ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3805, 15 February 1927, Page 34

ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

* By Pbncabbow. (Specially Written for the Witness.) February 9. This week has witnessed the quiet passing of a gentle lady whose memory will be cherished by a community which knew Lady Ward, not only in those days when the Liberals were the leading figures in political life, but afterwards in the private life which was not embittered by a natural and real disappointment. . As hostess in the Ministerial residence she' shone, but as a citizen in private life she was a shining example to wives and mothers, indeed to all women, for her charity was the kind w’hich “suffereth long.” At Heretaunga where, during the last few years Sir Joseph and Lady Ward made their home, they have been surrounded by friends who will deeply regret the lessening circle. Here in Wellington there is a feeling of great sympathy for Sir Joseph Ward and his family. February 10. The marvellous weather continues, and the bathing- habit is becoming confirmed. Evening picnics are quite the rage, and people with doing a little carrying of friends in the early mornings. Residents at the seaside have discovered they have more friends than they had realised, and outhouses,, garages, and bathrooms are being requisitioned as dressing rooms. The Day’s Bay road is not yet entirely surfaced, ana the springs of heavily laden cars are suffering. Last Sunday traffic inspectors counted cars between 2.45 and 5.45 p.m., and in those three hours 1540 cars passed the main entrance to Williams Park. At Evans Bay and Oriental Bay, oa this side of the harbour, there were so many bathers on the previous day that some of them declare it was quite difficult to get wet. Though sharks have made themselves unpleasant in other parts, no accident has yet occurred here, and in consequence people persist in ’g-oing out too far. Picnickers who make messes and leave fires on other people’s property in the country are not the only selfish individuals who cause worry and anxietv. Someone goes to the rescue when bathers get into danger, and the someone is usually the person whose own common sense keeps him bathing for choice in safe waters. lhe Wellington Gas Company has held its annual meeting and presented its repoit. Pessimists who see danger in property investments admit that“gas would seem a sure thing if there were no electricity. Though coal has been dearer and gas cheaper, the chairman reports a year of steady and substantial progress, t}^ c ompaiiy has reason to be satisfied. There are heavy’ expenses ahead, new districts to be reticulated, yet the dividend stands at 8 per cent. Verv pleasant. During the last 12 months the company altered its premises in Courtenay place. Formerly one alighted from the tram and charged through an unprotected swing door, often getting very wet, in the process, and doing as much damage to one’s clothes on a very wet day as one saves in discount by paying just in time to catch it. All this is changed. A wide verandah protects the front of the building, most of which is occupied by shops. Formerly one could not miss the company’s door._ Now it occupies a modest position sideways on, and to reach the pay desk one goes through the interesting showroom where al) sorts of foolproof comforts and conveniences are on view. I gather from the published remarks of the chairman that the company considers that municipal enterprises (like the Electric Light Department) should be taxed in the same manner as the gas company is taxed—very heavily. This point of view seems reasonable. Our gas supply is good and cheap. Up to 10,000 ft we pay at the rate of 10/per 1000 feet with a curiously graded rate of discount beginning at fourperice per 100 ft. - Above 10,000 ft the discount rate is a little higher. Shareholders would be even more optimistic if they could forget that gas is dependent on coal, which leans a little on labour. „ • Recently this scribe visited Lake Waikaremoana, high up in .the ranges behind Wairoa in Hawke’s Bay. Those who pin their faith on electricity smile in a superior way when they point to the rushing torrent which will go on. for ever, And which is to supply an unlimited amount of power some day for a large" part of the North Island. “What about it?” they enquire, and the gas man changes the subject by drawing attention to the beauty of the surroundings which not even the hideous camps of the Public Works Department can destroy. These camps are out of sight and below the lake which still remains one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand. Public works are much in evidence round about Wellington just now—efforts of the Corporation, which is tar-sealing most of the streets and roads or making them even more durable with a coat of bitumen. Molesworth street is a hive of industry, and the Hill street corner of

Parliament Grounds attracts crowds of small boys, who seem fascinated with the steam roller. Residents in various fashionable parts of Thorndon bitterly complain that trickles of tar are all over the footpaths, and people going in and out of the houses bring the stuff on to the carpets. And so we progress. Preparations for the royal visit are well in hand. Kent terrace, the street along which the procession will pass from Courtenay place to Government House, is transformed. No longer will the Hc,n. Downie Stewart find excuse for chaffing doctors. in the vicinity who declared the narrow street, with its trams and traffic, was one of the most dangerous spots in Wellington. Though their trade may be affected, they rejoice. The altruistic discussions of the medical men at the congress have intrested the community, which reads the published reports and wishes they were more full.