WELLINGTON NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 17, 20 January 1905, Page 3

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. A NORTHERNER ON THE OTAGO CENTRAL. From the standpoint of Mr J. Vile, M-H.R., who has just returned from a visit to the southern part of the colony, the Otago Central line is a mistake, the route being very costly; but the responsibility for its selection rests with a former Government. According to Mr Vile if the line is to be of any value it must be continued. It taps ran country, broken and steep, of which some is suitable for closer settlement. Tub continuation of the Catlins river railway, which is being urged locally, will open up about the only bush country in Otago, which is wanted for local timber requirements. A MAGISTRATE'S COURT RECORD. There were 200 Civil cases set down for hearing at the Magistrate's Court to-day, 32 of them being judgment summonses. This constitutes a record for the colony. The largest number previously set down for hearing in one day was 178. BUTTER SHIPMENTS. In reference to the report from Mr H. C. Cameron." the New Zealand Produce Commissioner in London, dealing with the butter shipment by the Delphic, some of the packages of which were stated to have arrived Home in a soiled condition, inquiries made at the office of the Dairy Commissioner go to show that it is now recognised that the neatness, cleanliness and general "get-up" of the New Zealand butter boxes sent from the colony to London leaves practically nothing to be desired. This, it is stated, has been brought about largely by the supervision of the Government and the careful manner in which the various shipping companies handle the packages containing dairy produce. The utmost care, it is said, was taken in the case of the Delphic shipment, which left the colony in good order and condition. This statemenet is borne out by the officers in charge of the handling of butter at each shipping port, and also by the secretary of the National Dairy Association, which is a very large shipper of butter. OLD TRAM-CARS FOR AUCKLAND. 'Four of the old horse trams, after long and faithful service, are making their exit for Auckland. They form the principal item of the deck cargo of the scow Warrior. THE TRUNK RAILWAYS. Speaking to a "Poet" representative on the subject of the through express route from Auckland to Invorcargill, the Minister for Railways confirmed what he had said at Wanganui in respect to that service. Sir Joseph supplemented those remarks by stating that all over the colonies business is increasing, and the business man requires to make an early start. Such a person will be served at all the centres by the early express, while those who have more time at their disposal will be served by the later train. CABINET SITTINGS. The first of a series of important Cabinet sittings began this morning, and lasted until a late hour this evening. The big questions to engage the attention of Ministers are likely to be disposed of before the week is ended.