THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “Verite sans peur.” WANGANUI, JULY 31, 1862.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 6, Issue 302, 31 July 1862, Page 2

THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “ Verite sans peur.” WANGANUI, JULY 31, 1862.

The fixing precicely the amount of responsibslity to rest with the Imperial Government and our own iu the conduct of native affairs seems at present a hopeless task. The Assembly last Session evidently believed it to be so, passing as they did

the very general resolution which lep-SE* the beginning and conclusion of any irSfcter particularly affecting the Imperial Government, to the decision of the Governor, while in other matters the Ministry is to have controul. So long as the British Government considers itself bound to interpose in any dispute in which the natives are involved, so long may it be ' expected to claim some controul in the general conduct of native affairs. It is in the course of the regular administration of Government that cases arise calling for the interference of the Home Government, and thus there is no .part of of the Government of the natives in which the authorities at home have not a direct interest. The merest v subordinate may commit an. act leading to the necessity of pouring in troops and spending a fabulous' amount of money ; and thus the Home Government has a direct interest in every appointment and every act connected with native affairs. On the other hand,' if the Colonists are to lia\.e apjxnnted over them by tbe Home Government an administrator of native affairs who can act without any responsibility to them, and wh. > may by arash action lay their settlements in ruins, and bring the country to the very verge of insolvency, the} r may well cry out, that they will not submit to such an irresponsible dictatorship. What in circumstances is to be done ? Evidently there must be a compromise. - The resolution passed last sosssion already referred to was of this nature. Ministers have been working under it. There is n.w an attempt being made to define clearly the limits within which the Governor on one hand is to be responsible to the Crown, ife the ministry on the other is to be responsible to the people. In the present unsettled state of affairs, the passing of any resolution which will-too closely circumscribe the action of these two balancing powers must lead to dire and inextricable confusion. If the colony has trust in the Governor and his ministry, let it give the power to the ministry which the Imperial Government has given to his Excellency. If the colony has not confidence in the present ministry in respect to native affairs, then let it be turned out and another take its place, but this discussion has no practical end of this kind in view. Hone are ready to go into office. The war-inevitable party have no men to put forward; and if they had capable men, such men would not thrust themselves on his Excellency, conscious that they could never concur with him in his proposed measures. The peace party can put forward no man more capable ■tliau t the Colonial Secretary, and with that courtesy which politicans exercise towards each other, would not if they could Mr. Fitzgeald is the only man considered capable of taking Mr. Eox’s place, and his theory respecting bur relations to tho maories would be more unpalatable to the great body of the colonists than that of the present ministry. But any attempt to define the responsibility of these several persons in the state is not only dangerous and unpractical at present, but also quite unnecessary. The Governor and his Ministry quite concur in the measures to be adopted. There is no fear of any jarring which may disturb the onward progress of the peace movement. Hot only so, the ministry can be depended on for not committing the country to any pecuniary liabilities without the sanction of the assembly, unless indeed some extraordinary unforeseen emergency arise. '! heir cutious and constitutional mode of procedure in this respect contrasts very strongly and favourably with that of their predecessors. When the present difficulty is at an end, it will be time for our statesmen to pass from concession to constriction.

Oar readers will be glad to learn that our respected member, Mr. Harrison, intends at the earliest opportunity, to bring before the House the necessity of having a Court held, here by one of the Judges. The reasonableness of the claim ensures its being favourably attended to, and thus the great expence and loss of time which have attended the remitting of criminal and other cases to Wellington will bo saved. LOGAL INTELLIGENCE Tukuhaere Road District.— At a faceting of the ratepayers of the Tunuhaere district, held at Mr, John Walker’s oil the Idth inst, the following gentlemen were elected Wardens: —Messrs. Hilton, James Thurston. C. Vincent, Afartelli, G. Smith, L. Richards, F. Watts, and S. Austin. After which Messrs. Field, Craske, and Brooking were appointed Auditors to audit the accounts of the past. year. . Brunswick Road District. —A meeting of the ratepayers of the Brunswick district was held pursuant to advertisement, at Mr. John Watt’s house, on Monday, the 1 -Ith pnsiant. Mr. Bryce having been called to the chair, Mr. Win. Watt requested that the minutes of the lust meeting of ratepayers be read to the meeting.

Tne Chairman explained that the proceedings of that meeting consisted merely in the election of a board of Wardens and the imposition of a barleycorn rate for tho . repair of roads, Mr. Watt then requested that the minutes of the board should be read, which was done by the chairman of the board, who proceeded in addition to give a rough estimate of the cost of the works intended to be executed on the great western road during the ensuing year. It was proposed by Mr. Hewett and seconded by Capt. McGrath, — “ That the rate of sixpence an acre be imposed for the cons*ruction of the great western road ; such rate not to be collected until after the road has been surveyed and pronounced practicable to the satisfaction of the government.” Several amendments having been proposed and withdrawn, an amendment was proposed by Mr. W. Watt, seconded by Capt. Taylor,— “ That a rate of sixpence be agreed tol but the rate not -to.. be collected unti,

juissiouer of Crown Lands and the Provincial Engineer hnvecrriifiriil that the road along that line is practicable.”' The amendment was then put and lost, six votes being recorded fur it and twentynine against it. The original motion was then carried by 29 to 6. The meeting then terminated.

The votes were taken under the schedule of the new act.

Auction Sale.—Messrs. Powell and Co. held an extensive Auction Sale of Mercliandize on tlie 17th inst.. at which there were a good attendance of buyer.", most of the articles offered were disposed of at satisfactory rates. Scotch ploughs realised £'9 9s. Iron .£l9 per ton. American axes handled 955. per doz. Churns £2 2s. to £2 7s. 6d. each. Colza oil 6s. 9d. to 7s. per gall. Fruit trees Bd. to 2s. each. Drapery goods, & boots and shoes fetched fair prices. An assortment of nails sold at :ss. to 50s. per cwt. Fine salt £6 10s. per ton. Tea in boxes 30s. They also sold country section Ho. 73 containing 100 acres in the No. 3 lino for £ 195.

Messrs. Gudgeon and Go. had an Auction sale principally of Town Auctions last Thursday. There was not much done at the Sale, but then and by private bargain thereafter 8 sections belonging to Mr. Scrivener Junr. —all in the \ lcturia Avenue near Nt. John's Wood were disposed of at prices rangiiu; from £2.) to £37).

York' Flag Staff. —Wo are glad to see the Signal Staff on the York hill again set up with top-mast, yard and rigging ail a-taut, as in funner day?. It. lias had a deserted and neglected appearance for some time as if.tlie [dace were guingto ruin ; hid now it stands smart and defiant in ail the glories of new paint ami new rigging. The soldier who has been appointed signalman begins bis duties in Mordiy next; and we hope lie will nuke it his study to emulate if not to surpass the merits of the devoted Pellatf. He receives we believe £1 ii m-rnth for his services. lie will hoi.-t the same signals as have been used heretofore, anil at twelve o’clock every day (Sundays exce] ted) a black ball will be hoisted at tlie mast head, where it will remain for three quarters of an hour, beirg pulled down at a qnartei to one o’clock p. m. The public are much indebted to the.two gentlemen forming tincommittee for theirattention to this matter. W anganui Race Course —Pursuant to an advertisement calling a Public Meeting of the Electors to elect 7 rustees f* r the Wanganui Pace Course, a meeting was held in the'*■■Rutland Hotel on Thursday last. Joint Cameron Esq. of Marangai was called to the Chair and the fallowing gentlemen were duly elected Trustees:—

Mr. W. H. Watt, „ Jas. Alexander, „ John Cameron, „ John Walker, „ Edward Lewis.

The J.ate Fatal Affray. —Pehi md the other Wanganui chiefs have signified their satisfaction at the result of this affair. The only danger to be apprehended n,w is fsom the relatives of the deceased, a.”d in view of that danger Mrs. Lister, we believe, has come down to town. These relatives are expected to come in on Friday to have an interview with tlie Resident Magistrate and with Lister, and if they are then satisfied there will be an end'of it. 7'here seems to be a desire on the part of one or two of the natives to endeavour to extort some money from tho authorities as the price of peace; but this idea is condemned by their countrymen, and will no doubt be scorned by the authorities. \Ve believe Mr. Woon the native interpreter has been of very essential service in this affair, and that his lucid explanation of the coroner’s views in conducting the inquest made a very favorable impression on the natives. Attempted Suicide. —On Monday morning Steven Matthews, late barman in the Rutland Hotel, attempted fe/o de se by taking arsenic. He liad been irfuch depressed in spirit by the real or supposed failure of some friends to assist him as promised in a business he proposed commencing, and about 11 o’clock went into the bar of the Rutland and called for a glass of brandy into which lie put some white powder. He set it down and went out Coming back in about 10 minutes be called for snotlier glass of brandy which be drank and then diunk off tlie first. He sat down for about a quarter of an hour, and finding the dose produced no effect, lie called for another glass of brandy into which he put some more of the powder—remarking to tlie , barman, “ This is my second dose to day” “ Of what?"’ said, the barman “Of arsenic,” replied Matthews. The barman affected to suppose him joking, and dexterously spilt the brandy and wrested the remainder of the arsenic from him. Medical assistance was then procured and lie was soou out of danger. , He is well known as an active obliging man, and this fit of despair will not likely be repeated. Wanganui Volunteers, —His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to make the following appointments in the “ Wanganui” Cavalry Volunteers. John Cameron, to be Captain. John F. Kells, to be Lieutenant. John Bryce, to be Cornet. Phillip Mussen; to be Surgeon. Date of Commissions 12th June, lSg2. His Excellency ffie Governor has been pleased to make the following appointments in tlie “ Wanganui” Rifle Volunteers. Mataroa Compnxy. William Kells, to be Captain. Thomas Moser, to be Lieutenant. John Jones, to be Ensign. Dute of Gomissions 41th June, 18G2. Victoria, Company. Walter Jowejt, to be Lieutenant. Date of Commission 14th June. If 62. In reference to Gazette No 24, dated 21st June, page 215, the number of the Company of the “ Wanganui” Rifle Volunteers, to which Captain Tarkes, Lieutenant Broughton, and Ensign Beaven, (not Bedoen as. BUited) are gazetted, should be No 2, in-

stead of No I,— New Zealand Gazette July 12. The Census. —The following particulars regarding this district are taken from tlie Government Returns which we have just received.

MEETING TO ELECT A BOARD OF WARDEN'S. On Friday evening last, a meeting of the Electors was held in the Phoenix Hotel, to elect a Board of Wardens to act under the “ Wanganui Streets, Sewerage, and Drainage Act,” pursuant to advertisement. In the absence of the Resident Magistrate, John Handley, Esq., J.P., was called to the Chair. He explained the object of the meeting, and at liis request Mr. E. Lewis, read the new act, and the greater part of the “Public Works” Act, to which a reference is made in the new act in regard to the election and proceeding- of the Boat’d.

The Chairman then sa d that according to the act the number of wardens they were now called on to elect should not be below five, nor above eight ; that be had expected the Superintendent in his Proclamation should have mentioned the particular number to be elected, but as that had not been done, he presumed the voice of the meeting would decide the Superintendent’s choice of tlie number. It was proposed by Mr. John Hogg and seconded by Mr. H. C. Field, that eight members of the Board should be elected. Mr. Field said that the town was naturally divided by the configuration of its site into three districts, and that by having the largest number of wardens they would be better aide to elect gentlemen having particular interests in tlie various districts,

Mr. J. M. I ichards approved of their being 8 members. He would counsel tlie meeting cautiously to elect their men, considering wliat was before them, and the great power that would be vested in the board. The step that was to be taken was one of great importance, and they should endeavour to look out for men in whose judgment and pi’udence they could fully confide. He lia 1 some difficulty in regard to a point which had not been explained. Tlie chairman had expected his Honor the Superintendent to state the number of wardens in the proclamation. Now he considered that the Superintendent’s right of approval had respect to the men chosen, rather than to the numb r to be elected, and that it would be exercised after tlie election was made.

The motion was unanimously agreed

Tlie Chairman than proposed that the meeting should then elect the members of the board. Eight men were wanted, but of course more might be nominated, and the election would be made afterwards by a shew of hands ; if after that there was any dissatisfaction with the result a poll might be demanded.

Mr. Watt who had come into the meeting, a few minutes before, rose and apologised for not being there earlier, having been detained in the country. He considered that as one of their members in the 1 rovincial Council who had taken part in getting this bill passed, he ought to say a few words respecting it. It was not such a hill as he would have liked, but it was the best they could get last session, and it was thought better to have it than none. Imperfect as it was, he had no doubt, that if well worked, it would serve the purpose. At the same time if factious opposition were given to it by any who weie determined to resist its operation, he believed serious difficulty would be met in carrying it tout. A great deal would depend on its inauguration. If men were appointed on the board who would t .ke a hearty interest in seeing its provisions .carried out, it would confer great benefit on the town ; but if the men elected had no zeal in the cause the act might become a dead letter That the want of such supervision was much felt was evidenced by the largeness of the meeting, and he believed a great deal of good would result to the town from the step they were now taking. A great deal he would again say, depended on the men. If they wrought harmoniously and in concert the act would confer all the benefits proposed. The election was then proceeded with. We give the names of the candidates ac-

cording to the number of votes in their favour: — rn M "2 ri o o 22 *s wJ3.« 'a ’SJ t- !> 1~l I ~ l "3 £ fl ,h , cj cj ■ •-i <D £ h » <j agSa %O x; / g o *-> U • ° « 3 £ g* W £ ' • | ~ l fl f-i ~5 g? hH O O gp‘ ~da = 3 O -3 . • i-£5 -3 ~ ej rS •_* k, c /»% ri" P” 1 ° o P, >5 EH P'-r-jttHHsHi-si-s fj o 'M cq oo o eo a £h co co cc co co co oq os CO rH O r—r-< CO -p tC >-a ,r £r- £ "S? . off 4° £ 6 £ ~ g 'g.g * W2 sw I £ ®j «>"§ 7k M o g'A a a gS • p fe i p 2^ o S ay o V Op> r v O O o , *yj 'a i-sHr-Oi-iP^-m-sribb Several other gentlemen we»'c nominated, but decliued to act. \\ hile the show of hands was being taken, Mr. D. > a than said that he hoped that none who had not property in tlie town would vote, and asked if there were any non-electors in the room, for if there were, he did not see how the chairman could be certain that he was proceeding regularly. The chairman requested that any nonelector present would be kind enough to withdraw. '

Nr. Nathan explained that he had not made these remarks in a captious spirit. The proceedings must be gone about in a regular manner. The inhabitants wished certain improvements in the streets, and and lie conceived that to get these improvements made they muse elect those w: o had a direct interest in .them, not those who resided in the country

The Chairman announced the show of hands to be favour of the eight gentlemen first on the above list, and r.o poll having been demanded, declared these gentlemen duly elected.

A vote of thanks having been given to the chairman the meeting broki up.

A meeting of the board was held immediately therealtex’. John Handley, E?q. was appointed chairman, and was authorised to request his H onor the Superintendent to allow Mr. Porter to act as Surveyor fo the Board. It was resolved that assesments should be laid on lauds without respect to tenements, and and that a person should be advertised to act as clerk and collector. RANGITIKEL The Census.— ln the Gazette are published tlie following details of the results of the Census t.-ken last December in the district of Raugitikei and Turakina. Totals

MRS. LISTER’S STATEMENT,

We have received the following letter from W. Lister’s brother-in-law, and as the statement appended contains tlie part of the narrative of the late fatal affray which has not been made public, the maori boy’s evidence throwing quite a different light on liis own part in the affair, we think it proper to publish it. We consider Mr. Jackson’s general statement of grievvnee exaggerated, although there is truth in what Lo says regarding the difficulty of following iqi any maori who wishes to evade the law. W e have heard of Europeans living up the river to be out of the reach of the bailiff long before the King movement was generally known to exist. The maori boy seems to be between two fires, as he is said to be in biding from some of his maori brethren who are angry at his having given evidence against tlieir countryman. .

Sir, —On account of various -reports that I have heard respecting the maori

boy, and the part: he had took in the mortal struggle between W. Lister and the deceased maori and Furthermore.

As the Resident Magistrate does not think it advisable to take Mrs. Lister’s evidence on the matter in which he may be perfectly right, I think it is nothing but right the public should hear both sides of the question ; and the more so when we find that the boy’s own words were considered sufficient to clear him of being implicated in the attempt to murder. I would simply ask : how would such a ease be ..handled in England 1 Would the principal witness be told that they did not want to hear their statement, and that they were afraid to hear the truth told for fear of creating more disturbance l I think it always the best way to tell the truth, and if we are not in a position to punish the guilty, to say so, and then we should have some chance of getting the evil remedied. We have hitherto had nothing but makeshifts with regard to applying the English law to the maori, and at the present moment, any maori one mile out of the town ot Wanganui is quite independent of the English law. You may think that I am writing what I cannot prove, but I say without fear of contradiction, that they have stolen one iiundred pigs from me within the last six months, and for the sake of shuffling on quietly, I have put up with it I and nearly the whole of our neighbours have been served in a similar way. 11 appears to rue tbat as long as our authorities continue to keep the evil practice of the maori.es in ihe dark, all the above practices will be continued. And the natives continue to laugh in their sleeve at our 'weakness ; but it appears to me nearly useless to state a fact, that every one here knows only for the benefit of them at a distance and to counteract the statements of those that are interested in keeping up falsehood. I am, &c., John Jackson.

We were on the road about lialf-way between my house and Mr. Jackson’s, intending to get an explanation about the nig that they had stolen. I heard the two natives talking together, and the younger native said twice over to the other, “ Kai a loe te Waaldiara,” which means (“as'you like.”) After that they took the flax off their dog and let him go at liberty. My husband and the eldest native were walking about thirty yards on the road before me and the other maori. My husband and t lie old man then stopped whilst we got up to them. I then saw the wild look of the elder maori, whilst trying to get my husband to look across to some bills. I then called to my husband to know if anything was {wrong ; lie replied “Ido.” My husband and the old maori travelled about thirty yards farther, when I heard my husband cry out. Ivle and the young maori were about ten yards behind them. Ihe young maori was walking just in front of me, when Lister eric & out; I then looked to see what was the matter, and the elder native was beating Lis er at the back of his head, With a stick that had an iron spear attached to it. I then saw Lister try to turn round towards the elder maori, who seized him and threw him down; the old native then called to the young one to bring him the tomahawk. The young one ran up and placed the tomahawk close along side of the elder maori, who was on the top of Lister holding him down. The ymiuig maori then joined in along with the elder one in trying to keep Lister down ■ and it appeared to me that they were both trying to overpower him and to get his head in a position to tomahawk it. I then placed my child on the ground and then ran pip to assist my husband. ■ The younger maori then rushed upon me and dragged me by the hair of my head. When he bad dragged me about on the ground four yards from Lister and the elder maori, I was then become afra'd he "would return again to assist the elder maori to destroy my husband, so I seized him by the hair of his head and wc had a desperate struggle, and I succeeded in dragging him down to the ground, so that we were now both laying on the ground facing each other. He then put' Iris feet up against my breast and pressed against me with all his strength, which forced my body back from him ; but I still held on to his hair. I then heard my husband call out to me to go to help him. The young native and me continued our struggle. He now tried to foi’ce 1113- head foremost clown the side of the hill, which is very steep ; he held hold of my hair with one of his hands and scratched my face with the other : he then let go of my hair : my’ head was hanging clown the hill-side, and the only thing that kept me from going head-fore-most down the hill, was the firm grip that I had on the young maori’s hair ; at this time I felt the hair that I had got hold of give way in one of my hands, and come up b3 7 the roots out of the 3'oimg maori's head : with great difficulty I succeeded in getting another grip,which prevented me from going head-long down the hill.

Tlie native then got upon li is feet, and ou account of the hold I had on his hair I was enabled to get up also. I held on to him in that way for about two minutes, when I felt my strength quite gone, so that I let go of his hair, iie then ran towards Lister and the elder native. During the wdiole of the time, that I and the'younger maori were struggling, which I think must have been a quarter of an hour, I did not see my husband and the elder maori, and I fully believed that my husband was killed from not hearing him speak, but to my great astonishment I found that he had got the upper hand of the maori. Alter the young maori found that Lister had got tho upper hand of the elder maori he ran away. I can state with certainty that the young native did all that lay in his power to assist to mur-

der my husband ; and further that had I not been present anti taken the part that I did in the matter neither me nor none

of our children would now be alive. I then wished my husband to go up and look after the children as I was afraid that the young maori had gone up there to kill them ; my husband turned round to go up the hill but staggered and was not able to go.

WELLINGTON. (From our own Correspondent ) : 'Wellington, 28th July 1862As the Parliamentary is the most important news of the day, I commence with the proceed in s in the HOUSE ON P.EIUUISSNTATTVES. On Yv T ednesclay night Mr. Carter presented a petition from settlers on the eastern side of the. Y/airatnpn, praying for increased pos al facilities. The Colonial Secretary laid on the Table a memorandum of the papers lost in the “White Swan.” Major Richardson, pursuant to notice, moved 1. 1 hat tills House should he informed so far as may be consistent with any present or prospective Military arrangements, what measures are proposed to be adopted towards the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui tribes, with rofeience to the murder of unarmed British European subjects, and also with respect to the destruction of the homesteads, and plunder of the property of the inhabitants of tiie Province of Taranaki.” 2. “That this House should be informed, so far as may be consistent with any present or prospect ve Military arrangements, what measures are proposed to be adopted towards enabling the owners of property 7 in the' Tataraimaka Block in the Province of Taranaki, io return to their homes from which they are still debarred by the unsatisfactory nature of the relations existing between the Government and Her Majesty’s Native subjects residing to the southward in that Province.”

In- a speech of considerable merit, though partaking more of the character of a lecture than a parliamentary speech, he candidly admitted the excellence of the advice given by ministers .to Sir George Grey, recommended that a separate Province should be created for the maories, and that the king should be turned into a Superintendent. There being an expectation manifested tbat the Colonial Seereta y .would at once reply, he explained that he should be out of order in so doing. '} lie Speaker stated that when the House had affirmed the resolutions the Colonial Secretary might give the -information sought when he chose. After a few remarks from Mr. Gillies and Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Wold pressed for further information on the relations subsisting between the Ministry and tlie Governor In native matters.

'1 he Postmaster General quoted a part of a resolution passed by the House last year as explaining the position they held in native matters. The resolution recommended a radical change in the Land Purchase department, its separation from all political functions, and a reorganizeti n of the political brand] of that service securing to the Governor the"' initiative and the decision where In pnrial interests were involved, but placing the conduct of the ordinary busim ss of native administration under responsibility to the Assembly. Mr. Bell testified that Ministers liad fairly carried out that resolution. Mr. Stafford in a heavy speech, admitted that minister's were justified in sweeping away the native department as it formerly existed ; charged the Colonial Secretary with audacity in his use of the papers on the table, stopping where the very next sentence would entirely upset, the line of argument he was taking ; insisted that in all native matters the contracting parties should be the Colonial Legis afcure and the Imperial Government. lie expressed his belief that if the Home Government had intended to recognize ministerial responsibility no Governor Grey would nave been sent out, but some mere signer ol documents, some dummy of a governor. ii is accusations of * audacity* together with some expressions of approval brought up Fox with a sarcastic acknowledgement of the non. gentleman’s kind patronage of himself and colleagues, of the valuable lessons' given, and the fi iendly castigations administered. For his part he kissed tire rod, acknowledged himself a wiser, rind he hoped, a better man, and trusted to enjoy his further overs ght and instructions, which might, possibly, make him as perfect and popular a politician as the hon. member.” lie complained of the House not following up the discussion he had initiated on the previous evening, and promised to lay before them on die morrow a statement of the relations which existed between the Governor and his responsible advisers. Major Bichardsou’s motions were then put and carried, and the House went into Committee of supply, for the purpose of voting a credit for three months from the Ist J u] JThe Rous 3 met on Friday at noon and the Colonial Secretary moved his promised resolution explanatory of the relative position of the Governor and his ministry, and of the extent and nature of the responsibility in native matters which in the opinio:; of the ministry, the legislature fliould assume. The follewiug is the resolution : “ That while this House disclaims, on the part of the Colony, the exclusive responsibility of the cost of educating, civilizing, and governing the Native race; while it equally disclaims liability for the principal share of the cod of suppressing insurrections of people over whom the Imperial Government has never practically established authority ; it will at all times cheerfully recognize its duty to co-operate to the Ci.teat of Its ability and means with

(.rreat Britain for the .attainment of these objects, so essential to :hi weLare of the Colony • nil in conformity with these views it is of opinion that the interests of the Imperial Government and of the Natives themselves, as well as of the Colony, require that (reserving to. the Governor both the initiation and the decision of questions were Imperial interests are concerned,) the ordinary conduct of Native Affairs should be placed under the- administration of Responsible Ministers.” • At 11 p.m., the debate was adjourned until. Monday at 13. So sar as it has proceeded tlie discussion was an animated one, and much diversity of opinion has been expressed. Mr. Fitzgerald objected to the resolution .because it did not go far enough. M.i. Moorhouse because it went too far. Mr.. O’Neil having • no faith in the success of the plan, nevertheless thought it should have a fair trial. Nr. Colenso was dead against it. Mr. Jollie would grant the governor supplic-i, but take no responsibility. Mr. Weld considered it would be a misfortune if the colonists took upon themselves responsibility, and described the treaty of Waitangi as a sham. Mr. Gillies would give the Governor both money and responsibility. He believed the Crown ha. undertaken a responsibility of which it could not divest itself, but if the.' question was a ministerial one he was not prepared to turn them out upon it. Mr. Beil believed it to be impossible to divide European and native interests, and defended, as consistent, the action ( oi the ministry. He affirmed that it was due to the Taranaki settlers never to give up responsibility 7. Major Hiehardson thought that if the resolution was affirmed it. would be impossible to control Sir Guo. Grey, .and the unfortunate position of tlm Taranaki settlement would be indeiini ely prolonged Captain Atkinson was gratified for the sympathy of tlie House, thought the plan should have a fair trial, and'did not wish to oust tlie ministry. In illustration of what he considered to lie the character of the resolution, he told the old story of Fox aud a friend entering St. Stevens after dinne.l, when the latte. - whispered, “ I say, Fox, I see no speaker.” “ Don’t yon,” rep lied Fox, “I see two now,” continu d the gallant Captain, “ I am in the position of' Mr. Fox’s friend, which the hour being post, perandial, the House received as a naive admission and greeted with shouts of laughter. .Mr. J. 0. -Richmond's speech closed the debate for the evening, at 11 p.m. Judging by its character so far as the debate has proceeded, I should think the ministry will not resign in consequence of a mere negative being given to their resolution, but only if an amendment be carried affirming an opposite policy. - ; Wellington, 23rd July, 1862.. MINISTERIAL NATIVE POLICY. Last evening in a full house, was initia*ted a discussion on the Native Policy of the Government, by which the ministryhave declared their intention to stand-or fall. . . ‘

In deference to the wish of many mem-' bers of the House, the lion, the Colonial Secretary on Friday last, intimated his intention to move for leave to bring in a bill to regulate the disposal of native lands, in order that a full statement of the intention of the government on native affairs might be laid before the ■ House previous -to' going into the question of supply, and the Colonial Treasurer postponed his motion until Wednesday (to day) to allow of thi3 being done. In opening his subject Mr. Fox went very fully into the whole question of native affairs past, present, and prospective, drawing largely in support of his statements from official documents, despatches, minutes, and memoranda, and illustrating his view's by references to the past and present date of the native population. lii the course of his speech he took occasion to reply in advance to the proposed interpellations'of Major Itichardson as to the measures intended to be adopted by ■ the government towards the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui tribes. He trusted that hehieed not assure the [louse of the deep sympathy of the government with the settlors of Taranaki, nor of the satisfaction it would give them. to see that unfortunate province restored to its pristine state ; but charged as they wore with the interests of the whole colony, as well as with the well being of those loved natives who had throughout the trying crisis remained faithful to us, it must be obviou i that their course was surrounded with difficulty, and that Taranaki could not be treated as a distinct case. He referred to the opinions expressed by various authorities as to the result of attacking the Hgatiruanuis, •or the Waikat-os, at the time when it was proposed to be done; to tlie admission of Governor Brown that it would produce a general war, which would last at least for two years, involving retirement to the towns of the settlers, the ruin of the colony, and the extermination of the native race. He assured the House of the desire of the ministry and the Governor to restore Taranaki, and they were content to leave it to his Excellency to take those steps, which must be of a military character when uud Lowlie chose. He assured them that there was no truth in the report that Sir Geo. Grey was intending to buy out the settlers of the block now overrun by the Taranakis, with a view of handing it over to the original owners. .lie glanced at the results of the new policy during the last' six months ; their efforts had been impededjby the smallness of the grant placed at their disposal,, but by every means ■in their power they had sought to restore confidence in the native mind as to their intention t ■ .vards them, and they were satisfied in their results. Hot long ago it j wis said that any advance of troops in the direction of the Waikato would be taken by that powerful tribe as a declaration of w r ar—that advance had not only been made but they had also •cor-

attracted 40 miles of military road right up to the banks of the Waikato river, and established military posts in such }iositions as to protect the seat of government and command the key of the Waikato country. Confidence was springing up everywhere; the King movement was paralysed and fast. losing its adherents. Only a few days ago 200 of the rankest Kingites at Porotawhao in this province, which had been the head quarters of disaffection, and formerly the residence of the late ferocious chieftain Eangihaeata, had formally renounced the King and were now actively endeavouring to bring over the whole of the tribes in their vicinity ; and the same thing was going on throughout the country. There were only two courses open to us; one, the policy now in operation, and he entertained confident hopes by its means to obtain a peaceful solution of this difficult problem —the other course was that of the late governor and his ministry, a general war, involving the ruin of the colony, the extermination of the native race, and the affix ng of a brand upon both government and people, which would never be effaced. The honorable gentleman was listened to throughout with attention, though occasionally somewhat unfairly interrupted by the war-nt-any-price party, ami was loudly cheered when he resumed his seah The motion was seconded by the Colonial Treasurer and cairied; the Bill ordered to be printed; and the second reading fixed for Friday. The house broke up at half past nine, the opposition being discreetly content to let the effects of theJPremic’rs able speech wear off somewhat ere they attempted to reply. Tiie adjournment was somewhat hastened, possibly, by the fact of an entertainment awaiting a largo party at the residence of his Honor the Superintendent. TUB WANGANUI* TRAGEDY. The neus brought us by the Storm Bird . fin advance of the overland mail) of the Wanganui tragedy gave rise to some uneasiness, and a plentiful crop of rumours ; but. the excitement was soon set at rest by the re-publication of the Wanganui Chronicles lucid account of the affair; and the reasonable and prompt action of both natives and Europeans in the matter, will, it is hoped, rather increase than diminish the good understanding existing between the two races in your district. LECTURE ON GEOLOGY.’' The Hon. J. C. Crawford’s lecture on Geology which had been postponed on account of the unfavorable weather, was delivered at the Athenaeum last night, but owing to the public interest felt in the proceedings in the House of Representatives on the same evening the attendance was not numerous. The lecture was full of interest, especially that portion of it which related to the lion, gentleman’s persona! observations in this province during his recent tours, and would well bear repetition. POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS. Our postal arrangements still .want improvement. The Jf'onga JVonga arrived in harbour on Sunday afternoon, and as the English mail had arrived at Dunedin before her departure, had there been sufficient elasticity in the regulations, or had the postmaster sufficient discretionary power, she might have brought on the northern portion of the mail, and not only saved a day to Wellington, but a week to the West Coast settlements south of /Tangaiiui. MARKETS. Mr. Hammond’s draft of fat stock from Rangitikei realised per lb., this, with the more diligent inquiry for beef indicates a rise. Eat wethers are also in demand. At the date of my last advices from Dunedin butter was selling freely at Is lid to 2s. Bacon good, at Is 4d to Is 4£d. . EUROPEAN NEW>, to 31st of May. The Wool Sales commenced 2nd May. Total arrivals 95,000 bales. Biddings animated at an average reduction of Id to 11-1 on good, l|d to 2d.on inferior and 2d to on burred and wasfy, A treaty between England and America for the suppression of the slave trade has been 'ratified. It gives to British vessels the right of search. A bill abolishing slavery in the territory of tho States lias been passed in the House of Representatives by eighty-five votes to fifty. The following is the latest telegram, dated Suez, June I:—* LONDON, May 31, Debate in the Lords on the national expenditure. Lavalette returns to Rome. French troops remain. Federal fleet defeated in James River. Loss heavy. Pensacola evacuated. Hunter’s proclamation, freeing slaves, is revoked. Money easier. Wool steady. (From our own Correspondent.') London, 26th May 1862. The Great Exhibition has come—and gone, I was about to say, hut though not so bad as that, it has certainly displayed a wonderful “alacrity in sinking” in public estimation. It must be pronounced a failure as yet when compared with the Exhibition of 1851, although of course none of us like to admit so much. However, tried by the test of admissions, which is almost a conclusive one, there is no doubt of the falling off. Only about half the number of visitors have entered the building up to this date that had at the same time entered the 1851 building, and after all the labour bestowed the interior is not yet finished, while the amount of grumbling on the part of exhibitors, British and foreign, is something beyond parallel. From the very outset a series of blundeis and calamities has marked its career, and no calamity has been greater han the death of the Prince Consort which

deprived the Commissioners of a firm judgment And a cultivated taste when they most needed both. In the arrangement of the contents, in the rules for exhibitors, for the press and for the p iblic, most unfortunate blunders have been committed. Tiie chief .commissioner for the French exhibitois was so offended by a regulation that expelled him from the bu Ming <n tlje day before the opening that lie gave orders to all his staff to pack up and leave, and wuuld really have carried out his threat had lie not been pacified by a very ample letter of apology from Lord Granville. Now this was neither a pleasant nor dignified result, ami if. is only one specimen of many. Again, the Commissioners, at' the outset gave their consentto the erection of a certain number of trophies in the nave of the building, Some of these were in wretched taste. One for in stance was a trophy of toys, and another of ■provisions, including among other tilings a preserved sirloin of beef! Now these were at once seen to be quite out of place in the main avenue of the building, which should have been devoted to sculpture, fountains and flowers, and the’ outcry oil the part of the public leonine so great that the Commissioners Innl to order many of the trophies to be removed, and the owners of them yery naturally grumbled at the breach of engagement thereby made. 1 told you in my last, of the quarn Is and bad temper exhibited in connection with the musical arrangements for the opening. Costa, the conductor, refused to conduct the performance of Stermlale Bennett’s piece, and the Commissioners meekly gave way to him and allowed it to he managed by an inferior conductor. In the same spirit Costa snubbed Verdi, the eminent Italian composer, a man whose time is literally money, ami who had most handsomely composed a long vocal piece for the occasion. It was not performed in consequence, though it turn* out to have been the finest of the whole. These various little hitches ami mistakes have produced an endless amount of heartburning. All might have been avoided if one guiding mind had presided over the direction. Even in that case contentment would not have resulted in all cases, but at least uniformity and consistency would have been seen. Of the opening ceremony I need not tell you as you will see full reports in all the papers. It was quite successful, although the foreign critics who are among us at present tried to pick a great many holes in if, The weather was magnificent: there were • two foreign royal-personages, Prince Frederick William of Prussia, and Prince Oscar of Sweden besides the Japanese ambassadors, and the crowd was of course prodigious. The amount of abuse lavished on the building by all, British and foreign, would overwhelm most men, but Captain Fuwke, the architect of it, having received his solatium of J 25,000 must be presumed to be well satisfied with the result. The jokes and puns produced, relating chiefly to the two domes are infinite in their number and badness. Capt. Fowke, it is proposed, should be entitled A/aJor Dome—he should blow up the building and so merit the name of Guy Fowkes; the domes are compared, sometimes to boilers, more often to dish covers—with many other witticisms too hideous to mention. Still, when all is said, it is a magnificent sight, and when everything Ims b«en well arranged and the provincials begin to flock up, we may fairly oxpect that the attendance will eventually come up to the halcyon days ot 1851. In one respect the proent Exhibition is peerless beyond compare, and that is the Picture Gallery. Nothing has yet been found to equal it in extent, variety ami value. Even here however the French critics are at hand ready to drop a little wormwood into our enp of happiness by disparaging criticisms between the English and French schools, to the advantage of course of the latter. It is of bail omen for the future harmony of the Exhibition that our French critics and correspondents make remaiks in a tone much better titted to show’ their own malevolence and bad taste than their acquaintance with the subjects discussed.

Nothing very marked lias taken place in Parliament since my last. There have been one or two sharp debates, consisting chiefly of passages ut. arms between Lord Palmerston and Mr. Disratli, to the sore confusion of the latter. It must be confessed he richly deserved it. In a speech on {he financial affairs of the year lie made a severe attack on Mr. Gladstone’s budget, and then diver ged into a somewhat rambling disquisition on Foreign Affairs, denouncing the foreign policy of the present Government. His toadies in the press eulogize this speech, but it is questionable if one more impolitic and unwise lias ever been delivered by a leading British statesman. It was an open bid at popularity with the most incongruous and crotchetty cliques in Parliament and the country, and strikingly exhibited Mr. Disraeli’s utter want of strong convictions on all political subjects. He condemned the “ bloated armaments” which the present Government were keeping on foot—this was a hid, for tiie Bright clique. He advocated the “ independence of the Pope”—-this was for the Ultramontane clique. Mixed up with these were remarks of a saving character for his Conservative supporters,'and the whole resulted in a very odd exposition of political faith, shewing nothing so much as the dexterous, but utterly unprincipled, versatility of the speaker. Of course every one here knows that Mr. Disraeli does not care a pinch of snuff for either the Pope or his independence, though he does care a great deal for Irish and Roman Catholic votes. We all know too very well that were Mr. Disraeli in power to-morrow ho dare not attempt the slightest reduction in our armaments, but then reduction of taxation would be a very convenient cry to go to the country with just at present. Lord Palmerston’s reply was supremely spirited and happy, his enemies themselves being judges. Tt is admitted to have been really a marvellous effort for an old man of 78. He out-argued, out-bantered, out-manceuvered his assailant on every point, contradicted all his important facts, told him he advised him in future to be more careful where lie got. bis

information, and so on in a gash of sarcasm, logic and repartee. Mr. Disraeli had said, among other great revelations, that we were not in accord with France in American matters, that our ambassador at Washington and the French one fought at cioss purposes, ami a good deal more of the sort. In reply to this, Lord Palmerston give it a point blank contradiction, as lie did to a few other statements of the same calibre. Again lie remimlel bis opponent that Lord Derby’s Government, far from being guiltless on the mat ter of expon.ee in armaments, were in the habit of boasting of what they had- done , to reconstmct.jithe navy ami reform the army as things to entitle them to national gratitude. Sir John Pakington for instance is always telling us that the initiative in building iron-clad vessels of war came from him, ami all our present expenditure dates from that event. On the subject of the independence of the Pope,, Lord Palmerston retorted on his opponent by asking where was this independence when the Pope had to be protected by a French army against his own subjects ? I cannot give you more than the faintest outline of this reply : suffice it to say, its spirit, dash ami fluency, were universally admitted and admired. Mr. DisruMi returned to the charge a few nights afterwards, but with no better success. The wlmie interest of these exhibitions lies in the fact that they are bids for power, tnul Mr. Disraeli will accept udbereuts from any quarter, from Nonnanby in the one libuso to Maguire in the other, lie has h w<. ver failed in one important respect —lie has not got the sympathy of either the House of C minions or tho country wiln him. He | dare not proyoke a division on the question of the foreign policy of the G •verinnen’, and he knows it. Even the country gentlemen would desert him here.

One section of members indeed; seeins finally won over to the Conservatives ami these are the Irish Roman Catholics. Lately a deputation of them headed by Lord Dunkellin, the eldest sou of the Marquis of Clunricarde, waited on Lord Palmerston to ask for the restoration of the subsidy to the Galway Packet concern, ami received a not very favorable answer. Apparently they have resolved to take their revenge for this by voting against the Government on every conceivable question, in accordance with oft uttered threats,. I observe that in dhVof two late divisions in the House on money votes, the Irish members have gone against the Ministry, apparently on the principle that if they don’t get public money no one else shall. How explaiu their sudden economy in opposing grants to English purposes I know not, ami unfortunately their motives can scarcely lie called praiseworthy as it is notorious Unit they never think of opposing any votes for Ireland, no matter how objectionable the job may be, as for instance the Galway subsidy, while they are always besieging the Treasury doors, clamouring for public bounty.

But if the Irish Roman Catholics have been gained over to C mservatism, the Irish [Protestants have been propoitiouately alienated by Mr. Disraeli’s language. They are not the men to sink their Protestantism in party zeal, and with them Lord Palmerston is a prodigious favorite, partly from his sympathy with Italian freedom and partly from the favour he shews to tho Evangelical party in his Church appointments. The leading Irish Protestants are known to have remonstrated with their leaders in both Houses against Mr. Disraeli’s language. Their distrust of him they make no attempt to conceal. The Government have met with three defeats in the Commons on financial subjects. A small vote of JSSOOO for Highland Roads was rejected—a Bill for constructing and amalgamating the Law Courts, involving a very heavy expenditure, was also thrown out—and a very heavy vote of money for the expense of transferring a portion of the contents of the British Museum to South Kensington was rejected by a large majority. They also escaped a defeat by a majority of 8, on a vote of .£90,000 for the harbour of Alderney. This last is an expensive and discreditable job, and the fe fling has become very strong against it. Mr. Baxter, the member for Dundee, who moved its rejection, is to renew his efforts at a future stage in Committee of Supply.

The Church Rate Abolition Bill, after a hut debate, was, in the fullest - House of this Session, rejected by a majority of 1 ! Lust year you may recollect there was a tie on the third reading, the numbers being equal, and the Speaker gave Jiis casting vote against it. Tiiis year on the second reading the numbers stood 236 for it, 287 against—a very close shave it must be allowed. Perhaps this is the strongest proof of Conservative reaction we have yet seen. There have been vry few new elections since my last. Lambeth became vacant by the resignation of Mr. Roupell, and has returned in his place a Mr. Doullou of local influence, and the same politics as the last member. Oldham lias lost Mr. W. J. Fox, quondam Unitarian preacher and public lecturer who resigned from ill health, and he is succeeded by a Mr Hibbert of the same politics. There are at present vacancies for Kidderminster and Shrewsbury, both small boroughs in which parties are very equally balanced. I much fear there will be some gain,, here, to the Conservatives, as it is Liberals who have resigned.

The interest of our Foreign news again chiefly centres in America. 'The tide of success seems now to be all with tiie Federals who are carrying everything before them. They have captured New Orleans after a feeble resistance, ami have compelled the Confederates to retreat f.fopn; Yorktown in some confusion Towards Rich-; mond. Thus both north and south President Lincoln is driving back his enemies, and every cotton port in the United States is now in his hands except Charlestown and Savannah. The cotton however is- as far from coining 'forward as ever, the Confederates setting fire to it as they retreat. In New Orleans alone property of the value of two millions sterling is thought to have been thus consumed or otherwise destroyed.

AH along the banks of the Mississippi, which is now open to the Federal fleets, property is being destroyed, and when the Federal collectors of Customs are appointed to their posts there, to all appearance their duties- will be a sinecure. Ho wever all Yankeodom is jubilant with the general result of the late events, stocks and real property have risen greatly in value, and Mr. Seward speaks of opening New Orleans and other harbours at once for foreign trade. M. Merrier, the French ambassador lias made more than one journey from-Washing-ton to Richmond, it is suspected to propose submission to the south and to offer a general amnesty. But this step on bis part has not been authorized, far less prompted by the French government. Whether or no, it matters not; submission is the last idea that is likely to enter tho Confederate mind. The redoubted iron monster, the Merrimac has effected no further mischief to the Federate, and has now been destroyed by the Confederates themselves aloug with the Norfolk navy yard stores, machinery, &e. in their retreat. In my last I. mentioned the recapture of the British ship the “ Emily St. I’ierro” from the American prize crew who bad been put on board her. The American min ster here has received instructions to claim her restitution as a lawful prize. In Mexico, things have reached a very peculiar position. A joint expedition was as you know undertaken by England, France and S min, and their forces after taking Vera O uz advan >efl a short distance into the interior. Here a convention was agreed to between the Mexican Government ami the allied C mnuamlers, by which the latter j took up certain positions in the country, am! suspended their movements pending the details of a treaty. But the ‘French Government has formally disowned the act of its Commander ami sent orders to its forces to advance on the city of Mexico, unless better terms ami fuller satisfaction are obtained from President Juarez. The English and .Spanish troops on the other hand have withdrawn in accordance with the convention, leaving the responsibility of any further proceedings to France alone. There is thus something like a split between the Allies on the subject, and tho Spaniards are particularly imiigrant as French .Influence lias so completely supplanted theirs. It is besides believed that the real object of the French -Emperor’s move is to establish a monarchy in Mexico under the Archduke Maximilian of Austria-.~an object often denied, but now reasserted very confidently. There is of course a good deal of talk here a bout {French ambition, aggressiveness &c. but the real truth is that, among us City"men there is a strong under current of satisfaction prospect of a strong and civilized government being re-established in that distracted country, and if France is the instrument we shall regard her success with no feeling of envy or dis like. Mexico ewes us a great deal of money, which will be paid when the government is a stable one, but not sooner. But the influence of France will thus not b ojihsolutely beneficial merely, but it will be’ relatively so too It shuts out from that beautiful and rich country swindling and bigoted Spain, and not o dy confers on us a positive benefit but saves us from an evil possibly greater than even troubles have been. I believe if France conquered and annexed the cuuntry we would not say a word against it, but accept it as a beneficial solution of a somewhat difficult problem. On the continent of Europe tilings are very quiet. Austriariioundering in the slough of bankruptcy and indebtedness, finds means to build iron-plated men-of-war, but has partially reduced her army. The King of Italy lias made a triumphal progress through Naples and Sicily and been received with unexpected enthusiasm. After all the croakings of the Bourbonists and Ultramontanes it turns out that there was no discontent in the South of Italy worth speaking of. Brigandage even ceased, as if by magic, when Victor Emanuel, “ the king who keeps his word” came amongst his Neapolitan subjects His presence has given an impetus to public works of a useful character, and the fervour of the reception he experienced has given a prestige to his position as the monarch of Italy, which it scarcely possessed before. At Naples he was visited by his son-in-law, Prince Napoleon, who also’was well received by way of thanks for his efforts in the Italian cause at the councils of the Tuilleries.

Home matters are chiefly memorable at’present for the unprecedented number of murders that are being committed. Ireland stands out rather prominently in this respect, not that wq in England can at her with any fairness, but that Irish murders£are noticeable for the openness and impunity which accompany them. Within the last fortnight there have been four awful murders there, chiefly connected with agrarian causes. A French lauded proprietor in Tipperary, M. Thiebault, was murdered in the broad day, about half-a-mile from his own door, and within sight of the nolice station, and yet, though this took place on the high road, the police received no intelligence of it for some hours afterwards. His widow and family have of course, left the country, and a man named Halloran, an evicted tenant, the supposed murderer, has been arrested. An old man named Maguire, was murdered with equal coolness also in day light, and near hia own house. His crime consistedinliavingtakena farm from which at some previous period somebody had been bought out. An extensive proprietor in the county Limerick, a Mr. Fitzgerald, when walking with his wife on the high road was assassinated deliberately in her presence. A man named Beckham, a ticket of leave convict has been arrested. Finally, Mr. Herdman, one of the wealthiest men in Belfast was shot by a relative, also in the open day. Besides these many’others are expected, threatening letters having been received by some large landed proprietors in the middle and southern counties. Among others "Mr. Bianconi, the well-known car pro-

priecor, was warned by two men, who walked up to him while standing at his hall’door that he might prepare his coffin ! A reign of terror exists in some districts, and a special Commission will immediately issue to try the criminals. The great blot in the case of Irish murders is that the population sympathize with the crimin.ls, and the prosecution almost always fails from the reluctance to give evidence against them. Tho distress in the manufacturing districts in the north grows daily more intense. The poor laws seem scarcely able to bear the strain, and it is quite likely that some extraneous means of help will be required soon. Meanwhile private charity is flowing in liberally, and many thousands of pounds have already been sent by the Lord Mayor from this, concontributed by benevolent persons. Amid all this, London is very full and very lively and noisy. Vast numbers 01 provincials and foreigners are up; the latter in most picturesque variety. Hirsute and strangely arrayed, they figure in allourthoroughiares and form excellent subjects for enterprising sharpers and for the predatory habits of the British cabman. Mossoo walks about, chattering and gesticulating as on his own Boulevards. Meinherr stares very owlishly through his spectacles and clasps to his bosom in tho public street a chance acquaintance from the fatherland, while Signor smokes and expectorates as freely as ho does in the Corso or the Caseine. They don’t seem to spend much money though, and get the [credit of looking very sharp after the small change The Japanese ambassadors are still here, living a prodiously fast life of visits and sight seeing. The two sights that have

delighted them most have been the Crystal Palace at Sydenham, and Woolwich arsenal and laboratory. Mr. Edward Miall, of the Nonconformist newspaper, a man of renown in the English dissenting world has just been presented with a very handsomo testimonial in commemoration oi the majority of his paper. A soiree was given to him at the Freemason’s Tavern, and the chairman in name of the meeting handed to him a Bankers’ I ass Book containing to his credit the neat suin of £SOOO .Mr. Bright was present and made a speech warmly eulogistic of the guest of the evening. Mr. Miall is a clever man and has done a great deal for the voluntas y cause, but his success shews how unavailing a moderate tone is in controversial writing. Had the Nonconformist been ever so ably written, but at tlie same moderate and mild withal the chances are it would have been voted a bore and sunk rapidly, But it had just sufficient of rancour and malignity in its tone to give it a certain spice and piquancy, and hence was more interesting than had it been animated with all the graces of dull Christian propriety. Being on the subject of testimonials I may state that the redoubted Capt. Wilson, who recaptured the Emily St. Pierre above-mentioned, has been presented with a splendid service of plate by the’Liverpool shipowners, besides gold medals, sextant, etc., and also with £2OOO by the owners of the ship. The two seamen who assisted him have also had presentations. One of them is a German, the other an Englishman. Capt. Wilson is a Dumfries man.

City matters are quiet. The Bank rate of discount has been raised from to 3 per cent. The immediate cause of this step is the efflux of gold in connection with foreign loans, no less than a million having been sent off to Turkey, while much more will shortly follow. Still accommodation is easily got and there is li tie speculation in any sort of business, the cotton specula - ion having been stopped for the moment by the news from America. The grain trade is for those engaged in it in a wretched state, which meanstliat forthe great bulk of the community it is in the hest possible state. Markets have been going lower aud lower still, under the influence firstly of the large importations, and secondly of the splendid prospects of our and the French harvests. Wool keeps its price, and it is fortunate that the woollen manufacturing districts have kept tolerably busy till now —one bright spot in a dark horizon. The amount now collected in London for the National Memorial to Pr nee Albert, exceeds .£50,000, but we are as far from having decided as to the character of the memorial. The idea of an obelisk in Hyde Park has been abandoned, no monolith of sufficient strength having been discovered. We are all trembling with anxiety lest this great public monument should be like so many others, artistically a bungle. The Queen is now at Balmoral, but will return next week to Windsor. The marriage of the Princess Alice will take place at Osborne about the middle of next month. The Prince of Wales is now at Constantinople, after a tour through Egypt and Palestine. He thence goes to Greece, and should be home in about a fortnight. The funds are steady at about 93£. They have suffered by so many investments having been lately made in foreign loans and in tho shares of joint stock Companies.

Totals Houses : of wood ..440 of brick or s one . 2 of other materials 101 543 Population : males under 21.years ... 5 76 males 21 years and upwards 489 1065 females under 21 years ... 559 females 21 years and upwards ... 336 895 Live Stock : horses 1,169 mules and asses... 3 horned cattle 9,569 sheep 35,061 goats 74 P-'g ! 4,889 poultry 8,359 Land : acres fenced 26,093 do under crop in wheat... 6231 „ barley ... 153£ »oats 242£ maize ... i „ potatoes 205 sown grass ...23, 077f ., garden or orchard 183f - „ other crops Ilf 24,r.00

Houses : of wood 1-51 of other materials 50 201 Population : males under 21 years ... 247 males 21 years and upwards 244 491 females under 21 years ... 254 females 21 years and upwards ... 147 401 Live Stock : horses horned cattle 973 11,179 sheep goats pigs 27,000 132 1,550 poultry Land : acres fenced 4,119 22,941 do under crop : — in wheat... 8S4 „ barley ... „ oats 547 „ maize ... If „ potatoes, 120 <■ „ sown grass ... 7,750$ „ garden or orchard 87j- „ other crops 280| 9,707

CALENDAR. Moon C First Quarter Aug. 3 4. 33 a.m (_Full Moon Aug. 10 9. 31 a.m July. S. rises. S. sets. High water at Heads 31 7 11 4 49 1 38 2 2 Aug. 1 7 10 4 50 2 25 2 49 2 7 9 4 51 3 12 3 36 3 7 8 4 52 3 59 4 24 4 7 7 4 53 4 46 5 10 5 7 G 4 54 5 34 5 58 6 7 5 4 55 6 21 6 45 7 7 4 4 56 7 9 7 33