LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 5, Issue 270, 26 May 1865, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

PuKATAPU.—The Rev. John M'Michael, who, as our readers will recollect, was sent out by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, conducted divine service at Mr Heslop’s, Puketapu House, on Sunday, the 14th instant. The text was from the epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, chapter 2. verse 3, from which the rev. gentleman delivered an eloquent and impressive discourse to a very large congregation. On last Lord’s Day the same rev. gentleman again officiated, and intimated his intention of preaching (D.Y.) next Sabbath at the same hour (3 p.m.) The attendance on both days was much more numerous than on any former occasion we can call to mind. The thanks of the public are certainly due to Mr John Heslop, sen., for the manner in which he has, day after day, thrown his house open for divine service, and the kind and considerate way in which he has invariably acted towards those with whom he came in contact. TheEnglishNews —Of the news brought by the English mail, the most interesting to all of us is the reception of the policy of the present Ministry by the home authorities. That policy seems to be in its general spirit accepted. It was natural to suppose that the project of withdrawing the troops from New Zealand would meet with a cordial acceptance from those who already desired it, when the proposal came from those who might have been expected to oppose it. Yetitdoes not appear from anything that transpired in the debate in the House of Commons of Mar. 10, that there is any intention to withdraw the whole of. the troops suddenly, as Mr. Weld's despatches seemed to propose. Mr Cardwell talked only of a gradual withdrawal, limiting his views, most probably, for the present, to the five regiments already under orders; a»d if these orders are, as is asserted, subject to the veto of the Lieut.-General commanding, there may be time for further discussion before we are deprived of these troops. —New Zealander.