Colonial.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 635, 8 December 1858, Page 4

Colonial.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) November 28th

My intelligence on -this occasion is of a pleasmg and important nature, not only as regards ourselves, but as equally, and I trust beneficially, affecting your future and best interests. The A. S.N. Company's steamer Wonga Wonga arrived last night from Melbourne ; she left that port on the 20fch instant, and had a splendid run down here of six days and two hours, placing us in receipt of the September mail, which arrived in Victoria on the 17th, per Columbian. Dr. Peatherston has returned in the Wonga Wonga, and to him we are largely indebted, as are the Southern provinces in this colony, for the advantageous arrangements he has entered into on our behalf. With regard to the steam postal communication, he has been most indefatigable in this matter, and notwithstanding the many and serious obstacles he has had to contend against, his earnest zeal has at length been crowned with complete success, and he has rendered a service to this province in particular which it is at present impossible rightly fo appreciate, and which no differences of political opinion should ever tempt us to forget. The contract is to the effect that for a consideration of £9000 per annum, the A. S.N. Company agree to run a suitable steamer monthly between Victoria and this pnrt: such steamer to leave Melbourne on the 10th, and Wellington on the 25th of every month. Of the subsidy, the Government of Victoria agrees to pay £6,000, and Wellington the remaining £3,000. The contract is to remain in force for a space of two years from the Ist of January next, but terminable at the option of either party on a notice of three IT"™ Timfc such asmbsidy is reasonable, and that Melbourne has acted generously towards us, I think admits of no cavilling, and'l do hope that nothing will prevent the full completion

of what must be in every way strikingly advantageous. When the N. Z. Steam Company have got their vessels into proper working order we shall then be placed (should the above arrangements continue in force) m regular and rapid 'inter-communication with the other colonies and with our sister provinces. Dr. Featherston was enthusiastically received on Ins landing, his debarkation was a complete ovation, and no man ever deserved it more at the hands of his constituents. On the 22nd instant the Pruth arrived from England after a pleasant passage of 112 days. She brings a full and general cargo, but having a quantity of gunpowder on board she was prevented'from embarking immigrants. Among her importations there is a prize Durham bull, heifer, and bull calf; an entire Dartmoor pony and mare ; a Shetland pony and foal; six prize Merino rams; one Yorkshire and three Leicester pigs. They come to Captain Carlyon, of the Hutt, and have been landed in splendid order and condition. Such an importation will doubt' lessly prove essentially valuable to the province, and T trust that the spirited proprietor will be amply remunerated. After a lengthened meeting, the Chamber of Commerce adopted a memorial to the Secretary of State for the Colonies (Sir K. B. Lytton, Bart.) with reference -to the " Customs Tariff, 1858," and a deputation was appointed to wait on Messrs. Stafford aud .Richmond, on their return from your port, respecting general and local postal arrangements. The proceedings are too Jong to publish in extenso ; I must therefore refer you to the local journals. The mail per Cheetah last week was the largest that has yet come to hand in this province; but notwithstanding it consisted of 21,000 letters and newspapers, it was received, sorted, and delivered (in addition to the overland mails which arrived simultaneously) on the same day, Too much praise cannot be awarded to Mr. Hoggard for his celerity in these matters, and his earnest and courteous attention.to public convenience. The mail that arrived last night will be delivered early to-day, and again on this occasion the overland mails as well;

The new judge, Mr.; Johnstone, is, I have been given to understand, somewhat disgusted with the arrangements for the sittings of the Supreme Court, and, pending any steps that the General Government may be inclined to take in this matter, leave has been granted for the nest sittings to be held in the Chamber of the Pro- " vincial Government Buildings designed for the use of the General Assembly. A new Court House is not only desirable but absolutely ne-.: cessary, if any consideration is due to the convenience and dignity of the judicial bench. From private sources from Ahuriri I learn that Captain Newman is about to come forward as a candidate for the Superintendency. Mr. Cooper has been again earnestly requested to allow himself to. be put in nomination but is still averse to it. Mr. Tiffen, however, seems to be the most likely person on whom the mantle of Superintendent will for the first time fall. I am afraid it will bring with it a more than ordinary share of trouble and anxiety. Who the new provincial councillors or officers of state are to be.l.have not learned, but I still hold to my opinion that, when the first blush cf independence has worn off, they will experience, and I fear somewhat bitterly, lhat to be " lord of one's self "is a " heritage of woe." In our political world matters are quiet, and I pray they may long continue so. The complete success, however, of Dr. Peatherston in the matter of steam above alluded to will doubtless to a certain extent disarm the bitterness of his political opponents. I have just seen a copy of your journal received per Mariquita, and by it I learn the result of the actions for libel (re "Varnham, Bowler, &c.)j viz., a verdict for the defendant,—-a verdict in %vhich (laying aside all private feeling) I entirely sympathise, as I believe any attempt to shackle the freedom of the press is in every way unwise, as weakening that most powerful of all restraint against the commission of wrong in a well regulated community, namely, the fearless and honest expression of public opinion. The result of the other trial is eagerly anticipated. Musical entertainments and other amusements seem to be generally patronised by the public, and are on the increase. The markets continue dull and prices range low. Wool has, however, I understand, risen 2d. a Ib. in the home markets, and this gives confidence to buyers.

The insecurity of life in Constantinople has lately been illustrated by the murder of M. Candibert, a French merchant, in the open day. His skull was fractured while transacting business in his warehonse.