WELLINGTON NOTES. Wellington, March 24. New Zealand and Samoa.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 95, 28 March 1885, Page 3

WELLINGTON NOTES. Wellington, March 24. New Zealand and Samoa.

Upon enquiry yesterday as to the truth or otherwise of the statement made by Reuter that New Zealand had .'announced her willingness to bear the cost of governing Samoa, I was informed the offer was so far back as November last, Government seem to have made the offer unreservedly, believing that the course proposed would be sanctioned by Parliament next session. It is thus we go from home for news which might have been published months ago, but for the absurd reticence displayed by the present Government.

The Upper House. It having been stated that certain gentlemen are shortly to be called to the Upper House, I am authorised to say that there is no tturh ih the rumour. There are several vacancies in the Upper Chamber, caused by inability of members to attend for several sessions past owing to ill-health, and it is likely the Cabinet will recommend His Excellency to fill these vacancies before the assembling of Parliament, but the matter has not yet been been under the consideration of the Cabinet and no names have as yet been suggested. The vacancies to be filled are caused by the continued illness of Hon. Messrs Patterson, Dunedin ; Major Richmond, Nelson j Russell, Hawkes Bay j and the resignation of Mr Pharazyn.

Peculiar Aotion lor Damages. At the Supreme Court, the case Littlejohn v. Mulligan was heard. The action was brought to restrain defendant from selling matches bearing the brand or marks of Littlejohn and Son, which are sent out by plaintiffs firm, and to recover £250 as damages sustained by plaintiff through such sale. It was alleged that Mr Mulligan was the predecessor of tne firm of Littlejohn and Son, and had sold his business to that firm. He then went to England, where he purchased certain articles made specially for Messrs Littlejohn and Son, and bearing their brand, which he sold as being guaranteed by plaintiff. The fact of such selling was admitted by defendant, and the question resolved iteelf into one] of damages. Mr Stafford, for defendant, called no witnesses, but said he would like to be heard on a question of law in Chambers. His Honor did not apprehend any difficnlty in dealing with the case. He expressed an opinion that the reputation of Messrs Littlejohn and Son had not beeu injured in the least in reference to the matter. The case was then "reserved for further consideration."

Ministerial Peregrinations. The Minister of Public Works leaves shortly on a visit to Napier and Auckland on business connected with his department. Hon, Mr Ballance returned to Wellington yesterday. Wellington, March 25. Legislation is being prepared for next session, and among other draft measures occupying the attention of Ministers is a Consolidated Land Bill. In addition to consolidating the existing laws, which is a Herculean job, it will give increased powers under the special settlement scheme.

The Maori Prophetess and the Last Day. Regarding the outbreak of superstitious mania amongst the natives north of Auckland, the Government are taking precautions, through the ordinary police force, to prevent any breach of the peace arising. From correspondence on the subject received by the Native Office, the prophetess is now said to be impressing on her deluded followers that on the final day (28th inst.) she may disappear through the European nation, and that if so, they must seek revenge. A very uneasy feeling prevails among the settlers in the district, and some intend moving their families, believing that from fear of meeting her followers on that day she may disappear, when, being in a state of religious frenzy, they may commit rash acts. The number at her camp is now about 400, and is daily increasing. This being the final week, many hundreds are expected to arrive from Hokianga and other parts.