NEW PLYMOUTH.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XIV, Issue 72, 5 December 1855, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH.

[JBOH OT7B OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

November 21, 1855.

We have nothing new since my laat letter. There is plenty of talk among the natives about coming battles, among themselves. There was every appearance of authenticity about a report that the Ngatiruanui were again on their way down, and that they meant mischief; but they had not left home a week ago. Their intentions are clouded in mystery. It is certain that nothing but the strong arm will prevent their doing mischief. . Then we have a rumour that the Ngati Maniopoto tribe from Mokau, which Mr. Turton invited down in August last, are coming to take up a permanent abode at Waitara, twelve miles north of us, and some are full of gloomy anticipations in consequence : but if the Mokaus are coming, it will be only for the assisting and maintaining their claim to the country in question by right of conquest, and that being done, to sell their possession -to Government. The two belligerent parties at Ninia and Kaipakopako have been exchanging, though at a safe distance, since the Governor's departure. Great chagrin and disappointment are exhibited by our loyal natives at the Governor's neglect of them. One fine fellow, Poharama by name, who has for years prided himself on his decent and respectable pakeha-like appearance, has taken to drinking, and has been .drunk sometimes since his Excellency left us. His excuse is, he is no longer desirous to maintain bis respectability: he sees no good in it. Our elections for the House of Bepresentatives have passed off very quietly. The members are all new to the house. But as regards the member for the Town and the one for the Grey Block, his Honour the Superintendent and the Provincial Solicitor, there is no mistake about them : if lam not mistaken, the latter.

C. W. Biohmond, Esq., will take a finfrate position in the house. The election for Omata terminated unfortunately. The late member, Mr. Crompton, was, in the first instance, disinclined to come forward again, urging the loss which it occasioned him, which he was unable to bear : his health, too, has been bad, which has prevented his getting about and explaining his sentiments to the constituency. A new and untried man came forward and offered himself; and, in the belief that he was the only candidate, many electors promised him their support. The friends of Mr. Crompton and the province urged him to come I forward again, so that the members for the province might be united on all the great and important queaj tions that would come before the house. But he was late in the field. Many would have supported him had they not previously promised their votes, believing that he was not coming forward ; and so the old and tried man is rejected by a majority of six in favour of a new and untried, and to Bay the least a doubtful, member. The winning candidate boasts he has obtained a victory over " provincial despotism." There will be a goodly number of Superintendent* in the next Assembly, and it is I think important that it should be so. I shall be sorry to hear that the Nelson folks have returned Mr. Mackay, after their experience of his anti-popular doings in the first Assembly. The weather with us has been very stormy : rain and wind have visited us almost without intermission for the last few weeks. The masters of ships have found it very trying for them in this open roadstead. One of them was swearing away at the place in fine style a day or two ago, as though that would mend the matter ! But it is undoubtedly vexatious to get up your anchor and run out to sea, not for shelter but for safety, ume two or three times, before you can get your business done and get away. The Taranaki had a week of it almost directly after she arrived. On getting back to her anchorage, she could only remain 36 hours, when she was obliged to up anchor and off again in a hurry, and she has I see only returned this morning. It may be better for us when we can get some moorings laid down, and a pier carried out over the shallows ; but these improvements will cost more money than our poor province can possibly raise for some time to come, and these are not the days for large grants by the General Assembly for purpose* of this kind.