The Southland Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1870. SUMMARY FOR EUROPE AND AMERICA.

Southland Times, Issue 1300, 29 August 1870, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1870. SUMMARY FOR EUROPE AND AMERICA.

At the departure of last mail, the legislature of New Zealand was in the middle of a most important session. We then noticed the leading measures being discussed, and during the month since elapsed, several of these have passed both Houses, and now await being put into operation. Contrary to general anticipations prior to the meeting ot ' the Assembly, the Fox Ministry have not only retained their seats, but have greatly strengthened their position, and are almost sure to be returned to office at the ensuing general election. Indeed, I although their political proposals for the advancement of the colony were met at first with shouts of ridcule and unmeasured condemnation by a number of influential _members»_it is jiow admitted tnatfoiTnd former occasion has 3 Q-ovem-ment so completely succeeded in carrying its Bchemes. The Bill for raising several millions on loan for public works and immigration, has passed with strong support, and with a general assent that the men who have successfully inaugurated schemes so comprehensive and intricate, should be allowed to accomplish their fulfilment. Between the leading parties in the State, a better feeling seems to prevail, and it would not surprise any, should the leaders coalesce} and in the next House sit on the same benches. The Bill for the union of Otago and Southland passed its third reading in the Upper House on the 10th inst., and may now be declared into effect at any moment by His Excellency. It is not likely, however, that we will be " snuffed out" for a few weeks longer. The session shows symptoms of dissolution ; some bonr members have already left "Wellington, and the proclamation which will begin the work of the annihilation of the provinces "will not likely make its appearance until some days after the House has dispersed. In the Council, a few friends of the province — Dr Menzies, Mr Mantel!, Mr "Nurse, &c. — stood unflinchingly to their colors — independence; but the -weight against them was overwhelming, and the Bill passed without a division. In a recent issue we gave the main features of the Bill as brought down, and these have suffered little alteration in its ' progress through either chamber. The chief amendment consists of a clause added, providing for the public service of Southland during the term from 30th June last — the expiration of the last Southland Appropriation Ordinance — until the first meeting of the united Council, on the same scale as was provided by the said Ordinance. Tn tfrft T.^alohVo 1 i/wu uweutrmenca were introduced, one in clause 11 for the purpose of securing local representation a little more effectually than the clause seemed originally to provide ; and the second, for more clearly defining the limits of the territory to be hereafter connected with Invercargill as its centre. This union having been happily consummated, it would appear as if annexation had become infectious, for already another portion of the colony has expressed its desire to merge itself into other divisions. Our telegraphic summary of Northern news contains information to the effect that overtures had been made to Mr Macandeew, by the Secretary of the Hokitika Annexation League, desiring that Westland should be united to Otago. This sudden impulse must take many by surprise. Those who have supported the re-union of this Province to Otago on the plea of the gradual absorption of the provinces of the Middle Island under one government, must have been highly gratified at the course which events were taking towards the speedy consummation of their desires, while those who believe in the advisability of adhering to the present system of managing the affairs of the colony, must have wondered how the people of the West Coast had so suddenly arrived at the conclusion that it would be more conducive to their interests to place themselves under the control of what is shortly to become our own governing power. It is necessary, therefore, to explain that for some time past a movement has been on foot, having for itg object the annexation of that-port-of the county- of "Westland which lies to -the north of the Teremakau river, to the ] province of Nelson. It is well known that for & long time past a feeling of jealousy has existed between the chief towns of the county — Hokitika and Greymouth — and we believe we are ' correct in stating that the workings of the green-eyed monster have culminated in the wish of the latter to be freed from all connection with the former, and an organisation has been at work lor several months past, for the purpose of rousing a feeling in the inhabitants of the district in favor of joining the neighboring province of Nelson. The people of Hokitika, fearing that the predilections of the present Ministry would cause them to favor the project, have bestirred themselves to action, and, as a counter agitation it has been resolved to adopt the course stated in our telegram. In confirmation of this view, it is only necessary to add that no effort is being spared to prevent the dismemberment of the county. To this explanation, however, it is but just to add, that what has been begun half in joke, and for a very different purpose, may possibly result in splitting up the county, and increasing the superficial area of Otago by about half of the original territory of Canterbury— Westland having formerly been a portion of that province.

War topics were revived a little at the beginning of the month, by the appearance of Te Kooti, with a small following — a score, or so— at Tologa Bay. A collision between him and some friendlies ensued, in which he got the worst of it, but he managed again to escape. Eopata, the fighting chief of Hawke's Bay, with 170 braves, has taken up the pursuit, and sworn not to return without Te Kooti, dead or alive. In our own locality, events progress quietly. The Winton line is now really all but completed, and will soon be open. The flax mills in the province are also showing signs of renewed activity; several are again at work, after a rest of some months, and others are making preparations to resume operations with the advent of summer. Two associations have recently been mooted — in one case the prospectus has been issued — for the , encouragement and development of local industries. One, a farmers' society, to secure by co-operative principles, mutual benefits for themselves ; the other, raors recently suggested, a company for ropespinning, and other flax- utilising purposes. The chief social events of the ma nth hare been; ploughing-match dinners and soirees, this being the season of the year for those meetings. The particulars of the several affairs will be found slsewhere.