WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11367, 9 May 1900, Page 5

WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

[iIV TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT-] Wellington, Tuesday. THE MINISTER FOR LANDS. Mr. (JamHRON, son-in-law of the Hon. J. McKenzie, has returned from a visit to his relative at Shag Valley. He reports that Mr. McKenzie is looking better than he had expected, and very cheerful. He is ab'e to leave his bed occasionally, but ho is siiO' ject to internal bleeding, which baffles the doctors attending him. THE PREMIER'S HOLIDAY. It appears to be now understood filial) the Premier will take his holiday among the Pacific Islands, but it is bard to believe that he will be altogether free from menial w.irk even there.

DEPARTMENTAL KXTEXRII>Nfi. The growth of the Departments has been so great within the past few years that they do not now afford room for business to be carried on. Plans have been prepared for new railway pflices in Fentlierstpn-street, opposite the' Telephone Exchange Buildings. This will be a large building. It is said that the Department of Agricu'ture has mi the space necessary to carry on its work, and it is understood that plans have been prepared for the convenient housing '.f this Dei piirtment also, although some time may elapse before the work is commenced. The effect of these new buildings will h° In i;ive a very much greater available space for the business of the other Deportments in the Government Buildings proper.

THE NORTH INLAW) TUI'NiC RAILWAY,

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce have sent a remonstrance to the Minister for Public Works, stating Mint the £40,000 available for this work is wholly inadequate. They remind Hie Minister that it is more than 16 years since this lino was authorised. They further declare that the North Island, and" the whole colony, have been at great loss In the way of trade, and their progress delayed by the neglect of this work, MP,. WITHEFORD. The newly-elected member for Auckland (Mr. Witheford) is in town. He is awaiting the arrival of his son (Mr. R. Witheford), who is a passenger by the troopship Tropea, bound for South Africa. Mr. Witheford, jllß., is decribed as a capital rider and ft good shot.