SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1582, 18 March 1882, Page 14

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(FBOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

Auckland, March 15th. The Herald, referring to the sale of the Otajjo runs, says : — " Notwithstanding the runs, in their subdivided state, mostly fell into the hands of the old lessees, it must, we think, be admitted that the Government plan has been a success. For each subdivision there was keen competition, and the condition which has been imposed, that if the Government wish to sell any of the land they can at once resume possession, must be of great advantage. The plan advocated by some, of staving off the sale for a year or so under merely provisional arrangements, would have disarranged an important industry, and, so far as, can be, judged even now, would have been productive of no benefit whatever to the Colony or to any class in it. The Otago papers, it is pleasing to observe, seem pretty well agreed on two points: that the money rightfully belongs to that part of the Colony, and should not be frittered away elsewhere ; and also that the sale proves conclusively that Government should at once commence the construction of the Otago Central railway."

Wellington, March 15th. , It has been stated that Ministers have been making ready for the session, and that several measures are advanced a stage of preparation. This I believe to be an exaggeration. So far as I can learn, the only measure yet in the printer's hands are the Consolidation Bill, left over from last session, but which had been practically adopted by the joint Select Committee of both Houses, and, therefore, could very well be reproduced practically unaltered. As to the chief measures of policy nothing is settled at present, but this will be taken in hand so soon as members assemble. Of these the ones most debateable and involved in difficulty are those dealing with local government reform. I hear the Government still remain firm in the belief that the _ plan _ proposed last session, in its main principles, is the best that can be devised, but recognise the fact that it needs numerous modifications in detail in order to adapt it to the various requirements of different parts of the Colony. I believe this question is now undur the careful consideration of the Colonial Treasurer, and I fancy he has picked up several " wrinkles " during his late Southern tour

It is rumoured that among further Civil Service reforms in contemplation is an extensive remodelling of the Public Works Department and amalgamation of its branches, concentrating it more under a single head and materially reducing expenses,