WELLINGTON NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 300, 16 December 1904, Page 4

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By Telejrraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. POLICE INSPECTOR'S RESIDENCE. The Public Works Department has accepted a tender for the conversion of the Brigade Hall, near Albert Part, into i residence for the inspector of police. This work, which is to cost about £1000, will be put in hand immediately. «V"hen completed, the building will be Tdmirably suited for the purpose mended. THE GOVERNMENT VINERIES. Signor Bragato, Government Viticulurist, returned to Wellington this week fter an extended visit to the Governient experimenal vineyards. Speaking to the "Star" reporter. Mr. Bragato said '.hat at Waerenga, the North of Aucksnd vineries, the vintage had been put "jack at least seven or eight weeks, a succession of cold south-west gales ha-\----ng taken place instead of the warm unshiny weather usually experienced at "his time of the year. There are about ?000 gallons of wine in the cellars at Waerenga, which will be placed on the narket next year. There are now about 13 acres planted with American stock "or distribution, and the area will shortly be increased by another five acres. In "our years' time Signor Bmgato estinates that fully 200 acres will be available for vintage cultivation. The Agricultural Department has decided to ordain its supply of vines for distribution hroughout the colony from its station it Arataki, near Napier. Only the best Vmerican stock will be used at Arataki. is they have been found most suitable or the New Zealand climate. Eight vnd a-half acres have been planted with American resistant stock, and in addi'ion to this 80,000 American vines have been planted for the production of cut'ings for distribution among vine culivators. The vines generally look •ealthy, and give promising results. In the coming season the erection of a residence for manager, and buildings requiite for vine culture and production, are ibout to be proceeded wi f h. Mr. Bragato returns to Auckland on Friday mornin"-. AUO_LAND CHIEF FORESTER. Mr. S. P. Cavanagh, hitherto chief ranker for the Wellington Land Board, left for Auckland yesterday evening to assume the post of chief forester for that district. Reference was made to Mr. Cavanagh 'a departure by the members of the Land Board yesterday. They spoke appreciatively of the excellent work he had done in his position, and of the loss that the local Board would feel at his departure. A motion was unanimously carried that the Board records its appreciation of his good services, and good wishes for his future. THE HON. DUNCAN'S ACCIDENT. The accident to the Minister for Lands during his recent visit to the Hawke's Bay district, though happily free from any serious effects, might have ended disastrously both for Minister and horse. Only smart horsemanship on the part of Mr. Duncan saved him and hit charge from tumbling over a precipice about 20ft deep and into the river below. The Minister had ccr f ninly a narrow shave on this occasion of bidding adieu to Ministerial worrioa for «T«r.