SPECIAL TELEGRAMS. Latest

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1096, 3 July 1879, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS. Latest

WELLINGTON, last night.

Jackson, late chief surveyor, Wellington, driven from office by present Government, is virtually elected member for Hutt. He polled 135, and Mason 09. Other returns- cannot influence electiou.

The Government hag received intelligence that the natives intend ploughing m force, but unarmed, to-m orrow, nt Waihi, a place between Havvera and Normanby- A great tangi took place over ploughmen selected, as though they ware going to their death. Te Wetere declaims all intention of disturbing the settlers at Mokau, aud contradicts assertion absolutely, both to Government and press. No prisoners are allowed to take part iv the ploughing along the coast, they having lost casto. Titokowaru originated the Waimate ploughing operations. A subscription is being raised among the Maoris here, and throughout other districts, to defond the . Oakura plougnmen at Wellington.

There is nothing new re the Ministry, only that 'the .Premier considers it improper to give any version of what transpired at the Cabinet meeting. Another batch of political ploughmen were this afternoon arrested at Waita, White Cliffs. Air tell the same story, that the ploughing is aimed at the Government, and that they will not injure private settlers. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. [From a Correspondent.]

Mr Ballance-- defection seems likely to be the last. Messrs. Macandrew and Sheehan's leaving is not confirmed, but there . was some " soupcon " of truth as to Macandrew. Mr Ballahce's leaying will not weaken the Ministry, save as to numbers,and delaying the production of the Financial Statement, as his estimate of revenue is fallacious, and his land tax administration grotesque. The story wired about Mr Fox beino; the cause of the disruption, is Ballance's version. This gave the Premier a chance of breaking with his colleague, whom he disliked and distrusted. Mr Ballance's paper has been writing Ballance up and Grey down, for some time past. The Premier has a long and retentive memory. Nothing is known how the gaps made m the Cabinet will be filled up, bat the Premier possibly will take over the Treasurership, which is not very onerous work, as Batkin does nearly the whole of it. Ballance's position is now unenviable, as the Pollen party will not have him, and he was announced m the ' Chronicle ' as a regenade, from his adherence to liberalisu., whatever that moans.

James Mackay has returned from theWest Coast, and states that the natives have been badly dealt with on the coast 3 as awards made m the Compensation Court, at New Plymouth, m 1866. by Eenton, Logan, aDd Munro have never yet been carried into effect.

The men of Oakura, who have been committed for trial, are to be brought to Wellington and tried here during the sitting of the next Supreme Court. They will be defended, and the question of disputed title will probably be raised.

When the Maoris were put m the New Plymouth gaol, the gaoler wired to kuow if they were to be allowed blankets ; a good indisation of the Taranaki state of feeling towards the natives.

Te Whiti regrets now refusing Mackay's proposal of holding a court of enquiry.

The story about Te Wetere and Mokau is only another Taranaki canard. Jones and Shaw do not intend leaviag. Wetere and Epiha mean peace, and to pass the Mokau lands through the court.

Commercial affairs here a^e very bad.

The Catholics had a meeting last evening, as to sending delegates to the Dunedin Catholic meeting convened by Bishop Moran, re striving to make an alteration m the education laws, so that Catholics nia;' participate m State fuuds for educationat purposes. The question of the selection of delegates was deferred.

NEW PLYMOUTH, last night.

The settlers at Wharepa are leaving for the settlements, fearing the natives will retaliate after the arrest made at Oakaru. The natives at Hawera are sullen and gloomy.

There was a good deal of excitement m town, owing to a report, originating among town Maories, that shooting had commenced at Hawera. An urgent message sent to Hawera, brought the following reply : — " There is no truth whatever m the report that fighting has commenced. Ploughing has not commenced. Te Whiti says that ploughmen having been imprisoned, his prophecy is ended."

PATEA, last night.

The imprisonment of the Oaknra ploughmen has deterred the natives here, although Titokawharu stated yesterday that ploughing would be recommenced at Hawera and Normanby to-morrow. If it does, the settlers will send an armed force to seize the trespassers.