WELLINGTON NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 75, 1 April 1897, Page 2

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. The Governraenb have been recently acquiring large areas of native land in the vicinity of Dannevirke. Au area of 33,900 acres'has been acquired in the Manawakaiboki blocko ub of a total area of 56,072 acres, and in fcheTirau block, adjoining the above, 900 acres have been acquired. Surveyors have stpted to cut upthese blocks, and there is some talk of a light railway being constructed through thorn as a feeder to the main line. EXPERIMENTAL NURSERY. Operations have nob yet commenced Ln connection with the Central Otago experimental nursery at Clyde, but I am informed that the caui-e of delay, the scarcity of water and difficulty of procuring it, will in all probability soon be overcome. Tho right to obtain water from a course at presenb dry has been obbained by bhe Agricultural Department. It is, however, hoped that as the result of bhe report to be obtained on water conservation on the goldtields, an abundant supply will be procured, so that settlers may be encouraged to take up sections in the vicinity of the nursery. THE BALANCE STATUE. Tho work in connection with the pedestal for the Ballanco statue is pro<jre.-ri.ig favourably, and will be completed shortly. ' PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS. The erection of an addition to the Legislative Council building, in which it was proposed to locate lavatories, has been discontinued, as the proposed building would havo rendered the architectural effect hideous. MISCELLANEOUS. The Mining Bureau was open to the public to day. Public meetings aro to be held to ascertain public opinion respecting tho construction of a graving clock. Tho Premier has given a donation of £5 5-1 to the fund for providing n new operating theatre at the Wellington Hospital. The "Post" advocates the appointment of women on tho Wellington Benevolent Trustee Board, the Charitable Aid Board of this city. Mr F. VV, WuldegravO, Under Secretary for Justice, is laid up with a i-evera attack of influenza.

The Inxpoctors of Schools here consider that while only ono Header is in uso the matter becomes stalo and unprofitable by too frequent recitation, and parts known by heart are road in a perfunctory manner. Thoy recommend the uso of three sets for each Standard.

It has been suggested thab an electoral fighting fund should be established in different centres by adherents of the Liberal cause.

The appointment of a Public School drill instructor ia to be discussed shortly by the Education Board here.