WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3121, 18 February 1879, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

This day.

The Chronicle is informed that Govern* ment have received further correspondence from the Agent-General enclosing correspondence from Galbraiih and Denny, the well known ship owners, re a proposal for a direct steam service. They suggest a two monthly service as sufficient for present requirements, and they propose to supply three steamers of superior class, with an average speed of 12£ knots, the outward voyage via Cape of Good Hope to occupy forty-two days, and the homewards via Suez Canal forty days. They want an eight years' contract, and ask for a subsidy of eighty thousand pounds annually. Sir Julius Yogel urges the Government to accept the service. Monday. ;• The Governor embarked on board the s.s. Ringarooma, under a guard of honor, shortly after three o'clock. The wharf was crowded, and three lusty cheers were given for his Lordship and Lady Norman by, led by Mayor DransfieJd. The Governor, on reaching the deck thanked the citizens and heartily wished them prosperity and happiness. A salute of

17 guns was fired from the reclaimed land. ' >

The annual District Council of the Independent Order of Rechabites opened, this morning, A. Levy, D.C.R., in the chair. The business transacted was principally formal. The reports of special committees were read and adopted. The meeting adjourned at noon till 9 a.m. tomorrow. A conversazione in connection with the Order will be. held this evening. In consequence of arrears which have accumulated of cases in Native Land Courts, it has been decided to make a large increase in the number of Judges of the said Court. Several fresh appointments will be made shortly.

The brig Jane was formally attached by a marshal of >the Vice-Admiralty Court this afternoon, in consequence of an execution out against the owners. '

; Mr Bryce/MiH.R, left for Auckland this afternoon to inquire into the alleged roll stuffing at the Bay of Islands.

■ : As at the farewell levee on Saturday, Sir George Grey was again conspicuous by his absence this afternoon, when Ministers and other high officials, the Mayor and citizens of Wellington, were present on the wharf to wish his Excellency and Lady Normanby God-speed on; their embarking on board the Ringarooma for Melbourne, and. it is understood that no leave-taking whatever passed between the Governor and the Premier on the occasion of the former leaving the colony. , '

A curious land case was heard here a short time ago, in which the B.M. reserved judgment. The leading facts were that a foreigner purchased at auction a piece of land at Featherstone. He subsequently placed it in the hands of a commission agent to sell. The agent recommended it should be disposed of by art union,, and in the course of crossexamination he admitted that lie proposed to the owner that they should so work the art union as to draw all the prizes' between "themselves. The agent was to"receive 2\ per cent., together with travelling expenses. He was, however, unable to sell any tickets where the land was known, it being, a complete mass of stones, though in other places. he managed to sell some tickets. The owner of the land subsequently took the land out of the agent's Hands, and advertised that he had done. so. 'Upon this the latter sued for £28. Tiie magistrate to-day gave judgment for, the plaintiff for £2, maintaining that the English law relating to lotteries is in force in New Zealand, and consequently that all contracts, relating to them are absolutely void.: . '- '■' ; .:;..■ ; ''. '■".: ; i