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Evening Star, Issue 3124, 22 February 1873, Page 2

The resumption of telegraphic communication with Europe has put us in possession of a week’s European nows. Nothing having occurred sufficiently startling to render the publication of an “Extra” necessary, we did not depart from our usual routine. Thrones do not appear to be very comfortable seats in some of the European countries. So uncomfortable, in fact, has King Amadeus of Spain found his position that ho has at length resolved to resign it. What the consequence will bo to the future of Europe of two republics in such close contiguity to each other as France and Spain depends much upon circumstances. Judging by the past, neither country is ready for free institutions: and parties arc so nearly equally balanced that in all likelihood generations must pass before any form of Government becomes finally fixed. Not only are the leaders divided, but the people arc much more so: some clinging superstitiously to old notions and others seeking to establish something better and restore monarchy. Amadeus has shewn considerable courage if he has not shone as a legislator. He has had an uncomfortable time of it, and no doubt longs for rest.

Home news is not interesting beyond the intelligence that Mr Gladstone contemplates a sweeping change in the Dublin University management. It is another step in the right direction, in addition to the many admirable measures that have already been adopted during his tenure of office.

The Russian affair look pleasant enough: so far as we gather from the telegrams, the only difference between England and Russia was about some indefinable boundary line respecting a district of Afghanistan and tiro probable seat of war; and as civilised countries arc beginning to think a theoretical mile or two of ground not worth making a easms belli of, the two Governments settled the affair very amicably. The danger is that, the native chiefs may not be so easily satisfied as to what is included in Badakshan, which, on reference to the map, our readers will find in the north-east corner of Afghanistan and AVak shan, which we cannot find ma\-kecl at all. The commercial news is not important.

The number of houses in the Colony is set down at 57,182 ;of these Auckland contains 13,007 —12,321 wood, 293 stone or brick, 598 ranpo, and 455 of other materials (including tents). This is an increase of 3,158 ou the returns of 1807. Taranaki has 987 houses ; no increase, but a decrease of 70. Wellington, 4,779 ; being a decrease of 2,575 since 1807. Hawke’s Bay, 1,215 ;an increase of 140. Nelson, 5,819; showing a decrease of 829. Marlborough, 1,012 ; showing a decrease of 122. Canterbury, 8,747 ;an increase of 938, Westland, 5,457 ; being an inc ease of 359. Otago—before union with Southland—jL3,732 ; being an increase of 3,240. Southland, 1,731; showing a decrease of 108.

According to some of our Northern contemporaries, the late native meeting at Maungatautari is not likely to be so barren of results as the Daily Times would have us believe. The filar says “ the meeting has created a stronger feeling amongst the East Coast tribes in favor of intercourse with the Europeans than ever existed before. This is the very opposite effect to what the Kijjgites desired when they convened the meeting. Their object in inviting the friendly natives to attend was simply that such influence might be brought to bear upon them as would prevent the leasing of lands and the construction of roads, railways, and telegraphs. The speeches of the Kingite leaders were loud in their denunciation of the practice of leasing lands and making roads, and strenuous efforts were put forth to extract a promise from the friendly natives pot to lease their lands or permit roadmaking, The reply of one of the friendlies, Heta, of Maketu, was characteristic and forcible. Jumping up from the ground he unfolded bis blanket and showed himself to be the happy possessor of a shirt, ‘ Look here,* he said, ‘ since the pakeha came to ,the country I have been kept warm witli their blankets, and I am not going back to the Maori mat. The pakeba’s way of travelling is better than the Maoris, and we shall help them. We shall sell and lease our lands, and shall have big towns in our districts.’ Heta’s expression of opinion was highly approved of by the other friendly natives, and when Manuhiri offered them a mere in acknowledgment of their adherence to the Kingite views they refused to take it. The natives now offer extensive tracts of laud in the neighborhood of Rotorua for lease and sale. Surveyors will bo permitted to lay off the blocks, and extensive runs are procurable in that district.”