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Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2197, 22 May 1908, Page 3

EDUCATION BILL DEBATE,

United Press Association—Copyright LONDON, May 20. In the'. House- of Commons, Mr. Asquith, replying to questions, said lie did not see sufficient reason to dopart from his predecessor’s practice ori Empire Day in regard to the proposal to fly the Union Jack on various Government Buildings. The ad journed debate on the Education Bill was resumed. Unionists emphasised that if Government were anxious for peace, not war, the Government’s duty was. to indicate a present basis for a satisfactory_ solution. They urged the formulation of a Bill recognising parents’ rights. Catholics feared some settlement leaving them out in the cold. iff. Runciman declared that the Government’s aim was to effect a Protestant settlement on a Protestant basis, with provisions to meet to some extent Catholic requirements. He extolled the principle embodied in tho Cowper-Templc clause. He repudiated tho more extreme doctrine of parental rights, and urged that a 47 per cent basis was generous. Mr. J. H. Whitelcy is retiring from the House of Commons on the ground of ill-liealtli, and goes to the House of Lords. Lord Avebury’s Importation of Plumage Bill, intended to check the wholesale destruction of birds, was read a second time and referred to a select committee. WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE. A FAVORABLE REPLY FROM MR ASQUITH.

United Press Association—Copyright. (Received Mav 21, 1U.22 p.m.) LONDON, May 21. The, Premier, Mr. Asquith, in reply to a deputation of Liberal members of the House of Commons m favor of women’s suffrage, said that he. recognised the impetus the movement had gained in recent years. He was not convinced, but had an open mind, and if iu connection with the comprehensive Electoral Reform-Bill which the Government intended to pass before tlio end of Parliament an amendment in favor of women s suffrugo was proposed, tho Government would leave it to tho decision of tho House, and would not oppose it if the change were made oil democratic lines. He added that lie ayae aware that two-thirds of the. Ministers favored women’s suffrage.