WELLINGTON.

Southland Times, Issue 720, 6 September 1867, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

(FROM OTJB OWN COBBESPONDENT.) August 9th. ..^ After innumerable arguments ; and : most lengthy and bitter di|clissions, the second reading of the " Local Grovernment Bill" was negatived"; on a division by 37 to 26. Some of the, ablest speeches "made this session were de- . livered during the debate, and last night Mr Stafford really surpassed himself. The passing of the Bill never was con-; templated, . and had it perchance been; allowed to have its readings in the 1 Lower House; it would certainly have: been set aside by the Legislative Council.; A rather violent attack was made yesterday evening by the Premier against the! member for the Mataura, Mr DillonBell, Mr Stafford very justly taunting the hon member with a very sudden change of opinion since he, Mr Bell, made that celebrated speech in 1863, in which lie almost advocated the policy of centralism now pursued by the present Ministry, and against which, he has now worked with might and main. Some personal matter was introduced in the debate, and reference was made by Mr Stafford to Mr Bell's two classes of constituents — the monied men at home whom he represented, and his friends the colonists down South. To the surprise of many, Mr Wood, one of your members, hitherto a strong supporter of measures tending "to centralise the Government of the colony, at the last moment turned tail, and under certain pressure, doubtlessly, voted with the ultra- Pro vineialists. The " M anicipal Corporati ons Bill" — the necessary adjunct of the measure defeated last night — will be withdrawn by Government, and, to the dismay of Messrs Yogel, Williamsorn and others, ministers are determined not to resign or to consider any questions, but those directly affecting Finance as Ministerial questions. The member for Port Chalmers, Mr Main, has of late made a leather sorry exhibition of himself by talking on all subjects, and exhibiting considerable want of real knowledge on points at issue. He was thought at first one of the main stays of the Otago party, but has most miserably deceived general expectations. It is almost impossible to correctly guess at the future action of either Government or Opposition. The Provincialists are naturally sanguine, and will have a thorough exposition of the financial position and future intentions of the Government laid before them, before a single vote be allowed for the current year. Colonel Haultain has tabled a motion to the effect that a colonial constabulary force should, without delay, be established, and the probable sum required for such vote will lead to some warm discussion. The Government has already granted to the House the right of entertaining practical views with reference to the Native question being entirely handed over to, and managed by the provinces ; unless some definite and immediate arrangement be made, and some law enacted, giviug full powers to each individual Executive Council, to deal with the Native element located within the boundaries of their own province, the motion as to the formation of a Colonial Police or Constabulary Force, must necessarily become useless. The fact of Ministers taking action in the matter of the management of the Natives, before the Committee appointed by the House has reported on the feasibility of the proposed scheme, has given the alarm to some of the Middle Island men, and they will probably be more careful in dealing with any question in which finance will be introduced. Mr Fitzherbert's financial statement is expected in a day or two, and will probably be the last spoke placed in the Government wheel. : ~W T e have had dreadful weather here during the last few days. One of the severest gales ever felt in Wellington has been followed by a continuation of light winds. Wellington, this year, keeps up its reputation, for some of the " oldest inhabitants" positively state thit this has been the severest winter felt for a considerable number of years. A few days ago a small schooner was found broken up on the rocks at the entrance to the bay, and three dead bodies picked up. She was named the " Cordelia" and bound from Lyttelton to Auckland with grain. The " Kakaia" left yesterday for Panama. She had not many passengers, only thirteen having shipped in her at Sydney. A girl named Maria Baker ha 3 been committed for trial on a charge of murdering her child, and an eldery woman named Lockyer was also committed for trial as an accessory. Business in Wellington and throughout th c Province generally is very dull, and the news received here a few days ago of the discovery of a goldfield within a few hours sail of Auckland, has led to many expectations in case the first news of th c rush which we have received, and which proved of a rather prepossessing character; should be followed by official or other accounts of further success having been met with by those already located there. The goldfield has been proclaimed, and is named " Kaueranga."