WELLINGTON NOTES.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10215, 10 December 1898, Page 9

WELLINGTON NOTES.

<•> [By Telegraph.] (FROM OT/R STZCIAJj CORRESPONDENT.) WELLINGTON, December 9. There is a rumour current in Wellington that Mr Geo. Fisher is to be called to the Upper House. Personally, I very much doubt this, and Mr. Fisher himself says he knows nothing of it. Besides, he says, they will have to reckon with him at the nex election. Mr Galloway, a Conservative M. P. from England, is at present a guest at Govern* ment House. Mr Galloway is already an earnest student of our legislation, more especially of the Old Age Pension scheme. He also takes great interest in friendly society matters, and ia to deliver an address to-morrow evening. The Old Age Pension application forms will not be ready for about a fortnight. The number of applications is likely to be large, for now the Act has beome law it is generally recognised that everyone entitled to a pension should send in a claim. There has been a good deal of agitation here lately regarding tote betting by bookmakers, and especially regarding the open manner in which it is carried on in the main streets of the city. There is a movement on foot to impose severe restrictions on street bookmakers, and' many of the small shopkeepers and tha labouring classes are likely co assist in it. Many people who do not object to the totalisator object to the ordinary bookmaker, who is now so prominent on our streets and racecourses. The Premier's Auckland speeches have been read with a good deal ot amusement here. The Opposition are not likely to trouble about a reply in the meantime, though later on Mr Duthie may feel called Upon to say something in Auckland.