BE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 130, 15 August 1868, Page 3

BE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

“EXPRESS ” TELEGRAMS. WELLINGTON. (From our Own Correspondent.) Close of the great Debate—Majority for the Government! Another Eight with the Chatham Island Prisoners. —2 Officers Killed and 7 Wounded! Accession of Native Forces for Patea! Return of the s.s. Stormbird from the Ciathams— One of the Guards Tomahawked!. Friday, August 14th, 8-20 p.m. The Debate on Mr. Fox’s motion closed on Wednesday evening, after a brilliant speech from Fox, lasting over two hours. TJpon the division being taken, the numbers were found to be, for Fox’s resolution 31 ; Against, 40. Government majority, 9. Two of the Native Representatives did not vote j O’Neill and Fitzherbert absent, with the Speaker, made 76, being the whole house. The Opposition are in capital spirits. Telegrams from Napier state that Colonel Whitmore attacked the escaped native prisoners from the Chatham Islands, and drove them from their position. At sunset, he drew off, and the natives then retreated towards Taupo. Captain Carr and Mr. Canning were killed and seven others wounded. Colonel Whitmore and forces are returning to Napier. Two Hundred Wanganui Natives have offered their services to aid the Patea forces which have been accepted, and they will be ready to start next week. The Storm Bird has returned from the Chathams. They found that one of the guards had been tomahawked while resisto ing the escape of the rebels. The Custom-house has been plundered of £6OO.