INTERPROVINCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 299, 18 December 1877, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

[press agenct.] Wellington, Monday. It is understood that Ministers hare advised his Excellency that they do not propose that New Zealand shall be represented at the Paris Exhibition. It is probable that, from and after the Ist of January next, the following changes will be made in the Police and Armed Constabulary : — The latter is to be a purely military body, under command of Colonel Lyon, whose headquarters will be in the Waikato district. The Police of both Islands will revert to their purely civil fuuctions, under Commissioner Sherman for the North, and Commissioner Weldon for the Middle Island. Colonel Moule will probably retire. Napier, Monday. Sir George Grey and Mr Saeehan met the Hawke's Bay natives at Waiohoki on Saturday. The meeting was very large. All the principal chiefs were present, and made speeches of welcome. Sir George Grey, in replying, said that when he came here nine years ago to ask the natives to sell land to settle Europeans upon, he told them it would be for their benefit : they would secure protection from their enemies, and put an end to wars amongst their tribes 5 they would get carts, horses, ploughs, etc. ; abo, schools, doctors, and so on. It would marry them to the European race, and make one family, living together, and in spite of occasional dissension, this was better than living apart. He George) now found all these anticipations realised. Year by year they would find their condition growing better and better. It had now again become his duty to propose laws for the good of the two races. He would not forget that the natives had years ago done what he asked them, and they had now therefore claims on his consideration. They must remember, however, that those who had charge of a family could not do everything for one child. One child might ask everything for himself, but those in charge must do what they could for the good of all ; still, when a child comes to the head of a family, and wants to tell something, and asks foa something, it shonld be listened to, though the request cannot be granted. They might depend on it, their complaints would always be listened to by the Government, who would do the best far them. It would be the duty of the natives to aid the Government in doing the best for all New Zealand, Europeans and natives alike. What strengthened any Government was the wealth and number of its children ; then, as told in Scripture, they were really strong, and not afraid to speak with their enemies in the gate of their pah. — The speech was received with three hearty cheers. A chief remarked that the natives had collected for the Indian famine, and thus acted in accordance with Sir Geo. Grey's wishes for unity between the races. Auckland, Monday. Mr Conelly, artist, whose sketches and luggage were seized by the Hauhaus, is painting at Taupo, whilst awaiting the restoraiion of his goods. He ascended Tongariro mountain alone, and explored the summit. Most of the chiefs are anxious to retnrn his luggage, but one obstinate savage holds out. The natives will consider the case at the forthcoming meeting. It is believed the reason the natives robbed him is that Tongariro is tapu. A telegram from Sir George Grey reports that he and Mr Sheeb.au reached Kawau to-day. The Customs to-day seized some gunpowder which was being shipped by Morriu and Co., their employee having shipped more than the maximum quantity by mistake. The cricket match between Auckland and the Thames was won by the former with 15 wickets to spare. Mr Staines called a meeting of working men on Sunday afternoon in the Domain to denounce what he regarded as an attempt to confine the reception of Sir George Grey to a class, shutting out working men. Only about twenty working men attended. The body of a young woman was found on Shelly Beach, lying below high water mark, evidently left by the receding tide. There were only a few contusions on the forehead, caused by contact with the rocks. The inquest to-day revealed no explanation of tbe cause of death, and the only supposition i 9 that the girl fell over the cliffs. Wangandt, Monday. The schooner Collen Bawn was successfully floated p<E the Spit this morning. The vessel is uninjured. CnsrsxciiijßCii, Tuesday. The anniversary proceedings yesterday were most successful. The weather was fine, and the athletic sports were attended by 1000 people. There were numerous entries for all eventg, and most of the contests were very good. In tfre two mile walking handicap, Fraser won 5 he had 45 yards start. Bowley-j the champion, who started at scratch, failed te obtain a place, but finished a good fourth, an<i received a special prize. Time, Hniins 34£secs. There was a torch-light procession and a grand display of fireworks in the evening, which was witnessed bj 15,000 people. Dcjnedin, Tuesday. Somei-vill^ and Yarley, the evangelists, are to aarive at Auckland in January, and will visit Christchurcb $,ud Dunedin. A private offer of £10,$QQ has been refused for the Times freehold. A fire has occurred at Messrs Guthrie and Larnach's hardware store, where a large quantity of kerosene and sixteen kegs of pwderandojfcherjnflaminablematterwaskept. The powder was not got out Wqw the last keg was on fire. The origin js unknown^ The building and stock are insured in the Victoria for £3600. The damage done is about £10,000. The Council of the Otago Art Society have instituted an art union upon a similar principle to that held in London. Mr R. Oliver has announced himself as a candidate for the vacant seat on the Board of Directors of the Colonial Bauk mceJMr J. Eeed, who retires.

Dcnstan, Tuesday. The people are getting up a large testimonial to Mr Vincent Fyke, M.H.R., for services rendered during the session.