THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out faciam." DUNEDIN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 294, 28 November 1862, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out faciam." DUNEDIN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28.

In the Provincial Council yester Jay raes-agcsweie received from his Honor the Superintendent relative to the West Coast expedition, the Tarauaki settlers and the erealion of a Lunatic Asylum. Mr Walkeh maved a.reply to the address echoing the sentiments and opinions expressed by his Hono»". The rtply was seconded by Mr Martin, and unanimously agreed to.

The PitovixerAL Secretary moved that the Council approve of the expedition to the West Coast, and request his Honor to take the necessary measures for carrying it into effect. Agree! to. The Provincial Secretary moved that the Couuocil deeply sympathising with the Taranaki settlers, would Le prepared to carry out disarrangement set forth in his Honor's message, as to passage"money and payment for land. Seconded by Mr Reynolds. Mr H.ardy enquired whether any estimate had been made of the probable total cost of such a plan, and counselled caution.

Mr Walker, as an amendment;, moved the postponement of the subject until the Estimates should ba on the table. He should like to know the difference between the value nf the land, and the upset price at which it was to bs made over to the settlers.

The Provincial Solicitor thought that the people of this Province could well aftord to deal liberally with their brethren at Taranaki.

Mr Oar gill suggested that only sufficient lime for explanation should be allowed.

The Provincial Secretary would not oppose tne r.mendinent, lv.it he had expected that the proposal would have received the hearty assent of the Council. He hoped hon. members would display an equal amount of caution in dealing with roads in particular districts. It must be horiie in mind that this proposal was to introduce thoroughly colonised New Zealand settlers at the rate of £6 pe:1 head—a less rate than was paid for immigrants front England. A sum of L1.090, voted for Taranaki- hud never been p:iid, so that the Province was in a manner a debtor to that amount.

The amen-iincnt postponing the consideration of the subject until Monday was carried. The Provincial Secretary moved that, hi.? Honor be requested to proceed at once with the erection of a. lunatic asylum. Tlie motion was agree 1 to.

The Provincial Secretary made a general statement of the policy of the Executive. The Criminals' Ordinance and the Pol'ce Regulation Ordinance were read a second time, and the Hou;e adjourned to 4 p.m. this day.

It is now rather more than twelve months since Sir George Grey for the second time assumed the Governorship of New Zealand Although the colony had no very grateful remembrance of his policy during his first tenure of office, yet the second advent of Sir George Grey was looked forward to with hope, if not with entire confidence. The colony had been disturbed by a war, as unsatisfactory in its results as it was possible for war to be where actual and positive defeat had not been experienced. A so-called peace had been assumed rather than signed, and this ill timed armistice left the Natives, who had taken up arms against the Queen's authority, in actual possession of the positions the war had been undertaken to secure. Further, the cessation of hostilities took place when the tide of events was taking for the fi rst time a positive turn in the favor of the Government. When a few months following up of these advantages might have, and most probably would have resulted in the submission of the belligerent tribes, the opportunity was thrown away, and the status quo ante helium virtually acceded to.

From whatever causes Colonel Gore Browne was induced to adopt this policy, it is difficult to believe that in so doing he acted either according to his own instincts or the opinions of his ministers. Other influences had been at work, unseen and insidious as they were, which, backed by the intimation of a probable change in the Imperial policy and the appointment of another Governor, no doubt had their influence in causing Governor Browne to stay the war and leave to his successor the task of restoring order where he had failed.

I When the intimation was first received in New Zealand of the appointment of Sir Geo. Grey to the government, the colonists of all classes and parties felt prettj' much as a sick man ft els, who, however skilfully he may be treated by his physician, if his recovery be but slow, anticipates with a feeling of relief the calling in of another of good reputatation. Besides it was considered, and considered with good reason, that under the peculiar circumstances of Sir George Grey's appointment, it evinced on the part of the Home Government an appreciation of the gravity of the occasion, and the necessity of putting an end to the unsatisfactory state of things then prevailing. For this purpose Sir George Gery was specially selected. He was recalled from the government of a colony where his policy had been eminently successful, and which he left amidst the regrets of its inhabitants.

In character, Sir George Grey differed materially from Colonel Gore Browne. While the latter was conciliatory to a degree which led td his being swayed alternately by opposite parties of politicians, whilst he was so very constitutional that he became the shuttle-cock of his ministers, Sir George Grey had no such weaknesses. He had the reputation of being apt to choose his own path and follow it, whether his ministers liked it or not. So far, then, the selection of Governor Grey was indicative of the desire of the Imperial Government to place the reins in the hands of a man who would either manage to drive the colony safe through its difficulties, or upset the vehicle altogether.

Sir George's arrival was welcomed by all classes. The "peace at any price party" were prepared to offer a cordial reception to any successor of Colonel Browne, whose antiSelwyn, and other heretical notions had somewhat disgusted them. The " vigorous pro- " secution of the war'* party hailed the arrival of a Governor, who was supposed to possess more determination than, and none of the

weaknesses of, hia predecessor. The moderate party, the sensible, thinking portion! of the community, who properly appreciated the the critical position of the colony, trusted that Sir George Grey would, when he became thoroughly acquainted with the real condition of affairs, enunciate a distinct and definite policy. They remembered how successful Sir George had been in restoring order in the Cape colony, and they were prepared even to acquiesce for a time in a suspension of the Constitution if such a proceeding would further the settlement of affairs. The effect produced on the minds of the Natives by the appointment of Sir George Grey, was of a character which would have been of infinite assistance in settling matters if it had been made proper use of. Sir George was popular to a degree with almost every tribe in the island, and the Natives themselves freely indulged the hope that his coming would put everything straight. The Kingites^ and the thieves and marauders of Taranaki, were content to hope that Sir George would overlook the past.

Under such circumstances Sir George Grey arrived in the colony, armed it was supposed with plenary powers, and the promise of further military assistance if necessary. He found a change of ministry, and was consoled to know that his Prime Minister was only Mr Fox—it might have been worse. Of the volnminous and elaborate •' memoranda " which emanated from the Ministry of that time, Ave do not desire to speak, nor is it our intention to comment upon the equally elaborate scheme of Sir George Grey himself for the Government of the Natives. What we have to do with just now is to see what Sir George Grey has accomplished since his arrival. Assuming office on the 3rd October, he set about making himself acquainted with the position of affairs. In this he was assiste d by copious and detailed reports from the officers of the Native Department, who from their various districts had sent up faithful account of the temper and condition of the Natives. These reports clearly showed that the greater part of the Native population was in an unsettled, excited state, and, in some districts, in actual rebellion against the Queen's authority. In others, it was evident the Maories were only waiting to see what policy the new governor would adopt, and so be guided as to the attitude they should assume. Under such circumstances, when the slightest sign of hesitation or weakness, or of determination, was being carefully watched by the Natives, the first tiling done was the of Colonel Browne's terms, which had been proffered to the Maories as the only basis upon which peace would be concluded. The terms were moderate enough, demanding the restitution of the stolen property of the Taranaki settlers, the giving up of the murderer?, and some small concessions on the part of the Waikatos. Governor Browne had said in June that these/terms should be insisted on, and the troops were preparing for a campaign, when in October Sir George Grey withdrew the ultimatum. Who can estimate the effect this step had on the minds of the Maories ? One can judge something of it from the fact that they have increased in disaffection and impudence ever since. In December the Governor goes a short way into the Waikato district to meet the chiefs and give them a bit of his mind. He talks very largely, tells them if they behave themselves all will be Avell—but if not—if they indulge in such pranks as stopping or plundering travellers, or do anything unpleasant at Taranaki, they must look out, for they would certainly suffer for it. His Excellency then leaves the Waikatos to digest his words, and sets off on a trip to the Bay of Islands, to introduce amongst the Ngapuhis u his new institutions." Here Sir George is amongst friendly, loyal natives, and his visit is a pleasant one ; the Maories agree to the new mode of government, and are rather delighted at the sugar and blankets with "which it is inaugurated. The " new institutions" are introduced as widely as possible amongst the Natives in every part of the North Island. Resident Magistrates and Native Assessors are appointed, and " runangas" are held. The Ministerial organs trumpet out the success of the scheme in a loud poean of rejoicing. The New Zealander can scarcely contain itself, and Mr. Fox sheds tears of joy. The Maoris are all being converted from the error of their ways; the Maori King is tumbling down, and everything will soon be "merry as a u marriage bell."

This was all very gratifying, had it been true, but unfortunately ominous r, ports from various parts of the Island revealed a rather different state of affairs. Mr. Fox himself, is snubbed, and treated contemptuously on his visit to the Waikato, and he is no more successful at Coromandel. Tales of outrage and disorder become rife, magistrates are insulted, and the Queen's writ becomes so much waste paper. The Maori King passes laws, stops roads, and publishes rebellious manifestos. The Natives round Taranaki take undisturbed possession of positions they were forbidden tointerfere with, and the whole country becomes demoralised, and in a state of chronic disorder. Old friends of Sir George Grey, amongst the Maoris, desert him, and forbid his progress .through the country. A large steamer is plundered, and her shipwrecked passengers submitted to extortion, and actual robbery. Maoris commit crimes, and laugh at pursuit ; the settlers grow disgjisted; there is no law, no order, and no protection. Such is the condition of the North Island after a year's government under Sir George Grey; its last state is worst than the first.

By the Aldinga, which arrived yesterday from Melbourne, we have. Victorian papers to November 22. The news is quite unimportant.

By the arrival of the Mary Anne from Auckland, we have files to November 15. The news is unimportant.

Owing to the pressure on our space, we are compelled to hold over several reports, besides a number of letters.

We notice the Aldinga is advertised to sail tomorrow (Saturday). The last harbor steamer will leave the Jetty at two p.m.

On Friday next a dinner will take place in the Oddfellows' Hall, to celebrate the annivereary or the Hand and Heart Lodge,

A meeting of the ratepayers of No, 4, or Leith Ward, will bp. held at the Albion HofcoJ Great King-street, this evening, at six o'clock* for the purpose of selecting candidates for the new Town Board.

The case of Pollykett and Another v. Child and Another, was the only one disposed of at the Supreme Court yesterday. The claim was for £250, as damages for an alleged breach of contract, in the defendants having failed to furnish a portion of the Exchange Hotel, as a restauran for plain tiift. One of the questions involved in the trial was, what is a restaurant ? or whether it is usual for such places to have sleeping accommodation or not. On this, as on other points, there was a diversity of opinion, but the jury after an hour's consideration, inclined to' the sleeping view of the case, by finding a verdict for the plaintiff; damages. £25. The first caso for to-day is Walker o. Dalv.

Last night two meetings of the electors in No 2 Ward were held for the purpose of nominating three gentlemen to represent them afr the Town Board. The first met at 7 o'clock, in Moir'a Hotel, Manse-street, where between 30 and 40 assembled. Having appointed a chairman, a desultory conversation followed, which ended in a motion to join the other meeting, called for at Martin's Hotel, at 8 o'clock, being proposed, seconded, and agreed to. After giving a vote of thanks to Mr Moir those present proceeded to Mr Martin's, and sharp at 8 o'clock it was proposed that Mr Lauglands take the' chair. A motion that those who got up the meeting in the place should nominate the chairman being negatived Mr Langlands took his seat, and after a "few remarks requested the meeting to propose candidates. The attendance had by this time considerably increased, and before the business .was over about 100 would be present. Eleven candidates were then proposed and seconded with leas or more commendation, and the Chairman was going to call a vote when the suggestion that each nominee should in turn address the meeting, was agreed to. This occupied a considerable time, and in the course of ifc two candidates were with drawn. . Answers to questions put afterwards, were generally satisfactory. Mr Switzer in particular having been nominated the previous evening for No 3 Ward, was asked which he would stand for, and he replied that it wad His intention to go to the poll for No 2. The following is the order in which the candidates were proposed and voted upon, with the show of hands for each :—- Mr Hardy, 16 ; Mr Jenkinson, 22 ; Mr John Barr, 17 ; Mr Hassell, 1 ; Mr Thomas Little, 3 ; Mr C. T. Ick, 9 ; Mr Mercer, 5 ; Mr Switzer, 22 • and Mr Sibbald, 22. A vote of thanks was awarded to the Chairman, and the meeting broke up.

The performance at the Theatre Royal this evening is for the benefit of Miss Ada Hart, and we trust this universal favorite will mect^vith that extensive encouragement which she un. doubtedly deserves. Whether as an actress or danmisc, Miss Hart has always evinced a painstaking desire to please the public, and her abilities in .cither capacity have never failed to be duly appreciated.

The performance at the Princess Theatre last evening, for the benefit of Madame Carandini, was very numerously attended. The entertainments commenced with Benedict's " Lily of Killarney," a musical adaptation of the "Colleen Bawn." Madame Carandini took the pui-t o Eily O'Connor, Miss Emma Neville that of Anne Chute. Mr Tom Faweett appeared as Father Tom, Mr Small as Myles na Coppaleen, and Mr Tom Fawcett'as Danny Mann. The rest of the characters tvere also well allotted. The opera passed off very well, the incidental songs being well rendered by the various artistes. After a dance by Miss Emily Wiseman, an allegorical tableau was presented, in which Madame Carandini appeared as Britannia, Miss E. Neville as Caledonia, Mr Sherwin as France, and Mr Small as Hibernia. The tableau presented Britannia standing on a dais, under the protecting folds of the British ensign, supported on the left byFrance and Caledonia ; Hibernia in the shape of a genuine sample of the " finest pisantry in the world1' being on the right, as also Miss St, Clair, who, we presume from her dress, represented the States. Other figures representing the Army and Navy, and a capital Yankee "make up" of Mr Hall, filled up the tableau, which was decidedly imposing. As Britannia, Madamo Carandini commenced by singing with impressive tone and action " Rule Britannia," followed by Mr Sherwin, who, as " France," sang with good effect the "Marseillaise Plymn." Miss Emma Neville sang her favorite song " Huntingtower,'' which she never rendered more delicately than she did last evening. Madame Carandini afterwards sang with plaintive sweetness and expression tho dear old melody " Home, sweet Home," which met with a rapturous encore. There was an unpleasant hitch when it came to "Hibernia's" part, and it appeared as if it was intended to leave " Ould Ireland" out altogether, for the company had already struck up the first notes of " God Save the Queen," when the house loudly called for Mr Small. For some time there was indescribable confusion, loud cries of " Small," being raised without any symptoms of that gentleman coming forward. At last, by dint of much persuasion from both Mudame Carandini and Miss Neville, Mr Small came forward and sang the " Irish Jaunting Car," and was loudly applauded. The National Anthem concluded the performance.

Already a considerable number of articles are promised for exhibition at the forthcoming exhibition of New Zealand products and manufactures in connection with the Bazaar in aid of the Building Fund of the Episcopal Church. We mention the following amongst the articles promised :—Sewing machines at work, Singers's, Thomas's, and Wheeler and Wilson's ; Bradford's washing, wringing, and mangling, carpet sweeping machine, French and English knife cleaners, apple parers, slices and covers, Archiraedianand rotary egg whisks, GrifSths's compound action agitators for. mixing fluids and liquids, Stephenson's breadniak'er, Kent's triturating strainer, meat cutter and sausage machine? s American cheese press and churns, Americau cow milker, dog power, porthole auger, wheel seed sower, root extractor, quavtz crusher, cra'dle and digger's appliances, paging machine, printing machine, and lithographic press at work, New Zealand leather and boots, New Zealand candlea and eoap, inlaid tables and wood carving of New Zealand woods, Maori canoe, articles of New Zealand gold, Caversharh stone and indurated do Moeraki sand, stuffed birds, wool, alpaca wool', moa bones, New Zealand woods, New Zealand coal, chrome, copper, malachite, gold, ironsand, fossils, and fossilwood. Besides the above numerous contributions are expected from the other Provinces. The committee will still be glad to receive promises of contributions,; and it may stimulate contributors if we state that after .the exhibition permission will be given to a limited extent for- the sale of the articles.

The Escort from the Gold Fields to arrive, today, will bring down the following quantities of gold:— oz. dwt. gr. Dunstan ...... 13,005 10 0 Tuapeka .. 4,824 10 0 Waitahuna 1,242 0 0 Teviot 37 13 0 19.109 13 0 Add Woolshed, say 500 0 0 19,609 13 0