NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 332, 4 February 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. The s.s. Otarama arrived at Durban on January 22, discharged her cargo, and went on to Capetown, sailing thence for London on the 29th. In view of the congested state of shipping at both ports, this despatch is considered in shipping circles to 1* very good. The Compensation Court gave an award to-day in respect to the claim of John Kirkcaldie and T. Toxward’sj trustees, whose land on Lambtonl Quay has been taken by the Govern-] ment as a site for the new Magis-] trate’s Court. The amount claimed was £7500. The Court assessed the value at £4BOO, half of which goes to either claimant. The Governor has advised . the Premier that he has received a cablegram from Mr Chamberlain conveying the King’s thanks and that of the Royal Family to the Government and people of New Zealand for the message of sympathy cabled on January 22nd. The criminal sessions of the Supreme . Court opened to-day before the Chief Justice. In his charge to the Grand Jury His Honor said there were 12 persons charged, besides 3 who had pleaded guilty and been dealt' with last February. He commented on the increase thus shown, laying particular stress on the number of sexual offences, which were five out ofj twelve.

i NELSON, last night. • There is ideal weather for the Nelson diamond Jubilee celebrations, which commenced this morning. A large number of visitors from all parts of the colony are present, chiefly from the West Coast, Wellington, Wanganui, and Taranaki. The Ministry is represented by Mr Seddon, Sir Joseph Ward, and Mr Mills. H.M.S. Ringarooma and Lizard have also arrived. The town is profusely decorated with bunting, greenery, etc., and the streets present a gay and animated appearance. Shortly before 9 o’clock a grand procession was formed at the Church steps, where a religious service was held by the Bishop, and an historical address- given by the Mayor (Mr H. Baigent). A procession followed, the volunteers, two bands, the Mayor and Councillors, members of other local bodies, ministers, members of Parliament, members of ehe Judicature, Captain Rich (Ringarooma), the clergy, fire brigade, representatives of tlie Union Steamship Company, Jubilee Committee, friendly societies, school children, and general public taking part. Other features of the procession deserving special mention were the old settlers, in four decorated cars and the Maori representatives (including Mrs Martin, better known as •- Julia,” the Grace Darling of New

Zealand), and a team of ten bullocks drawing a waggon decorated with native ferns. The procession marched to the Botanical Reserve, where speeches were delivered by Mr Seddon, Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Mills, Mr Graham, M.H.R., and Colonel Pitt, M.L. C. All the speakers referred to the. great advance of the past sixty years, and generous tribute was paid to the labors of the early settlers. After the procession the old settlers were entertained at luncheon by the Jubilee Committee. Athletic and cycling sports are being held this afternoon, and a banquet will be given to Ministers this evening. Sir Joseph Ward announced that he will probably visit Nelson again within the next six weeks, when he will receive a deputation as to a new post office, etc. WANGANUI, last night. At the Waitotara County Council re compilation of the valuation rolls, meeting to-day a circular was read from the Sydenham Borough Council stating that a conference of delegates there had passed resolutions complaininc of the cumbersome and inefficient, methods adopted by tho Government Valuation Department, and the excessive cost to local authorities. Mr Mills, Minister m charge of the Valuation Department, in reply to the letters sent conveying those resolutions, said the cost had been reduced, and he denied the charges of inefficiency and inequality. During the discussion at the Council meeting the Chairman quoted numerous cases of inequality in this district, instancing Ins own proeertv valued at £23 per acre, and toid on the other side of the boundary fences, equally as good, at Hi, £l2, and £ls. The valuation had previously been done for £4O by the clerk and no complaints made. The Government charged £167, numerous complaints The Council unanimously decided to uphold the recommendation of the Sydenham Council and passed resolutions expressing an opinion that the charges for reviser the valuation rolls were excess.ve, and that the values were not uniform or equitable.