(Per Press Association.) Wellington, This day- At the first annual dinner of t Canterbury Society, of Wellington,! Hon. Mr Walker presided. In the course of a speech the Pm® l said the time was not far distant wj Christchurch would be brought with six hours of Wellington. The imports* of these centres demanded it, and wb the North Trnnk line was completed* a ferry service to Picton and a li° e Cheviot were completed such s re* would be obtained.
A State Bank.
(Per Press Association.) Dunedin, Thie D»y At the close of Mr Ellis’ meefi l resolution was carried “ That in rw* the growth of the public debt, botho Government and of local bodies, the eminent assume the functions of ban and that meetings should be org»*| to evoke public interest in the q* 10 " of a State Bank.”

Customs Dues.
[By Electrio Telegraph—Copyrifl (United Press Association ) (Received 9.43 a.m.) MELBOURNE. It is understood that the the German liner Luitpold hs« arranged, the agents of the vefl* o J a guarantee to pay duty oD used both in and between the port l ’ the Customs seals were broket

TSE WAIPAWA MAIL, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17,1901.
