WELLINGTON.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXI, Issue 3368, 17 February 1879, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

Feb 15. VICE-REGAL ADDRESSES. The Governor held a farewell undress levee to-day, at which there was a very large attendance. The Chief J ustice and all the Miuisters except Sir George Grey were with the Governor. The Town Clerk read a farewell loyal address, signed by the Mayor on behalf of the City Council and citizens of Wellington. His Lordship in reply remarked on the wonderful change in the city even since he had been here, while from the character of the buildings now being erected, and the signs of progress everywhere visible, he had no doubt that within a lew years Wellington would be one of the finest cities in the colony. He should always feel the deepest interest in the welfare aud prosperty of New Zealaud. He had every contidence that his warmest wishes would be speedily realized. He said he left New Zealaud with extreme regret, but having been offered the governorship of Victoria, though entirely unsolicited, he felt bound as a servant of Her Majesty to accept it. After the levee and presentation of addresses by the City Council- auother address was preseuted to His Excellency bj members of the Wellington YVorking Men's Club, to which he replied, saying he had always taken a great interest in such institutions, as he thought they had done much good, aud were calculated to raise the tone and character of working men, and he trusted esprit dc corp would be fostered. There was no part of world in which the working classes were so well off as in New Zealand, where every one could, by thrift and industry, soon raise himself to tue position of au employer of labour. He hoped they would make the Club self supporting. All the Ministers now in Wellington, except Sir George Grey, were present at the levee, which was very largely attended. WINDING UP N.Z.S.S. COMPANY. The resolution come to some time ago to wind up the N.Z.S.S. Compauy was to-day confirmed at the meeting of shareholders. DRAINAGE. The Drainage Committee have decided to adopt O'Hiri's .outfall for city drainage. AJNTI-CHINESE QUESTION. An Auti-Chiuese petition to be submitted to Parliament next session is in course of signature and has already 2500 signatures. THE COMPOSITOBS' STRIKE. In consequence of the demand mad*

„ by journeymen compositors for- increased rates of pay, master printers and coinj positors held a meeting, aud discussed I the. matter fully. Mr Anderson of the •j Chronicle argued the case at some great length on behalf of employers, pointing out that the men's demands were inopportune for these reasons :— That land sales having fallen off, and general advertising also. That this stagnation was expected to last several months. That owing to competition, unavoidable from four local papers in a comparatively Btnall town, advertising rates were lower than in other centres of population, and as rates of printers' wages were a 8 high here as in any part of the colony— higher than in some- it was considered the present demands were inopportune. It was suggested that the resolutiou come to be withdrawn. After considerable discussion pro and con, the men ultimately agred to withdraw their resolution, and the matter is thus ended. LORD NORMAN BY'S COMMISSION. Lord Nortnanby's Commission as Governor of Victoria will arrive with the Frisco mail per Hinemoa this eveuiug. ~>UR NEW GOVERNOR. Sir Hercules, Lady Robinson and the Staff will probably leaye Sydney for Wellington on the 14th of March in H.M.S. Wolverine, accompanied by H. M.S. Emerald. ' -WaNGANUI HA KBOUR BOARD. The Undersecretary for Public Works has notified to tenderers for the Wauganui wharf and reclamation contract that the tenders have been declined, and that it is the intention of the Government to re-advertise the work at an early date, with certain reductions and modifications.