WELLINGTON NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8986, 25 February 1888, Page 5

WELLINGTON NEWS.

[By TELEGRAPH. CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Friday.

TAURANC.A.

The Minister of Lands is still considering the application for the representation of this district on the Auckland Land Board. Although he has apparently come to no determination on the matter, his decision, when it is made, is, I learn from another quarter, not likely to bo favourable. I have already informed you that the Minister of Lands had fixed the number of the Land Boards for largo centres at four members, and for smaller districts at throe members. He is not likely to alter that arrangement. In the case of a vacancy at any of the Boards, occasioned by death, departure from the colony, or other cause, the Minister may fill it up in the manner desired. At present, I understand the several Boards are simply "clearing up business" transacted under the old Act, and that when the new Land Actcomes into full practical operation there will be little or nothing for the Boards to do.

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS. A telegram was received to-day from the Hon. Mr. Mitchelson, Minister Of Public Works, announcing his probable arrival in Wellington to-morrow. Tho Minister of Defence visited several Of the battcrios today, and afterwards visited the Petono Woollen Factory in company with tho Minister of Education (the Hon. Mr. Fisher). I think it probable that the Hon. Mr. Fisher, who has recovered from his indisposition, and tho Hon. Mr. Fergus will leave Wellington on Monday for Auckland. MAJOR-GENERAL SCHAW. I mentioned in a recent message that the savings effected by this distinguished officer to date were at the rate of £4000 a-year.. I also mentioned £10,000 a-ycar as the ultimate saving, but. I am informed by the Defence Minister that the savings actually effected are at the latter rate. These are savings made by skilful alterations in salaries and cost of supervision generally. The ultimate savings under tho amended plans will be very great. I understand that Major-General Schaw has formally asked the Government to be allowed to make a present of his services to the colony. He is so respected, his reputation is so high, his affability and genuine courtesy 60 marked, that ho is fast becoming quite a well-known figure in Wellington streets.

GUNPOWDER AND ELECTRICITY. There was a heavy gun practice to-day from the Ngahuranga .followed by the usual query. " What could it bo all about ?" I am informed that the object of the firing was for the purpose of testing the steadiness of the electric light and other machines connected with electricity. I learn that although the atmospheric concussion and tho other disturbing .auses occasioned by the explosions were very great, the steadiness of the electrical batteries was not in the least affected.

SYDNEY TAIWHANGA IN MORE TROI'BLE. The Union Steamship Co. obtained judgment against Mr. Taiwhanga to-day for £14 7s. Sydney did nob appear* and judgment was entered up " in default," with £2 2s added by way of " costs." MELBOURNE EXHIBITION*. Mr. E. Wakefield I understand is engaged upon a new New Zealand Handbook for the purpose of the Melbourne Exhibition. The Tost has (in indignanb article upon the subject', protesting against the expense, on the assumption that a retrenching Government should not authorise expenditure in such a direction, but I learn the sale of the book will more than cover the cost.. This outcry puts me in mind of a speech of the lata Lord Cresswell, addressed to a learned Sergeant at Law who was abusing tho Attorney-General, "Ah, brother Wigsby, if the Government had sent you the brief, you would never havo said they should be ashamed of themselves."

RETRENCHMENT. I hear, upon the best authority, that the sum actually saved upon salaries so far is more than £100,000. Thero is a report that the Government will announce the particulars to-morrow., but I doubt whether the Government will make any announcements. In the cases of officers whose services have been dispensed with, the notice in each case was officially made public. In all other cases the salaries and duties of officers have been separately considered one by one, and the alterations made within limits that will preclude, it is believed, any personal hardship. This, of course, is a very tedious- process, and is not yet complete. It is nob probable that the Government would publish a long list of such cases. There appears to be no necessity for it. The Government havegiven no sign that they will publish the grounds of the alterations they have made. No just grounds of complaint will be given to the officers whoso salaries are affected, seeing that every salary, and the duties of every officer, are duly weighed together and considered before any reduction is determined on.