WELLINGTON.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 14, Issue 710, 19 August 1869, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

fjEOH OTJB, OWN COEEESPONDENT.] August 16. The latest Government division, shows a still further fall in their majority. From 11 it has sunk ta 3. Still, it is probable that the/ will retain office through the Session, The chief reason for this is ta bft found in the weariness of Members,: who are r«al!y sick of the Session.] Mr Fox doubbless counted on this.] feeling (which evinces itself every-] year), when he postponed measure after measure of his policy, as soon as it became evident that if brought, to a vote, lie must be defeated upon it. His party has been admirably "managed," and he has succeeded, against the wish of the Legislature, in carrying measui-es which noboity liked. He has given, or proposes fe give, what is roughly estimated *j £IOO,OOO to the Provinces,—madi up of sinking-funds, loans, oveil 'drafts, and road-loans. Practically these sums are to be expended m Otago and Auokland, thoiigh a littffl sum may be allowed to Napier anjj Rangitikei. The war, on demilitj rised principles, is to cost no mow than £150,000, and troops for ffM risons are to be obtained at a costffl £150,000 more for a Jong series fl years, ~| Mr Brannfgan, who has been r«m known as the Police Comiuissionflj at Otago, is now to succeed CJoloiH IWhitmoie, This is a very caflfl

appointment, and its effect will be to ga ]| and humiliate the Armed Constabulary officers. Mr Branuigan jjaa never had a charge equal to that of any of the Constabulary SubInspectors, and has never heard a phot fired! The officers over whom jje is placed are men who have seen j OD g, arduous, and dangerous service for many years in this colony,—and their only offence is their military titles, and the esteem felt for them by the public generally. This galls of the community, and Mr Brannigan is the corrective applied in consequence. It is hard on that gentleman himself, who has an excellent character, and was most useful as an officer of pure police and detectives. He was much respected a nd liked; but will now be thrown into collision with men who have all the public sympathy on their side. Mr Vogel is supposed to have insisted on Mr Brannigan's translation to his new appointment, and though he doubtless meant well, others of the Cabinet, who knew better, are inexcusable for allowing such a thing to come to pass. A feeling of false security begins to prevail just now, owing to the absence of any military movements on either side, —and there are men who believe that the war is over. Heaven make them true prophets! However, it is wrong to cry " Peace, peace !" when there is no peace; and those who know the Maoris most intimately are the most anxious. Their idea is that if Te Kooti was really opposed by the King, he would long ere this have been roughly handled, and that every day he remains in "Waikato he is gaining adherents and strength. There are questions which will yet (Create some little debate in the House, but the Opposition is not likely to make any serious attack this Session.

Mr Dillon Bell, Dr Featherston, and Sir George Gre/, are talked ot as the Commissioners to England.