NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 403, 30 April 1902, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, last night. Arrived, R.M.S. ' Sierra, iron San Francisco. Passengers for New Zealand ; Mr C. J. Loch, Dr. Clark, Mrs Kennedy, Messrs C. E. Wheelwright, E. Hendrickson, J. Maxwell, Thueson, W. Mason.

THAMES last night At a meeting of the Kanaeranga lor the electo;n of a school committee a discussion on Bible-reading 'in schools ensued, and the following resolution was agreed to with one dissentient : Inasmuch as Dible-reading in schools has never been submitted to the people of the colony, this meeting of householders respectfully 'asks the Government to grant a referendum on the subject during the next session of Parliament.

NEW PLYMOUTH, last night At the Police Court, Mary Vial, a married woman, and her brother, Robert Meldrum, were charged with wilfully setting lire to a five-roomed house occupied by them in November last. The fire occurred at 4.30 a.m., the male accused being the only occupant, '[’lie accused were remanded to Tuesday bail being allowed.

WELLINGTON, last night. Oscar Miller, who pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to-day to false pretences, w;v admitted' to twelve liion'ths’ probation, and ordered to pay three guineas costs. Mr Fisher, M.IT.R., intends to'move at the next meeting of the Harbour Board that a resolution to increase the salary of the Board’s secretary and engineer to £175(1 be revoked. CHRISTCHURCH, last night.

Dr. J. C. Bradshaw will be appointed lecturer to music at Canterbury College, at a salary of £2OO per annum. He is the organist for the Cathedral, newly arrived from London. TIMARU, last night.

The Presbytery to-day sustained a call by Tr inity congregation to the Rev. T. Stinson, B.A ~ of England ; also a call by the New Presbyterian Churchto the Rev. R. Jackson ; and a call by Fairlie Church to the Rev. Dr. W. G. Black. In each case the appointments were accepted. At the Court to-day Nicholas Gastro was charged with forging and uttering a cheque lor £8 at Timaru. He was committed for trial.