WELLINGTON ITEMS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 154, 3 July 1888, Page 3

WELLINGTON ITEMS.

[From our Special Reporter]

Wellington, July 2. A deputation! consisting of Messrs Pyke, O'Callaghan, Percival, Jackson, TurnbulJ, Marchant, Hobbs, Fish, Pratt, and Major Steward, as representing the fruit growingindustry, waited on Mr Mitohelaon this morning. They asked that there should be a separate class for the conveyance of fruit on railways, and that the oharge should be by the hundred weight, representing that at the present time the fruit growers could only take advantage of the low tariff by Bending two tons at a time. It was contended that the fixing of the low rate for the conveyance of fruit by rail would greatly encourage the fruit industry, and the deputation also asked that the empty case? might be carried at a reduced rate. The Minister for Works said that he bad had a. talk with the Premier, who was decidedly in- favor of the views expressed by the deputation and he promised to bring (he matter before the Oabinet at once and let them know the result To- BtU am-nrting the Pablio Bidies Powers Act will inak- endowment reserves subje: t to the Ao . I gives the L?nd Bonnie the powers of leasing authorities, and enabi c leßfl.'B of two terras of 21 yoare to be grnntei in three terms of 14 jeare. It gives rbe Gflvernor "power to ifiterf«re in oases of

maladminiatntun, and provides that lends acquired under power of sale in mortgages may be sold a« if they were r- serves. *

July 3. . Sir George Grey intends making a determined effort this session to have technical eiucation properly established. Ho con* ■jiders that, rvery child educated in the State schools should he taught i\ trade. Mr Pearson, the eenior Government whip, who has been ailing for some weeks, died at his residence in the Canterbury Provincial Distnot early this morning. Ministers are now in Cabinet, bat it is understood that the Premier will move the adjournment of the House in consequence of the death of the member for Ashley. The Minister for Works d*nies that there are any grounds for thn complaints which bave reached him from Auckland as to the diaaii?Bhl of good met), aad filling- thtir pl-ice with inferior hands. In the railway work-hops especially, he s yp, that no new appointments ere made, and considerable retrenchment is bei' g effected, and that tyn men leave this week in various parts of the oolopy. He also says that the wages on the west coast of the Sooth Island are now at the same rate as tbose of othrr pans of the colony

The Totalisator Committee appointed by the Legislative Council are inviting suggest tions from^the Metropolitan /Jockey Clubs. The Committee will probably recommend that tho'Colonial Secretary issue a permit to all Clubs to hold: one masting annually, bet if two meetings aie held stakes to the value of £200 per day must be given, if three meetings the stakes must aggregate £300 daily, if four meetings £400, and five meetings £500. They will also probably recommend that the totaliaatoi be not allowed to be used at more than five meetings in any one year.