WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4979, 24 December 1884, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

This day. Heyman, the hangman, was discharged on a charge of burglary ; and his companion (Apuroa, a Maori) was committed for trial. Government have already received two applications for the formation of special settlements by associations in Wairarapa, and and one from Wanganui. Amongst the concessions granted, areas varying from 320 to 620 acres in each settlement will be allowed to be taken up by associations for the purpose of selling as township and suburban allotments. The maximum has been raised to 150 acres, but the average in the settlement must be 100 acres. Several important changes are about to take place in the Public Works Department. In addition to contracts being let at each end of the North Island Trunk Railway, formation sections will belaii out along the line, and offered to natives to construct. Regulations are being prepared for letting, in runs of from 640 to 2000 acres, on pprpetual leases, with compensation for improvement, a large extent of rough pastoral land belonging to Government, and at present unoccupied. A number of influential Upper Wanganui and Taupo chiefs, who have hitherto opposed public works and settlement, have intimated their intention of attending the coming meeting on the Wanganui river, and show a disposition to meet the views of Government. Heavy Damages. The following award has been made by the arbitrators in the case Plimmer and Reeves v. the Wellington Corporation ; £3,654 and £363 costs, together with £126 between the two assessors.