SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 33, 8 February 1905, Page 3

SOUTHERN NEWS.

CBy Telegraph.—Press Association.) BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. DUNEDIN, this day. There -was an interesting discussion at the meeting of the Otago Presbytery last night, with regard to Dr. Gibbs* announcement that the Bible in schools, question would in future be fought as a political issue. The Rev. Mr Borne disclaimed that he was an anti-Sed-donian, though he admitted he was not a supporter of the Premier. The secretary of the Bible in Schools Conference has telegraphed to the Presbytery: "By the use of the word 'political' was meant no more than an energetic effort to induce candidates to vote for the referendum on the Bible in schools, and calling on the electors to vote only for those supporting such a measure." A reply had been sent suggesting that the conference should issue a manifesto making their position plain. After considerable discussion various resolutions were defeated, the Presbytery passing to the next business.

THE FLAXBOUENE ESTATE. BLI-N-ETEIM, Tuesday. In the Flaxbourne case, in which Sir George Clifford, Walter Clifford, and others claim £335,000 in connection with - the. compulsory acquisition of their estate, the following additional witnesses have given evidence for the claimants: —Adam Bell, Bernard Ward, B. D. Giles, J. W. Trolove (sheepfanmers in MarfboTough), A. McKenzie, of Peatherston, Donald Cameron, of Masterton, and W. B. Towdreß, of Waimate (dairying expert). Their valuations of the 45,000 acres being taken by Government, as in February. 1903, ranged from £282,022 to £306,091. All the witnesses described the property as one capable of very great improvement, and as very suitable for subdivision. ACC—XENT ON A STEA3___R. WI-LLINGTON, Tuesday. A married man named James Larwood, who accidentally fell down the hold- of the steamer Mararoa, sustaining a fractured skull, Bes in the hospital in a serious condition. ALLEGED MISAPPRCrPK___T_ON. CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. Eredk. J. Clarke, until recently clerk to the Templeton Road Board, -was committed for trial to-day on charges of misappropriating sums aggregating £117 S/3, the property of the Board. THE Cint-STCHURCH ROBBERY. CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. At the Magistrate's Court to-day, Philip White pleaded guilty to the charges of theft and shooting with intent in connection with the recent sticking-ap cases. He was remanded to the Supreme Court for sentence. A BIG CHEESE. 1 WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The Department of Industries and Commerce has instructed the Wyndham Dairy Factory authorities to manufacture a cheese one ton in weight, to be exhibited at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition, which opens at the Crystal Palace, London, in May next. POLITICAL LABOUR L__AGD__. CH__l-_EI_I_UR!C__, Tuesday. At a -meeting called by the Trades and Labour Council to-night a branch of the New Zealand Political Labour League was formed, and temporary officers elected. Tbe Hon. J. Rigg addressed the meeting on the aims and methods of the league, and in the coarse of his remarks attributed to its influence tbe fact that labour had secured representation on the Land Commission. About thirty members were enrolled, and arrangements were made for a canvass of the city. WEI_L_SfGTON HOSPITAL FINANCE. W__C__INGTON, Tuesday. Estimated receipts and expenditure in connection with Wellington Hospital for the current year are:—Receipts from district boards, £17-100; recoveries from patients, £2100; lent from endowment, £2600; coirtribations, £200; Government subsidy, £240; revenue from land, £400; recoveries from incurable patients, £400; sundries, £100: total, £23,740. Expenditure: New boiler, £600; extra sum upkeep nurses' home, £700; mainrtenance chronic invalids' home, £2500; annual payment on loan, £ 1500; maintenance new ward for male patients, £500; amount required to pay liabilities on chronic invalids' home, £1200: various items of maintenance. £-16,740: total, £23,740.