NEW ZEALAND NEWS ITEMS

Otago Witness, Issue 2803, 4 December 1907, Page 34

NEW ZEALAND NEWS ITEMS

AUCKLAND. ' Mr W J. Kent, who is visiting the Dominion as the representative of the Corporation of Bristol for the purpose of inquiring into the extension of- direct trade between' New Zealand and Bristol, arrived by the Cornwall. By the steamer Cornwall, from England, on Nov. 24 there arrived 170 immigrants. Ninety were assisted by the Government. Many -of them are women and children, who have come out to join their husbands or other relatives already settled in New Zealand. Mr A. S Danby, of the ImnfP gration Department, describes the arrivals as a desirable lot. Of the 90 receiving assistance, 52 are for Auckland. The largest amount of money possessed by any ' one immigrant is £360— a farmer booked for New Plymouth. Each of the party, however, possesses a little money. An evidence of the prosperity of Auckland is given by the increased valuations put by the oity valuer on the supplementary list for the three months ending November 30, which amount to £5000, representing buildings which have been completed during 'hat period. The larger buiktingd have taken more than three months to construct, but, on the other hand a great number are now in course of construction. The £5000 extra rateable value represents a capital outlay on buildings completed during the three months of close upon £100,000. The Rev G. Bond, in his presidential address at the opening of the Methodist Synod, expressed satisfaction at the passing of the Gaming Act. The measure did not meet all their desires, but it was half the proverbial loaf. He was glad to announce that the much-desired legislation with respect to direct representation in local church management had been passed at the general conference. The Hon. W. W. M 'Cardie has retired from the Auckland Land Board under a clause of the Land Act passed last session, which disqualifies members of the Legislature from holding a seat on Land Boards. The vacancy will be filled by a member elected by the tenants. Henry Johnston, flax merchant, has filed a petition -in bankruptcy. His debts are £4124 19s 3d. The creditors are all unseoured. The assets are estimated at £105 15s 4d. The Hon. G. Fowlds states that the regulations under the Pure Food Act dealing with the handling of milk have been prepared, and will be gazetted shortly.