WELLINGTON NEWS.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 83, 3 January 1885, Page 6

WELLINGTON NEWS.

A Now GoldfloKL Wellington, December 27. It is rumourod that gold has boon discovered in the province of Taranaki, probably in the Mokou or Tuhua country. I have myself aeon specimens, and have authority for stating that the exact spot of discovery has been disclosed to the Native Minister, who is also Minister for Mines. Mr Ballance is framing regulations offering a roward of £500 for the discovery of a goldfield in tlio North Island out of last sossion's vote. It will bo a stipulation in the- regulations that the consent of the chief of the district must bo lodged in writing with Government before any prospecting will bo allowed in native country. The di&covory allinns the oxistonco of a quarts reef visible on the surface over a considerable area of country. The reef, it is said, i? intermixed with bJuo and rotten slate— favouiable indications, I am informed, of a pornianont goldtiold.

Prizo Essays. The prizos for the boat essays on the induKtiies of tho colony to be invitod in connection with tho Industrial Exhibitio i will bo in tho shape of gold and ailvor medals and money. Tho Government desire that the subject should bo dealt with in the most practical manner as oppo&ed to ab>>ti act disq uisitions.

The Castlotownrocho Tragedy. I undorstand that correspondence between the Imperial and colonial authorities lids been going on for Bomo time past in reference to the man Sheehan charged with murder at Cafetlotownroche in Ireland, and that he has been nndor the surveillance of the police for many weeks provious to his arrest.

Beetroot Culture in tho Colony, An showing the earnestness of tho Govornmont. in giving effect to the legislation of Parliament, and at tho samo time their desire that the fullest possiblo ventilation should be given to everything bearing on tho capabilities of the colony as a field for special industries, I may mention that loose copies of the Beetroot Sugar Act of last session have bsen forwarded to tho Agent -General with a request that he should endeavour through the Foroign OfHco to make tho provisions of the Act known in European countries where tho subject has already attracted sorno attention, and where there is a population likoly to feel particularly interested in the subject. Especially has it beon desired that tho provisions of the Act may be translated and published throughout Russia, Germany, Austria, and Belgium, in the hope that it may bo tho means of attracting a desirable class of immigrants hitherward,

Mr Ballanco and Restrictions on Nettivo Lands. It is understood that the Native Minister is making many enemies in certain circles by absolutely refusing to withdraw the restrictions on native lands in order to benefit "land-sharks" and traffickers in native land. This was notoriously done by the preceding Native Alinister, as was proved by tho return called for by Parliament upon the motion of Sir George Grey in tho session of ISS3. Notwithstanding this odium and tho political pressure that is being brought to bear, Mr Ballanco remains inflexible, and declares that so long as he hold? the portfolio for native affairs ho ■will not allow theso reductions to be lemovcd, except after duo publicity has been given and for the benefit of the people of the colony.

The Hangman Turns tho Tables on his Accuser. Wellington, Wednesday. — Heyman, tho hangman, was discharged on the charge, of burglary, and his companion, Apuroa, a Maori, was committed for trial.

The Now Land Regulations. Government have already received two applications tor special settlement associations, ono from Wairarapa and one from Wanganui. Amongst the concessions granted are areas varying from 330 to 6tO acres in each settlement. Land an ill bo allowed to bo taken up by the associations for the purpose ot re-selling as township and suburban allotments. The maximum has been raised to 140 acres, but the average in the settlement must be 100 acres.

Railway Contracts to "be Let to Natives. Several important changes are about to take place in the Public Works Department. In addition to the contracts at each end of the North Island Trunk Railway, formation sections will bo leased out along the line, and offered to the natives to construct,

Leasing of Crown Lands, Regulations are being prepared in the 11 and A departments for letting in runs of from 640 to 2,000 acres on perpetual leasos, with compensation for improvements, a large extent of rough pastoral land belonging to 'Government, and at present unoccupied.

Conciliated Native Chiefs. A number of influential Upper Wangunui and Ttiupo chiefs a\ ho have hitherto opposed public works and settlement have intimated their intention of attending the coming meeting on the "YVanganui "River, and show a disposition to meet the views o£ Government.