THE Marlborough Express. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1868. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 147, 5 December 1868, Page 2

THE Marlborough Express.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1868. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH

“ Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to rrgua freely according to conscience, above all other liberties.” —Milton.

( (From our Own Correspondent.) Great Meeting at Wellington last night. Speaker’s casting vote cost £300,000. Removal of troops from Wanganui Governor reported to have asked to be . Recalled. More Ministerial jobbery. Arrival of 151 Natives from the Chatham IslandsA monster meeting was held last night, to consider the state of Native affairs. His Honor Dr. Featherstone took the chair, and spoke against the self-reliance scheme. He said he had recently urged the Governor to spud for the troops from Australia, but although Sir George Bowen replied that while he thought such a course advisable, he could only act under the advice of Ministers. His Honor considered 6,000

Imperial troops could be kept here cheaper than 2,000 Colonial. Resolutions to the following effect were agreed to:—1. The people of Wellington hereby testify their heartfelt symyathy with their fellow-colo-nists on the . East and West Coasts in their troubles. 2. That the grateful thanks of this meeting is given to Donald McLean, Esq., and the Friendlies serving under him for their services already rendered in protecting the East Coast. Mr. Borlase, who pioposed this, said the casting vote of the Speaker upon Mr. McLean’s motion on Native Affairs, after the eight nights’ debate had cost the Colony £300,000.

The highest tribute of praise was paid to M’Lean by all the speakers. The third resolution was not carried, as follows :—That in the present emergency, the Colonial forces are inadequate to cope with it, and this meeting is of opinion that assistance should be obtained from Australia, and requested from the neighboring Governors. An amendment in favor of Self-Reliance was declared to be carried on a close show of hands, when really no majority could be detected. The meeting although determined in tone, was not political, and yet a strong feeling was expressed against the Ministerial Policy. Colonel Whitmore in the Sturt called in at Castle Point yesterday. Frazer with the main body of the troops follows in the Ladybird. Whitmore reports that he left to defend Wanganui district, 250 constables, 180 militiamen, and 50 cavalry volunteeas. The Advertiser authoritatively denies the statement of the Chronicle, that Governor Bowen has written home for his recall on account of being afraid to face the difficulties.

The Post accuses the Advertiser of obtaining the English telegrams by Suez, free gratis, first, so as to be able to publish Extras sooner. The Advertiser does not deny this Government favor*. Another instance of rotten jobbery.

The barque Collingwood has arrived at Taranaki with 151 natives, unarmed, from the Chatham Islands.

Many settlers are coming in from Manawatu to Wanganui and Wellington.