LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 491, 9 March 1869, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

(FROM THE CHRISTCHUROH BAPERS.}, "Wellington, March 2w Colonel Whitmore has, arrived in the; Sturt for the purpose of consulting with the Government. The Arawas and a few companies of v Europeans are still engaged in sconting. The steamer Woodpecker went ashore on Sunday morning inside the Patea bar, and is a total wreck. The Himalaya is gettiug up steam to return to Australia direct ; the Commod >re so far placing her in the same posi-. tion as if she had not disobeyed the. Admiralty telegraphic orders by coming here at all. Letters received by the Rangitoto this day explain that General Ghute received a telegram, which, though lialle to he misunderstood by itself, yet taken in con-, junction with that to the captain of the Himalaya, clearly expressed the intention of the Home Government not to remove? the troops from New Zealand should circumstances require them to stay. 7.20 p.m. The Himalaya has sailed without either the Governor or Government having taken ' any responsibility relative to the'detention of the troops being- ordered back ; but solely by orders of the Commodore. Mr Brandon, the manager of the New Zealand Bank at Napier, is still unconscious, but the symptoms are slightly favorable* March 3. Colonel Whitmore returned to-day. The reward of LIOOO for Titpkowaru, dead or alive, is extended to the whole of the colonial forces, provided that the reward will not be paid, if killed, except by the ordinary accident of war. The trial of Whaka Mau, the Maori murderer, is adjourned for evidence of a material witness. The Commodore's report on Wood's survey is published. It is highly complimentary, and recommends the continuation of tlie survey to the West and South Coasts of the Middle Island and parts of the East Coast of the North Island. It also recommends a series of observations to determine the true meridian of Wellington, from which to deduce the longitude of other places. The Commodore will forward Wood's survey to the Admiralty, with a recommendation that it might be adopted in the next official chart. George Fache, Clyde, is appointed official agent under the Mining Companies Act, for the Otago Gold Fields, vice Cope, resigned. The Gazette contains a despatch, intimating that the Queen has extended the Order of St. Michael and St. George, so as to render it available as a reward for distinguished merit for services in any

part of her colonial possessions. Tl« Order will embrace 25 Knights .Grand Cross, 60 Knights Commanders, and 100 Companions. All natural-born subjee » who hold or have held high confidential office in any colony, or who render extraordinary or important service to the Crown in relation to any colony, or who in any colony become eminently distinguished by talents, merits, virtues, loyalty, or services, are eligible for the Order, v A second sniall-ppx case has occurred at Rangitikei. The patient " caught it by sleeping in a bed occupied by the late Francisco, before his removal to Wanganui. He is being treated on the spot under Mr Fox's superintendence. March 4. Napier telegrams from Mr McLean state that reports have been received that Rewi is about joining Te Kooti with 700 men. The King is also beginning to move. Their general object is supposed to be to attack the East Coast via Taupo. Numerous circumstances confirmatory of these reports and otherwise make it doubtful what to believe ; but as Te Kooti, it is now stated, never was wounded at Ngatapa, and already has from 200 to 300 followers, very uneasy impressions have been created. March 7". Whaka Man, the Maori charged with murdering a Danish pedlar two months ago, at Manawatu, has been tried, found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged.