LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume V, Issue 215, 18 January 1865, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ey the arrival of the Ttangitira on Monday, we have been placed in' possession of news from Wellington to the 14th inst, and from Nelson and the Southern Provinces to the 11th.—At Colson, Mr Stafford had addressed his constituents on the subject of the doings in the last lession of the General Assembly, it and a sort of anti-ministerial speech. We generally agree with the sentiments expressed by Mr S., and particularly on the hurried passing of the Customs Act, and the necessity of an income and property tax. We consider the speech of sufficient importance to transfer it to our columns, and will endeavor to give a first instalment in our next.— .The most important item of news we have by this mail is from Wanganui, and shows that our previous anticipations are correct. The natives will resist the formation of a road over “ their land.” Most certainly the onus of this will rest on those Jvlio have taught them that it is theirs. The proximity of hostilities, however, does not tend to coeck the hatred the good folks of Wanganui entertain for Wellington, nor their efforts after separation.

The correspondent of the Southern Cross, writing from Tauranga, under date 10th Jan., says : The Esk came in on Sunday ; she brings * 8 a kout to take away 300 rank and file of the 6Sth L.I. This weakening of our forces at the present time is considered very impolitic, and is creating great dissatisfaction in the minds of all. The leading chiefs of the Ngaiterang!S are nil gone to Sangitoto. and if General Cameron is only quick in his movements he may surround them and take them prisoners, if it is thought advisable to take any more prisoners.” And with reference to the operation of the .Native Lands Act, now in force:—“ V\e hear that Tauranga is to be visited by a number of land sharks, who are intending to purchase not hundreds of acres, but thousands, which, if it be tolerated, will be the ruin of this place ; however, the natives are wide awake, and are now asking £5, £lO, £2O, and £3O an acre." Of course they are, and we think these said land sharks will find it bard to deal with the Maori. Wo wish them the luck they deserve.