GENERAL AND PROVINCIAL.

Southland Times, 23 December 1868, Page 4

GENERAL AND PROVINCIAL.

The General Government is still -msily engaged in endeavoring to supiresß the nacive rebellion. Since our ast, the "Wellington Militia has been sailed out for drill purposes, and up to he present their numbers exceed 1200. The nilitia lias also been called out for active ■

___________■___>_■_____■■■__—■■ — _ _* service in the disturbed districts, and the Armed Constabulary will be increased to 1500 men, armed with the Snider rifle. The general impression appears to be that the services of the Imperial troops should be called into requisition, but the Stafford Ministry are said to be opposed to this, and there is a rumor to the effect that a disagreement on this subject has taken place between the Governor and the Ministry, which will result in a dissolution and resignation of the Executive. Meantime engagements continue to take place between the Maories and the colonial forces, and a feeling of general insecurity prevails. The colonial forces have , been defeated on several occasions, and the rebels have advanced to within a ! short distance of the town of Wanganui. More recent advices, however, would warrant the belief that the worst of the war is over, aud it only requires a vigorous native policy on the part of the G-o---vernment to stamp out the rebellion. In Provincial politics nothing has occurred worthy of note. "We believe the railway is to be proceeded with without delay.