MARLBOROUGH.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 2691, 9 June 1868, Page 5

MARLBOROUGH.

THE PICTON SEAT. An election meeting took place at Picton, called by one of the three candidates for the seat rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr William Adams. Captain Kenny — the favorite with the great majority of the electors throughout the province — had convened the meeting, but the proceedings were rendered somewhat singular and absurd, owing to the interference of the other two candidates, Mr John Godfrey and Mr Sickles, who insisted in addressing the audience ; the initiative being taken by Mr Godfrey, who appears to be a local political firebrand, unceasingly moving and restlessly scheming. The return of Captain Kenny is almost certain, Mr Sickles, a foreign resident, being brought forward as the Superintendent's (Mr Eyes) nominee, and alter ego, stands only at the latter gentleman's invitation, and to strengthen hia views in the coming Assembly. SICKNESS IN THE WAIRAU. Another victim to that malignant disease, diptheria, which has of late been so prevalent afc Blenheim and on the plain, has been carried to the grave a few days ago. The Rev. Archibald Kussell, Presbyterian Minister for the Province of Marlborough, will be regretted^ by the many friends among and out of his congregation, who are so deeply lamenting hiß loss. The dreaded disease seems not to to abate in virulency, and several children and a few grown-up people have been laid low by its influence, since the Commencement of the season. The Rev. Mr Sutar is daily expected from England to resume Mr Russell's duties. GENERAL ITEMS. A quartz-reef is being worked by some men in the Kaituna. They are still at work and have suuk a shaft of about 60 feet, and they are now driving into the hill. The workings aro situated on a range of hills about four miles from here. All that I can gather with respect to tho prospects, is that it is a very likely-looking reef, and a few specimens have been found bearing gold. A cadet corps is in course of formation in Picton. A meeting was held in Picton, for the purpose of considering the propriety of petitioning the General Assembly to again divide the "little Province," and constitute Picton into a county. A general expression of opinions in the affirmative was taken. In politics, the universal opinion seems gradually, but firmly to gain ground, that the present state of. things cannot stand much longer, and that a provincial collapse must soon happen ; the superintendent having failed to retain tho confidence of tho community.