WELLINGTON NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 59, 10 March 1903, Page 2

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day

CLOSE SETTLEMENT.

Prior to the Premier's speech in the South last week, I hinted at Highfield Estates being acquired by Government. Two days later we were officially informed by Mr Seddon that it was an accomplished fact. Encouraged by the success of this "tip." I now venture to forecast the acquisition of certain blocks in a swamp near Mataura. owned by the New Zealand Agricultural Land Company, both for purposes of closer settlement. It is said that negotiations for the purchase of these properties arc going ahead satisfactorily. OTAGO-CANTERBURY RIVALRY. Rumours are in the air here, of a serious split among Canterbury and Otago members concerning railway construction matters. A Northern member has written to a friend in this city intimating that the question of railway communication is sure to bo a burning one next session, and will give rise to plenty of interprovincial jealousy. }le says that Mr Fowlds put the fat on the fire, and that it will take something to smother the (lames. THE JAPANESE VISITORS. Messrs Takaka and Indo, the Japanese Commissioners, have been induced to pay a (lying visit to Christchureh, and to enable them to do so, Napier has been cut out of their original route- The visitors, who leave by the Tarawera this evening, had an interview this morning with tho Minister for Public Works and inspected the departmental buildings. THE ISLAND TRIP. On reconsideration the. Government has decided that the trip of the Tutanekai to Cook Islands shall be put back to the original date in April, if a start were not made till early in May the Parliamentary representatives would have only a short stay at their respective homes, prior to assembling in Parliament. MINING EXAMINATIONS. As constant enquiries have been made from all parts of the colony, it is interesting to know that the Board of Examiners under the Mining and Coal Mines Act, meets at Wellington on tho 18th inst., to deal with examination papers of mine managers, battery superintendents, and dredge masters certificates. The Board hopes to forward results on the following day.