MONDAY JULY 6.

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 8 July 1903, Page 37

MONDAY JULY 6.

TELEPHONE EXTENSION

Speaking to a deputation this morning the Postmaster-general had something to say about the large increase which is taking place in the telephone system of Wellington and other parts of the colony. It costs about £19,000 a year, he said, to make the necessary provision for connecting new subscribers, not including new country exchanges. In Wellington they found it very difficult to carry out the work, and the department would probably have to make some provision, for very greatly improving the facilities in this city for carrying on the system. Within the next 12 months some alterations were to be made which would give them a very much more up-to-date system and lessen tho trouble to subscribers. For instance, the ringing of the bell by the subscriber would be dispersed with. The whole expense, lie added, was so great in Wellington and tho subscribers were becoming so numerous, that the subject reoeived daily attention from liimseif and the superintendent of telegraphs.

ROADS AND BRIDGES.

There are indications that tho representatives of country districts have some uphill work ahead of them before they secure anything like adequate votes for roade and bridges. The Premier has already indicated in his speeches that the public works votes this year will be leas fcusji Jast year; but, if I am not mistaken, country settlers, even with this hint, will be surprised and disappointed when the Estimates come down. I have it on pretty good authority th«t for roads and bridges something like 25 per oent. of the sum voted het year will be available this year; co that, even after the representatives of the settlers have done their best, there is a good deal of disappointment in store for the country districts.

FISH-CANNING INDUSTRY.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs Baume, Harding, Bollard, and Alison, waited on Sir Joseph Ward this morning and urged that the Government continue the bonus to the fish-canning industry. A bonus of Id per lb for all canned fish exported has hitherto been given, but wa>s renewed last year for one year only. Mr Baume and Mr Harding placed the matter before tho Minister, pointing out that several of those engaged in the industry are anxious to open up new markets for canned mullet, etc., outside the colony, but without the bonus they could not compete with American eanmed foods. The canning companies had specially in view th© establishment of a market for New Zealand canned fish in South Africa, and the deputation expressed the belief that if sufficient encouragement was given by the Government capital would be forthcoming to run the indtistry in the north on a larger scale than hitherto. Sdr Joseph Ward stated that the matter was one for consideration by the Cabinet. So far as he was personally concerned he favoured a continuance of the bonus, but he oould not give a definite answer till he had brought the matter before Cabinet.

A well-informed resident of Wellington, writing to a friend in Auckland, says • " It is understood that Sir J. G. Ward was anxious that Sir Maurice O'Rorke should be elevated to the Legislative Council, and it is reported that the objection came from Sir Maurice himself. Tho selection of Mr Walker as Speaker appears to have been a settled arrangement, and it is said that a knighthood is expected."