LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 503, 6 April 1869, Page 3

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

■ ♦ (from the christchurch papers.) Napier, March 30. Thepublicmeeting was largely attended. The following is a digest of the memorial to his Excellency the Governor :— " The inhabitants represent their regret and alarm felt at the authority being withdrawn, from Mr M'Lean on the East Coast, his peculiar qualifications' for managing the natives adapting him for the office. His successful conduct of the East Coast campaign in 1865 won the confidence of Europeans and natives, also the approbation of persons of all political parties in the General Assembly. His Excellency should seek the advice of the Assembly ; it would be found the wish of the colony that the district should still bo entrusted to him. The efforts of the Government have failed to secure peace in the districts formerly disturbed, outbreaks in fresh districts were occurring, enormous military expenditure was going on, a feeling of insecurity prevailed, and there was no prospect of terminating the war. Therefore they pray his Excellency to seek the advice of the representatives of the people." The Waipukurau meeting adopted a memorial to His Excillency, of which the following is an epitome :— "The inhabitants view the present position of the colony, under the conduct of the present Ministry, with anxiety and alarm. The spread of the rebellion was owing to the unwise and inefficient administration of affairs. A protracted war will entail additional expense, without adequate or definite result. Under the present admistration, there were no hopes of an amelioration in the existing deplorable condition of the colony. The memorialists pray that his Excellency will see fit to call the Assembly together, as early as possible, in order that measures may. be adopted such as the critical condition of the colony demands. " The Meanee meeting adopted a memorial couched in somewhat similar terms. Some Native chiefs waited, to-day, on Mr M'Lean, and expressed regret and Borrow at the treatment received by him at the hands of the Government. The public meeting last night was the largest ever held in Napier. Strong op-, position was offered by Messrs Colenso, Buchanan, and Stuart, on the grounds that the General Government was justified by circumstances, friendlies being overarmed, undue personal influence, &c. ; but resolutions were passed, by. an overwhelming majority, condemnatory of Government, relating to Mr M 'Lean's removal ; thanking him for paist services, and menorialising the Governor to call a meeting of the Assembly. - Mr M'Lean and two or three chiefs leave to-morrow for Wellington to meet the Prince. The Star of the South arrived from Auckland with news to March 27. The declaration of the poll of the northern division was — Farnall, 162 ; M'llhone, 160. Kereopa has bean threatened to be shot if he committed murders in the Waikato. He is gone to join Te Kooti, and will do all the mischief he can on the way. A correspondence is going on in the Cross respecting Smythies case between | Messrs Gillies and Lask. A leader of the Southern Gross condemns Smythies' opponents. ••..•■■• Te Whake, the escaped prisoner, had reached Hokianga, and the chief there had refused to give him up. A leader in the Cross condemns St. Patrick's Ball Committee at Shortlandfor the omission to toast the Queen, the Superintendent being present. The secretary writes that the toast was omitted because the Irish Catholics wanted the Pope's health drank. Te Hira's warning to leave the Upper Thames is a ruse. The alarm has subsided. A monster meeting has been held at Hamilton, on the Waikato frontier. The arming of friendlies was deprecated, and their removal was requested. The Airedale arrived at Manakau on March 24 ; had heavy weather, and the foremast went by the board. An address, locket, &c., was presented to Captain Kennedy by the passengers for his skill. The Airedale is being repaired, and will Jeave on April 3. - Te Kooti has escaped pursuit. He left his camp at Tauaroa, on the Rangitaiki river, and went to Motumata, where having called eleven Arawas out under the pretence of friendship, he cut them in pieces and cooked them in their own coppers. Only one escaped. The Tauranga left for Tauranga with Dr Pollen, a 9-pounder Armstrong, and fifteen Naval Artillery Volunteers. Earl Pembroke and his medical attendants go to Sydney in the schooner Albatross. The Earl goes home overland. The Jane has arrived at Tauranga. Major Mair and forces are at Maketu, having returned from the pursuit of Te Kooti. The Arawas refused to go further, as they became short of provisions, and asked to be pnt on the same footing as Europeans. It was reported that Te Kooti was on his way to Waikato, to join Kereopa. Great alarm was felt at Tauranga, the garrison being under arms all night. The Taupo settlers came in, some leaving their cattle and property. They narrowly escaped Te Kooti, who was said to have 400 men. The Tauranga returned with Dr Pollen on March 27. No news of importance. Te Kooti is believed to be at Mangapowhatu or Ahikereru. Wellington, March 30. Messrs M'Meckan, Blackwood and Oo.'s tender for four complete services per. month from Melbourne to Wellingtonj via Hokitika, each way, is accepted. The contract commences at Melbourne on April 15, and ends with the mail from here on August 7. They receive L6OO for each trip, from Melbourne and back. The only other tender was sent in by the A. S. N. Company. The contract is limited to four months, for the purpose of • enabling the Assembly to express an opinion. Tenders for a service via the Bluff and to Auckland will be called for prior to the meeting of the Assembly. On Mr Benson's departure to-day there was a great demonstration ; the Superintendent on the wharf presented him with 100 guineas for the purchase of a piece of plate in England. He was loudly cheered, and the Government gave the St. Kilda to convey him on board. The Prince having to visit the Sandwich Islands, will only remain three weeks in New Zealand. The reception programme here includes regatta, dinner to tailors, ball, children's

treat, Oddfellow's fete, procession, and dinner at the Club. Subscriptions are being collected, as the Provincial Council and Town Board declined assisting. From Wanganui wo get the general impression that Tito's people have retired quite out of reach, and will not probably be heard of until snificienttime has elapsed to allow them to recruit and gain heart again. ■ Colonel Whitmore has returned to Wanganui to-day. , It is deemed inexpedient to disclose the' result of his interview with the Government yet. The Advertiser was published for the last time to-day. It ascribes its cessation to want of support.