The Evening Post. MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1865.

Evening Post, Issue 221, 23 October 1865, Page 2

The Evening Post. MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1865.

The adjourned half-yearly meeting of the 6 New Zealand Steam Navigation Company f took place to-day at the Athenaeum, at two o'clock, Mr. Hunter presiding. There was a large number of shareholders present. The first resolution brought before the meeting was moved by Mr. Rhodes, of Napier— "That In the opinion of this meeting the affairs of the company should be wound up at soon as possible." %o?he motion was seconded by Mr. Watt, of Napier, and after considerable discussion put to the meeting and negatived by a very large majority^ The next motion, by Mr. J. Rhodes, was for the sale of the steam, era Queen and Lady Bird without reserve. The business of the meeting had not concluded when we went to press at five o'clock. The rumours afloat to-day are that Mr. Crosbie Ward will not join the Stafford Administration ; and that it is intended removing to Auckland the Departments of the Native and Defence Ministers. We can scarcely believe there is any truth in this latter statement, but let it go for what it is worth. Our port presents a gay appearance, with many first-class steamers and sailing oraft At anchor. We have lately received a considerable access to our population, and principallybusiness men. Amongst our more distinguished visitors are the Bishop of Nellon, Chief Justice Sir George Arney, Judge Gresson, and Judge Chapman. Yesterday the steamers Tararua and Wanganul arrived in harbour j and this morning the Lord Ashley and Wellington entered an appearance. Shortly after going to press on Saturday last we were informed that a despatch had been received from Colonel Gorton, by the Government, stating that a "report" had come in of General Waddy having attacked and taken a pa, ninety Maoris said to have t een killed and about the same number of our troops placed hors de combat. It appears the communication alluded to wai not forwarded to the Government, but a private note to a resident here. According to this morning's Advertiser the intelligence has been somewhat exaggerated. That journal lays :— >" Oaptaia Lowe, of the s.s. Wanganui, which ressel arrired here on Saturday sight, reports that on Friday last an engagement took place between General Waddy'n troops at Fatea and the Maoris, in which two soldiers were killed and five wounded. On

the same day, at Taranaki, a skirmish took place between volunteers (mounted) and the rebels ; two troopers were wounded, but it is not known how many Maoris were killed or wounded. The brigade men killed five." The diorama of Messrs Cressy and Ayers,' as its excellence is becoming known, attracts greater crowds of visitors. On Saturday evening the place of exhibition was almost uncomfortably filled, and although a taste for the fine arts undoubtedly exists in Wellington, yet we are inclined to think the many presents given away to the audience may in a measure account for the rush to the Hall on Saturday. This evening, in addition to 98 valuable gifts, a gold watah and chain, and a sliver tea service, will be bestowed on the admirers of European aad American scenery.