LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Grey River Argus, Volume VI, Issue 426, 6 October 1868, Page 3

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

(from the christchurch papers.) Wellington, September 29. After business had commenced in the House of Representatives, Mr Fox asked what course Ministers intended pursuing^ after having been unmistakeably defeated according to recognised parliamentary practice. He thought only two courses were open, viz., to tender their resignation which, under the circumstances, was the most becoming course ; or advise a dissolution. Mr Stafford replied that after Friday's division the Government had gravely considered its position, and had come to a conclusion. They then called their supporters together, and acquainted 'them with that conclusion, on which a resolution was passed unanimously, urgently requesting the Ministry to continue the government of the country. This request the Ministry had acceded to, the more readily because the Opposition not being in a majority, they would otherwise be handing over the government to a party less strong than themselves. It was a common thing for Ministries at home to go on with a minority, and to keep in with a minority. This had happened in the first Pitt's time, and more lately in the cases of Derby and Disraeli.; Disraeli then refusing to. say whether he would or would not dissolve before the legal period under the new Reform Act arrived. The (Stafford) Ministry with a slight majority were prepared, to remain in office, and meet with abuse for so doing ; in fact, the abuse they h,ad previously leseived had partially induced the Government to remain in, for he was one, when dared not to do a thing, to do it. Mr Fox again rose, saying that Mr Stafford had said they were going to remain in, but not what the Ministry intended doing ; whether it was intended, for instance, to continue financial measures or remodel them. The Constitutionalists were not prepared for faction opposition, but could not decide how to actuutU they knew the intentions of the Government. Mr Stafford said they were not justifitd in continuing the session much longer, and they did not propose fighting any more battles of policy. They intended to let the principles of their policy drift into the public mind, and would confine the attention of the House to practical measures, not open to great dispute, snch as those relating to organic change). The amendment of the law and supply would involve almost all ; the Road Board Bill haying been reported on by a select committee would be gone on with. Of course what he had stated about organic changes referred also to the financial measures. The House then went to the Orders ol the Day without obtaining definite information as to the ministerial intention to dissolve at the close of the session. September 30, 7.45 p.m . The Westland County Bill and the Road

Boards Bill both made great progress through committee last night. To-day Mr Williamson gave notice of an address to the Queen, praying for the retention of one regiment. The debate on Mr O'Neill's motion for breaking the compact of 1856 was resumed by Mr Potts moving the previous question, Mr Bunny supported the resolution, and Messrs Reid, Yogel, Ludlam, Jollie, , Borlase ; Patterson, Richmond, Curtis, Williamson, and Hull opposed it more or loss vigorously. Mr Richmond said the compact could only be abrogated by the common consent of the South, or in the event of a disruption of the colony. When members arose in earnest t ( > support tho disruption of the colony, then, and not till then, would he be prepared to assent to Mr O'Neill's resolution. Mr Hall hoped it would go forth to the South that the Superintendent of Auckland had entirely repudiated the idea of tampering with the compact. The Government knew nothing about the parentage of the resolution, and he was more disposed to kick it out of the House than any resolution yet brought before it. It was fortunate that having been brought forward it would be distinctly known both by the North and South how entirely the House repudiated it. The debate is still going on. The Provincial. Government's Simplificflr tion and Restriction of Legislation Bills, and Disqualification Bill, were withdrawn by Mr Stafford from the Order Paper, amidst the loud cheers of the Opposition. It is publicly stated that the determination arrived at by the Ministry and submitted to Saturday's caucus, alluded to by Mr Stafford yesterday, was to resign. Tenders for the Provincial Steam Services for twelve months will be received here on the Bth October. Oct. 1, 11 21 a.m. Mr Fox continued the debate on the land compact motion. Mr Carleton closed the debate by saying that he had re- written Mr O'Neill's draft to a neater form, but that he had nothing more to do with it. The division showed 11 for the resolution and 47 against. Colonel Haultain said a special messcn-r ger had come from Wangauui with news that Titokowaru had crossed the Patea river, and was proceeding towards Waitotara. The Wanganni militia had been called out, and the second-class and friendly Natives were about to march on Waitotara. He thought there was no cause for alarm. Mr Fox, as a private member, expressed his belief that there was cause for alarm, as a descent upon Rangitikei was imminent, and the settlers had no arms. Colonel Haultain reiterated his belief that there was no cause for alarm, and promised to send arms instantly. Oh the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Mr Fox moved,—" That in order to afford to the people of the colony an opportunity of expressing their opinion, and considering the urgency of Native affairs, it is expedient that there should be an immediate dissolution, and that the writs should be issued as soon as possible after the close of the present session. " Mr Stafford said he would not dissolve while the country was in a state of excitement, nor would he say what advice lie intended to give to the Governor. He would not, however, say absolutely that the Government would refuse to advise a dissolution some time during the recess. The motion for going into Committee of supply was carried by 33 to 23. On the first item being read, Mr Yogel moved that the Chairman report progress. The discussion on this lasted till nearly ten o'clock this morning, when it was carried on the voices. Mr Fox intimated that his party were prepared similarly to resist every vote until the Government intimated its intentions with regard to a dissolution. 5.35 p.m, The House does not meet until seven p.m. The proceedings last night sippear to have been one continued speaking against time, during which an attempt to count out was repeatedly made, only a few members remaining in the House at a ' time. Mr Reynolds's words relative to some members being bought or sold, were taken down, and are to be considered tonight.