Telgraphic Despatches.

Southland Times, Issue 1033, 5 October 1868, Page 2

Telgraphic Despatches.

"We take the following telegram from the'prily Times, 1 30 th Sept:— WELLINGTON. September 29th. All the houses and whares north of Manawapu (i.e. in the whole district just abandoned) have been burned. The Patea correspondent of the ' "Wanganui Times' writes : — \ " When His Maori Majesty heard of Tito Kpwaru's recent successin the Patea district, he dreamed and saw visions. On arising from his slumbers, he announced to those around that he had received a message from the Maori god, highly approving of the conduct of Tito Kowaru, and ordering the King to call upon all the Hauhaus throughout New Zealand to rise in October next, and exterminate the Pakehas. The kine has accordingly addressed a kind of edict to every Haiihau chief throughout the Island to rise in October and make war upoD the Europeans. We are told that the Government are in possession of one of these circulars." Whether_ojtnpt_thiftitLonly aJiew ver-: sion of the story we heard months ago it is not known. It is expected that Colonel Haul tail will give some information when the House meets. After business had commenced, Mr Fox asked what course the Ministry intended pursuing after being unmistake* ably defeated, according to recognised Parliamentry practice. He thought only two courses were op.eri — -viz., 'either, to tender their resignation, which, under the circumstances, was the more becoming one, or to advise a dissolution. Mr Stafford replied that, after Eriday's division, the Government had gravely considered its position, and. had come to a conclusion. They then called their supporters together, and acquainted them with that conclusion, on which a resolution was passed unanimously, urgently requesting the Ministry to continue the Q-overnment of the country. This request the Ministry had the more readily acceded to, because the Opposition, not being in a majority, they would otherwise be handing over the Government to a party less strong than themselves. It was a common thing for Ministers at home to go in with a minority, and to keep in with a minority. This had happened in the first Pitt's time, and more recently in the cases of Lord Derby and of Mr Disraeli, who was now refusing to say whether he would or would not dissolve Parliament before the legal period under the new Reform Act arrived. The Stafford Ministry, with a slight majority, were prepared to remain in office, and meet abuse for so doing ; in fact, the abuse they had previously received had partially induced the Govern-, ment to remain in office, for he (Mr Stafford) was apt, when dared not to do a thing, to do it. Mr Eox again rose, saying that Mr Stafford had merely said that the Ministry were going to remain in office ; but not what they intended doing in it whether it was intended, for instance, to continue the financial measures, or to re-model them. The Constitutionalists were not prepared for factious opposition ; but could not decide how to act until they knew the intentions of the Government. ...... r . Mr Stafford said the Ministry would not be justified in continuing the Session much longer, and did not propose fighting any more battles as to their policy.. They intended to let the principles, of their policy drift into the public mind, and would., confine Jihe_att©nti_on._ of the House to practical measures, not open to great dispute like those relating to organic changes. The Amendment of the Law ! and Supply would include almost aIL. The Eoads Board Bill having been reported on by a Select Cominittea; would begone on with. Of course what he had stated about organic changes referred also to financial measures. ( ■ ; .The -House then went on with the order of the day, without obtaining any definite information as to the Ministerial intention to dissolve at the close of the. Session.-