rWELLINGTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5270, 29 May 1895, Page 4

r WELLINGTON NEWS.

[_*BO_I OUB OWH COBREBPONDENT.]

WELLINGTON, May 28. The Government has received information that the Hon J. G. Ward will leave England for New Zealand, vi& Vancouver, on Satnrday next. Shonld the Warrimoo not touch at Auckland, Mr Ward will be conveyed from Honolulu by the Union Company. Upolu. It is not improbable that Sir George Grey will accompany Mr Ward. I understand that there iB a movement on foot here to suitably welcome Ur Ward on his return from England. It will take the form of a banquet, which will be of a non -political character, and intended to give expression to the feeling of all parties on the successful floating of the Advances to Settlers loan.

Itia surmised that only three Ministers,' tbe Hone B. J. Seddon, W. P. Reeves and A. J. Cadman will be present at the opening of Parliament, unless tbe Hon J. j&tl-enzie's health should improve, when lie also will be present. I understand that there will be no adjournment on account of the absence of Mr Ward, as there will be sufficient business in the shape of Bills dropped last session, Co keep the House fully employed. The Government has just ordered 3000 additional Martini-Henry rifles, which, with tbe arrangements with tbe Auckland Ammunition Company and the rifles previously ordered, will complete the provision for the defence of the uolony in the matter of Bmall arms.

Arrangements have been made to lease the Government steamer Stella to an Auckland firm engaged in the. Island trade.

A contract has been let for the construction of a new cable steamer in London, to be built with slight modifications from toe plans prepared in Wellington. She ■will be something on the lines of the Union Steaniabip Company's Wainui, will draw ten feet when light and thirteen when loaded, and will be ready in six months.