JOTTINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2325, 22 September 1898, Page 26

JOTTINGS.

The Minister for Lands was not well enough to be in his place in the House to-day. Reports both from the Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay district are to the effect that the swagger nuisance is being loudly complained of. The A to L Petitions Committee to-day took the evidence of Mr Lachmann, Wellington manager for Messrs P. Hayman and Co., on the petition from importers re the alleged excessive duty on wax matches. The matter will be referred to the Government for consideration. The Government, it is stated, intends to try and acquire 5000 acres of the Richmond Brook estate, Marlborough, and cut it up foxsettlement. Mr Pirani has given notice to strike off the name of the Minister for Lands from the committee of inquiry proposed to be Set up to inquire into the allegations made by Mr G. Hutchison reflecting on the Premier and his relative, Nathaniel Seddon. The member for Palmer3ton desires to substitute the name of Mr G. J. Smith. Of course the Government are not likely to agree to this. The money subscribed by the shareholders of the company formed to work a portion of the Frimley estate at Hastings as a fruit farm is to be returned to Mr J. N. Williams, the owner of the land having decided to conduct the enterprise on his own account. He has just planted 15,000 fruit trees. Sergeant M'Ardle, who voluntarily retired from the Police Force, after 33 years' service, lias applied for a magisterial inquiry as to his treatment in regard to retiring allowance. He has been notified that his resignation has been accepted, and that he must vacate his station by the 21st inst., receiving 12 months' compensation. Other long service officers of similar rank, he contends, have received three months leave on full pay, in addition to compensation, and he feels aggrieved at his treatment.