WELLINGTON NOTES.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9723, 10 May 1897, Page 6

WELLINGTON NOTES.

[By Tklbokaph.]

(fBOM OVR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) WELLINGTON, May 9. Mr J. C. McKerrow, of the Wairarapa, has been appointed a Commissioner to deter, mina and settle the long-standing military claims. The position was previously offered to Mr J. C. Martin, Public Trustee, but declined by him on account of pressure of work in the Trust Office. The subject is of special interest to the northern part of the colony, from the circumstance that moat of the claimants reside in the North Island. The claims were to have been investigated any number of times theae twenty years, and produced a " scrip fever " almost equal to that of speculative sharebroking. This scrip, which was in, many instances " sold for a song," has accumulated in comparatively few hands. Equitable considerations of all kinds have developed out of these transactions. The appointment of Mr J. C. McKerrow as Commissioner has provoked a good deal of comment. He was a member of the- Horowhenua Commission that sat last year, and on that account the opponents of the Government denounce the appointment. It is also doubted whether he has the necessary - military experience or legal knowledge to decide many of the questions that will be raised. He will, at the outset, be approached by interested holders of military scrip, aboui the acquisition of which all sorts, of expert information will probably be needed. It io now stated that Mr Tegetmeier will shortly assume the management of the Bank of New Zealand, and that Mr E Mackenzie {joes to the branch, office in London.