WELLINGTON NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 21, 26 January 1898, Page 2

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By Telegraph.T-Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day, WELLINGTON DEFENCES.

The ''Times" declares that the recent operations by the Wellington Navals and Permanent Artillery against Fort BalUj»nce 6how that it could be silenced by an attacking force from a rifle redoubt (which is not manned) commanding the position. The writer says unless this spot were defended by a strong detachment the artillerymen working in the gunpits on the lower level could be shot down in a few minutes.

PRODUCE SHIPMENTS.

' Compiaints are made by produce merchants and' shippers that vessels conveying dairy produce do not sail at convenient intervals, but take their departure almost simultaneously. For example, the Otarama, Morayshire and Maori will sail within a week of each other. Steps are to ■be taken to remedy this.

PARLIAMENT LIBRARY.

Plans of the new parliamentary library have been completed by Mr Turabull architect, and will be submitted for final Approval of the Premier and Minister of Works oo their return to Wellington; To make room for the new .building, which will correspond with the south wing, the old structure, which includes the ladies tea-room, •strangers room, and portions hitherto provided for the accommodation of the ber-geant-at-Arms artillery guard during the v ses?ion, the press, and Maori interpreters, .will be demolished in a few days.

MINISTERS MOVEMENTS,

The Minister for Works and Minister of Justice are expected to be in Wellington thi« week. The Minister for Education denies the report that he is going South in B,"day or two. Pressure of departmental business will keep him here for some time.

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

The Police Commission has not yet commenced its sittings because the commission has not been signed by the' Governor, but it has been forwarded to Christchurch for that purpose.

MILITARY DRILL IN SCHOOLS

lib is stated that the Wellington Education Board has under consideration a system of military drill to be introduced in jdrjbhe public schools of the district, to prepare boys for pubseq.uent entry into ..volunteer corps. •NORTHERN TRUNK RAILWAY. Owing to completion of two main piers on the'Makohine viaduct on the North Island Main Trunk Railway a number of workmen have been discharged. LIGHTING OF TRAINS. After a month's test of lighting trains on the Wellington-Manawatu line with stored electricity in accumulator cells in the guard's van the system is pronounced a complete success,.the light being of great power and burning steadily. It is intended -to extend electric lighting from through trains to local trains. Lavatories and other conveniences have been added to second-class carriages. THE RIMUTAKA INCLINE. Afc a public meeting at Featherston a resolution was passed urging the Minister for Works to push on the survey of the jpjd coach road, in order to make a deviation of railway to avoid the Rimutaka in--line. _____