WELLINGTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 620, 16 October 1858, Page 5

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) The Canterbury leaves this afternoon for Lvttelton, but I prefer waiting the departure of the White Swan, which will sail for your port on Monday, before posting my letters. She has only just arrived from Auckland, having been detained at Manukau nine days unable to cross the bar. She brings us Auckland intelligence to the first of the current month.

I have little of political importance to communicate ; and, in fact, Wellington politics involve so much, and such gross personalities, that it is difficult, if not impossible, to convey to those at a distance an impartial summary of such points in our history as might be deemed of general interest. A glance at our local journals will amply verify the allegation ; and a reference to the 'Independent' of to-day will shew that here, at least, editorial responsibilities arcattended with much personal risk. Let this be my excuse if my communications should seem ambiguous and incomplete. Mr. Wakefield's application for an injunction to restrain the Superintendent from a further expenditure of public money has been refused with costs. His Honor Mr. Justice Gressou, in giving judgment, stated "that there was no

(round for granting an injunction which would cause such monstrous inconvenience to the public."

The White Swan brings us the important intelligence tliat His Excellency the Governor refuses to accede to the request for a dissolution of the present Council. This determination, as you will doubtless perceive, involves an anxious future to Dr. Featherston, and 1 am perfectly at a loss to guess what measures will be taken to reconcile the strong differences that at present exist between him and the majority of the representatives ofthe people. As intimated in my last he is at present on a visit to Melbourne, to bring, if possible, to a satisfactory issue the pending arrangements for steam communication between Wellington and Victoria; Mr. Fitzherbert, and not Mr. Clifford, as before stated, holding the reins of Government in his absence. Mr. Fox has been returned without opposition for the town of Whanganui, and this brings our elections to a close. The trials at law I before alluded to, arising out of political differences, will be brought to an issue in your province, the venue having been changed thither at the request of the plaintiffs. Representative instituti.ins are doubtless good in themselves, but as regards their working in Wellington they have only tended to convince many that we were too young and thoughtless properly to appreciate the boon ; and, hitherto, in connection with ourselves, they have only rendered 'confusion worse confounded.'

In the case of the Rev. A. Baker, a writ of certiorari has been granted, thus annulling the decision that the magistrates pronounced. It • was sought for on many grounds, but judgment may be said to have been granted on two, viz., the alleged interference of Mr. Pharazyn, one of " the sitting justices, with a witness, as shown in her affidavit filed in court, and also on the ground that the bench exceeded their jurisdiction in the penalty they decreed. But I am doubtful whether the case may be considered ended, as it is rumoured (though I'hope without foundation) that the - reverend gentleman will be subject to a criminal indictment at the next sitting of the Supreme Court. Another case which has been before the said court, and which has excited a good deal of public attention, has been one in which Mr. King, the solicitor, was defendant, and which was decided against him. I am glad to inform you, that Mr. Sarancke, the Native Land Commissioner, had succeeded in purchasing largely of the natives about Waikauae, Manawatu, and elsewhere on the west coast, and we are only awaiting the arrival of Mr. Richmond, the Colonial Treasurer, who is .'', shortly expected from Auckland, to complete the negotiations and extinguish the native title in the lands so purchased. This arrangement of Mr. Serancke's will bring into the market some of the most beautiful and fertile lands in the province. The ' Wellington Steam Navigation Act' has been disallowed by the Governor. I am not aware how this may affect the shareholders, but the Wonga Wonga this week declares a dividend of 10 per cent to her proprietors, which is gratefully accepted as an earnest of something better for the future. The weather has of late been very boisterous, and another flood has occurred at the Hutt, though in this instance it is pleasant to record that it was unattended with loss of life. Property however to a large amount has been destroyed, the new bridge tor the second time being partially swept a.vay. These floods are a great drawback to this otherwise rich agricultural district and it is to be feared will eventually depopulate it; no engineering skill hitherto having been found, to avert such calamities. Whanganui and other parts of the province have also similarly suffered though to no very great extant. The ship Oliver Lang is, I regret to say, reported to be in a very leaky and precarious condition. A preliminary survey has been held, but previous to any decision, she is. I have been 1 given to uoderstand, to be " hove down" so as to allow of further inspection. It is expected by nautical men that she must be condemned, for it would be necessary to send her to Sydney for repairs, and doubts are entertained whether the voyage would be safe. She is however insured for the sum of £27,000. The English July mail has not yet arrived, being twenty days over due Avhen the Mary Thomson left Melbourne. By the latter vessel, however, we have intelligence to the 9th July, for which I must refer you to the papers them- ] selves. Mr. Clifford is about to return to EngJ land. Every one here cordially wishes him a [ pleasant journey, aud a quick return to his adopted home. The Pencarrow lighthouse is rapidly approaching completion under the talented superintendence of Mr. Wright. Rents are high, but trade remains dull. Flour has slightly depreciated in price, agricultural produce, however, in consequence of the flood at the Hutt, has risen in value. There are no other alterations to notice in the markets. A Mutual Assurance, Loan and Discount Society, and other societies having for their object the mutual protection and assistance of newly arrived immigrants and the- working classes, are among the projects of the day; whether they will ever be realized remains to be seen; under proper management they may prove of great benefit.

Gold has not yet been discovered in this.province. What was found at Masterton and supposed to be the precious metal, turns out to be a malleable substance resen b "ng copper, in fact yielding about 80 per cent th :reof. Those however among us professing a knowledge of geology are still sauguine that our expectations may yet eventually be realised in tins respect.

Ships in harbour.—Oliver Lang, White Swan (s), Mary Thompson, Adolphus Yates, Uira, Mar}', Silcombe Castle, and others of smaller tonnage.