WELLINGTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume I, Issue 12, 29 March 1851, Page 7

WELLINGTON.

We received the Wellington Independent of March 15th, by private hand last week, but too late to extract its news for our journal. It is full of interesting intelligence. From it we learn that the barque " Eio Packet," 300 tons, A. Shifely, master, arrived on Thursday afternoon from Sydney, after a quick passage of ten days ; she. brings English intelligence to the 9th of November last, received in Sydney by >vay of California. The papers are said to be particularly bare of intelligence.

The Australian Bill had been received at Adelaide, Victoria, and Van Diem en's Land ; and had been proclaimed by the Governors of the several Colonies to come into operation forthwith. Active exertions are being made in

the different places, in canvassing for persons to be representatives in the new councils.

Alarming fires had taken place in the Port Phillip district, and property to a large amount had been consumed. The drought had been seriously felt in the inland districts of New South Wales, and a great number of sheep, cattle, and horses had died from the want of water.

The barque " Emu," arrived at Wellington on Thursday the 13th, from London via Hobart Town. She left London on the 25th October, had an average passage to Hobart Town, and had been only ten days on her passage from the latter port to Wellington.

The barque " Woodstock," Captain Nicholson, arrived in London on the 9th of October, her wool was landed in first rate condition, and oil without leekage. She put into Rio, which was the cause of her long passage. Shippers, however, had not suffered by the delay, as oil had advanced in price, and there was every probability of a rise in the price of wool. The Barque " Eobert Syers/' had completed her cargo, and was ready for sea ; she was to sail on Sunday morning the 16th.

A new wharf called Plimmer's Wharf, is now completed. It is situated immediately opposite Barrett's Hotel, and formed out of the hull of the barque "Inconstant" which has been sunk and floored over, and a substantial store 60 feet by 40 is built upon it. The lower part is clear fore and aft, and is well adapted for the storage of casks, &c. The wharf floor is divided by a passage, which runs through the centre of the building, to a cleared space at the end, on which a crane is fixed for the purpose of landing goods, there being a sufficiency of water to allow vessels of small tonnage to discharge alongside. On each side of the passage is a counting-house and a large store; the one on the left and the room above are occupied by Messrs. J. Smith and Co., as a warehouse and auction room; which extends over the whole area of the building, and is the largest room in Wellington. Messrs. James Smith and Co., held their first sale yesterday on Plimmer's Wharf, which was numerously attended by their fellow settlers, who did ample justice to the sumptuous lunch provided for the occasion. The land on Lambton Quay, sold at 61. 15s. per foot 5 Mr. Plimmer being the purchaser.

Dinner Given by the Hutt Settlebs to His Excellency the Goyernor-in-Chief.— On Thursday, the 13th instant, a dinner was given by the Hutt Settlers to His Excellency Sir George Grey. It being understood that it was not to be a political demonstration, but purely to show their feeling of gratitude for the benefits conferred upon the district by His Excellency, in the construction of the Hutt Road, &c, persons of all shades of political opinions were present, to the number of nearly 200. The room was very tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers. The ceiling and sides of the building were adorned with the gigantic Necho leaves, interspersed with a profusion of Fuchsia flowers. Over the chairman was a shield composed of the future wealth of New Zealand, —the Phormium Tenax, —the centre being filled with Fuchsia flowers, presenting a beautiful emblem of wealth and beauty. Au ante-room was formed at the back, by spreading an awning over and laying down some boards, which was occupied by the band of the 65th regiment, who played in their usual excellent style. When His Excellency and suite arrived, the settlers formed themselves into two lines, and loudly cheered him as he passed along. On entering the room, it presented a very gay and animated appearance. There was abundance of every thing, and the table may be said to have literally groaned under the weight upon them, which consisted of every delicacy of the season. Mr. lienalls acted as chairman. Mr. M'Haidy as vice-chairman. [The usual toasts were proposed, but we regret we cannot give any of the speeches which were delivered, as it is impossible to believe that those which appear in the Wellington hi dependent are other than burlesques. They are certainly funny, but fun is not news. It is, however, remarkable that, with the exception of that of the chairman, and a Mr. Knight, who responded to the toast of His Excellency, "The Peace and Prosperity of the Hutt," no speeches appear to have been delivered, except by the officials present. We should like to have seen the settlers themselves take a little more prominent part ill the proceedings.—Ed. L.T,~^