WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 50

WELLINGTON.

The Government are considering the question of the purchase of a steam trawler, for which £500 was voted by last Parlia-

There is some talk of forming another rifle company in Wellington, in order to bring the strength of the local battalion up to eight companies. Captain Brandon has been recommended as major of the battalion.

A movement is on foot to send nurses from Wellington to the war.

The Premier has protested to the Australian Premiers' Conference against the acceptance of the Eastern Company's offer respecting the Cape cable, for the reason that it would prejudice the Pacific cable scheme in the direction of reducing its earning power and of increasing the colony's liabilities. He also informed the Premier of Canada, in reply to Sir W. Laurier's inquiries, that New Zealand will not countenance the Eastern Company's offer in any way, believing it to be inimical to the Pacific cable scheme.

The Premier has received a communication in respect to the Eastern Extension Cable Company's proposal, from which it appears that the Premier of New South Wales received a copy of a letter from the Colonial Office to the Agenl-general of New South Wales in November last in wfeAcli it -^as staled that Mv Qfym^l¥^

sees no objection to the acceptance by New South Wales of the proposals of the Eastern Company.

Lord Ranfurly has received a cable from the Governor of Cape Colony that there is not any requirement at the present time for railway men.

A home for destitute incurables, founded by Mother Mary Aubert, was opened in Wellington on Sunday by Archbishop Redwood.