WELLINGTON NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 57, 8 March 1901, Page 2

WELLINGTON NEWS.

FEDERAL REFERENDUM.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. The Cabinet has reconsidered tho question of the Federation Referendum, contemporaneously with taking the census, and that project has been deferred indefinitely ; in any case, until such time as the report of the Commission has been presented to Parliament, and its contents have been made public throughout the country. Ministers, it seems, had realised that judgment by people delivered now could not be of tho same value as later on when fuller evidenco will liavo received publicity. INVALID TROOPERS. Surgeon-Captain Deßenzio lias telegraphed to tho Premier that the invalid troopers whQ'firriye.d at Sydney by the Ranee aro They will leave for by tho Monowai on Saturday.

THE MELBOURNE PICNIC. Tho Premier states that as the result of the consultation of;'members of Parliament by telegraph, 1 he finds that the majority are in favor of sending to Melbourne for the opening of the Federal Parliament a contingent numbering about 100 men. - v? Y ST, PATEICK’S HOLIDAY.

The Government havo decided that Monday, tho 18th March, bo observed as the St. Patrick’s Day holiday by the Civil Service throughout the colony.

EASTER ENCAMPMENT. Colonel Pole Peuton lias advised that the Easter encampment in the Wellington volunteer district should be held in the immediate vicinity of tlic city, so that the forces may act in conjunction with those manning the forts. OFFICIAL MOURNING. The full term of official mourning observed in connection with the death of Queon Victoria terminated last night. Government has decided to observo half mourning until the 17th April. A LETTER OF THANKS.

The following letter was received by the Premier from the Commandant of the Indian contingent: “On behalf of myself and every member of the Indian contingent, I thank you and the people of New Zealand for the great kindness and hospitality which we havo everywhere received during our tour through tho country. The Indian officers and non-commissioned officers have been much touched with the enthusiastic reception which has everywhere greeted them. I would ask you to kindly convey to tho Mayors of "the various places we have visited our thanks for the thoughtful arrangements which they everywhere made for the entertainment and housing of our men, and for the consideration shown their caste prejudices, which so added to the enjoyment of their visit. They leavq the country with the warmest gratitude for the way in which they have been treated, and will carry away the most kindly feelings for /New Zealand and its people. BON VOYAGE. The Premier and the Hon. C. H. Mills visited the troopship Dalhousie shortly before her departure, and wished the officers and men bon voyage. MAORI LANDS. The writs have been signed by the Governor for tho elections of Councils under tho Maori Lands Administration Act of last session. Nominations will be received in April, and any contests which may be necessary will be held in tho third week in May. EXPORT OF POULTRY;

A shipment of poultry is to be sent to South Africa in the steamer Otarama, by the Agricultural Department. There is reported to be an excellent market there. NATIVE BIRDS. In accordance with tho legislation of last session, the year commencing on the Ist prox. has been gazetted a close season tor native pigeons, pukaka and kaka throughout the colony.