WELLINGTON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2213, 10 June 1908, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

(Special to,“Times.”) WELLINGTON. June 9. ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES. I learn on excellent authority that there is no chance of the passing of legislation next session with a view to retaining the present number of electorates in the South Island. Apart from the disorganisation that , an alteration so late in the year would cause, there is, amongst a considerable section of the House, a very strong feeling that there should be no attempt made at the present j uncture to increase the number of representatives. Indeed, feeling seems to-, go rather in the other direction. PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION. t . The northern newspaper press generally welcome Dr. Chappie’s advent into the Paliamentary arena, recognising, apart altogether from party, that he will prove a valuable representative. There is a pretty unanimous concensus of opinion in high political circles that there will bo a considerable improvement in the calibre of the next Parliament, and there is certainly some room for improvement. Dr. Chappie has received messages of congratulation—over two hundred in number—all from various parts of the Dominion. THE WEATHER,

Mr.- Ritchie, Secretary for Agriculture, says that southern farmers are paying increased attention to wheatgrowing. Stock in Canterbury- and Otago are looking well, and farmers generally in the 6outh, lie says, would welcome rain in view of ploughing operations. The weather in Wellington so far this winter has been very dry and mild. Indeed, so much has this been the case, that the local drapers have been very much concerned about the salo of their woollen goods and blankets. There is also an unusual shortage of water on, the high levels in houses not connected with the city water supply. Rain set in this morning, .but so far the fall has not been severe. INCREASE IN BUILDING. Building has been very active during the past year, the value of the buildings for which permits were issued being £674,813, an iiicrtuse of £117.277 over the previous year’s record. These figures do hot'include a very large building increase in the suburbs. There is everv indication that tho city will continue to, grow rapidly, though there is likely to be a fall fti suburban land values and a decrease- in speculative business, yvhicli latter will be a good thing. STOCK EXCHANGE.

The sales on ’Change to-day were: Wellington Woollen ordinary shares £3. 7s, River Plates £1 11s 6d, Talisman £2 Bs, Tangiaros Is.