LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1356, 4 February 1881, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

I [NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Christchurch, February 2. ' The Rakaia Plains water supply was opened on Mouday, and has been most successful. It was thought that the supply of water would not reach the end of the race on account of the shingly nature of the land through which a large portion of it ran. By 10 o'clock to-day the water had reached the end, a distance of some 32 miles. The benefit to farmers is almost incalculable. February 3. Mr J. L. Coster, on the occasion of his retirement from the management of the Bank of New Zealand was, to-day, presented with a silyer tazza, an address, and a purse of £SOO. Dunedin, February 3. In the Supreme Court to-day, Judge Johnston and Judge Williams ruled that a trustee in bankrupt estates was personally responsible for the costs in suing, or being sued as trustee. Auckland, February 3. The Hinemoa arrived, and landed 100 telegraph poles, and 40 tons of stores for the telegraph department. . Three stacks of hay, the property of Major George, at Epsom, were burnt, valued at .£3.00. They are insured iu the South British for £2OO. : Captain Hume, the new Inspector of Prisons, paid a visit to Mount Eden Gaol. He ordered the construction of baths, and intends to consult with the visiting justices about gaol arrangements. THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. » Nelson, February 2. At the Conference, the establishment of an Independent Conference for New Zealand was considered. It was pointed out that the General Conference had no legal status, and that each Colony

would .have to legislate to legalise the tenure of property within its bounds by the church. It was also said that an attempt on the part of the New Zealand Conference to introduce improvement in church policy had been defeated by the conservation of Australian representatives. Thirty-one voted for the proposed separation on the ground that it cannot take place without the consent of the General Conference. The representatives to the Gene Val Conference to be held in May next were elected as follows:—Revs. Messrs Reid, Morley, Williams, Lee, Ruddle; Armitage, -and Bell. Lay representatives Messrs Manchester, Cock, Canuel, Buddie, Prince, Hobbs, Turner, Mdshara } and Mitchell. The Rev. Mr Reid intimated ne had received further information in reference to the CEeurnencial CorigVess. It was resolved that the Revs. Messrs Waxford and Ballantyne represent this Conference. The executive of the Congress reports on the foreign missionary ship John Hunt, book affairs, and the logical and training institutions were read and adopted. It is supposed that the Conference will conclude to-night. . WELLINGTON RACES. Wellington, February 3. The races took place to-day; splendid weather and good attendance. Maiden Plate—Governor, 1; Badsworth, 2; Comus, 3. Hurdle Race—Clarence, 1; Agenfy 2 ) won by half a length. Wellington Cup—Natator, 1; Libellet, 2; Dan, 3. Won easily. Plying Stakes—Luna, 1; Dan, 2 ; Cassivelannus (filly), 3. Grand race; "won on post.