WELLINGTON ITEMS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 5, 1 May 1896, Page 3

WELLINGTON ITEMS.

PRESENTATION TO DOCTOR NEWMAN, M.11.R.

REDUCTION IN THE RATE OF

INTEREST,

THE PREMIER AT PETONE

[Special to Stam>ai;!>

Wellington, This day

Dr Newman, the member for Wellington Suburbs, will be entertained at a social gathering of electors at Petone this evening, when advantage will be taken to present him with a handsome piece of plate in recognition of his services. Captain Russell, Mr Dm hie, and other members of Parliament are expected to be present. The Building Societies have lowered their rate of interest for deposits to 4 per cent, in sympathy with the lowering of the Bank rate.

The Premier addressed a crowded meeting at Petone last night, the Mayor presiding. Mr Seddon spoke for three hours defending the policy of the Government, and resisting personal attacks on himself and other members of the Ministry. He also referred to the Russell Land Act, and stated that when Captain Russell came to the colony there was a provision by which military officers could obtain a grant of 400 acres of land after five years" residence in the colony. Captain Russell left after being here three years and a half, and on his king unable to obtain the grant complained that he hail been misinformed by some one, and in consequence of that statement a Bill was introduced into the Legislative Council giving Captain Russell 800 acres of the best land in Hawke's Bay. At the conclusion of the address a hearty vote of thanks was given to the speaker, and one of confidence in the Government was carried unanimously.