WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7787, 5 November 1886, Page 5

WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT], Wellington, Thursday. FORESTS AND AGRICULTURE.

I had a conversation with Professor Kirk to day, during which I heard some of the results of his recent operations in the Auckland provincial district. He began late in the season for planting, so that the figtires do not fully represent what might be accomplished during a whole season. He informed me that 2000 acres had been fenced in, and 600 acres put nnder the plough. This represent < the first preparation for forest nurseries and planting. He speaks hopefully in the belief that within the next few years many plantations will be laid down, and that the Waikato will be one of the most beautiful districts of the colony for the variety of its forest trees and foliage. The planting season is now over, and nothing more can be done for some time. While on this subject I made a few inquiries as to the condition of agriculture north of Auckland. As a fruit-growing district he considers that its prospects are very 'good. The Whangarei Agricultural School was likely to be a success, judged by the interest which settlers were beginning to take in it. The fact that an area of 400 acres had been placed at the disposal of the conservator for experimental purposes, and set apart for the use of the school, was a very cheering encouragement. This encouragement is given by the settlers themselves. He had heard of the proposed Canterbury settlement north of Auckland, but could not speak as to what had been done by them, rie believed, however, they would be settled more towards the West Coast, between Kaipara and Hokianga, or even farther north. THE RELEASED MAORIS. Titikowaru and his companions were released yesterday. It was a subject of general remark that just eighteen years ago Titokowaru was the Maori lord of the war raging in the part of the country through which the Manawatu Railway was carrying a thousand European visitors. I was informed that no exemption was made as to the fine. It appears that subscriptions have been pouring into the prisoners' since their incarceration ; there is, in fact, therefore, no difficulty about the fiuu. The gaoler speaks of the conduot of the .Maoris in terms of praise. Their con« duct was excellent throughout. They gave hardly any trouble. Te VVkiiti is described as almost constantly absorbed in study. He is no "humbug"; he thoroughly believes himself to be a true prophet. He will have to remain in gaol two months longer, and pay £100. I am told that he has already in his possession between £40 and £50 towards his fine. He is well liked and respected by the gaol authorities. AUCKLAND PATENTEES. The following inventors and others have deposited specifications in the patent office for improved articles : Stenhouse and Fluorinlist, for a patent "pile;" George Aiadey, Customhouse West, for "safety kerosene burner:" John Crook, of Ponsonby, for "Crook's navigable balloon;" R. S.Galbraith, Te Puke, TauraDga, for the "diamond planter," invention for sowing seeds, plants, etc. ; P. C. Henrickeen, East Tamaki, for " improvements in wagons, carts, buggies, and springed vehicles ;" Goodwin and Dryland, Otahuhu, for an invention for fixing seats in waggons, &c, also for cait and carriage door fasteniogs ; Thomas Minohen, of Auckland, for patent wire door mats. THE MANAWATU FESTIVITIES. There are great complaints in Wellington of the manner in which the hospitality of the company was abused yesterday. The Post has the following paragraph on the subject:—" The only drawback to the complete enjoyment of yesterday's excursion to the railway celebration was found in the disgraceful conduct of a few of the guests, principally respectably-connected larrikins, who abased the company's hospitality, and by over indulgence in the champagne soon rendered themselves nuisances to ererbody around them. The conduct of several of these young men was simply scandalous, and unfortunately one or two of their elders also made themselves objectionable in like manner, Some actually pocketed bottles of champagne for consumption for the homeward journij la the train."