAL TO KEJIOVE THE SEAT OP GOVERNMENT to cook's stkait. On the 20th November Mr Domett of Nelson moved the first two sections of the following resolution, the third having been withdrawn in favor of an address to the Go- I vernor to be noticed presently : — i "1. That it has become necessary that the seat of Government of tbe colony of New Zealand should be transferred to some suitable locality in Cook's Straits. 2. That, in order to promote the accomplishment of this object, it is desirable that the selection of the particular site in Cook's StraitJ should be left to the arbitrament 'if an impartial tribunal. 3. That with this view a bill should be introduced to {jive effect to the above resolutions. When three o'clock came, and it was necessary to go to the orders of the day, Mr Fitzherbert moved that the debate be continued. This was overruled and the debate did not come on again until late in the evening. Just at midnight Mr Fitzherbert moved " That the question be now put." This necessarily precludes further debate, and is intended to give the strongest party protection against the resort of the minority to speeches against time, and other contrivances to frustrate measures they cannot otherwise upset. If the party for the continuance of the Seat of Government at Auckland had been in a majority they could on the division have negatived Mr Fitzherbert's motion, and then continued the debate ; but being in a minority, they became offended and walked out. Mr Fitzherbert's motion being carried by 24 to 2, Mr Domett's resolution was forthwith put and carried without a single 'No.' When Mr Mr Brodie afterwards came in and demanded a division on Mr Domett's resolution, it was too late, it had already been put and decided in the affirmative. ADDRESS TO THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT A | COMMISSION TO FIX THE SITE IN COOK'S STRAIT. I Mr Domett's resolution had been intended to try the feeling of the House, and it being clear that it was strongly in favor of a removal of the Seat of Government, Mr Fitzgerald of Canterbury introduced on the 25th, the following address to the Governor : MaA" it Please Your Excellescv — We, the Commons of New Zealand, in Parliament assembled, desir* respectfully to express to your Excellency our strong convicii'U) that the time has arrived when it has become imperatively necessary fir the srood Government of (lie whole Cr>l"My, aid for the maintenance of its unity, that tl:c |:ei» mi'.nont position of tlie Seat of G.;v •■•.incut should now be finally settled. We are of opinion that the just d bus and v<tvied necessities of all parts c( the C ■' ny, require that the Seat .if Government - mid be pl.iced in a central position ; ibai - to say, somewhere upon the shores of Cu* '■ 'Strait. We desire that the actual site of ilie capital should be submitted to s»ni« iu-i "-emlent tribunal, by which the int.-M.-sts ' the whole Colony may be impartially c^i-i-i-red, apart from those local claims wlre'i n<e sure to be asserted by the several s i 3Ul'" > " i nts »»f Cook's Strait, in the discussion of :> question so important to their respective interests. Such a tribunal would, in our opinion, be best formed by Commissioner having no interest iv or relations with any part of the Colony, and whose high social and intellectual standing should guarantee a full inquiry and an impartial decison, founded solely upon a consideration of the advantages which the different sites in Cook's Strait present for the administration of the Government of tbe whole Colony. We venture to think that the Governors of tbe neighbouring Colonies would, if moved thereto by Your Excellency, readily lend their aid in the selection of such Commissioners We therefore respectly pray that Your Excellency will be pleased to request their Excellencies the Governors of New SohUi Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania each to appoint one Commissioner of the character and for the purpose herein referred to ; and that Your Excellency will be pleased to submit to the consideration of the Commissioners so appointed, the question as to the best site for the seat of Government within Cook's Strait. We further pray that, immediately upon receiving the report of the Commissioners so appointed, your Excelleucy will be pleased to cause the site recommended by them to be forthwith procured, aud the necessary buildings I for the residence of the Governor, for the offices of Government, aud for the meetings of the General Assembly, to be forthwith erected; and the House hereby undertakes to vote all such sums as your Excellency shall direct to be incurred for the expenses of the Commission, and for the establishment of the Seat of Government in the locality thus to be selected. Impressed with the conviction that continued (May in tiie settlement of this question will only tend to keep alive those feelings ot rivalry and jealousy between ditfeiei t parts of the Colony, which seiiously lend t> impede the action of Re s]>.iii.sil>leG-<>verimiQiit,u.nd which threatens at no distant period the dismemberment of the Colony, we respectfully but earnestly pray that your Excellency will cause no time to be lost in carrying iuto effect the measures now submitted. Mr Fitzgerald's speech will be published in our Saturday's issue It is looked upon as an able one by those, who like ourselves are in favor

I of the address it supports, but the Southern j Cross cbaracteiises it as illustrating the couplet — True wisdom is with folly near allied. And thin partitions do their bounds divide. ! On Mr Cargill seconding the Address, Mr Gillies (Otago) took objection toits containing a I money clause, contending that the House ; could not then consider the Address, but that 1 it must l»e brought on in a Committee of ; Supply. The following was the clause objected to:— "We farther pray, that immediately upon I receiving the report of the commissioners so j appointed, your Excelleucy will be pleased to i cause the necessary steps to be taken for procuring the site recommended by them, and for erecting the buildings required for the residence of the Governor, the offices of Government, aud the meetings of the General Assembly, to be forthwith erected.; and the House hereby undertakes to vote all such sums as your Excellency shall direct t» be incurred for the expenses of the commission, and for the establishment of the seat of Government in the locality thus to be selected." The Speaker ruled that the debate could continue on the above clause being omitted, but this ruling did not satisfy Mr Gillies and the House divided, supporting the Speaker by 25 to 12. Mr Stafford (Nilsou) then moved the following amendment in a >speech which of course has made him the Nortbern idol of th« hour: — " That, in the opinion of this House, in the present critical state of the colony, with a dangerous native insurrection ragiDg within a few miles of the seat of government, it is highly inexpedient to take any steps for removing the seat of Government, having especial regard to the effect which such a proceeding would have upon the native mind and upon the Imperial Government." Mr O'Neill seconded the amendment, and was supported by Messrs. Gillies, Yogel, Brodie, Wood, Williamson, and Colenso, while Messrs. Richardson, Fox, Reynolds, Thomson, and Patterson spoke in favor of the Address. When the House divided, there were — Ayes, 24, Noes, 17; majority for Mr Fitzgerald's Address, 7. We now give tbe names, together with a numerical and a provincial analysis of the votes. For Mr Fitzgerald's motion, 24. ; viz., Brandon, Cargill, Carter, Cox, Domett, Eyes, Fitzgerald. Fitzherbert, Fox, Harrison, Jollie, Ormoud, Paterson, Benall, Reynolds, Rhodes, Richardson, Taylor, W. W., Thomson^ Wavne, Weld, Wells, Walker, Wilkin. Pairs — 5, Curtis, Feathersion, Mantell, Richmond, J. C. Saunders. Against Mr Fitzgerald's motion, 17. Brodie Biuler, Colenso, Giliies, Graham, G., Graham R., Mason, Munro, J., O'Neill, O'Rorke, Rus sel, Stafford, Taylor, C. J., Yogel, Williamson Jas., Wiliiamson John, Wood. Pairs — 5, Atkinson, Baidnis, Henderson, Nixon, Turlon. Numerical Analysis.

I ♦[Mr Wilson C. 8., said he could not vote for the resolution under the circumstances, nor could he vote for the amendment, 373 of his constituents having petitioned in favor of a removal of the seat of government ; and on the division he should leave the house.] Provincial Analysis.

TIIE NECESSARY FUNDS VOTED. No one cai> complain of opposition being made to any measure by those who do so fairly, and it was only to be expected that next day, (26th), when the money vote came on, that it would not be allowed to pass without opposition : — Mr Fitzgerald moved " That the following paragraph be added to the address to be presented to bis Excellency the Governor." " That, immediately upon receiving 1 the report of the Commissioners so appointed, your Excellency will be pleased to cause the sile recommended I by them to be forthwith procured, and the necessary buildings for the residence of the Governor, for the offices of Government, and far the meetings of the General Assembly, to be forthwith erected ; and the House hereby undertakes to rote all such sums as your Excellency shall direct to be incurred for the expenses of the Commission, and for the establishment of the Seat of Government iv the locality thus to be selected." The House divided on the motion. Ayes, 23; Noes, 13. j The motiou was consequently agreed to. j THE SEPARATION ORY RAISED AGAIN. ! The address to the Governor, was postponed in the Upper House until the Ist inst, and a majority in its favor was confidently relied on ; all that the Assembly can do will then have been done, and it is scarcely possible that his Excellency can refuse to comply with its terms. The Auckland people, naturally enough, intend to leave no stone unturned to prevent the removal and while their Provincial Council proposes sending an address to the Queen ; they meanwhile threaten to do all that they possibly can to urge on the separation movement. " We henceforth go in for separation, (says the Cross). We ally ourselves with the progressive Victorian element in the South, confident that with them we can come to an equitable arrangement touching Ihe present difficulties of the [ country, and which we cannot expect from the \ Cook's Strait clique. If Wellington choses to tack herself on to the Middle Island settlements, be it so. It will be theiv lass and our gain. Nothing could be more deplorable than the financial condition of the Province of Wellington ; and we would much rather her pul-lio debt, which must some day be undertaken by the colony at Lirge to preserve us from the odium of repudiation, should be defrayed from the revenue of the Middle Island Colony thau

from that of Auckland" Now we dont intend to take the Cross to task for the silly bit of spleen which the later piragraphs manifest; but remembering that Auckland is jusi now raising a provincial loan rive times as large as ours, we think this ground of attack is a somewhat ticklish one lor it to draw attention to. Not less ticklish, however, is thftt of the followine further declaration of war which it and the " Victorian element" intend to wape :-*-- " If a change is to be decided on, let it be a rational one ; and let Auckland be the capital of the Northern Colony as she is the centre of wealth and population in the North Island ; and let Dunedin be the capital of the Southern colony, because Dunedin is the centre of wealth and population in the Middle Island." Whichever way we turn, this " separation" bugbear is sure to threaten us. If the seat of Government remains at Auckland separation is sure to find many adherents down South, hence those of the Otago members wLo are in favor of separation were the most staunch opponents to the proposition for removal. Now that it is decided to remove the seat of Government to Cook's Strait, Auckland threatens to throw herself heart and soul into the sepaiaiion movement. Mr Fitzgerald ptu the separation bugbear in its true light when he said '•They had been told in Auckhud, aad they would be told iv tb.it House, that Uie currying out of this resolution meant separatum for the colony. (Hear.) Wa* that die first time om the proposal of such resolutions that they beard the cry of separation, am! was it not true that every one who was supporting this resolution was supporting it solely became be knew, and believed that if thrse resolutions were not carried, separation could not !e staved off any louder. (Hear, hear.) It wa* most curious how the House had disagreed on one point. One party said do not cany these resolutions or you will have separation, and the other said if you want to avoid separation carry these resolutions. Separation was t l io bugbear wbicll they wished to avoid." While the agitation relative to the removal is going 1 on, separation will perhaps be the staple for the Auckland Cross and the Otago Times ; but when the commission has reported and the removal becom'. 1 un fait accompli, that ury must dv; from inanition. INCIDENTAL LEGISLATION. A Bill has since been introduced apparently with the intention of allowing provinces to substitute Lieut,-G-overnors tor Superintendents, on certain conditions. It appears to have been received with, favor, but it had not come on for the second reading when we last heard. The Waitara question has been scarcely alluded to, and the fierce debate that was expected has been entirely frustrated by the resignation of the Domett Ministry, there being no one now on whom honorable members can pour the vials of their wrath. The resolutions moved by Mr Weld on the subject will be found at page 5, together witk his own explanation of them. We pass over all minor matters of legislation, merely stating that the next session is to take place not later than March 1865, thus allowing a 15 months recess for Ministers to attempt the suppression of the rebellion. LOCAL TOPICS. Of purely local matters we have nothing particular to report. The province is remarkably quiet, and the natives very much dejected at the result of Rangiriri. The Venerable the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, has beei. holding its annual meeting this year in Wellington, and the many ministers from other provinces have met with a cordial welcome from all sections of the Christian Church. The meetings of the Chamber of Commerce and the Supreme Court, do not call for any particular notice, and the only topic which we cannot siunmarily pass over is the proposal said to have been made for an amalgamation betwen the Inter- Colonial and the N.Z.S.N. Company. For some long time past, private individuals here have endeavored to convince the Inter-Colonial Company that its true interest lay in establishing a Colonial Direction and moreover, that as no Local Direction subordinate to one so far removed as that ia London, could hope to compete with that of a Company established by the colonists themselves, it wouid be wise for the Inter- Colonial and New Zealand Companies to amalgamate with as little delay as possible. When some months since it was proposed to increase the N.Z. Company's capital, renewed efforts were made privately to induce a willingness to amalgamate, and thereby avoid a possible competition hurtful to both. How far these efforts have been successful may be inferred by the arrival, lately in Sydney, of a representative from the Inter-Colonial Company with a view to an amalgamation with a Colonial Company there or elsewhere. Mr Hudson appears to have failed in inducing the Sydney Company to amalgamate, and he then turned his attention to New Zealand, proceeding to Auckland per last steamer. Mr Waring Taylor', Capt. Rhodes, and suck other of the N.Z.S.N. Co's directors as 1 happen to be in. Auckland, have induced Mr Hudson to visit Wellington by an early opportunity, with a view to business ; and this is all that can at present be stated. Whether all the amalgamations proposed can be satisfactorily arranged remains to be seen, but there are many considerations whick induce us to hope that they may. The removal of the Inter-Colonial's head quarters from Sydney to New Zealand, has only been delayed by the impossibility of getting the necessary repairs effected : the amalgamation would immediately ensure the establishment of a slip, and the location of all necessary artificers for repairing not only the boats o the united company, but render a trip to Sydney by ships and steamers belonging to other ports quite unnecessary. In this ami in a variety of ways the centreing the colonial steam fleet in Wellington, would prove of infinite benefit to the community as well as to those more immediately interested as shareholders. We arc glad to find that the N.Z.S.N. Co's Directors have initiated aJßill in the Assembly enabling them to acquire twenty acres of the beach in Evans' Bay for the purposes of a Patent Slip, and we have every confidence that if an amalgamation can bebrought about satisfactorily to the directors here, it will prove substantially satisfactory to the Inter-colonial and. other companies, shareholders in the shape of largely increased dividends. The steamers from Auckland are due by the East Coast to-day, and by the West Coast to-moii'ow. By thorn we shall probably learn thatthe Assembly session has closed, ! and that the General has occupied the King's village. May the lowering of the King flag at Ngaruawahia prove to be typical of the abandonment of that attempt at' Maori nationality which hascost the expenditure of so much blood and treasure.

o "o For Against. £| , f including pairs. <j Auckland ... — 14 1 15 T.YIUNAKI ..1 2 3 Uayvkes 1 Bay ... I 1 — 2 Wellington ... 9 — — 9 Nui.soN ... 5 1 17 Marlborough... 1 — 12 Cantkhbuky ... 6 — 2 8 Otago ... 5 4 — 9 Southland ... ] — 12 29 22 6 57

For the Address ... 24 Pairs .., 5 — 29 Against the Address ... 17 Pairs ... 5 — 22 Absent (Carleton, Richmond A. J. and Ward) ... 3 Declined to vote (Bell and Wilson*) ... 2 Speaker ... 1 57