TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 201, 18 November 1864, Page 2 (Supplement)

TARANAKI.

(From the Correspondent of the N. Z. Herald), 12th November. On Saturday evening last this place was again the scene of total shipwreck. The Queen of Perth was the name of the vessel. She was a schooner of 84 tons, Garson, master, from Melbourne. During the two previous days the weather had not been very mild, notwithstanding which, the Queen of Perth and the Storm Bird succeeded in holding to their anchors. Saturday, however, proved too much for the former vesssel, and about G o'clock her chain cable parted, and the unfortunate schooner was swept by wind and surf on to the Long Reef, where she quickly went to pieces. lam happy ic being able to state that no lives were lost. A large portion of the wreck and cargo were strewn along the beach next morning. Both vessel and cargo were, I understand, insured.

On Wednesday there was a full parade of the troops of the line here, and a Royal salute was fired at the regular hour, in honor of the anniversary of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Not the slightest demonstration was made by the people, who have little inducement fur joyful display at present. A more loyal community than that of Taranaki does not exist in the British possessions, and yet, even this feeling, which is almost inseparable from the character of an Englishman, is chilled by the blighting influence of that worse than worthless Governor, Sir Gorge Grey.

The writ for the election of a member to serve in the General Assembly, in the place of Mr. Turton, only arrived on the 9th inst., and the nomination is advertised for the 18th inst., and the polling day, should a poll be required, for the 19th. In the event of a contest, this will prevent our third member from taking his seat for several days after the opening of the Assembly, as the mail steamer will not leave here until the 23rd. This is unfortunate, as, no doubt, the first few days will be eventful. It is generally supposed that his Honor the Superintendent will come forward, in which case it is not anticipated that there will be any opposition. The .£5,000 guarantee by the General Government for Public Works in this Province have not yet been commenced to be expended. A select committee of the Provincial Council appointed to report on the subject, advised that a portion of the sum should be devoted to retaining at least one company of the Forest Hangers for the purpose of affording protection to those settlers who desire to proceed with their farming operations within the line of block-houses. So entirely did his Honor concur with this suggestion of the committee, that he urged upon the General Government the necessity of keeping botli companies of the Bush Party under payment and active service. Ministers have, however, declined to make any alterations in the conditions under which the loan was guaranteed and which do not provide for retaining the services of the Bush Party.

Humors have been rife during the last few days of some flagrant cases of sticking-up and robbery with violence in the streets of New Plymouth. The police records do not contain any notice of such offences, so that the reports may be fairly put down as untrue. Indeed, as a general rule, everything is remarkably orderly and quiet, considering the circumstances of the Province.