LATE NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1595, 27 October 1905, Page 2

LATE NEW ZEALAND.

Per Press Association. Blenheim, last night. Heavy and continuous rain resulted in a surfeit of water in the rivers to-day. Overflows ocourrod Bt various localities, but no groat damage has been done. A wash-out on the railway lino prevented tbe running of t ains bitween Blenheim and Seddon to-day, but it is expected that trailio will be resumed to-day. A waggon crossing tho Wairau ford with a load of flax was washed down the stream. Tbe driver had a miraculous eeoape, and tbe waggon, team, and flix were reoovered with great difficulty. A mail cait crossing tbe Wairau river at the top of the valley ford was washed down, two occupants having a narrow escape. Tho cart was wrecked and all the contents lost. The continuous wet weather has greatly hampered farmers’ operations, end will affeol the output of tho season to a considerable extent. In some localities tbe roots of crops are rotted, and in other parts farmers have not been able to get seed into the ground. Pastoralists, however, aro having I an excellent season.

Timarn, last night. The Timaru A. and P. Show was oßrried through to-day under most unsatisfactory weather conditions. Heavy rain fell all tho afternoon, and the Show ground became a puddle. Tbe attendance was nevertheless about 2500. The exhibits of machinery and implements were very few, owing to an agreement among the makers and agents not to show, but the Amerloan Harvester Company disregarded the : agreement, and sent some exhibits. _ The show of cattle was very poor, except in fat bullooks. The show of pigs was very good, three or four Christohuroh breeders I competing. Liigbt horaeflt hackney®* troopers, and jumpers were Btrong features, and specimens were paraded. A buokI jumping competition was provided as a I means of amusement.

Dunedin, last night. At the Anglioan Synod, after debate, the following motion was carried on the sub* jeot of religious instruction in sohools: •i That this Synod is of opinion that the New South Wales system of providing re. ligious instruction in Btate sohools is equitable as between (religious bodies, and is to be preferred for the reason that it permits definite teachings by ministers of re« ligion or their representatives, and that it is in aetual operation in a community closely resembling our own, and works satisfactorily.” ... . Mr A. Marshall, Government candidate for Taieri seat, addressed a meeting at Mosgiel this evening. The Volunteer Hall could soaroely aoeommodate the audience. He declared himself an oat and out Government supporter. He favored the leasehold, but in case of poor land would be prepared to grant freehold. A large portion of his speech was devoted to eduoational matteis. He reoeived an attentive hearing, and Bt the close a vote of thanks. A motion of continued confidence in the present Government was carried, _ Heavy rain fell throughout the evening.