TOPICS OF THE DAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4637, 16 April 1902, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

GREATER WELLINGTON. Tho subject of amalgamation with Wellington City was discussed by the Melrose Borough Council last night, apropos of a letter from tho Town” Clerk of the City Council, stating that the Council was willing to have another conference with the Melrose Borough Council. The latter body resolved to ask that the conference bo held on Friday of this week. It was further decided, in answer to a requisition from a number of Melrose ratepayers, that a reply bo sent to the effect that the Council was doing its best to bring- the matter to a head, and that as soon as something definite was accomplished publicity would be given to the fact. Some of the Councillors spoke about the delay that had hitherto characterised the negotiations, and intimated that unless the deadlock was soon overcome they would make public tho facts that had contributed such undesirable happenings. Councillor Jorgensen next brought up the matter of tho resolution passed by a public meeting at Island Bay that unless the City Council carried out its original promise to extend the tramway to Island Bay the meeting pledged itself to oppose the granting of tho Order-in-Council now being applied for by the Wellington City Council in connection with the consolidation of the city loans. If the Council sat still it would be taken to be tacitly consenting to the action of tho Island Bay meeting. If that impression got abroad it would mean the killing of all prospects of achieving a Greater Wellington. Personally, Councillor Jorgensen was of opinion that the City Council never undertook to extend the tramway to Island Bay. In order to dissociate the Council from tho meeting’s ill-advised resolution, he would move the following resolution:—“That this Council disclaims any connection or sympathy with the action taken by certain ratepayers of Island Bay in requesting the Governor to withhold his order authorising the construction of the Wellington City tramway unless the tram be extended to Island Bay.’’ Councillor Heginbotham seconded the motion, and stated that he considered all parts of Melrose borough had an equal right with Island Bay to be given tramway facilities. Councillors Nicol, Jennings and Crawford were of opinion that the m».ion was unnecessary. All the Councilors at the meeting abstained from voting on the motion, and therefore the Council was in no way responsible for it. Councillor Keene mentioned that the resolution of tho meeting was contrary to that in view when the promoters of the meeting called it. The Mayor (Air Frost) mentioned that tho meeting was called by men possessed of “the little

Tho calling of tho mooting was a very ill-advised one. Ho tliougljt tiiafc the Council should consult its solicitor to see if any steps could bo taken to stop tho two delegates of the meeting from moving to have tho Order-ln-Council refused. Tho movers were certainly irresponsible, but tho fact remained that they were moving in tho matter. Councillor Crump mentioned that tho Island Bay members disclaimed all connection with tho meeting hold in their ward. Ho thought a mountain was being made out of a mole-hill. Councillor Brown thought that Councillor Jorgenson's motion should bo carried. Councillor Jorgensen, in replying, laid stress upon tho fact that (bar Councillor Heginbotham) every member of tho Melrose Borough Council was officially present at tho meeting. If tho Council sat still that action would prejudice tho prospect of Greater 'Wellington. On a division, tho motion was carried on tho casting veto of tho Mayor. Tho remaining affirmative votes wore Councillors Jorgenson, Heginbotham, Keene and Jennings. BOER SETTLERS FOR AUSTRALASIA. Tho suggestion put forward in some quarters that Boer prisoners of v, ar should, on their release, bo encouraged to settle in Now Zealand, has not mot with approval from tho people of this country. Another proposal that is now under consideration at Homo seems likely to prove more acceptable. The various colonial Agonts-Gcncral in London havo received from Lieutenant P. F. Cockerell, Assistant-Provost-Marshal of tho Western Division, Mafeking, a letter upon “ a subject of considerable moment to those interested in the future welfare ” of the new colonies. He sets forth that “ during tho course of military operations a large number of the better class of Boers havo lost the greater part of their holdings and property from commandeering by one side or tho other. Of those men there are a certain number of men of proven loyalty to our cause, whose sympathies so openly declared will make it of the utmost difficulty that they should over return to their farms in tho Transvaal. And so, a large number of them are approaching Various English people to obtain information about tho possibilities of emigration to other colonies, with a view of making a fresh start. They aro a most desirable class of colonists, and accustomed to meet nature face to face.” After asking for particulars re emigration land grants to the colony represented by each recipient of his letter, Lieutenant Cockerell remarks;—“The capital which these people will havo at their disposal will depend largely upon tho amount which they aro allowed in compensation for their losses by tho Imperial Government, but will, I fancy, bo largely in excess of tho average amount at the disposal of settlers in the colonies.” It would certainly bo a graceful and appropriate thing, apart altogether from tho question of obtaining a good class of settler with capital, if ultra-loyal New Zealand were to offer special inducements to those Boers who'have suffered through their loyalty to Britain, in tho shape of land grants or assisted passages to this country.