Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1870.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 856, 2 November 1870, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1870.

The English Mail via Suez has arrived at Hokitika, and important as are the telegrams brought, they do not indicate any material modification of the position from that which was occupied by the belligerents and other Powers of Europe at the date of our last advices. It is well to know that England's neuti*alitv is maintainted, but a source of regret that every attempt to effect a cessation of hostilities has been in vain. Prussia, we read, is "still victorious in all quarters," and France in vain sues for peace. We cannot blame her Govern ment for refusing the more than humiliating terms offered by Prussia,- nor can we see that anything more than her Government has proposed can in reason be expected from France. Prussia, elate with repeated victories, believes that the position is in its hands, and shows no inclination to stop short of the disintegration of the FreDch nation. Paris was considered so far in danger from the investment of the enemy that the streets were and the seat of Government transferred to a situation farther from the Prussian frontier. As was expected Strasbourg has sunendered, and the arms taken have been forwarded for use against Paris

Successful as Prussia has hitherto been, it is however, quite possible that the next we hear wijl be of a turn in the tide of events in favor of France. We discover amidst all this tale of Prussian success one or two indications of a change of this nature. The army now being raised on the Loire for defence is said to be both " numerous " and " undismayed," and it is probable that it is to this army that the celebrated General Beauregard has been sent by the French Government. The sympathy ot the United States also, is peihaps the most promising feature for France in the whole situation. Besides this, French accounts tell us of some partial successes on the part of Bazaine and his army in the vicinity of Metz. Moreover, it is said that the troops in that city, which still holds out, are healthy and well supplied with provisions and munitions of war, although cut off from connection with the rest of France. It may be hoped that a continuation of even small successes on the part of the French will make King William more willing to listen to reasonable overtures for peace.

We would remind all interested that a ball will take place in the Meanee Hall this evening. The Rifle Volunteer Picnic, which took place yesterday in the Racecourse Paddock, Meanee, was in every respect a success. The attendance throughout the day was ,good and the company seemed determined to enjoy themselves. An excellent programme of amusements was provided, and the various sports were entered into with spirit. The band of the corps was in attendance, and diversified the proceedings with an excellent selection of music. Ample provision was made for the refreshment of the assembled party, in the booths of Messrs Lever and Johnson, and the utmost order and harmony characterised the whole proceedings. A cricket match—Town v. Country—continued throughout the day, the Country gaining the victory. The weather was in every respect favorable until about 4 p.m., when a smart fall of rain put a stop to most of the amusements, and the company gradually returned to town. The Artillery Picnic at Taradale yesterday was not quite so well attended as the picnic of their brothers-in-arms of the Rifles, but the play of the band, — performing for the first time in public, —and the various sports,. <fec, are said to have been very good. We cannot, however, speak from personal observation.

We observe that a new commission of the peace has been gazetted. His Honor Mr Justice Johnston was a passenger by she Lord Ashley from Wellington Yesterday. , The outward mails for Europe, &c, via San Francisco, was forwarded yesterday by the Lord Ashley to Auckland, which place it leaves on the 7th inst. WlTir reference to a paragraph in our last announcing the arrival of the Native and Defence Minister in Napier, —which turns out to be incorrect—we can only say that we were informed by one who ought to be a reliable authority, that that gentleman was a-passenger by the Luna.