Wellington News.

Observer, Volume X, Issue 622, 29 November 1890, Page 10

Wellington News.

Messrs Thompson and Co.'s drapery warehouse ard block of land running from Panama-street to Brandon-street has teen purchased by B. Hallenstein, the Chairman of the D IC. Drapery Company, who have large establishments in Dunedin and Christchurch. Mr Hallenstein is the founder of the NZ. Clothing Company^ I am eorry for Wellington, as the Christchurch D.I.C. ruined all the small shops. The Fire Brigade tournament on Jervois Quay, on Monday the 10th, was watched with great interest by at least 2000 people. Numbers of the spectators had no idea that so much efficiency by the members was possible, and the representatives of the Insurance Companies were loud in their praises. In the evening, the Brigade, visitors, and representatives of the Press were entertained at a banquet at the Exchange Hall, by the Insurance Companies. The City Councillors and members of the Fire Brigade committee were present, and the speeches throughout showed the harmony and good feeling existing between the m«n, their officers, and Captain Kemsley. As showing the value of the new system of companies introduced by Captain Kemsley, an alarm was given by him during his speech in answer to a toast, -when the Company on duty were out of the hall in two seoonds, and on the recall were heartily cheered. I may add that neither the men, the Press, nor any gentleman present, were aware of the surprise intended by Captain Kemsley. It. is time that, owners or cnarterors of vessels were cast in heavy damages, when accidents and loss of life occur through defective ropes. The other day a seaman on board the N.Z. Shipping Company's chartered s.s. Duke of Buckingham fell a distance of 20 feet from a staging to the iron deck, through a rope breaking. An examination showed that the strands had "been almost burned through,, presumably by aoid The man, Albert Weisner, a German, 23 years of acre, who joined the vessel in London, died an hour after his admission to the hospital. This is the fifth accident, I am informed, on board the steamer that has terminated fatally aince last July. It is very strange that the many and various accidents on the wharf and amongst shipping should not suggest to the authorities that it would be far better to keep the ambulances — one at the Fire Brigade Station in Manners-street, and the other at the Station in Brandon-street — where they would be available at onoe by telephone. At present they are kept at ho Hospital, three miles away, *nd the

unfortunate victims oC accidents are carted to the Hospital in jolting expresses, adding to their sufferings. 'Tis strange that ' Banks ' have so many attractions for young: and pretty girls. Mrs Barber, the charming and popular landlady of the' Bank Hotel, Mannersstreet, has persuaded two young ladies, one from the ' Albert,' and one from the ' Central ' — to assist her in dispensing (with a smile the nectar that the gods so love. ' Albert the Good ' and the ' Central Fire ' are sorry, for the officers and men of the German Squadron are now bombarding that * Bank ' and depositing their money therein nightly being also amused with the Auckland Observer, which will always be filed there. Mr C. J. Johnston, the retiring Mayor of Wellington, has been asked by a deputation to reconsider his determination not to stand again. Taking into consideration the fact that, although a wealthy man, he has only given a few lawn tennis parties and a private dinner or two — nothing to private charities or the Public Library — it would be as well to have a new Mayor, with less money and more spending powers. Mr George Wills, who some years ago was with E. W. Mills, of Wellington, and now a tally clerk for the Shaw Saville Co., succeeded, with the aid of Father Dogherty, last week, at St. Mary of the Angels, in securing Miss Reilly, formerly of Greymoulh. On this occasion the bride promined to love, honour and obey her lord. Champagne and rice concluded the ceremony. __________^