WELLINGTON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 251, 21 October 1881, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

LFrom our own Correspondent. J

Thursday night. According to the arrangements telegraphed by me last night, Mr Bryce started at four this morning for the West Coast overland by coach, taking with him the Proclamation and all the needful powers to act, Mr Rolleston follows and will co-operate with Mr Bryce on the Coast. I am in a position to state that for some time past Mr Rolleston has been acting in entire concert with Mr Bryce, who warmly approves of the steps taken and will follow in the same course excepting that as events develope themselves it will necessarily be modified accordingly. Means will be found of communicating to Te Whiti the contents and purport of the Proclamation in a clear and unmistakable way, and upon his subseque nt action the result must necessarily depend. I telegraphed last night that the Government had ordered the Constabulary to protect the settlers near Cape Egmont from any renewed interference on the part cf the Maoris, but up to the time I am writing this no intimation of any fresh attempt has been received. The sudden and unexpected return of Sir Arthur Gordon during the night created a profound sensation here today, the prevalent opinion being that he had come just a day too late to carry out his purpose. It appears certain that he received an urgent account from somebody of the events pending in regard to native" matters, and hurried back with all possible speed. Persons on board the Emerald say the men were out on leave at Fiji, but were suddenly called in and orders were given to get th« ship ready for sea with the utmost expedition, and then to push on to Wellington as fast as the engines would drive her. Indeed, such wns the eagerness displayed to reach this port that the general impression on board the Emerald was that a terrible war had broken out in New Zealand, and that the Europeans were in imminent danger. Sir Arthur landed at 9 a.m, and I hear a meeting of the Executive Council wag hurriedly convened for 11 a.m, the result of which has not transpired. It was instantly followed by a long meeting of the Cabinet regarding which strict reticence is observed It is currently reported, however, that Sir Arthur Gordon is exceedingly wrath at the steps taken, and that his relations with Ministers are greatly " strained " in consequence. It is generally believed that the object of his precipitate return was to prevent anything of the kind, in accordance with his weil known predilection for the aboriginal races. The Government however seem fully determined to press on their policy, and the sympathy of the public here unquestionably is unanimously with them. Eve» some of their bitterest opponents have expressed to me their cordial approval and hearty support of this last proceeding on the part of the Government. There is an absolate consensus of opinion that the Government have adopted a thoroughly right and

proper course in taking tip tbe resolut* and unflinching attitude now assumed j and that forbearance has been carried to the utmost limit. There will be no difficulty in obtaining any number of valuable recruits for the AC. Many of the men who resigned or were discharged, for reasons of retrenchment have been applying to-day for re-admission, and it is , found that a^fery short drilling in the Wellington barracss soon renders even the new recruits very efficient. Both Constabulary and Volunteers are in high spirits at the prospect of some real work, and there is no doubt that, should the unnecessityainhappily arise for severe measures, the appeal of the Government; will be responded to by the country with the utmost enthusiasm. Pecple here and on the West Coast, at any rate, are not in the mood to tolerate undae interference with the action of the Ministers. I venture a, word pf caution to your, readers against being misled by imaginative and sensational reports which are Bure to find currency on the Bubject;

This Day 3 10 p.m. Serious differences between Ministers and the Governor »c Native affairs are still rumored. A very long Executive meeting at GoverDtaen Hohbo to-day was followed by a protracted sitting in Cabinet. .The result has not transpired. Mr Bryce'a appointment is net notiied in to-day ? 8 Gazettt, but I hear it will appear in a Gazette Extraordinary to-night. Mr Bryce is at Wanganui today, and will be at Opunake tOrmorrow. There is nothing fresh re Native affairs on the West Coast, but Major Mui* telegraphs that Tawhaiao (Maori &n^) at an interview with him expressed much interest in railway construction and he; hoped Alexandra could be made a starting point for the extension of the railway southward instead of Te Awamutu. This Ts a great stop in advance on the part of the RiDg natives. The Hinemoa takes another detachment of AC 's to Oppnake. to-night. The 'Government have received telegrams from all parts of the colony warmly approving the proclamation and tbe reappointment of Mr Bryco.