WELLINGTON NOTES.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9669, 6 March 1897, Page 8

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By Telegraph.)

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) WELLINGTON, March 5. The Conference which met to consider the revision by the parties affected by the decision of the Industrial Conciliation Board have reported in the main favourably to the maintenance of the judgment arrived at by the Board, viz., ten shillings a month increase of wages, Boxing Day to be added to the holidays, delegates of the Seamen's Union to have the right to visit ships during meal hours, but these terms are countervailed by the refusal of the masters to give priority to the claims of Unionists for employment. This clause is hung up for three months, so that freedom of contraot is given to employ either Unionists or non-unionists in the meantime. It is stated that the present arrangements in this particular are working satisfactorily. One representative of the shipowners refused to concede, the privilege of visiting the ship during meal time pending further instructions from his principals. It appears, therefore, that the reconsideration of the award of the Industrial Board has not improved the position of the seamen, who still are dissatisfied. It is understood to be the resolution of the Seamen's Union to adhere to the award of the Conciliation Board. Another Conference is to be held. A publican was conspicuously disorderly during the recent city election. The Chief Justice expressed an opinion that it would be well to consider whether he should hold a publican's license. The Quarterly Licensing Meeting was held, yesterday, the S.M. presiding. The Committee wished to take an instruction from the Chairman as to their power to. follow Up the suggestion made by the Chief Justice. ■ They did not see anything iv the Licensing Act which gave them any direction. The S.M., however, said the Committee were at liberty to suspend a publican's license if they thought fit for misconduct, or allowing disorderly conduct " on his premises." In Cassell v the Attorney-General (the cyanide gold-saving process case) the plaintiffs appealed from a decision of the Registrar, who refused to allow an amendment of the specifications. The Supreme Court in banco sat this morning, and by arrangement with counsel the hearing of the case was fixed for the 12th April. The will of the late Hon. R. Pharazyn was before the Court to-day. The proceedings relate to the construction of certain clauses in the will. Mr Jellicoe appeared for Mrs Pharazyn and Mr Loiuax, Mr H, Izard for the trustees under the will, Mr H. D. Bell for Mrs Godfrey and Miss Marion Pharazyn. The late Governor's Secretary, Major Elliott, left for Auckland this afternoon to catch the 'Frisco steamer, en route for England. . _^