OKATO.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4006, 31 October 1881, Page 2

OKATO.

This day,

Yesterday sixty-eight men of the Wellington Navals escorted ammunition towards Eahotu, under Capt. Taj lor, A.C.

The Nelson battalion arrived at Okato at 6 o'clock, after a march of 18 miles ; they appear to have had a very rough passage to New Plymouth, and their march on the day after landing must have tried all. 'ihere were no sick on arrival in camp.

The Artillery bring one 6 pounder Armstrong guv, which they mounted on the beach at New Plymouth in a very creditable manner, time 3 mins.

The Nelson men march at 9 o'clock today for Eakotu, 15 miles distant. Major Pitt commands, and Dr Boor i» in medical charge.

[i?bom: ova own cokeespondent.]

Auckland, This day,

It is generally understood that Owen McGee stands for Manukau. The Eev Mr Bruce is also likely to contest, so if both..stand it will be very lively foi O'Eorke.

The Attorney-General is quietly working in Shepherd's interests for Eodney; I know the old boy's move, but he will be euchttred.

Sheehan has been unavoidably delayed, and cannot get to Auckland before the fifth.

There is a nice piece of scaudal going the rounds over some vouchers connected with the Registration Department, and it would not surprise me to hear that Ministers had gazetted a polling place at Parihaka, when the elections take place. The Government only last week gazetted the County Council Eeturning Officer for Auckland, although he left the city over three years ago.

There is nothing definite about the writs, or the date Parliament is to be dissolved.

The present Native Minister's strong dislike to the Maoris is attributable, so it is stated, that on one occasion a native stole his lunch at Wanganui.

A dark grey horse will shortly be announced for Waitemata, and if so " bubble and burst's" Parliamentary honours are for ever over. .

Judging from the constant communications between the Attorney General's Private Secretary and the Mayor, people are beginning to conjecture that Mr J. M. Clark is likely to oppose Grey. Grey's standing for City East caused no small excitement amongst the minds of the Attorney-General and his friends resident in the electorate.

Private wires from the West Coast clearly show that the Ministerial journals everywhere are exaggerating the position of affairs there. Public opinion is divided as to the action of the Auckland Volunteers deciding only on embarking for the West Coast under their own officers.

Bankrupts seem to be on the increase in Auckland.

The Patea Mail states the Governor sent for instructions to Downing street as to whether or not Ministers should not be sacked. The information was very likely obtained from either Mr Bryeir or Mr Sbeettaa.

Those in the confidence of Government here believe that Sir Arthur Gordon will veto any war movoment at the last moment. Late telegrams from Parihaka state that a very old woman and some dogs will greet Bryce on his arrival; the Maori are likely to get back into the bush. Meantime, it is estimated the cost of each Volunteer is thirty shillings per day : this means a large overdraft or the issue of deficiency bills, in which Ministers friends no doubt will largely benefit in bank dividends.