TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 222, 11 October 1878, Page 3

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8.

In reply to Mr Swanspn, the Native Minister quoted the report of the Inspector of Police at Auckland, that forfeited weights and measures were broken up and sold as old metal by auction. A record was kept of all weights and measures forfeited, and the proceeds go to the Counties ; but where the Act was not in force, to the public account. Mr Ormond asked whether Government will give effect this session to the recommendation of the Waste Lands Committee — "That, considering the difficulties the class of settlers taking up land ori deferred payment were subject to, and especially as regards road access to their holdings, the Committee are of opinion that it •would be a wise act to extend the operation of .clause 59 of the Land Act 1877 to the case of land taken up prior to the passing of the Act, but in respect to which payments have been made since the Act passed, or for which, payments 1 are 'still to oe made." The Hon. R Stout replied that the matter could not be dealt with except. by an Act which could not be passed this session. The loss of revenue T :w.oiurd amount to LIO,OOO, which /the Treasury

could not forego. Exceptional cases would be dealt with on their merits. The following Bills ,weae read a first time : — Gold-mining Districts Act, 1873, Amendment (Rowe), second reading tomorrow ; Public Works Act, 1876, Amendment Bill (Macandrew), second reading Friday ; Ashburton High School Bill (Wason), second reading Wednesday week ; South Canterbury Secondary Education Reserves Bill (Wakefield), second reading to-morrow week. The Beer Duty Bill was discharged. The Timaru Post and Telegraph. Site Bill was passed without amendment. In moving the second reading of the Repeals Bill, the Attorney-General said the Bill was framed to enable persons to understand what Acts were actually repealed. The schedule was carefully revised, and the Bill read a second time. The Attorney-General in moving the second reading of the Friendly Societies Act Amendment Bill, said the second section proposed to save Friendly Societies the expense of publishing amended rules in the Gazette. Branch societies would be recognised, and facilities provided for resignation. After a discussion the second reading was agreed to on the voices. The Hon. R. Stout moved the second reading of the Public Reserves Sale Bill. It would be the means of selling a large portion of land along the railways. The land would be cut up into small holdings. In reply to Mr Bowen, the Hon. Mr Stout said the proceeds would go to the Consolidated Fund. Reserves for recreation and other purposes would be set aside, and many other reserves not included in the schedule. The second reading was agreed to. The second reading of the Sheep Bill was moved by the Attorney-General. Mr Seymour siiggestedthat tfeej^iMflh buH^^H^^B^BH^H^^H^BHl paJH^BH^^^H^^BB^BBPKHBBSJi^^BiiiHiIi evl^H^PHl^l^^^lony is equally interested. I am aware that a sum of LIOO,OOO has been placed on the Estimates for school buildings, but the Board desires me to assure you that, if the requirements of other educational districts are at all proportionate to the decessities of this district (and the Board has reason to believe they are), this sum will be quite insufficient to provide the additional school accommodation which is absolutely indispensable, if the youth of the country are to be enabled to reap the full benefits of our valuable educational system. The sum required to provide for the pressing wants of this educational district is computed at L 46,355, at the very lowest estimate ; and unless an appropriation is made which will enable this sum to be apportioned to the erection of school buildings, the new buildings, which in many districts are urgently required, cannot be erected ; so that the children must continue to be taught in buildings which are quite, unsuitable for the purpose, winch are injurious to the health of both teachers and pupils, and are unworthy of our educational scheme. It is futile to speak of a compulsory chvuse under svich a con- | dition of affairs, which, in the interests of education and of the future ofthe country, should not be allowed to exist. I express a hope, therefore, on behalf of the Board, that you will use your own influence, and enlist the support of the representatives of other districts, in assist-. fng the Government to appropriate a sum for school buildings sufficient to enable the requirements of this district to be met to the amount above named, and thus to relieve the Board from the unenviable position in which it is placed of being expected to provide for the educational requirements of the district, -while it is without the means requisite to enable it to do so. If sufficient accommodation is not provided, many of the young must remain without the means of education ; while, at the same time, the Board will not be able to utilise to the fullest extent the effective teaching staff at its disposal. If funds are not otherwise available, a portion of the loan should be applied to -this purpose. No other expenditure would be so reproductive, and surely it will not be contended that the young are to remain without the means of educationin order that a few additional miles of railway may be constructed. ■ Trusting that you will favour us with your support in this matter, and wishing you success in so laudable an object,' — I am, &o. t . • , Donald Reid, Chairman. . Wellington, October 41— A deputation waited on Ministers to-day, urging that the 'LIOO'iQOO on the Estimates for* school buildings throughout the Colony was quite inadequate to the requirements.- Ministers replied that they proposed adding another L100,Q0Q; next; year;- iThe ..deputation; 'suggested that the whole L 200,000 should be placed on the Estimates at once, with the understanding that not more than 'half should be expended during the pre- ', sent financial "year. Ministers said; they were disposed to favourably consider the suggestion.