WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2862, 20 January 1909, Page 29

WELLINGTON.

It has been decided to commence the trial at Westport, on January 21, of the youth, William Connelly, who confessed to the murder of Richard Bourke at Westport.

The Official Assignee in Wellington, reviewing the work of h's department for the past year, said that from his pobvt of view business in the city and suburbs had been sounder than many people imagined. There weTe 38 bankruptcies during the 12 months — four more than in 1907 — but with the exception, of a land -agent and a , hotelkeeper, none of these failed for large amounts. Only eight retailers failed last year, as against 18 in 1907. Six builders sought the protection of the court last year, which was double the number for the preceding 12 months. The assignee commented on the large valuations placed on most properties which he had been called upon to handle. In most cases tho values were excessive, and many properties when offered at auction by his direction had failed to realise more than the amounts for which they had been mortgaged. The question of the erection of a cottage hospital at Taihape has been before the Wangenui Hospital Board for a long time past, n The settlers offered £500 towards the cost of erecting the building and an annual sum of £100 towards the maintenance. The board to-day decided that, upon this offer being put in writing by persons whose guarantee i 6 satisfactory to the board, steps will be taken to erect a cottage hospital at Taihape without delay. Mr W. J. Berrill's sawmills at Te Whiti, Gladstone, were destroyed by fire on the 15th. The building was not insured. The damage is estimated at £350. that site would go on deck.