THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, February 1.

Otago Witness, Issue 2240, 4 February 1897, Page 15

THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, February 1.

Notwithstanding the denial of the management that there was any warrant for the tumour that Mr H. Mackenzie had levered his connection with the institution, the rumour persists, and has been confirmed in various ways. A gentlaman of reliability on all such matters told me that Mr Mackenzie was "nob coming back," and it is also alleged that Mr Mackenzie will be transferred to some branch offioe. The Post is more than usually outspoken upon the situation this evening. It acks, " Will the country, in the light of recent revelations, condone the acts of the Government in relation to the banking legislation? Will it be content that its inner history shall never be written ? Does ifc desira to remain ignorant why Treasurer Ward created £150,000 of New Zealand oonsals and then lent the proceeds to the Colonial Bank at a time when both he and that institution were in such a parlous plight? <-AU these questions must be threshed out by a c»mpetent judicial tribuual. Of course the puMio will realise that any attempt to set up such a tribunal will be bitterly resented, and most keenly by those who are most anxious to hush up things to save themselves ; but if we mistake not, their efforts will be no longer of any avail. The public now know a few, though only a very few, of the reasons which led to the propping up of the Bank of New Zealand and the purchase of the Colonial Bank; but they know enough, fortunately, to induce insistence upon knowing more. Already the people know that some of those who supported the banking legislation did so not is the interests of the colony, but for reasons directly inimical to the colony and in favour of themselves. Are these men to go unpunished, and still sib in places of emolument and' honour and continue to assist in the government of the country they have despoiled and dishonoured ? Let the new Parliament answer."

It is intended to renew with great vigour the agitation for the release of the convict Louis Chemii. Mr W. R. Haselden, barrister, of Wellington, has received and acpepted an appointment aa stipendiary magistrate. He will not, however, be stationed in Wellington, but may possibly take Wairarapa, and Dfrtricb Judge SettVs ibmt so to Wellington. *■