WELLINGTON ITEMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11231, 31 March 1897, Page 6

WELLINGTON ITEMS.

FFrom Our Correspondent.!

WELLINGTON, March 30,

The Government has decided, after unsuccessful negotiations with the proprietor, Mr Pan es Russell, to acquire the Woburn Estate of 27,000 acres, near Waipukurau, Hawke’s Bay, under the compulsory sections of the Land for Settlements Act, With the exception of being surface sown, the land is in its natural state. A demand for Crown land has existed in this district for a considerable period. Respecting purchases in other districts, the Land Purchase Department is at present considering several offers of estates, but the negotiations ha ve not yet reached the stage “at-which anything-can bo published, abput.them. , ; Referring to the proposed : dock , for Wellihgfcdu, "the 'Pdafil says whether the clock pap irn’mediately.-oit npt: it is.- necessary, and essential.that' a.port of such importance, as,'.Wellington should have its'own-graving dock- ■ ':; A ; p A block of Land,'-320. acres in area., has been, acquired, by The 'Government at"; JohnsonvUlb, a few miles from Wellington, on the IvlaniMvatu iiue, for the purpose of cutting up for workmen’s homes.' An attempt to'secure h suitable 1 block at the Lower Hutt, on the Waivnra.pa line, proved unsuccessful, as the price. asked was prohibitive, and the Government was compelled to acquire land where it could be got at a- reasonable price and of a suitable quality.

Further inquiries respecting the candidature of the Hon W. Rolleston for the Speakership, bring the assurance that Mr Rolleston has ascertained the views of members of the House on the matter, and finding that the promises of support are not numerous enough, has decided not to contest the office. With the exception of Sir Maurice O’Rorkc, no other candidate is yet spoken of, and the probabilities are that one who has so long and ably filled the position will have his services fittingly recognised by an unopposed election. The meeting of the executive of the Railway Officers’ Institute has been postponed till after Parliament has sat.