WELLINGTON.

Southland Times, Issue 997, 3 August 1868, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) ; MOST IMPORTANT INTELLIGENCE. QUR FORCES DEFEATED BY THE HAU-HAUS. THE FRIENDLY NATIVES BETRAY US. SEVERAL LIVES. LOST. THE NATIVES CAPTURE OUR MUNITIONS OF WAR, AND 80 HORSES. INJENSE EXCITEMENT PREVAILS VOLUNTEERS CALLED OUT. TROOPS ADVANCING TO THE FRONT. NATIVES MUSTER IN NUMBERS. ALL THE REBELS WELL L JLT*-**™* ■- REBEL FORCE INCLUDES ESCAPED PRISONERS FROM THE CHATHAM ISLANDS. LATEST NEWS FROM THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. ■Wellington, Thursday, July 30, 10.15 a.m. A very long discussion [took place in the House of Representatives yesterday, on the question of the Eoad Boards Bill. The majority of the members of the House spoke in favor of the measure. Mr Stafford, the Premier, made a telling speech, in which he took occasion to congratulate the House and the country on its general acceptance of the measure. The 'hon. member also made the announcement that the General Government would henceforward feel bound to legislate for any part of the colony of New Zealand. This is the first time such an announcement has been made. The Bill was read a second time, and was referred to a Committee of twelve members of the House. To-night (Thursday,) Mr Fox will bring a motion to the effect that " the House should not proceed with any further business until the Government explained its policy." A grand battle may therefore shortly be expected. The Colonial party are at present in the ascendant. Their organisation is considered admirable. . The Provincialists are concentrating their forces.