TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCHES.

Southland Times, Issue 576, 10 October 1866, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCHES.

WELLINGTON. STATE OE POLITICS. (Feom Otjb Special Correspondent.) October 9th. In the House of Representatives, Mr Whitaker moved that "in the opinion of this house, it is desirable that the next session of the General Assembly should be held at Christchurch, Canterbury." A very warm discussion ensued on this motion, and the greatest consternation existed in Wellington. All the Wellington party rallied round Stafford, but without avail. Tour late Superintendent, Dr Menzies, sided with the Featherston - Wellington party, and spoke against the seat of Government being removed. One of the Otago members, Mr Yogel, strongly urged the importance of the measure being passed, whereupon Colonel Haultain and Major Eichardson denounced the contemplated removal as most disastrous to the North Island, and to the Colony. Amidst a scene of confusion seldom witnessed, a division ensued, when there appeared the following — For removal of Seat of Assembly to Christchurch 27 Against removal 26 Majority in favor of removal 1 Dr Menzies, having consulted with the Wellington party, moved the next day in his place in the Council, the following counter resolution : — " That in the opinion of the Council, it is inexpedient that any other place but Wellington should be fixed upon as the seat of the Government." There was not very much discussion on this resolution, as all apparently had made up their minds upon the subject, and the members are all nominees of the Crown. Mr Richmond seconded the resolution, in a very clearandlucid speech, which being put, the motion was carried. Immediately : afterwards, Mr Mantel gave notice of his intention to ask " what action the Government purposed taking, regarding the holding of the next Sesssion of the Assembly at Christchurch, in pursuance of the resolutoin of the other House." There was only an . evasive answer elicited, binding the Government to nothing. The House was prorogued on

the Bth instant, until the 29th of December. I have been informed on the best authority that they (the Government) will hold the next Session at Wellington, and that they can set aside the resolution passed. His Excellency the Governor, Sir George Grey, has been advised by ministers to visit the Middle Island, and he has just consented. Tour goldfield has been declared. ;