WELLINGTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 552, 17 February 1858, Page 5

WELLINGTON.

By the Maria Elizabeth we have papers from this province to the 10th instant, from which we obtain the information that the elections of Superintendent and Provincial Councillors have been gazetted, and that the latter body is to meet for the first time on the 15th of March. The Chamber of Commerce in Wellington has been considering an amendment of the Customs Tariff. A report has been adopted which recommends the tariff of Victoria as suited to the requirements of this colony; and a memorial is to be presented to His Excellency the j Governor embodying the suggestions of the report. The neighbouring provinces are to be asked to lend their advice and aid. The same body is also memorializing the Government on the important question of steam communication. The route via Auckland is condemned as prejudicial to the interests of the Southern Provinces. The c Spectator' publishes tables of revenue exports and imports of the six provinces for the first half-year of 1857, compiled from the General Government Gazette, so as to show the comparative returns for the North and South of New Zealand. In every item the four Southern Provinces preponderate over the two Northern. We, in Canterbury, have our own particular vanity gratified by finding that while we rank third in the amount of imports, and, consequently, of revenue contributed, we are second among exporters. The returns for the half-year ending June 30, 1857, show the exports of Wellington to be valued at £61,444 6s. 5d.; of Canterbury, at £51,334 7s. 6d.; of Auckland, at £46,118 15s. 10d. ; of Nelson, at £27,904 Os. Od.; of Otago, at £17,988 9s. 9d. ; and of New Plymouth, at £3,607 10s. If Wellington has to account for any considerable portion of the wool of other provinces, we shall find ourselves bidding fair to be first on the list. No doubt, however, the latter half of the year would not be so much in our favour.

We subjoin a few paragraphs. The Lighthouse.—We are informed that the Lighthouse was to be completed and lit up last December. On its being approved by Mr. Roberts, it will be taken down and shipped to this port. An engineer has been engaged to superintend its re-erection on Pencarrow Head; and will arrive here in the Burmah, when the foundation will be immediately proceeded with. Independent, Feb. 10. Mr. Justice Stephen.—We are informed that Mr. Justice Stephen will not return to Wellington so soon as was anticipated. On the arrival of Mr. Arney at Auckland, Mr. Stephen will be allowed three months leave of absence in order to enable him to visit Australia.— lbid. A Meeting was held at the Mechanics' Institute, on Friday evening last, under the auspices of the Wellington Total Abstinence Society, Dr. Florence occupied the chair. The Rev. J. J. P. O'Reilly, Rev. W. Watkin, and the Rev. J. Woodward addressed the meeting with much effect on the temperance question, and drew forth much applause from the audience, The Hall of the Institute was well filled, and several persons at the close of the meeting enrolled themselves as members. — Spectator, Feb. 3.