WELLINGTON.

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

WELLINGTON.

A Gazette extraordinary was published on 26th ult. proclaiming the prorogation of the General Assembly until January 30, 1908. The Italian consul on Nov. 26 handed Cap. tain Cashman, of the steamer Karitane, a medal presented by the Italian Government in recognition of the bravery displayed by him, when on the Rosamond, in rescuing (our Italian fishermen from drowning in Cook Strait. Two youths, who were convicted in connection with the firing of a Chinaman's premises, ■ oune before Mr Justice Cooper on Nov. 26, and were admitted to probation." His Honor hinted that he would have imposed a severer penalty if the principal offender had not been admitted to probation by Mr Justice Button. "That," commented Mr Justice Cooper, "was stretching the First Offenders' Act to its limit, although I do not say that I disagree with his Honor." The Industries and Commerce Department has secured 6000 square feet of space for New Zealand's representation at the Franco-British Exhibition, to be held in i London next year. Sixo Counoil of Churches on the 2nd inst. passed a resolution approving of the new Gaming Act. VTARLBO-ROTTOH. In the Blenheim Pol fee Court on Nov. 29 E. Doreen aod A. D. Blythe were convicted on charges of theft, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment «ach. A written confession of gwlt br Doreen implicating Blythe was retracted in oonrt. A few hours' light ram on Nov. 28 helped to swell the grain In the crops. A good yield' of barley and oats is expected. NBJ»N. A writ in the Supreme Court has been issued by Mr John flayes, engineer and mine manager o f the Puponga Coal and Gold Mining Company, claiming £775, balance of salary allowed to be owing. After a samswhat long • apell .of dry weather, following a ve«T wet Bprmar. a steady rain fell for several hours on Nov. 29. It will do an immense amount of good to the crops, as it has com? just in time to . avert the effects of the early drought. - Tt has been rumoured ..'ocally, and reports have, appeared in thi press, "that Mr / John Graham, member f?r Nokon City, intends to retire at the no**" «r*»neral election in favour of Mr A. 5\ Masjinnity, a local solicitor. Mr Graham states that the rumour, as far' as it refers to him, is without foundation. The Postmas+er-general has anproved of a dee : gn for the new General Post Office to be ci-" 'ed in Wellington. The design is classic Renaissance, and it is intended

to be executed in granite or some other New Zealand stone, with a steal frame of fireproof construction and earthquakei resisting. The cort of the new "building is estimated at about £75,000. It is. expected' that the office will be one of the most imposing structures in the Dominion. Thomas Mitchell, at one time_proprietotf of the Aramoho- Meat -Freezing Works, and who for several yeajs was engaged unsuccessfully in lawsuits, including, a Privy Council appeal case, against the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, has been adjudged a bankrupt. This is the first bankruptcy here since July.