"WELLINGTON NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13893, 3 May 1907, Page 6

"WELLINGTON NOTES.

(Froh Our Ows Cobhesposdekt.) WELLINGTON, May 2. _ The Arbitration Court, which ■. will sit here on the 20th May, has a great deal of business awaiting it, including seven disputes, several workers' compensation cases, and o. largo number of applications for enforcement of awards. There are also mnny cases awaiting decision in the country towns of the district. It is quite evident that tho court, as at present constituted, cannot satisfactorily cope with its work, and some further amendment of tho aofc may bo looked for next session. Master-gunner Richardson, who has done such excellent work in the colony as instructor of artillery, has received a commission, and will now be known as Captain Richardson. Tho chief instructor of artil. lery, Major Johnston, who recently returned to England, had a very high opinion of Master-gunner Richardson, who, he said, was the best non-com. he had ever mot. His invention in connection with drilling with model guns and moving targets with, out going to the forts are both original aud unique. His well-deserved promotion will be hailed with general satisfaction in the service. Dr M'Arthur, the local stipendiary magistrate, is in a fair way to ruining his health through over-work. To-day he found he could not copo satisfactorily with the mass of work awaiting him. Ho said ho felt most keenly his position, and that he had to go on day after day without getting any assistance or satisfaction. Mr Von Haast said the council of the Law Society had approached the Minister of Justice and urged that assistance should be granted, and a promise that it would bo given was obtained. Another member of the legal profession added that his case had been put off sinco March, ajid he was afraid- iii 6 principal witnesses (who wero old settlers) would dio before tho hearing ;amc off. Other lawyers expressed tho hope that the Justice Department would soon come to the rescue. On making further inquiries, a member of the Post staff found that the magistrate's office staff was working strenuously and doing long hours to overtake its work, owing to tho staff being shorthanded.