LATER PARTICULARS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2659, 9 April 1868, Page 5

LATER PARTICULARS.

We take the following from Tuesday's Colonist.

It was intimated in our last issue that loyal processions from various digging districts were to be formed, and-were to effect a junction up the river, and march in one body into Westport on Thursday last. This was done, and there was a good deal of demonstration at Westport, the day being observed as a holiday. A large procession was formed, and paraded through the town, and afterwards its members took part in religious services, which were conducted by the Rev. Mr Harvey outside the Courthouse, the building being too small for the purpose. Afterwords the procession was reformed, and an open-air meeting held, presided over by Mr Commissioner Kynnersley, who addressed the crowd, and who was authorised on behalf of the meeting, which numbered over 700 persons, to sign and transmit addresses to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. So far all went well, but the loyalist detachment from Addison's Flat met with an untoward reception from the Fenian sympathisers on their return. They were singing loyal songs, and from what we can hear were, or some of them were, chanting strong anti-Fenian, or anti-Irish and pro-Orange verses — at least, so it is said, and they Were surrounded about the middle of the township. Two females, who were on horseback at the head of the procession, wero dragged out of their saddles, but do not appear to have been otherwise maltreated. The male members of the procession fared much worse, and many were rather severely beaten, sticks, stones, and staves being employed unsparingly, and with considerable effect by the Fenian faction, who considerably outnumbered the loyalists, and remained undisputed masters of the field. Next day, Saturday, the expectatiou that force would require to be opposed to force was still prevalent in Westport ; aad about noon that day a sudden burst of music from the bagpipes, and cheers of men were heard in the town, into which marched a large processiou, with bauners flying, and singing the "Eed, White, and Blue." This was a of about 250 miners, from the Caledonian Terrace, who had heard of the attack on the loyalists at Addisons' Flat, and had at once come into town to offer their services to the Government. They_ proposed to proceed, to the Flat forthwith ; and were loud in their condemnation of the attack on the men, and the cause from which it arose. Dr Giles, the Resident Magistrate, and Mr Kyunersley, both thanked the mpn for their loyal and promptly- offered assistance in support of the law ; and said that if their aid were really required they should be prepared to accept it ; but at present they did not think it necessary, as order had been restored, for the time being at least, and they hoped it would not be again disturbed. Many of the Caledonian Terrace men were of another Opinion, and were anxious to be permitted to take summary vengeance on the Addison's" Flat Fenians ; but they were assured that the law was quite equal to the occasion, but that if necessary the assistance of them and of others of the public would be at once accepted. Religious Intolerance. — A reverend gentleman of Geelong, by nutno Mooro, and a Master of Art?, has been hiiving a pen-and-ink fight with Borne other clergymen in that remarkable town, who committed the grievous sin some timo ago of announcing thoir intention of reading Shakeupearo in public. Mr Mooro, having shod much ink in letters to the Geelong Itegister in condemnation of ministers who do such wicked things, has collected together these valuable contributions to the cause of small-minded and foolish prejudice in a pamphlet form, and has just given them to tho world. They will add another to the many instances of that curious, and causeless objection to the drama and all associated with it ' ■which some exceptionally-minded members of the religious world entertain. It is impossible to regard such men as the Rev. A. M. Mooro with any feeling other than commiseration, and we cannot but regret that their early training and education should havo been so unfavorable to tbe development of a taste which most educated people are proud to own. But it is to be feared that they are utterly beyond conviction of their error, and that they must be allowed to remain for the rest of their days in the 'darkness which co much content} them. Mr Moore says :— " It jafty be very natural for carnal, unrenewed men

to find their happiness in such worldly pleasures as dancing,- balls, races, Sbakesperian readings, and midnight revelries ; but such things are unworthy of those born from above ; and certain I am, that God's children will not find their happiness in such scenes of frivolity, dissipation, vanity and sin." After that Mr Moore may be left to his fate, and we do hope that nobody will veins soul any more by presenting him with a Shakespeare, and asking him to read what, in his own elegant phraseology, lie denominates " Shakespore's obscenities and profanities." SotTTHEEN Steam Navigation Company.— An Extraordinary General Meoting of the Southern Steam Navigation Company (Limited) was held at the Company's offices, Dunedin, on the Brd inst., to consider the following resolution, of which notice had been given at a previous meeting -. — "It is resolved that the Southern Steam Navigation Company (limited) shall be wound up voluntarily." A discussion of tho affairs of the Company by the shareholders occupied about an hour, after which the above resolution was carried unanimously. Another resolution authorising the directors to boII the p.s. Geelong, was also adopted without dissent. During the meeting, it was etated for the information and consolation of the shareholders, that their only asset consisted, in their interest in the Bum of £7000, sent home on account of the purchase-money of the steamer, and about £500 in the shape of calls, said to be. due by shareholders who denied their liability. It was furthermore stated that, in consequence of some informality on the part of the first secretary, in allotting the shares and making tho calls, some difficulty might bo experienced in collecting this item. It was also intimated that the Company had an unsecured overdraft at the bank amounting to £3000, and that tho only vessel in their possession, the Geelong, was mortgaged for £2250, and that tho mortgagee had offered £2500 for her, the balance being about sufficient to pay tho wages due to her men. A special meeting will have to bo hold a month hence to confirm the resolution passed to-day, and then the Company will be formally wound up under tho guidance of an official Liquidator who will have to be appointed by the shareholders. If the Pareora turns up in tho meantime, or goes to the bottom (a consummation devoutly to be wished by the shareholders, provided the crew wero saved), affairs may take a different complexion. At present the Southern Steam Navigation Company (limited) promises to add another line to the already long list of Now Zealand steamship company failures."

! Ma Bannatyne's Store.— This building, the plans for which have been designed by Mr Ben Smith, is now in course of erection on the reclaimed land, opposite tho Nelson Ale House, and adjoining the handsome offices recently built for Messrs Turnbull, Reeves & Co. The work is being carried out by Mr Archibald Whiteford, who has built several establishments in town. From the plans which have been shown us Mr Bannatyne's offices promise to form a handsomo addition to the numerous stores recently erected. The building will have a total frontage of 125 feet by 83 feet high, and will comprise commodious free stores, the necessary offices, and a bonded store. The front elevation is of the Italian order of architecture with very massive pilasters, carved trusses, and bold projecting cornices. Volunteering. — Martial ardor is so strong in Westland that efforts are being made by sundry loyal citizens to establish a cavalry corps.