WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8535, 8 April 1891, Page 5

WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Tuesday. THE REVENUE.

It was thought the revenue accounts as completed would have been available for publication to-day, but I understand they are not yet all ready. It is understood, however, that the total receipts are £150,000 in excess of the estimates. LANDS DEPARTMENT. Mr. Ritchie, the new chief inspector of this department, has taken up his quarters in Government Buildings. He has been for many years manager of a large station near Palmerston South, and has special knowledge of the diseases of stock, of cheep scab, and the means of rabbit extermination. I am informed that the Minister of Lands proposes to send an expert through the North Island, whose business it will be to report as to the areas of agricultural land available for bona fide settlement. He is anxious to promote associative settlement wherever possible in both islands. In the South Island, in order to procure settlement, he will.be willing to exchange pastoral land for any agricultural land that may be suitable. lie has under consideration a scheme for putting the unemployed on the land in sufficient numbers to enable them to earn fair wages if they are willing to work.

AGENT-GENERAL. I learn upon authority that the Government have never considered the question as to who is to succeed Sir D. Bell as AgentGeneral. As a matter of fact, they are so well satisfied with the manner the present incumbent of the office performs his multifarious duties that they may feel disposed, when his term shall have expired, to make arrangement for his continuance in the office for a specified period.

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. It is stated to-day upon authority that the Hon. W. P. Reeves has no intention of relinquishing his portfolio as a member of the Cabinet.

THE GUNCOTTON EXPLOSION. Captain Castle and Lieutenant White are still engaged in taking evidence as to the cause of this accident. Most of the evidence is of a very technical character. The proceedings are strictly private. Captain Powell, of the Auckland Torpedo Corps, is expected hero in order to give evidence. Other expert witnesses will .also be examined.