WELLINGTON NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 965, 11 August 1903, Page 1

WELLINGTON NEWS.

Ear Press !Associa,tion a

Wellington, last night. Four cases of anthrax have been reported in the Agricultural Department within the past four weeks—viz., one at Woodlands (Southland), three in different parts of the Auokland district, and the Department has reason to believe an outbreak has also occurred near New Plymouth. Specimens of blood from an animal in the latter district, believed to have been attacked by the disease, are being forwarded to Mr Reakes. The Government Veterinarian states that after examining the blood specimen from Woodlands, he is satisfied that the case there is one of true anthrax. A mass meeting of Newtown residents on Saturday evening passed a resolution condemning the inaction of the police in not taking steps to prevent a continuance of the sale of liquor in Newtown. A deputation waits on the Premier on Thursday.

During the discussion in the South Australian Legislative Assembly upon the Address-in-Reply, Mr Dixon moved that a referendum of the parents of scholars be taken with regard to Bible teaching in State schools. The Premier, Mr Jenkins, opposed the motion, but was willing that a referendum of the electors be taken on the subject at the next general eleotion.

Even Mr Seddon, experienced politician that he is, and case-hardened in regard to most of the trials and troubles of public life, must begin to think that he has been rather hardly treated by Fate this session in the matter of deputations. First the prohibitionists, then the licensed victuallers, and on Saturday a deputation of “ advanced women ” have been enough to try even the Premier’s powers of ingenuity and endurance. However, even from the latest ordeal he managed to emerge safe and smiling, if not quite unscathed.— Christchurch Press. Mr Seddon is not such a fool as to quarrel with 300 publicans, but neither is he likely to forgot that there are 150,000 prohibitionists in this country, says Christchurch Truth. It is a nice predicament they have placed him in between them—a test of statesmanship, of political skill, of diplomacy. An admiring country has its eye on Mr Seddon, feeling confident that if any man can extricate himself from that position Mr Seddon is the man. His astute and not over-committal remarks to the liquor brigade are one manifestation of the strenuous mental contortions going on within. We don’t even pretend to guess the way out, but we have no doubt Mr Seddon will find it.

Six “first offenders,” at Bow street (London), five weeks ago, were let off on promising to " emigrate to New Zealand.” This colony is certainly getting better known.