LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 243, 19 July 1872, Page 3

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

Per the New Zealand Press Association. MEETING OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. —PHES E N TATI ON 0 F PETITIONS.—SPEECHES OF THE MOVER AND SECONDER OF THE ADDRESS.—MR LUCKIE SUPPORTER OF THE GOVERNMENT.— MR SHEEHAN VERY GUARDED. WELLING I ON. 7.30 p.m. Mil O'CoNN’on presented a petition containing 600 signatures, asking judicial inquiry into alleged misconduct in the repurchnsu of laud at Westport. As a matter affecting bis position as member, he asked tbc House to take immediate action. Mr Steward moved the appointment of a committee on the subject. Mr O’Connor also gave explanations regarding his honorarium last session. The Hon. Mr Fox moved, and the Hon. Mr Stafford seconded a congratulatory address to the Queen. The Life Assurance Bill is to extend to all policies the advantages now only enjoyed by Government officers, and provide a system of auditing the Assurance Company’s accounts is to he introduced.

MrLuckie,Nelson,iu moving the reply to tlie address, spoke at some length, warmly eulogising the Native Minister’s policy and administration, and enlarging in terms of satisfaction on the topics mentioned in the speech. Mr Sheehan (Auckland) seconded, but was expressly guarded against being consequently supposed a thorough supporter of the Government. He would not pledge himself to be so. Pie admitted Mr McLean’s great services ; but warned him positively of the existence, under apparent tranquillity, in the native mind of a spirit of disaffection more dangerous than open rebellion. The natives were never fairly treated those who made themselves troublesome being petted and rewarded, while those who remained loyal were neglected. The present Government wero not so much to blame for this great distrust and uneasiness now in the native mind, regarding the present position of native land. He would have opposed the present policy when it was initiated; but was now prepared to support the present Government in carrying it out. He thought the Ministry had shown a want of perseverance in pushing on public works during the recess, and strongly supported the handing over the administration of public works to Provincial authorities. He would leave immigration in the hands of the General Government if the immigrants were fairly distributed over the colony. He warmly urged economy in general administration, and would support the Government if its promises in tins respect were fulfilled. Great credit was due to the Hon. Mr Vogel for the satisfactory condition of the revenue. The Hon. Mr Stafford said it would be a waste of time to discuss the speech, which studiously avoided all subjects provocative of a difference of opinion and all large questions. The Government must know, however, opportunities would soon occur for the full expression of the rapidly increasing distrust now felt as to the direction which affairs were taking. The address was adopted, and the House adjourned. The Legislative Council passed Mr Ilaiilie’s motion on the noii-representutioii of the Ministry in that Chamber.

The morning after the late fire a clergyman going bis lotinds was toid l>y a lady tbut she felt it was a great blessing her hum • had'not caught tire, and concluded by raying she ihuught it was an net of Pro ideuce, which was answered by the minister observing, “ But do ymi think .he poor people jusi burin out -h.uk iho same." Tubs reply so adroitly put was a complete poser, which the good lady count not reply to.

the LATE FIRE AT SHORTLAND. .iHK following circular has been addressed tu the clergy by the Honorary Secretary *>f the Relief Committee, Mr J. C. Young : • “ Grahamstown, July 18, 1872. ♦ “ R.vi ieml Sir, — I'lie distress in which Hi! unfortunate stiff rers by the l.t-.fire ar« involved is a subject the public ca..not, in huninuity’s cause, pass unnoted. It is with a view, therefore, to the alleviation of that distress that I am instructed ny the Committee of the Shortland Fire Relief Fund to request your kind co-operation, by allowing a special collection to he made in y. ur Church in aid, say on next Sabbath day, as the case is of extreme urgency. “ I may state that every clergyman in the district is being solicit’d to give h s countenance to the mait.-r ; and the Committee I represent trust that none whl turn a deat ear to their appeal.—l am, & ' “John 0. Young, “Hon. Sec. Shorthand Fire Relief Fund.”

The following is the general circular, of which a large number of copies was distributed yesterday. We have no doubt the appeal made will be liberally responded to': — “ Shortland, July 18,1872. Sir, —As Secretary to the Committee appointed for raising and administering a fund for the relief of the sufferers by the Shortland fire, I take the liberty of forwarding a list, requesting you to have the kindness to collect subscriptions in aid of the fund. I shall be obliged by you returning the list with such funds as you may collect, to Mr Cox, chemist, Pollen-street, who has been appointed treasurer, riot later than the Ist of August next.—l am, &c., John C. Young, Hon. Secretary.”