WITHIN THE COLONY.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume V, Issue 586, 22 December 1897, Page 2

WITHIN THE COLONY.

NEWS BY TELEGRAPH [Press Association] . Sheep Returns. Wellington, December *2l. The sheep rates collected during the year ended March last amounted to £1916. The annual cost of maintaining the Sheep Department is— Salarios of inspectors of stock 1j{)121, veterinary surgeons L7N6, quarantine L 250, total L 10,457 ; the travelling expenses'of inspectors are L 2812, and for veterinary surgeons L 406 ; the estimated expenses in connection with sheep returns, etc., eradicating diseases, laboratory work, quarantine oflicers and clerical charges is L 8402, total L 16,007. Inadequate Wharf Accommodation. Wellington, December 21. As hearing upon tho want of extra wharf accommodation, it may be mentioned that there wore 28 steamers in tho port to-day, the accommodation in the sheds being quite insulliciont to meet such a rush. Officers and agents of sms 11 steamers, whose cargoes principally consisted of wool, received notice from the wharfinger that ns the sheds were fully occupied it would he impossible to receive cargo, and freight would he landed at the risk and expense of thosG in charge of tho vessel.

Raratonga Politics. Auckland, This Day. Tho Council dmdtul to abolish the road and education rates. Hoads are to be made by Arikis. Free public schools were abolished, and a subsidy of Os per annum per head paid on the average monthly attendance at any school teaching in English. The liquor law is to bo amended to enable the Arikis to appoint an agent to sign authorities, without which no native can obtain a liquor permit, tho agent to be placed undor strong restrictions and heavy penalties,