WELLINGTON NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 67, 22 March 1901, Page 2

WELLINGTON NEWS.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. THE NEW ACT. The Government have decided that the numbers of councillors in boroughs shall be as follows : Population under 5000, nine members; over 5,000 and under 30,000, twelve ; 30,000 and over, fifteen. The last provision for the present will only apply to Auckland and 'Wellington. UNIMPROVED VALUES. A roll of ratepayers of Onslow, one of tho suburban boroughs, decided in favor of rating unimproved values. IMPORTANT DECISION.

The. Stipendiary Magistrate to-day upheld the contention of counsel for the defendant that he had no jurisdiction in a case where a member of the Wharf Employees’ Benefit Society brought a claim against the Society for £7 15s sick pay. The decision is based on section 27 of tho Friendly Societies’ Act of 1882, which provides that disputes under tho rules of a registered society shall be decided in the manner directed by such rules, and that such decision shall bo final. TEMPERANCE UNION.

Tho Annual Convention of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union opened today, under the Presidency of Mrs Schnackenborg. The report of the Treasurer showed that there was a credit balance of £4l. A sum of £990 had passed through tho local Treasurer’s hands during tho year, the local branches having now a credit of £1636. VITAL STATISTICS.

During 1900 there were 145 deaths in the four centres of the colony from cancer, 171 from heart disease, and 266 from phthisis and other tubercular diseases. There were 110 violent deaths during tho year. ROYALTY. The Harbor Board will present an address to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on arrival. WELLINGTON APATHY.

Six people attended a meeting called by tho Mayor to consider the question of giving a send-off to the Seventh Contingent. It was decided to request the public to assemble on the day of tho departure, and to endeavor to arrange for speeches to be made. THE CAMP. There aro are at present 545 officers and men in camp at Newton Park. ROYAL VISIT. At the City Council to-night the Mayor reported on the deputation tho other day to the Premier in regard to financing the display when the Yorks arrive. After discussion, the Council decided to refer the question of the reception of the Royal party to a committee, which will report to the Council after a conference with the Citizens’ Committee. LABOR LAWS.

District Court Judge Backhouse, tho commissioner appointed by the New South Wales Government to visit this colony to enquire into the working of the Industrial and Conciliation Act, was met to-night, after the Mokoia had berthed, by the Premier and Secretary of the Labor Department. Ho is accompanied by Mr Bouthon, Registrar of the Sydney District Court. His Honor will remain here a day or two, and then go South. He will visit all parts of the colony where he is likely to gain information.