WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2403, 22 March 1900, Page 17

WELLINGTON.

The Levin State farm will be taken over by the Agricultural department, and probably devoted to experimental dairy work.

The gross receipts of the Manawatu Railway Company for the year, including £16,315 from the sale of land, -were £94. 054, a sum considerably in excess of the previous year. A dividend is recommended of 5 per cent.

An export trade with Sydney in malt is being developed, a local company having just obtained a contract for 25,000 bushels at a price higher than other maltsters can get.

In the Magistrate's Court on Monday Harry Albert Eversleigh, formerly a clerk in the road branch of the Survey department of the Government, was charged on a number of informations with stealing moneys belonging to the Government. Accused had control of the imprest and cash. books, and in this connection the alleged irregularities are said to have taken place. The amount set down in the information exceeds £150. After Messrs Ibbetson (chief draughtsman) and Webb (chief auditor) had given evidence, chiefly as to the discrepancies between the amounts drawn and the vouchers, accused was remanded until Wednesday.

The North Island Brass Bands' Association has decided to abolish* the system of each band choosing its own selection, and two test pieces will be played at Wanganui next year. The Wellington Garrison Band has now won the Boo&ey Cup outright.

The Maoris propose to show their loyalty to the Queen by holding a monster Native carnival at Grey town on the 22nd inst., to which the Native Minister and other members of the Government will be invited.