WELLINGTON NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9193, 24 March 1908, Page 4

WELLINGTON NOTES.

[Per Press Association.] AVELLINGTON, March 23. A Gazette Extraordinary further prorogues Parliament till May, 29. A slight shock of earthquake was felt in Wellington at 1.52 p.m. to-day. Preparations are in train tor the adaptation of Mr Strang's residence, at Palmerston North, for use as Government House. Additions are to be made, 60 that the Government House staff may have sufficient accommodation. A large part of the furniture in the Wellington Government House is packed ready for transport to Palmerston, and it is expected that the Governor will occupy the Palmerston residence in May, when his family will remove thither from Auckland. Two lines of Australian lemons, by the steamer Maitai, were found to be badly affected by black spot. These were allowed in, but future shipments affected by this disease will be either returned to Australia or destroyed. The athletes who- so worthily represented the Dominion at the important sports gatherings in Tasmania and Australia recently were tendered a formal welcome home this afternoon by the Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. Con.gratulatory speeches were delivered by the Hon T. W. Hislop (Mayor of Wellington), and br tho Hon George f^ ld V nd T H 6SSrs T. M. Wilford, M.P., C. H. Izard, M.P., and 'F. m! B. Fisher, M.P. Mr Green, manager of the team, in acknowledging the expressions of pleasure at the success of the team, suggested that Messrs Kerr and Murray should be sent to represent New Zealand at the Olympian Games in London next July. Perhaps the Government might help. Mr Wilford promised to do his best to obtain a grant for the purpose. Mr Fisher said he would not pledge himself to ask the Government for money for sport. He thought the necessary money could and should, be obtained privately. ' cv c miners from the diamond workings of South Africa arrived by the Mamari this morning in search of new fields of labour. One of ' them stated that work in the part he came from was at a standstill. Mines had closed down, and discontent \vas brewing. "The trouble," he said, "is the Chinese. The Government is trying to do away with them, and the mineowners are endeavouring to retain them. Capital for investment is being withheld, and little or no work is go- i ing on. You take it from me now, there will be another war there before long — civil war this time." He referred to the far-reaching effects of the deadlock, and said a whole fleet of steamers which traded to South Africa wa6 now lying , idle. A small band of immigrants, 137 in all, arrived in the dominion to-day by the Mamari. According to Mr J. E. March, I,m.minivation Off-cer, ',' they, are all irt^

' good health, and appear to be a very desirable class." Farm labourers and /shepherds predominate. There are seven domestics, and they are going to friends in different parte of the dominion.