OPENING OF THE NELSON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 498, 1 May 1869, Page 2

OPENING OF THE NELSON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

THE SUPEEINTENDENT'S ADDEESS. THE SEPAEATION PETITION. THE DUKE OF EDINBTTEGH IN OTAGO. THE EEBELS ON THE EAST COAST. LATEST AUSTEALIAN NEWS. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) (PEOil OUR OW1? CORRESPONDENT.) Nelson, Friday. The opening Address of the Superintendent strongly condemns the petition for the separation of the Nelson South-West Goldfielde. His Honor asserts that the petition contains misstatements in facts and figures. He also states that the revenue has been short of the estimates to the extent of £ii,ooo. Eeductions to theamount of £12,000 are proposed. There is no sum placed upon the estimates for the Westport wharves or river protection works.

The Reply to the Address has been adjourned.

The new members are resolved to oppose the Adjustment of Representation Bill, as unfair and insufficient for the representation of the West Coast.

The following telegrams have been received by the Hokitika and Christchurch papers:— Dunedin, April 28. The Duke of Edinburgh landed in Dunedin on Monday, and the whole programme passed off most successfully. He attended the theatre in the evening.

On Tuesday he held a levee, and was present at a Caledonian gathering, and a ball in connection with it at night.

The Duke danced with Mrs Macandrew, and the Governor with the Mayoress of Dunedin.

The Duke of Edinburgh races came off to-day, and Dunedin has been completely deserted. The Duke has gone out to them. He dines at the Club to-night, and visits Tokomairiro tomorrow (this day). Cheistchxjech, April 28. A meeting of shareholders of the N.Z.S. Company was held yesterday. A special resolution was passed introducing a clause into the regulations of the company empowering a reduction of capital in order to declare a dividend. A letter was received from the Circular Saw Mill Company offering £25,290 for the whole assets of the N. Z. Company ._ The offer was refused, and the directors requested to reply that if a proper offer was made it would be submitted to a meeting of shareholders.

WELLrtraTON, April 26. The Patea correspondent of the Wanganui Times states that Titoko, with 600 men, is returning to his old haunts; that the district scouts are afraid to go out, and that supplies of firewood are becoming short. The correspondent talks of having to abandon the district again, if Titoko

occupies Waitotara. Colonel Lyons had been sent for, and had left Wanganui.

Napiee, April 25. A considerable force is now at Mohaka. Indications have been discovered of the presence of a portion of the enemy. It is supposed that this is a ruse, to cover the retreat of the main body with loot. The force at Mohaka, in the first place, could have cut off the enemy, if vigor had been displayed. Mr Eussell, the Government agent, and Colonel Lambert, in command, have seriously quarrelled. It is supposed the latter will be suspended. The St Kilda arrived from Tauranga yesterday. Mr Eichmond was on board the steamer, northwards, with two loads of ammunition. Twenty volunteers have been told-off to march to Petane, to relieve the 2nd class Militia. There was a disturbance there ; thirteen refused to go, saying they could not leave their occupations. The ringleaders are sent to gaol, and the rest were liberated on parole. The feeling is universal against the arbitrary withdrawal of the population for camp duty. April 26. The steamer Lyttelton, with the Constabulary, is windbound off Black Head, and being short of provisions, the Ahuriri has been chartered to go to her assistance. The Ahuriri takes troops and natives to Wairoa, whence an expedition is about to start to meet Colonel Whitmore in the TJriwera country; he is now at Ahikeru.

The St Kilda, with Mr Eichmond on board, has gone for the Ngatiporou to join the expedition. Great preparations are being made in Auckland for the reception of the Prince. 220 vessels are to form two lines in the harbor.

(Prom the West Coast Times.) Bluff Habbok, April 28. The s.s. Gothenburg arrived here this morning, after a fair run down. She left Melbourne on the 22nd inst.

Meleotjene, April 22. Mr Jones, after re-election, has been expelled from the House of Assembly after a three days' debate. The charges against Mr Butters, also a member and late Mayor of Melbourne, are now being investigated. They are similar in nature lo those against Mr Jones, with the difference that whilst Jones is known to have received, it is alleged that Butters paid for services rendered.

During the debate on Jones's case a savage attack was made on the Government by Mr Fellows, causing a somewhat disgraceful scono iu the House.

Mr M'Culloch, the Chief Secretary, explained that the late London Loan had not succeeded owing to the instructions forwarded by the Government not having been understood by the agent. He expressed his belief that the money could be readily raised in the colonies.

The ship Hurricane, from Liverpool, has foundered in Hohson's Bay. The steamship Investigator is laying the electric telegraph in Bass's Straits. The Roman Catholic Provincial Council met on last Sunday, the 18th inst., and its deliberations have been carried on daily since. John Bunton, saddler, of Geelong, has committed suicide.

The Ice Company have declared a dividend at 12J- per cent. James A. Coy, late Chinese interpreter at Castlemaine, has been found guilty, on a second trial, of obtaining bribes from Chinese gambling houses. The Victoria Eire Insurance Company have declared a dividend of £3 per share.

Live stock is advancing in value owing to grass becoming more plentiful.

Plour is quoted at £l3 nominal, but there are no transactions reported beyond the ordinary trade. Kerosene is scarce and commands high rates. Teas are dull. Colonial produce generally is higher.

Sxdnet, April 21. The last quarter's returns show a decrease on the gold raised. The single-wicket match between Victoria and New South Wales was won by the former. Western Wood, of Bowen, has been arrested for embezzlement of Government moneys. The Mayor of Sydney was presented with a splendid silver service before leaving for Europe. Adelaide, April 21. Markets are dull.