WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12565, 20 January 1903, Page 2

WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

(Fkoji Our Own Coiuuxpovdemt.) WELLINGTON, January 19. Tho English oricketeT3 have gone to Greytown, where they meet .a Wairarapa team. There is no disguising tho fact that they were loth to go; and this is not to be wondored at, for such matches really amount almost to a farce—indeed it is generally recognised now that the association has given the Englishmen far too much of tins sort of thing, and it is to he hoped when the next English team visit vis that * more attractive programmo will be prow *' rom 11 fiducial point of view tho Wellington match just concluded has been the most successful cricket match yet played m New Zealand. It is estimated that during the three clays no fewer than 15,000 peoplb attended the match. Tho takings at the gates aggregated £606, and other returns are exported to bring (lie total receipts for the TKutch up to £650. This amount constitutes ft record "gate" for New Zealand. The crowd was ve ry orderly, and watched the progress of tho game very keenly, applauding the players with impartiality. The visitors, who thoroughly enjoyed tho Wellington game, speak in high forms of praise of tho hospitality shown to them during their Stay in the city. Mr Warner, in an interview, said he thought the Wellington crowd were very keen in noticing a.ll the points of tho game. "Tour people," ho said, arc fair and keen, and remind me very much of our English crowds at cricket matches. The English captain anticipated that Tuekor would make another stand during tho afternoon, and added that that cricketer was a fine player. After his experience in Wellington Mr Warner anticipates that tho two New Zealand representative matches will , provide keen contests, 'We can'improve our team, you know," ho concluded, /'by tho inclusion of Mr Btanning, who is a rattling good bat," The ercction of fclio new lighthouse at Capo Campbell iB to bo proceoded with'. The present structure will be replaced by one of a newer design, The tower of the new lighthouse will be of iron, 61ft high, and will rest on n very substantial base. Tenders for the construction of the tower are now being invited, Tho existing lighting apparatus Will bo placed in the now tower. The conditions under which the area known as tho.Ot&nake special settlement was recently set apart for members of Now Zealand contingents who served in tho South African campaign are published in a supplement to the New Zealand Gazette. Tho block, which is situated in the Auckland district, has been surveyed imto sections of ■not more than 320 acres each, and it is provided that not less than 36 persons must be located on it. The land is to be disposed of by lease at a rental of 4 per cent, on the capital value fixed by the Minister. Each settler must put on the land comprised in his lease substantial improvements, as follows:—(a) Within one year from the date of his lease to a value equal to 10 ner cent, of the price of the land; (b) within two years from the (late of his lease to a value equal to another 10 per cent, of the price of the land; (c) 'and thereafter must within six years frorti tho date of his lease to a value equal to another 10 per cent, of the '■rice of tho land, and must within six years from the date of his lease put substantial improvements of a permanent character to an amount equal to the net prico of every acre of land Rep:denee and occupation Tiks' 58 acoorc ' !,llco 'h® 'knnd Act The _ following expenditure lias been authorised by the Cabinets-Extension of the roads along the shores','of Lake Waka''Pll - £1000; improvements to the esplanade ?> ,Q"°™ stown > £1000; completion of the t ukoki-Mount Cook deviation road, £900;

ami improvement to the To Aroha Baths,

£500. It is also intended to effect several improvements at Orakikarake, and to displace tho Maori canoo now utilised for ferrying tourists on tho Waikato River with a serviceable boat. Mr Percy Hcywood (son of the Secretary to the Now Zealand Treasury), formerly of the Union Steam Ship Company, who went to South Africa with tho Victorian Second Contingent, is now in charge of the repatriation camp nt Hoerust, 25 miles from Mafeking. It is probable that he will ho promoted to the charge of a larger camp at an op.rly date. Mr .T. M. fieddis, of the Hansard staff, who recently underwent a'Severe operation, i-s now convalescent.