NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 481, 14 April 1909, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAM—TOESS ASSOCIATION.) « _ TRAV/LINC ON THE SHARE SYSTEM, NAPIER CREWS,OBJECT. " ~ , Napier, April 13. Trouble has occurred in the fishing industry owing to the men engaged on trawlers notifying tho employers that they desired to bo paid wages instead of working on tho sharo system. Tho recent award of tho Arbitration Court adopted tho wages system, but stated that the men may continue to work on shares if they so desired. At a meeting of the men it was decided not to continuo on shares, and as tho owners of tho trawlers consider it impossible, in the present stato of tho industry, to pay wages, seven of tho trawlers aro now idle. Three others, worked on the wages system, aro not alfectcd.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS. ATTITUDE OF NORTH CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD. Christchurch, April 13. At tho meeting of tho Christchurch Presbytery to-day, tho Rev. J. T. Roid, brought under tho notice of tho Presbytery tho decision of tho North Canterbury Education hoard in regard to tho teaching of religion in schools during school hours. Ho said tho Kaiapoi School Committee had been approached with tho view of having tho school hours reduced by half an hour a week, so that roligioas teaching could bo given. Tho board had definitely decided that twentyhyo hours secular instruction pjjould bo given, and that no religious instruction should bo given from tho opening to the close of the school. This had caused a cessation of many classes held in many of tho schools of tho district.

The Rev. J. M'Kcnao moved that a Email committeo should ho sot up to consult with other denominations in regard to tho matter. Iho Roy. P. C. Dunvard seconded tho motion. Ho said a deputation should wait on tho hoard. Tho board was not a popu-larly-elected body, members of tho board being appointed by tho school committees who wows elected by small handftils of householders. In Lceston tho people had decided in favoui of tho teaching of tho Biblo in tho schools, but the hoard had overruled them. Ho recommended that ministers should go to tlw meetings of householders to elect school committees, and endeavour to obtain the support of tho people. Tho Moderator said 'that in several speeches by tho lato Mr. Scddon, ministers bad been blamed for not talcing advantage of the opportunities of teaching tho Biblo in tho schools. Tho Rov. J. M'Kenzio added to his motion "that tho Presbytery protested against tho decision of tho Education Board." Tho entire motion was passed, and tho Revs. Reid, M'Kenzie, and Tait were appointed a committee. DISSATISFIED VOLUNTEERS. Chrlstchurch, April 13. Colonel Smith has received tho following reply from tho Prime Minister:—"l regret to learn from you that there is any cause of dissatisfaction regarding tho treatment of the troops. lam quite sure that tho'Minister for Railways, who is absent at tho moment, will carefully look into tho matter." Tho private secretary of tho Minister for Railways telegraphed:—"l am directed to inform you that the Minister has not yet returned to Wellington, but (sie subject matter of your telegram of this dav is being inquired into, and your representations will bo placed beforo tho Minister immediately on his return." [Reference to tho abovo matter will bo found on page 4, under tho heading "Easter Manoeuvres."] A DIET OF SHELL-FISH AND WATER. Auckland, April 13. At tho Police Court this afternoon, Milton Alexander Cromwell, a young man who was found in a holo in the cliff at Orakei living on a diet of shell-fish and water, was Remanded for a period of medical observation and treatment at the mental hospital. It was stated that up to eight months ago ho had been an energetic tradesman, but had suffered. from a severe attack of influenza. After this illness ho had refused to work, and took to wandering about aimle'ssly.

'■ BIBLE GLASS UNION. Auckland, April 13. Tho annual conference of tlie Biblo Class Union of Now Zealand is concluded. At tho sports mooting, tho banner was won by St. John's Class, Wellington. Mr. Reese, of Christchurch, tho nowly-oloctcd president, stated that this camp was far the best over held.! Tho uoxt camp will bo held at Tiniaru, BAPJIST BIBLE CLASS CONFERENCE. Wanganul, April 13. The- annual conferenco of the Baptist Young' Men's Bible Chiss was concluded today. 'Vivian Street (Wellington) won tho championship shield. The Rev. Mr. Wilson (Wanganui) was elected president. MELBA AT INVERCARCILL. ;' Invercargill, April 13. Mada'mo Molba received a 'good reception, to-night, 1 and there was a largo audience. Tho injury sustained on tho voyago from Hobart .has left no noticeablo effects. Melba goes on to Dunedin by tho second express to-morrow. NCAURUHOE. • Auckland, April 13. A party from Manunui made an ascend of Ngauruhoo during tho holidays, and report that.itho volcano is still in an activo state, belching forth a column of black smoko and occasionally showers of stones. A dull rumbling noiso'is also to bo heard on tho mountain.