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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 269, 13 November 1874, Page 2

Mr and Mrs Hoakins (Miss Colville) ore understood to have left New York on their return to New Zealand, ia accordance with (he intention they announced before leaving Wellington The ruffian Fi'zgeratd, who lately was convicted at Wanganui of an assault on a little girl only five years of age, received his 36 lashes thia morning. Unlike most previous floggings in New Zealand, tbis one proved the reverse of a farce, a practical band having been seaured aa fiagellator. A military "cat" was forwarded expressly from Wellington, and at five o'clock tbis morning Fitzgerald waa tied up fo the triangles, and his appointed three dozen lashes were '• well laid on " by the experienced operator, who drew blood at once, and in the words of the telegram, "cot him fearfully," blood flowing fearfully during the whole punishment, which was so severe tbat Fitzgerald is now confined to his bed from tbe effects This is as it should be, and we sincerely hope that all such scoundrels will receive similar chastisement.—Post, The newly-elected Olago M.P.C. for Queenstown —Mr 11. Menders —is stated to have thus declared himself upon the question of the day: —" Upon the most important, principle now at t£*ke — the abolition of provincial institutions —l have never concealed from you my fixed opinion thatyffieir gradual abolition, and the substitution for them of local self-government, would be a boon to the country. I bold that toew still, and think that (he present Council might do a good service in makiog ready ihe path for a reform in tbis direction. To abolish Proviacialism by a revolutionary policy, by one fell swoop, would only leave rankling aores behind. Examples warn us to avoid such policies. At the same time I do not think that these institutions should be allowed to protract their existence. They should commence to reform themselves at once, and exist more as a great company winding-up its affairs does —in liquidation. I think that in three years' time a system of government more suited to the changing circumstances of fhe united provinces might be peacefully ) and successfully iraugurated." / The Post suggests that, as Sir James Ferguason has expressed a desire fb do all in his power to promote | the welfare of the colony, he should, on his return home, exercise his influence among tbe small tenant farmers to induce them to emigrate to New Zealund, as he will be able to tell them of the advantages which tho colony offers to men of saving and industrious habits, who have a little capital to start/ witb, and they will believe his testimony/ when the words of the most eloquent emigration agent would scarcely be i listened to.