WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9166, 22 September 1888, Page 5

WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Friday. The Minister of Lands and tho Minister of Public Works are busily engaged in "winding-up" the affairs of the departments which are to bo abolished, with a view to facilitating the discharge of tho increased business which will devolve on tho other departments as a consequence of such abolition. Some time since I informed you that the Native Department was to be handed over to the Colonial Secretary. The lion. Mr. Mitchelson, the present Native Minister informed me to-day that as a " separate department" that of nativo affairs will shortly ceaso to exist, but a very considerable amount of business connected with the Maoris and native lands will have to be provided for in any case. It is not yet decided to what other department the native office will be attached. It is said to be probable that there will be a subdivision by connecting nativo land according to a certain classification (that is, for which tho title has been ascertained and Crown grant issued), with the Lands Department, and handing over thejother Maori business to the Colonial Secretary's office. The Hon. Mr. Mitchelson is also busy extinguishing the Public Works branch of the service, which is no longer to exist as a " separate department."

MINING ENTERPRISE.

While waiting for an interview with the Minister of Mines to-day, who should pass out from the Minister's room but Mr. E. Thomas, better known as " Ned Thomas" on the Thames goldlields. He had a fine piece of stone from "the low leads of the City of Manchester mine" (Karaka). One piece of stone was part of a parcel which yielded 49ozs to the ton. Mr. Thomas, I believe, intends to apply for a mining certificate under the old Regulations (before the passing of the Mining Act). He goes to the Nelson province next to open up and prospect in the Collingwood district. Ke purposes to go to Otago shortly to reveal a •' copper lode" which he believes is known only to himself.

NEW WELLINGTON LOAN. The Mayor of Wellington proposes an additional loan of £25,000 for the purpose of recreation grounds, cemetery, and drainage works. The city is at present in the throes of a municipal election, so that it is not possible to say how the new civic authorities may regard it.