VICTORIA.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 212, 11 October 1860, Page 4

VICTORIA.

[from our own correspondent.] Melbourne, 13th Sept. 1860,

The war clouds seem rapidly darkening and thickening over the New Zealand horizon, and from the New Zealand telegram, which I have just perused, giving news to the 30th ult., it would appear that Wanganui is about to become historically associated witli the New Zealand war. I would fondly hope that this melancholy anticipation has not been realized, and that by the time this letter arrives, through the courage and intrepidity of General Pratt, the Union Jack, that cheering emblem of Old England, waves proudly over the entire island.

I was glad to notice, among the important items of intelligence which have just arrived by the English mail, that the home government seem fully alive to the present emergency in your colonies, and that the 2nd battalion of the 14th regt. had been ordered for immediate service in New Zealand. In all probability, by the time they arrive the war will be over; but, still, the news that bodies of troops are on their way may have some weight with the rebel chiefs in inducing them to surrender. It has always appeared to me, that the British mode of warfare is not applicable to native disturbances. The Caffre war is a standing monument of the inutility of the best of British soldiers in dealing with natives. The red jacket of the soldier is a. fine target for the rifle of the ambushed savage ; and the stiff collar and tight-fitting garments are Dot at all adapted to promote that freedom of action and agility which is absolutely necessary for skirmishing encounters in rugged fastnesses. Doubtless, now that General Pratt has received his carte blanche from the government, he will exercise his own discretion and ability; but I may remind him and his gallant comrades, that the eyes of the Australian .colonies are fixed upon them in the present struggle with intense anxiety,and that if he fails he will be sure to receive his due share of blame.

| As to Victorian/news,' I have but little to communicate.;' The Nicholson administration, contrary to political prognostications, still continues in office, although very unpopular with the intensely democratic classes, who seem bent on creating- a revolution, if possible. Only a few weeks ago, a mob of 3000 or 4000 of these characters assembled round the parliament houses, assaulted several of the members on entering, smashed several of the windows, and otherwise conducted themselves in a most riotous and ’ disorderly manner. At last, the mounted troopers were sent for, and backed their horses into the mob. This was the signal for ; volleys. of. stones ; some of the troopers were thrown from their horses, and others suffered severe wounds and contusions ; and it was not till near midnight, when the riot act was read, and the ground was covered with police, that the assemblage dispersed. Such disgraceful scenes are new to this land, and would be more.iu keeping with San Francisco or the Southern States of America.

A conference has taken place between the two houses of legislature iu this colony, as to the concessions to be made by each in order to pass the Land bill, and it is likely that the result of their deliberations will eventuate in the passage of that measure. The religious services in the Theatre Royal have ceased, but the .Union Prayer Meeting in the Protestant Hall continues, and is marked with success.

The volunteer movement progresses ; rifle and artillery clubs are springing up in all directions, and the efficiency which some of the older companies have attained is most praiseworthy. Last /Saturday I was present at the artillery practice on the beach near Sandridge, and was quite surprised at the admirable precision and effect which characterised the practice. All classes of the community belong to these regiments bankers, shopmen, merchants, professors, solicitors, artizans, gentlemen, lawyers, and physicians, are all enthusiastic volunteers, and in the prospect of the speedy breaking up of the French alliance, it is high time that preparations were being made to put the colonies in thorough training to defend themselves. England will have enough to do to guard her rocky coasts with wooden walls, and “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

In commercial matters there is, if anything, a slight improvement, but business is still dull, the markets overstocked, and the prospect of heavy shipments on the way. When will English merchants learn the lesson they seem so slow in acquiring, that the consumption of the colonies is limited, and that it is one thing to send out goods for sale, and quite another to get them sold? I attribute the present commercial depression greatly to this fact, combined with our extremely restricted land regulations ; the latter ' cause will soon be removed—we must look to British exporters to remove the former.