WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3805, 9 March 1881, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

This day.

The New Minister.

Walter Johnston, M.H.E., for Manawatu, has been offered and has accepted a portfolio in the Government, and will be sworn in to day as Postmaster General.

The annual session of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Hew Zealand was opened last night. The Eev. J. MacNiccol, of Auckland, Moderator, opened the proceedings with an appropriate-sermon. The Eev. Mr Eoss, of Turakina was appointed Moderator for the ensuing term, and delivered an able and lengthy address upon the future of the Church and Christianity. The order of business for the session was arranged, a number of usual sessional committees being appointed, and the Assembly adjourned till to-day. Yesterday. Over 400 payments of the Property Tax were made to-day.

Mr E. W. Mills, iron merchant, filed a declaration of insolvency to day, all endeavors having failed to effect.a satisfactory arrangement for carrying on the business. Mr Henry Baker, and old and wellrespected settler, was found dead on the road at Horikuri Valley yesterday. An inquest will be held. Major Atkinson's lameness is much better to day, and he was able to attend at the office. The Harbour Board have decided at a private meeting to offer the Corporation £64 000 for the Queen's Wharf—viz., £39,000 (its cost), and £25,000 for goodwill. The offer will probably be ac cepted.