TRADE AND LABOUR.
The Wellinston Trades and Labour Council joins with the New South Wales Trades and Labour Council in strongly pro testing against tho action of the Queensland Government in introducing black labour into Queensland.
A deputation of unemployed boiler makers, introduced by Messrs Joyce and Sandford, M.H.R.'s, waited on the Hon. W. P. Keevea at Christchurch, and brought under his notice the fact that while the Railway Commissioners were importing boilers and other manufactured ironwork into the colony a largo number of mechanics were idle. Tho deputation also stated that unskilled labour was being employed at the railway workshos in carrying out work which elsewhere was executed by mechanics, outside employers being thus placed at a serious disadvantage: also that under the existing arrangement apprentices were nob getting a fair chance of learning their trades, nor was there any prospect of work for them in tho colony after completing their apprenticeship if the present system of importation was persisted in. The Minister promised to bring the matters complained of under the notice of the Commissioners and the Minister of Public Works.
BANKS AND COMPANIES.
The Oiiont Goldmining Company of Auckland is to ba wound up voluntarily under tho Companies Act of 1852."

Should the Mokau Coal Company go into liquidation, there is every probability ol a new co-operative company being formed in Wellington to work the mine.
Tho operations of tho Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company for the pa«t year have been profitable. A dividend will bo declared at the annual meeting next month.
The Ashburton Permanent and Invest ment Society line had a successful year's operations. A dividend of nine per cent. was declared. Tho directors WCl'O I'6 -elected.
