LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2735, 22 September 1868, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

* TnE Alarm Besoiutiojt. — Tho debate on Mr M'Lean's resolution — " That the House views ■ with alarm the condition to which tho country is reduced in consequence of the mismanagement of the native and defenco departments," comes off to-night. Wo cannot see how the House can negative so sclf-ovidenfc a proposition. We are sure that nine-tenths of the public view tho condition to which the colony has been reduced, not only with feelings of alarm but with those of indignation also, whatever, view a majority of the House may take of the matter. If the management of the native and defence departments ia not to undergo a radical alteration in the direc- . tion indicated by Mr Fox, a general war will be precipitated which, while it would depopulate Wellington and Auckland, would absorb the land revenue and thus utterly ruin the Middle Island. In the opinion of Mr M'Lean — and no man's 1 opinion on such, a subject; is entitled to more weight — it is absolutely necessary for an immediato effort to be made to Btay a crisis that was fast impending. It is almost as impossible for a majority of tho House to deny that tho present state of the North Island affords no cause for alarm, as that the manner in which the native department has been conducted haa been lame, wretched, and inefficient. The present Ministry are totally unable to cope with the difficulty before them, whicli like the monster of Frankenstein, is one, to a great extent, of their own creation. A change in our native policy is imperatively domanded by the country, and this will probably bo effected if Mr M'Lean's resolution is carried. The division upon it will bo closer than that on Mr Fox's want of confidence motion, and there is a possibility, even with such a House as we have at present, that the resolution will be passed. The Relief Association. — We are quite sure that it afforded tho settlers of this Province as much gratification to read as wo felt in publishing in our Saturday's issue, the report of the movement, which had been mainly initiated by the non. Major Kichardson, for raising the means by voluntary contributions, of relieving thoso who now arc, or may hereafter, bo in circumstances of distress, arising out of the operations at Patea and other out-settlements of tho Province. Wo are glad to see such a movement inaugurated, and wo trust that it will meet, and wo feel sure it will meet, as far as their means will allow, with the generous support of all classes. Tho liboral contributions given by the settlers of this Province to tho New Zealand Patrotic Fund — tho subscriptions to whicli, by the way, are now boing returned to tho donors — affords conclusive evidence that they will not turn a deaf ear to tho appeal which, is mado to them in tho present in- . stance. Circulars have been distributed through- ( , out the town, in which all classos arc invited to , como forward to aid thoso who, with tho small t inducement which the Colonial servico holds out, , havo gone boldly to tho Front to meot (.ho ma- : rauder and murderer. It affords us much gratification to state that during Saturday and yesterday 'nearly £100 has boon subscribed, and wo ' would suggest that ns in the case of the Patriotic ! Fund, gentlemen should bo appointed in tho • several districts of the Province for tho purposo ; of receiving the subscriptions of out settlers for ' this worthy object. ■ The Fkont.— Ono of tho passengers by tho ' Sturt was a gcntlemnn who took part in the late disastrous engagement at Te Jfgutuotomanu. ' From this source, which is throughly reliable, < we loam somo additional particulars which com- i pletely confirm the views expressed in our pro- i vioiiß issues. After the officers fell, the greater part i "* of tho men, including neaiiy all the fresh levies, I t became panic-stricken and fled. Half of tho force i at least bolted without firing a shot. Tho wholo of 1 tho now levies arc now completely demoralised, < and the men nearly all intond leaving when their ( three months' tenure of servico has expired. The i truth seems to bo that the officers and the fow < men who had scon service before, fought bravely, ( but the raw levies, with a few exceptions, Bnowed 1 tho most arrant cowardice. i

Public Meeting. — A large meeting of the electors of Suburban North Nelson, -was held at bhe Black Horse Inn, Wakapiika, on Tuesday the 15th current, when resolutions condemning the financial proposals of the Government, and deprecating in the strongest manner the conduct of the Ministry in attempting to effect great organic changes in the constitution of the country* without taking the legitimate course of appealing to the constituencies at largo, were unanimously adopted. It will he seen from this that Mr Wells, in supporting the Ministry on the late division, voted in direct opposition to the expressed views of his. constituents. The Late Captain Buck. — In the last letter which the late Captain Buck sent from the Front, he stated that he had secured" a number of meres, weapons of war, and other curiosities, which he intended forwarding to "Wellington. These ar- . tides, together with the late gallant officer's sword, arrived here by the Sturt on Saturday. Mb Geove. — It is stated that Mr Grove, the prospector, has obtained alluvial gold from off the gullies of the Tararua range, but not in payable quantities. The Stubt.— The Government steamer Sturt left the harbor yesterday at noon, for Wanganui and Patea, having on board two of the Armstrong six-pounders belonging to the Wellington Artillery Corps, and a quantity of ammunition. The Sturt will return back immediately, it is underBtood, to convey further supplies of stores, &o. The Ruahine.— Up to the hour of going to press, the s.s. Euahine with the Panama mail had not arrived. Blenheim. — Telegrams from Blenheim are to the effect that the settlers there are disgusted at the defeat of Mr iWs resolutions, and contemplate calling a publio meeting, having for its object to request Mr Eyes to resign his office of Superintendent and his seat in the House. The Dead Heboes. — Those who wish a memento of the officers who died, after fighting bravely in the late disastrous engagement at Te Ngutuotemanu, will now have an opportunity of procuring one. Messrs Richards & Batt, photog» raphers, have published cartes-de-visite of Captain Buck and Lieutenant Hastings, which can now be obtained by the public. In both eases the portraits are excellent. We als"o notice that Mr Wrigglesworth has on view an exceedingly good carte-de-visite of the late Major Von Tempsky. New Zealand Institute. — On Saturday evening last the Hon. Mr Mantell delivered a lecture at the New Zealand lustitute, the chair being occupied by His Excellency Sir George Bowen. The subject of the lecture was " The Moa and the early Aborigines of these Islands." The theory advanced by the lecturer was, that the bird in question had been exterminated by the race existing in Now Zealand previous to the Maoris. Dr. Hector and Mr Travers made some interesting remarks on the subject, and the lecture itself was listened to by a large and attentive audience. Thames Goldfield. — The diggers on this field are beginning to complain of the want of water. Mr Wrigg, C.E., has been consulted by the Provincial Secretary of Auckland for the purpose of devising a scheme by which water might be brought into the field. Mr Wrigg has proposed -a plan for taking water from the head of the Kaueranga Creok. It is Baid that Parliament will be applied to for a bill to authorise these works to be carried out. Meecuey Bat. — The discovery of a new goldin Auckland has created considerable excitement. Steamers have been put on for the new goldfield, and a large number of diggers have gone there, amongst others the wellknown prospector M'lsaacs and other successful diggers. Me Osgood's Claim. — The extraordinary proposal that members should by subscription settle Mr Osgood's claim is in the first place an admission of the justice of the claim itself, but we fear that the proposal will meet with some opposition from those who think it should be satisfied in the regular way. The character of the proposal made is certainly not. very consistent with Parliamentary etiquette or the dignity of the Assembly. The Patea. — Mr Armstrong will move today that all correspondence received by the Government from Colonel M'Donnell, with regard to native disturbances in the district be laid on the table. — Mr Fox will move to-day for a return of the names of all officers • and men of the Armed Constabulary whos ecommissions have been cancelled or who have been dismissed during the last three months, and the reasons for such cancellation or dismissal. New Counties. — There was a rumor in town yesterday that Wanganui and the Bay of Islands were to be erectedinto counties. What's to be- [ eonio of Wairarapa ? A Challenge. — The beginning of some very good things have frequently a comical aspect. Mr G. Graham it appears should have the credit of originating the subscription for the families of the i brave men slain in the Patea. It would appeal* that meeting the gallant Major, who is Speaker of the Upper House, ho challenged Mm to subscribe. Major Eichardson, whom everybody allows to be amiable and generous, did not hesitate, and both I gentlemen signed cheques for £10 each. Mr I Graham undoubtedly should have the credit of prioi'ity in making the suggestion. Caucuses. — Two of these political gatherings | were held yesterday. We heartily wish hon. membors would find some other name for their meetings. The word " caucus" is suggestive of confirmed dyspepsia. Mr Fox's followers assembled at 12 o'clock, those of Mr Stafford at three o'clock. The political situation was discussed. It is said the Opposition will run the Government "very hard" on Mr Mac Lean's motion if they do not beat them. It is also laid that Mr Stafford has some strong measures in contemplation. Inceease of Eevenue. — The increase of revenue in Auckland was up to recent returns at the rate of £240,000 per annum. No less than nine Auckland members voted for the distribution of this magnificent revenue, according to tho crude adjustment of tho Government. Pabliamkntaby Oedeb Papeb.— There were no less thau forty-sevon orders of the day on the papor for Friday last. The season when the innocents will be slaughtered, and good and true bils mutilated is not far off. Retuening Offioeb.— T. G. Duggard has been appointed Keturning Officer for the Electoral District of tho Lakes, Otago, and Eoturning and Registration Officer for the Electoral District of Harapdon. ScnoLAEsniPS.— Mr Tancrod will move his resolutions relating to tins subject on Thursday next. They are in effect as follows : (1) It is desirable to found an University j (2) The Governor of Now Zealand ig to be tho head of the governing body j (3) Tho number and value of exhibitions and scholarships are left to bo decided in committee ; (4)The exhibitions to bo competed for by boys not exceeding ten years, and the scholarships by boys not exceeding fifteen years, tho former to be held for five, and tho lattor for bix years. The holders are to be at liberty to pursue their, studies at any institution to be approved of by the governing body. Adelaide Road.— We notice that a further extension of this road, to a distance of twenty chains, has been niade to the residence of Mr W. Miller, who has subscribed the whole of the amount — £70 — which was required for tho work, on tho understanding that when tho Town Board is in funds it will refund to him a moiety of the sum he has advanced for this undertaking. Wateeing the Steeets.— We understand?** that Mr Marchant, the City Surveyor, is now engaged, apart from his official duties, in obtaining weekly subscriptions for tho purpose of raising the necessary funds to pay tho cost of watering tho streets of the town during the ipproaching dusty season. Wo understand that the appeal has already been liberally responded to by a number of tho merchants and storekeepers . jf Wellington. As soon as the project is suffijiently matured, Mr Marchant intends to adverLise for tenders for "water-carts, convene a meeting ?f subscribers, and lay his plans before them for consideration and adoption. Wo sincerely trust that he may bo successful in raising the necessary funds for the purpose.

Wateb Supply;— -We understand that the reservoir in the real' of the General Government buildings is completed and in operation. Its holding capacityis almost 35,000 gallons, and there is a daily supply to that extent. Once in every twenty-four hours at least this large quantity can j be poured into this immense cistern — which is the j iron tank that the Cook's Straits cable camo out in. The supply of water consumed by the General Government buildings, Government House, and Museum, is estimated at about 5000 gallons per diem, and every day there must consequently be a waste of water equal to nearly 30,000 gallons, The surface of the water is seventy feet above the level of the beach, and for the sum of £400 pipe 3 could bo laid down along tho beach as far as tho Union Bank, thus affording a never failing supply of water where it is most wanted, namely, to houses crowded together on small plots of ground. The service pipes to the houses would be an additional expense, but it would not be much. In a sanitary point of view this waste water would be invaluable. May wo not hope that the Town Board will consider it to be one of their duties to endeavour to utilise it. Auckland Haeboe. — The Harbor Master at Auckland publishes in tho Gazette, a notice to mariners announcing the discovery of a sunkrock and sand bank in tho vicinity of North Head, Auckland Harbor, and that a red buoy has been placed on the East side of the said rock. Masters of vessels are at the same time cautioned not to approach too near the Western shore of tho Rangitoto channel. Stamp Duties. — It is notified in tho Gazette that all persons selling stamps without a license are liable to penalties of £20 for each offence, and that the license of any distributor of stamps charging or receiving more than the value of the stamp will be immediately cancelled. Sheep InSpeotoe. — The office of Sheep Inspector for the Wauganui-Rangitikei district has become vacant by the resignation of Mr M'Donald. Resignations. — Tho resignation of William Powditch of his appointment of Justice of tho Peace ; of Alan Baillie, of his appointment of Warden of the Auckland Gold Fields ; and of D. A. Brodie, of his appointment of clerk to the Bench, Whangarei, have been accepted by his Excellency the Governor. The Ret. Jajtes Pateeson. — This gentleman lias been gazetted an officiating minister under the Marriage Act, 1854, and we wish him every success in this department of his labors. New Plymouth Roadstead. — The last Gazette contains remarks on and sailing directions for the roadstead of New Plymouth. It also gives the signals used at that port. Newspapee Exchanges. — The Government has brought in a bill to enable exchange newspapers to go from one newspaper office to another post free. This is a boon to many newspapers. The Peess and the Goveenment. — Tho Wellington correspondent of the New Zealand Herald writes : — " Tho battle of the press is still being fought out in committee. I should rather call it the battle of the anti-press party, because the members of that section do all the barking. They have been signally defeated so far, although the fate of the libel bill is not yet determined. I Lave said a good deal on the subject already, but there is a sort of literaturo springing up which is worse in tasto than anything you will see in the American press. You will be surprised when I tell you that Government clerks holding sinecure offices are the correspondents of Government organs throughout the colony, and tho writers employed by the Government to give a sessional existence to the defunct Advertiser. I would have those of my readers understand — those who havo a spark of political honor — that the days of charlatanry ought to be past. That free, fair, honest, manly, courteous discussion ought to be the rule of political life." The above correspon- ' dent speaks the truth. It is a notorious fact that aMr E. J. Gillon, who holds the sinecure office ' of Clerk of Bills, and is also employed as a general clerk, is allowed to occupy the time for which the country pays some £250 a year, in acting as a . newspaper reporter and telegraphic correspondent in tho interests of the Ministry. The thing is a . monstrous job and glaring scandal. We trust . when the estimates are under consideration, that tho House will refuse to vote Mr Gillon' s salary, , till it has been explained how it was possible for him to perform the duties of his «ffice when ninetenths of his time has been passed either in a . newspaper office or the reporters' gallery. Is Wellington to Lose the Patent Slip ? — The people North are vei'y anxious that Auckland Bhould bo made the Port of call for the • Panama steamers, to their own advantage and - the manifest detriment of the service. Of course there is no chance of their getting it ; but, in the meantime, they are talking of buying the Wellington Patent Slip. Mr George, who is now up North, has been informing the Southern Cross that, if a site, could be found in Auckland, and a company formed for the purpose of carrying out tho work, he was prepared to sell the material at considerably less than cost price, and would accede to liberal terms of payment. On this the Cross says : — " We trust that our Auckland capitalists ■mil take some steps towards ascertaining the probability of such a work being carried out here. It is an opportunity not to be missed. If arrangements were to bo made to purchase the concern, the whole of the plant and tools could be at onco supplied from Wellington, and eight or ten months would see in Auckland harbor a patent slip capable of accommodating vessels of the largest tonnage that trade in the Southern hemisphere." Deunkenness at the Front.— The Wanganui Herald states that the p.s. Sturt brought from Patea a large quantity of beer, spirits, &c, the canteens being all closed. Since it is impossible, ' under colonial law, to award punishment sufficient to deter men from getting drunk, the authorities . at Patea had no other alternative than to keep "the drink from the men, when the men would not keep from the drink; bo the action may havo been necessary to preserve discipline. But tho Government will have to compensate those who have suffered by tho illegal, although necessary step. Compensation, however, may be found cheaper in the end than chronic mutiny through drunkenness. Death of an Old Taeanaki Settler. — Tho Herald records the decease of Mr James Yems, one of tho earliest Taranaki Bettlers. Mr Yems t has been engaged in business for many years, and his sudden death on Thursday morning last cast a gloom over the whole community. The ranks of men who Bhared in tho difficulties of tho first years of settlement in Taranaki ai'e now being gradually thinned ; but amongst them there was not one more highly! esteemed, or who will be more kindly remembered than James Yoms. A Disgraceful Case. — Lately in Auckland a gentleman who had occasion to go down by the Wynyard Pier observed three children lying on the beach below high-water mark, the water at the time partly immersing their bodies. On going down to them he found to his amazement and grief that tho three of them were insensibly drunk, and unable to move. The eldost of them was not more than eleven years old. Prompt measures were taken to save the children from their perilous position, and restore them from the effects of the alcohol they had imbibed, though we understand that yesterday one of them was still very unwell. It appears they had raised the money beween them, and purchased a bottle oi brandy and had drunk the spirits raw, tho whole bottle-full. Death of Hoei Kingi. — The Wanganui Herald thus refers to the death of this aged chief The aged and venerable rangatira, Hori Kingi, wai a warm friend of the colonist, and exercised i powerful sway over tha Wanganui tribes, in favoi of settlement. He was a particular favorite o: Sir George Grey's, who will keenly feel the loss o: Mb friend. The deceased possessed all the bettei qualities of bis race, and few of the bad, and w< pnly honor ourselves in paying respects to thi memory of one who, surrounded with a little light yraa largely endowed by nature with gifts tha pommand admiration among tho most civilised.

A Brave Man.— Private William O'Brien, of the Armed Constabulary, arrived here on Saturday morning by the Sturt, having been -wounded in the recent engagement at Ngutuotemanu. Mr O'Brien was one of the rear guard under Lieut. Hastings, and wo believe was one of the few brave man who, out of sixty, persistently showed fight during the retreat. O'Brien tells us that after the forco had retreated about a mile, the Maoris pressed so hotly upon them, that it became absolutely necessary to make a stand behind some fallen trees. It was here that the gallant Lieut. Hastings, while encouraging his men, was shot through the bowels, and crying, ' " Oh ! Q-od, pray" ! fell flat on his face mortally wounded. When he thus fell, O'Brien was closo by him. The position Avas held for five minutes longer, when the fire became so hot that the few brave defenders were obliged to rotreat without the opportunity of carrying ofl' cither Lieutenant Hastings or Corporal Russell, the latter having been wounded in the back. Had tho t rcst of the men shewed fight, it would have been perfectly practicable to have carried off the wounded. The painful fact, however, is, that the bulk of the force were panic-stricken and refused even to fire on the enemy. Thus it happened that Hastings, while still alive, was left to tho brutality of a merciless foe. It is not true, as previously stated by some correspondents, that Hastings was carried by the men until he died. At the moment when O'Brien and the last few of the force, were compelled to retreat, Hastings lay groaning on" the ground, and Corporal Eusscll who was shot, vainly called upon his follow countrymen to carry him off, adjuring them to do so, becanse he had a wife and a helpless family depending upon him for support. Private O'Brien coidd not single handed do anything for cither of them, and was unable to obtain a single man to assist him. It will be remembered that O'Brien was one of tho four brave men who held an angle of the redoubt at Turoturomokai when that place was surprised. He and his three comrades for more than half an hour held their own against a mob of infuriated Maoris, who having killed Captain Ross and nine of the garrison attempted in vain to dislodge them. The conduct of O'Brien and his companions completely redeemed the cowardice of those who on that occasion became panic stricken and fled. Thb Westland Nominee Superintendent. — J. A. Bonar, Esq., Chairman of tho County Council of the County of Westland has been vested with all the powers of his Excellency over tho Westland Gold Fields: The Repoeted Alluvial Discoveeies.— The Thames Advertiser of the 14th inst. says : — The rumors of alluvial diggings, which have been industriously circulated during the last day or two resulted in the despatch of two rather numerDus parties yesterday in search of the new El Dorado. One of the parties, comprising some 20 diggers, left in a cutter for Mercury Bay, and another for Coromandel, both of which localities are said to be the places alluded to. Until we hear further reliable news, however, we refrain from commenting on the rumors. Mete Kingi and Me Bullee. — We clip the following from the Wanganui Herald of the 15th inst. : — " Mete Kingi a few days ago ' rone in his place' in the House, and demanded Mr Buller's dismissal. He said our Resident Magistrate was unfit for his office ; that he was ' bad' and, in fact, that if the Government did not at once remove him some serious calamity would take place. He did not deign to bring any particular charge, but since we are acquainted with the nature of Mr Buller's offence, we will supply the oimssiou. When Mr Paetahi was last in Wanganui the Kupapas were just preparing to go to the Front, and among them was the son of that exulted Rangatira. That the youth might exhibit in his person the dignity becoming the son of a great chief, it was necessary he should carry a good sword. A goodly tempered blade, gilt, ornamented, and handsome, was found to bo in the possession of a gentleman in the town, and Mr Paetahi was desirous of acquiring it. The price was stated at £10, and the sword was handed to tho chief to take it to Mr Buller, who was to be forthcoming with the needful. Mete walked up to the Court-house, presented the sword, pronounced it kapai, and requested Mr Buller for the £10 to purchase it, but this genteman could not see the lien, and refused to advance tho money. Mete was inexorable, and even insolent, and Mr Buller made a proposal, calling a number of natives who were present to witness : If Mote would promise before them all to pay the money back when he received his honorarium as a member of the Assembly, Mr Buller would lend him the £10. To this Mete objected, and said he had got to pay the money he received as legislator in some other way. Mr Buller then refused to advance the money, and Mete worked himself into a tempest, threw the sword at Mr Buller's feet, and said, that when he went down to tho Assembly he would get the Government to dismiss him. This is the whole story, and it affords a good illustration of the ideas that impress the Maori representatives as legislators ; they are perhaps no worse than many pakehas, when their legislative efforts turn on the pivot of No. 1. The late Me Canning. — It is stated by the correspondent of a Nelson contemporary that the late Mr Davis Canning who was killed in the fighting on the East Coast, had just received a legacy of £3,000 from home, and was about to be married, having purchased some land in Hawke's Bay, when he was thus cut off. He was struck by two bullets in the breast when charging upon the natives, gave his rifle to the nearest man in the ranks, and then fell dead ! Bishop Peeby on the Anglican Chubch in Victoeia. — The Bishop of Melbourne has addressed a long letter (the first of a series) to j the Argus, on the position and prospects of the Church of England in Victoria. His Lordship's epistle closes with the following ; — " As respects the Church in Victoria, I havo no fear lest its laity should ever tolerate the ritualistic practices which now prevail to so great an extent in England ; but I do fear lest, by the introduction of clergymen holding the opionions from which those I practices havo emanated, their confidenco in it 9 ministers should be impaired, and either a large secession or a disruption should occur among us. A letter, received by tho recent mail from an old friend, who has never been connected with any party in the Church, confirms mo in this apprehensions. He writes— '■ One hardy knows what to think or say in these extraordinary times ; but I am sure that they are full of anxiety in all questions relating to church and state.' Then, after referring to a charge which had just been delivered by the bishop of Worcester, he proceeds : — ' One result of this uneasiness in the Church, caused by those advanced parties, is that the people (many of whom have little vital religion) think it their duty to watch every act of their clergy, to take every possible opportunity of connecting them with tho advanced party, and raising a cry against them. For instance, you would hardly beleivo that in the case of so sober a man as myself, tho arrival of tho marble for the Bteps of tho communion table.' — his church, a very fine old building, is in progress of restoration — ' should be seriously spokon of as blocks of marble to form tho altar" In fact, all trust in tho clergy seems gone, and every act is viewed with suspicion. May God preserve His church through these anxious days !" Gebvillb and Co's New Boat. — A beautiful new boat has recently been built by Mr .Lomax, of Balmain, to the order of Greville's Telegram Company Sydney. The boat which is to receive tho very appropriate namo of " Telegraph" is specially intended by her enterprising owner for use on those exciting occasions to the newspaper press, when the most strenuous exertions are put fourth to make first delivery in Sydney, and especially at the Government Telegraph Office, for transmission to Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and all parts of this colony tho intelligence brought by the Panama Mail steamers. Slio is fittted for five pairs of soulls but on emergencies a 9ixth pair can be used. The Telegraph is very strong, notwithstanding her extreme lightness, Her performances on the waters of Port Jackson will well sustain the reputation of Mr Lomax at Vk boatbuilder.