NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1542, 28 January 1879, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[PEE PEESS AGENCY.] Wellington, January 28. At a meeting of the vestry of St. Paul’s parish, Thorndon, last night, it was decided, on medical evidence, that it was absolutely necessary that their incumbent, the Rev. B. W. Harvey, must, in consecpieuce of his state of health, at once cease all clerical dut es. It is probable that Mr Harvey will leave for England, via Melbourne and Suez on Mondsy next. Lady Normanby is much better this morning. Gore, Jauuai’y 29, 9 a.m. Mr Conyers is progressing satisfactorily, and his condition has improved in every way. He passed a good night, and talks quite rationally about the accident, but cannot explain how it occurred. Nelson, January 28. The meeting of householders under the Education Act last night was unusually well attended. A strong opinion was expressed against the existing appointment of teachers in districts by the board instead of by local committees. Mr Pitt addresses the electors to-night. The election is likely to be lively. [PEOU OUS OWN COEEESPONDENT.] Dunedin, January 28. Tbe meeting for tbe election of the Dunedin School Committee was extremely well attended Much interest was taken in the proceedings Most of the city clergymen were present and numbers from the surrounding country districts. The Association for reading the Bible in schools presented their ticket, containing the names of K. Ramsay, F. Dick, A. R. Livingston, W. D. Stewart, W. M. Hodgkins and G. Farquhar. Of these all but Mr Hodgkins were elected, so that five out of seven of the new committee are men who may be counted upon as certainly in favor of Bible reading in school. Besides these five, Messrs Nathan and Robin, members of last year’s committee, were re-elected. The Attorney-General, who was present, gave it as his opinion that women, being as much parents as husbands, were entitled to vote, whereupon a great many ladies present exercised that privilege. Dr. Stuart carried by a largo majority a resolution instructing the new' committee to give the use of the schools for religious b aching. Dr. Roseby strongly opposed this. Several suburban commi tees have been elected favorable to Bible re .ding. Invercargill, January 23. The first sod of the Waimea Plains railway was turned yesterday. The Hon. J. Ballauce was present and a considerable crowd. Mr Hallance p illed off his coat and filled the barrow in a navy-like style. He then made a speech, congratulating the company on the enterprise, and stating that it was the first rai.way in New Zealand under the provisions of the District Railway Act. What he had heard regarding the country through which the line passed left little doubt but that, before long, the Government would find it necessary to take the line over. [Cheers.] The Hon. J. Ballance, the contractors, Mr Horace Bastings, who is the company’s secretary, and the visitors then lunched with the members of the company. The usual congratulatory speeches wore made, and the tram returned to Invercargill. Mr and Mrs Ballauce are going up to Mr G M. Bob’s. Mr Whitaker is the contractor, and expects to finish the line in twelve months.