WELLINGTON NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3199, 24 December 1892, Page 2

WELLINGTON NEWS.

(lit TEI.EURAI'H. —I'BKSS ASSOCIATION). Wellington*, La-t Niahf. The R.M.S. Monowa', with the 'Frisci rnail-s of 20th November, left 'Frisco for Auckland, nil th-"> 10. li, one day late, and the Alameda with tho colonial malls from Auckland, mi the 3rd Dec3mber, arrived at 'Frisco en 22nd inst., time table date. Tha Government intend to make new regulations in c mnection with the Suney Department in order to overcake the ptvs* work on the surveyors. It is inLended that the cost of survey bu added to the price of tho land, and applicants for laud will have tn deposit such cist, but the latter payment will subsequently be deducted the rent paid. The idea is to enable private surveyors to be employed. At the R.M. Court, the charge against Thomas for murderously assaulting Mr Kirkbride is being investigated, the evidence adduced being a refutation of the facts. Kirkbride identified the accused among a dozen men, who were paraded The case is not finished. The Cheviot Hills Estate purchased by the Government consists of 01,222 acres, being the estate ot the late Mr Robinson. It is situated north of the Huiunui River The assessed value being £301,820 and the owner's value £200,220 (showing a difference in favour of the owners of £44,000), the owners called upon the Commissioner of Taxes under the provisions of the Assessment Act to reduce the assessed value to that of the owners in their ratorn, or to purchase the land at that price. The Commissioners declined to reduce the assessed value, and advised the Government to acquire the property, which was done. The Government satisfied themselves as to the value by having two separate valuations. This is believed to be the first case of the kind in the colony. A westerly gale, predicted by Captain Edwin, sprang up last night, and is blowing to-day with great fury. Three houses in Courtney Place were unroofed, a number of trees uprooted, and chimney pots removed. A deputation waited on the Minister for Lands to-day in reference to setting apart a block of land as a special settlement for Wellington old soldiers. Mr McKenzie agreed to set apart a special sect'on of the Waimarino block on the Trunk Railway beyond linnterville, old soldiers' land scrip to be used in the purchase. Hon. McKnnzie t-ld a deputation this morning that he could not allow bush settlers to make their own roads and raise the money under the Loans to Local Bodies Act as there would be no continuity in the roads unless the Government bad the miking ot them. Hon. Cadman's departure for the J\orth ba9 been delayed for a few days. Later. Fhomvs was committed for trial for assaulting Mr Kirkbride with int-mt to kill him. No new facts were elicited during the hearing of the case.