SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 75, 29 March 1905, Page 3

SOUTHERN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) BIBLE IN SCHOOLS QUESTION. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The Rev. Dr. Gibb, who has taken a leading part in the Bible in schools question, has submitted the following questions to candidates for the byelection: "In the name of the executive of the Bible in Schools League I ask if you are prepared to trust the people to settle the question of the introduction of the Bible into the State schools, and to this end will you support a special Bible in Schools "Referendum Bill?" THE FLAX INDUSTRY. PALMERSTON N., Tuesday. At a special meeting of the New Zealand Flaxmillers* Association to-day it was decided to introduce at the conference between the department and the millers on Friday at Wellington the necessity for rectifying the unsuitability of the present scale of points in grading and a reduction of the maro-in of 14 points for fair grade hemp; also, the introduction of improved marks, so as to render the grade more conspicuous to shipping agents; and the desirability of standard bales of hemp representing various grades being kept at grading centres in the colony. RAILWAY TO FOXTON HEADS PALMERSTON N., Tuesday. At a meeting here to-day, attended by about 60 representatives from Palmerston North and surrounding districts, it was decided to interview the Premier and the Minister for Public Works with a view of getting a railway built to Foxton Heads for the purpose of establishing a health resort at that place. COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A meeting of the Council of the ■ Churches approved of the action of the i Senate of the University of New Zea- ! land in proposing to grant degrees in divinity. It was resolved to ask the newspaper proprietors to refuse publication of notices of Tattersall's sweeps, and also to ask the candidates for the Wellington by-election their^views with regard to abolishing the totalisator. Consideration of the Chief Justice's remarks on gambling was deferred imtil the full text of His Honor's remarks were before the council. HOTEL BURNED. DUNEDIN, Tuesday. Eadie's hotel at Omakau was entirely destroyed by fire early this morning. The loss is estimated at £1200. The building and furniture were insured in the Manchester Office for £650. Mr. Eadie is said to have lost £60 in notes. FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. DUNEDIN, Tuesday. A man about 35 years of age, whose identity is not yet known, was killed on the Port Chalmers railway line to-night. Nothing is known as to how the man got on the line. The engine-driver felt the cowcatcher strike something, and on bringing the train to a standstill the body was found alongside the line. The body was removed to the morgue at Port Chalmers.