WELLINGTON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2139, 14 March 1908, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

(Special to “Times”) WELLINGTON, March 13.

Mr. C. P. Skerrett has been retained by the Manawatu Railway Co., in connection with the compensation proceedings likely to result, in consequence of the determination of the Government to acquire the company’s property. The company’s dividend for the past year amounts to 7 per cent. There have been many complaints this season regarding the Wanganui River service, and Mr. Paul Kennedy, .a visitor from New York, makes specific charges, and states that passengers are put to great inconvenience in consequence of the company not- adhering to its time-table. Mr. Kennedy complained to the Tourist Department, but was told that they were powerless to interfere. Considerable progress has been made with the alterations to Government House to fit it for the meeting of Parliament, and'a good deal of space is being devoted to Bellamy’s, more than to the House of Representatives and the Legislative Council Chambers. There will be a three-tiered gallery for “Hansard,” the press, and the Speaker's gallery. The ballroom will be devoted to the House of Representatives, and Lady Plunket’s drawing-room will be used by the Legislative Council, part of the conservatory being utilised for “Hansard” and the press gallery. For that Chamber, some flue creepers that had spread over the conservatory will have to be cut down. The most space in all the House will be devoted to Bellamy’s, more space in fact than that- of the Assembly and Council put together. The press room will be in what was the housekeeper’s room, and the “Hansard” staff will occupy the still room, and have tho use of a- kitchen range. If required, the twentyfour rooms upstairs will be utilised, but with slight if any alteration. Waihi shares were to-day sold on ’Change at £9 4s 6d, Talismans sold at £2 12s 9d, and these were the only sales recorded.

Professor D. K. Picken, the new mathematical instructor for Victoria College, arrived in Wellington by the Rimut-aka Jast evening. He is accompanied by his wife, who is an M.A. of Glasgow University.