WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2834, 15 March 1878, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

, Thursday. It is stated that Sir George Grey and the Hon. Mr Fisher will arrive in Wellington early next week, and, probably, they will proceed to Auckland on the following day. They will be joinrd by Mr Sheehan at Auckland, and the three will then proceed to the Waikato. It is not expected that Sir George will m?et King Tawhiao until early next month.. It is said that at the meeting referred to Mr Sheehan will confer with the Maoris on the Native lends Bill which he intends to introduce at the next sitting of the Assembly.

A: Napier correspondent gives an account of some limestone caves which have been discovered near Te Aute. They are described as being of magnificent beauty, with slalacites hanging from the roof and sides. One cavo that was entered was very extensive, and had many lateral chambers. There were columns strewed about, some whole and some broken, rendering the progress difficult. In one place there was a miniature lake, surrounded with pale green shrubs. In one place the exploring party came upon • number of petrified bones, some very large, and also three human figures—a man, woman, and child. Near the group, on the opposite side of the cave, there were rude sketches of warfare. The countenances were apparently not of the present race of Maoris. The discovery has been placed in the hands of the Government. This day. Published in last night's Gazette is a despatch to the Governor from the Secretary of State, dated August 29th, 1877, announcing that Her Majesty ha? been pleased to permit Messrs Gresson and Chapman, retired from the Bench, to bear the title of " Honorable" for life within the Colony, and to take precedence next afi3r the Puisne Judges of the Supreme Court. . The authority given to Chairmen of Boards of Education to frank has been cancelled.

Sir George Grey called at Oatnaru on on his way North and met with an enthufiastic reception. He was entertained at a public luncheon, at which eighty ladies and gentlemen were present. . At Timaru he was presented with an address, after being received by all the local bodies, and

was afterwnrds entertained at a banquet. In the evening he addressed a large assemblage, and received quite an ovation at conclusion. He leaves at 11.30, and will make a short stay at Tcmuka.