NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1661, 30 January 1913, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

(By Telegrapli.—PrcßS Association.) « OAMARU HARBOUR, 1912-13, BEST ■ REPORT TO DATE. Oamaru, January 29. The annual report of the chairman of tho Harbour Board discloses a record year. The revenue received and wharfage dues were tho highest in the history of the board. This is due to the increase in the export of grain and potatoes. Adverse reference is made to the continuance of the differential'railway tariff which tends to keep the imports at a minimum. On the receipt shortly of .£82,000 file, balanco of the -1 per cent, consolidated loan of tho remainder of the board's old loans at high rates of interest will be paid off. A substantial reduction in harbour rates ' was announced.

HORSEMAN AND CYCLIST., Timaru, January 29.' At the Magistrate's Court to-day a horseman who carelessly rode down a cyclist, causing him the loss of a forefinger and .£3l in wages and expenses, was ordered to. pay this, plus .£4O damages and .£l3 costs. fire! Timaru, January 29. News has been received that Nelligan's Hotel at Pleasant Point was burnt down to-night, and other buildings are in danger. The Timaru Fire Brigade has gone out (12 miles) with a manual engine. , '■!■ BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. Wanganui, January 29. Professor M'Kenzie, of Victoria College, this evening delivered an address in reply to Canon Garland's utterances in regard to the introduction of tho Bible into the school. The attendance numberJed upwards of fifty. A resolution was passed pledging those present to oppose tho platform put forward by the Bible-in-Schools League on the grounds that the proposal, if carried out, would mean the breaking up of the harmony and efficiency now existing under the present system.

AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY.' Auckland, January 29. Anniversary Day was celebrated in fine wcajher. The principal attraction was the regatta on the AVaitemata, the steamer Kumnra being used as flagship.' The Takapuna races and the Plunket Shield match' between Canterbury and Auckland drew large crowds. The regattas at Mercer and Helonsville. and tho Te Aroha Show wcro also largely attended. ,

A BLENHEIM p6IL, ~ ' Blenheim, January 29. A poll was taken to-day on tho question of a pumping scheme, to cost or a gravitation scheme to cost .£107,000. The latter' was carried. Some time ago a 1 referendum carried a loan of .£05,000 for the scheme. To-day's, poll necessitates another poll for tho difference in the authorised loan. Tho general opinion is that this will not be carried.