PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 315, 16 June 1875, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Tuesday, Junk 15. The Speaker took the chair at 3 p.m. MESSAGE. The Speaker announced that he had "received a message from his Honor the Superintendent returning the Educational Reserves Leasing Ordinance No 2, with a request that an additional clause, transmitted therewith, should be inserted therein by the Council, On the motion of Sir Ceacroft Wilson, it was resolved that the consideration of the new clause be made the first order of the day for next sitting day. KOWAI PASS. Mr Jebson asked the .Secretary for Public Works, without notice, whether they would give effect to a very numerously signed petition from residents of Kowai Pass, praying that the Uolleston and Malvern line might bo extended some six miles. The Secretary for Public Works replied that the Government had not had time to consider the matter, but he might say that the proper quarter to which the application should be made was to the General Government, in whose hands the construction of the railway referred to was. He would suggest that the memberjof the House of Representatives for the district should take a petition up to the General Government asking for the proposed extension. EXCHANGE OF RESERVES. The Secretary for Public Works moved—“ That the Council approves of the proposal to exchange certain parts of reserves Nos 631 and 632 in the Waimate road district, made for railway purposes, for a conveyance of the lands required out of rural section 3790, for the construction of the Southern Railway from Waitaki to Timaru, and respectfully request his Honor the Superintendent to send a Bill down to the Council at its next session in order to give effect to this exchange.” After some discussion the motion was withdrawn, the Secretary for Public Works promising to lay the correspondence relative to the matter on the table. canterbury college. The Provincial Secretary moved—- “ That in case the Normal school, on its completion, be found to be a suitable building for the purposes of the Canterbury College for some time to come, his Honor the Superintendent be requested to take steps for devoting some portion of this building to this purpose.” The arguments on both sides of this question had been so often used that to say anything on this occasion would simply be a repetition of these arguments. He would therefore simply content himself by moving the motion standing in his name. The motion was agreed to. SITE OF THE COLLEGE. The Provincial Secretary moved—- “ That the resolution of the Council of June 25th, 1874, affirming that the Canterbury College should be built in the Domain, be rescinded.” This question had been discussed both inside and out of the Council, and in the General Assembly, therefore he did not think it necessary to speak at any length on the matter. He trusted that the House would not enter into a long discussion upon it, as the whole matter had been discussed over and over again. LHear, hear.] The motion was declared to be carried on the voices. Mr Harper demanded a division, which took place as follows: — Ayes 18 Noes 11 Majority for resolution ... ... 7 The motion was therefore carried. The following is the division list. Ayes, 18—Messrs Peacock, Potts, Fisher, Dixon, Westenra, Walker, Williams, R. Turnbull, Pilliet, Andrews, Rayner, Mallock, J. C. Wilson, Montgomery, Buckley, Maskell, Knight, and Higgins. Noes, 11—Messrs Gray, Harper, Toss will, W. B.; Teschemaker, Jollie, Hay. Wilson, I.; Buchanan, Jebson, White, W.; and Webb, HOUR OF SITTING. Sir Ceacroft Wilson moved —“ That on Wednesday, 16th instant, the Council meet at two o’clock p.m. The motion was agreed to. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ORDINANCE, 1864; AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, 1875. This Bill was read a third time and passed, SHEEP ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, 1875, No. 2. This Bill was further considered in committee. Several clauses were passed, and the Bill reported to the House, and the third reading fixed for next sitting day. EDUCATION ORDINANCE. The following message from his Honor the Superintendent was read ; Mr Speaker and Gentlemen. —I have received a Bill intituled The Education Ordinance, 1875. The Bill differs from the Ordinance now in force in several important particulars which I desire to bring under your re-consideration. It proposes to abolish the Board of Education as previously constituted, and to provide for its functions being performed by the Executive Government of the day. It further proposes in certain cases to increase, after the term of the present financial year, the contribution required from districts towards the erection of new school buildings, from one-sixth to one-half of the total cost, and there is also a provision which will at once double the amount of school fees now payable by householders. It appears to me that the principal objects to be aimed at in promoting a successful system of education are ;—First—A continuity of administration unaffected by political changes, but closely connected with the Government of the country. Second —A certainty in its financial arrangements which shall render it as little as possible subject to alternations of parsimony and extravagance, which so frequently obtain in politically administered departments, according to the fluctuating changes of bad or prosperous times. In former Ordinances in this province, as well as in the other provinces of the colony, the Legislature has sought to promote the first object by making the general management a matter regulated by enactment, and leaving the enactment to be administered by a Board or Council appointed for the purpose; and the endeavor has been so to frame the enactment as to define clearly the functions of the Board, and its relations on the one hand to the Executive Government, representing the Legislature, and on the other, to the local bodies managing the schools in the several districts. This system has been adopted, I believe, with some modifications in almost every colony of freely governed people in the British Empire, and it has been successful in the main according as the enactment has been effectively framed, and according as the relations between the several administrative bodies have been properly maintained.

It is the Board, however, as administering the central department, which has in all cases been looked on as affording a stability and certainty to the system. It has been objected that a non-elective Board fails of that direct responsibility to the people which it is desirable to maintain ; but the Board, I would observe, has no power other than that entrusted to it by the representatives of the people through the law enactment ; and the law properly framed should be the most fixed and deliberate expression of the popular will. In so far as the law fails to express the popular will, the Legislature and not the Board is to blame for any want of success in the system. In regard to the second point—the necessity for permanent financial arrangements— I am far from thinking that the position of our present educational system is satisfactory. It is impossible that it should be so, so long as the present uncertainty pervades the whole financial arrangements between the colony and the provinces. That the establishment and maintenance of schools should be largely dependent on the fluctuating revenue derivable from the sale and occupation of the waste lands must sooner or later lead to unsatisfactory results, and an enforced economy very prejudicial to education. Moreover, the sudden curtailment of resources upon which the districts are relying for the maintenance of their schools not only affects the future of education; it renders valueless much that has been done in the past. The stoppage of a road or bridge may only temporarily stay the progress of a district, but you cannot neglect or impede the pro* gress of education, and take it up subsequently at the point of hindrance in the same condition as it was previously. Not to progress is to go backward. Such a system of annual appropriation of a varying revenue is too uncertain to depend upon in a matter of such vital importance to the community. Our best policy would, I believe, be to make education free in all Government schools, and such a result is, as I think, but a corollary upon the adoption of any responsibility by the State in the matter of education. It is this policy which has made the people of New England “ the most generally educated people in the world.” I venture to state my views on this point, though the province may not have full power at present to change the system in this direction, because IJ wish to explain presently {my objection to any change in an opposite direction, and because I would gladly see the province, where it has not itself the power to effect a desirable change, use its influence to obtain it through the Colonial Assembly. The sources of revenue for the maintenance of such a system as I have indicated, would be—(l.) A proportion of the consolidated revenue, bearing a fixed relation to population, and distributed, [through the [Central Board, to the local authorities, under provisions analogous to those of the revised code in England. (2.) Rates to be raised upon the local rate rolls, and administered locally. In the future the local bodies should also have the power of borrowing upon the security of the school fund (into which the Government grant and other sources of revenue would be paid) for building purposes, such loans to be repayable either by annual instalments or by the establishment of a sinking fund. At the present time however, in the abnormal position in which the colony has been placed by the sudden influx of population, it would seem that there would be considerable reason for borrowing funds for the erection of schools upon the consolidated revenue of the colony, and that such funds are at least as fair a charge upon posterity as the millions that have been raised for public works and immigration. I have troubled you at some length with my views of the essential features of a system of education which is to be of an enduring and satisfactory character. I have done so with the view of making more clear the opinions that I hold in respect of the proposals now submitted to me for my concurrence, and of explaining the plans which I think we should endeavor to work up to, even if we cannot adopt them in all their details. It will be learnt from my remarks as to the position of a Board or Council of Education in relation to any permanent system, that I consider it would be inadvisable, on general grounds, to devolve the functions now performed by the Board of Education in this province upon the Executive Government, in addition to those already belonging to it under the existing Ordinance ; and I have failed to learn any special reason for the sudden abandonment of this important feature of a system which has been the growth of many years of careful deliberation, and under which results have been attained of which the province has just reason to be proud. In the last four years, while the population of the province has risen from 47,500 to 70,000, the number of attendants in our public schools has risen from 4096 to more than 10,000. The number of school buildings in the same time has grown from sixty-nine to eighty-six. Such progressive results cannot but reflect great credit on the administration of the Board under which they have been effected—latterly, in times of great pressure, when unwonted efforts have been necessary to keep pace with the requirements of the population, Auy radical change from a machinery whieh has so long been in operation, should not, I submit, be made, except on the clearest proof of its necessity, and with sufficient evidence that it is called for by the people generally. I am not aware that at the recent elections, the desirableness of such a change as that now proposed was brought prominently under consideration. In view, moreover, of possibleconstitntional changes, it appears to me unwise to precipitate a change in a portion of the system which would form the readiest connection with a more general system. With regard to the financial proposals contained in this Bill, you will have gathered from what I have said that though I think the existing arrangements unsatisfactory, the intended changes are not in the direction of such a system of finance as would in my opinion be desirable. The proposal to increase in some cases the contribution from the districts to the building fund to one-half would, I fear, prove a serious obstacle to the erection of further school buildings, pressing, as I think it would, very heavily on the present in favor of a future population. The proposal is not, as I understand, to take effect till the termination of the present financial year. It does not appear that the necessity for the consideration of this proposal is imme-

diately pressing, or that the public interest would suffer by its postponement until the time arrives at which it is intended that it should take effect. i havestat'-d my opinion that the country has large claims under existing circumstances for assistance towards buildings out of borrowed money. In the meantime I trust some steps may be taken in the direction I have indicated. The proposal to double the school fees payable under the Ordinance appears to me open to serious objection. It would impose an additional burden upon a large number of men who have families to support, and who already, in proportion to the permanent interest they have in the country, contribute largely, through indirect taxation on the necessaries of life, to the revenue of the colony. These contributions towards the Government of the country would give a fair claim to a large number of the population to participate free of cost in the benefits of an education which the State admits it to be its duty to place within the reach of all. As a matter of fact, these contributions are mainly absorbed (so far as the province is concerned) in paying for interest on works for which the land revenue is primarily chargeable. It is therefore only fair that the land revenue should recoup the amount which the population has a just right to claim for expenditure on education. The question is, not whether those whom it is proposed to affect are able to bear additional taxation in a matter of the importance of which they are fully sensible—in the majority of cases they are, I am glad to think, able to bear it—but rather, is it just to impose it, nor whether the amount to be so raised is large. It is not; but there is a minority to whom even this amount would cause considerable hardship, and there are none within whose reach education should not be placed without causing a hardship. As I have indicated above, a State that already taxes all its members to no inconsiderable amount, is bound to see that that which it determines to be a common necessity shall be placed within easy reach of all. However this may be, I submit in the present case that, as a matter of policy, it would be inexpedient for us to take any action in the direction of placing further burdens upon population, or of exercising retrenchment in the department of education. Holding these opinions, I feel it my duty to ask you to reconsider the proposals in this Bill to which I have referred; and it has seemed to me that the most convenient way in which I could again bring them under your attention would be by exercising the power entrusted to me of remitting this Bill to you, with amendments, for your consideration. With regard to the appointment of a Board of Education, these amendments will necessarily take very much the form of similar provisions in the existing Ordinance. In the amendments upon the financial proposals, I have introduced provisions for a system of free education, and for a gradual adaptation of our (educational system to the principles I have advocated above. I commend the subject to your careful consideration, in the confident belief that in the interests of the people of a province which has ever shown a keen appreciation of the bene' fits of education, you will consider no delay troublesome —no care too great—which may tend to perfect a system which has had so much pains bestowed upon it. I return the Bill with amendments, for which I ask your most careful consideration. W. Eolleston, Superintendent. Amendments proposed in the Education Ordinance, 1875, in Message No 10 from his Honor the Superintendent, Section 2 —Page 2, line 3, strike out all words after “ Ordinance” to end of section. Insert following sections after section 3:— 4. There shall be constituted a Board under the name of the Board of Education and hereinafter called the Board. 5. The Board shall be appointed by the Superintendent and shall consist of eight members to be appointed and removable by the Superintendent. 6. Two members of the Board shall go out of office each year and the vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the Superintendent. 7. The two members who are to retire for the three first years respectively from the appointment of the first Board shall be chosen by lot at the first meeting of the Board and after the said three years they shall retire by rotation two m each year according to length of service—the two who have served the longest retiring in each year. 8. The first appointment of members shall take place on a day to be fixed by the Superintendent such day to be as early as possible with convenience after this Ordinance shall come into operation and the date of such day shall thereafter be the date on which the two members shall annually retire and two new members shall be appointed in their stead unless such date shall fall on a Sunday or public holiday and iu that case the day following shall be the day instead. Provided always that the retiring members shall be eligible for re-appointment and shall hold office until the appointment of their successors shall take effect. 9. Every appointment of a member or members of the Board shall be notified in the Provincial Government Gazette and shall take effect from the date of such notification. 10. The first meeting of the Board shall be held at such time and place as shall be determined by the Superintendent and notified by proclamation in the Provincial Government Gazette and all subsequent meetings shall be held at such times and places as the Board may by any regulation in that behalf determine. Provided that at least one meeting shall be held in every month after such first meeting. 11. The Board shall at its first meeting elect one of its members to be chairman thereof who shall preside at the meetings of the Board and shall have an original and where the number of votes are equal also a casting vote thereat. Provided that if the Chairman shall be absent from any meeting the members present shall elect one of their number to preside in his stead at such meet ing and such presiding member shall have the same power at such meeting as the chairman. 12. The chairman or any member of the Board shall be removable by the Superinintendent on a requisition to that effect signed by at least four members of the Board being presented to him praying for such re xnoval. 13. If any member shall absent himself from the Board for three consecutive ordinary meetings without the leave of the

Board his seat on the Board shall become vacant. 14. Any member of the Board may resign his seat thereat by signifying in writing to the Superintendent his desire so to do and any vacancy caused by the resignation dea' h removal or absence of any member shall he filled up by appointment as aforesaid. Provided that all acts of the Board done during the existence of such vacancy shall be as valid as if such vacancy had not occurred. 15. The member appointed to fill up any casual vacancy shall retain his office so long only as the vacating member would have retained the same if no such casual vacancy had occurred. 16. All questions coming before the Board shall be decided by a majority of the members present and there shall be no meeting of the Board unless at least three members be present. Section B—Line 1, for “ Superintendent ” read “Board.” Line 3, for “Secretary for Education” read “ the Board.” Section 9—Line 1, for “ Superintendent ” read “ the Board.” Section 10—Lines 1 and 5, for “ Superintendent” read “the Board.” Section 11—Lines 1 and 3, for “Superintendent” read “the Board.” Section to stand in place of section 12—It shall be lawful for the Board to frame regulations for the distribution of the funds appropriated annually by the Provincial Council for the maintenance of schools in the province, and unless and until permanent appropriation shall have been made in that behalf of a portion of the consolidated revenue with which the province is credited in account with the Colonial Government such regulations shall as far as possible provide for the distribution of such funds to the several school districts} as though they were appropriated on the basis of population and upon such conditions as to the numbers in attendance the of the scholars the qualification of the teachers and the state of the schools as shall be deemed desirable'; and such regulation shall be approved by the Superintendent and published in the Provincial Government Gazette. Section 13—Line 2, after “ Superintendent ” insert the words “ on the recommendation of the Board.” Section 14—Lines 2,3, and 5, for “ Superintendent” read “the Board.” Section 18—Line 3, for “householders” read “ratepayers;” strike out words “ who shall pay or shall be liable to pay the household rate;” line 5, strike out “householders who shall be liable to pay the household rate.’i insert “ ratepayers;” in last line, for “ householders’’read “ratepayers.” Section 19—Line 1, for “ householders ” read “ ratepayers ” ; in last line of section, for “ Superintendent” read “ Board.” Section 20—Line 2, for “ householders ” read “ ratepayers ” ; line 4, for “ Superintendent ” read “ Chairman of the Board ” ; lines 8 and 10, for “ householders ” read “ ratepayers.” Section 21 —Lines 3,10, and 13, for “householders ” read “ratepayers.” Section 23 —Line 1, for “householders” read “ratepayers;” line 3, for “ Superintendent” read “Board;” in last line but two, for “ householders ” read “ratepayers.” Section 24—Line 7, for “householders” read “ratepayers.” Section 25—Line 5, for “ householders ” read “ratepayers.” Section 28 —Line 6, for “ Superintendent ” read “ Board.” Section’29 Line 2, after “Superintendent” insert “on the recommendation of the Board.” Section 34—Line 1, after “ shall ” insert “ from time to time.” Line 3, for “ the person ” read “ any person ;” for “ under the foregoing clauses ” read “to collect rates under this Ordinance.” New sections to follow section 34 : (35) There shall be for each district a school fund to which shall be carried all moneys paid to the district school committee under any Ordinance of the Superintendent and Provincial Council and all moneys in any manner whatever received by the district school committee ; and any deficiency shall be raised by rate as hereinafter provided. (36) Any sum required to meet any deficiency in the school fund whether for satisfying past or future liabilities shall be raised by an annual rate to be levied by the Superintendent upon the amount of the annual value of the property within the district as stated in the ratepayers’ roll or rolls of the municipality or road district or districts for the time being in force which are or shall be included either wholly or in part within the boundaries of such educational district to be paid by the persons liable to pay rates in respect to such property for municipal or Road Board purposes provided that such rates shall not in the aggregate exceed in any one year one shilling in the pound of the amount of such annual value. (37.) The said rates shall be paid to the Superintendent or to such person or persons as he shall appoint and if the amount of such rate or any part thereof shall not be paid as aforesaid within the time prescribed the same shall be recovered as a debt at the suit of the Superintendent Provided always that it shall be lawful for the Superintendent to excuse from the payment of such rate any person whom he may deem unable through poverty to pay the same. The amount of such rate when collected or recovered as aforesaid shall be paid to the chairman of the district school committee. Section 35 (as printed)—Strike out whole section and instead read—“ Every district school committee shall expend the moneys belonging to the school fund in the maintenance and support of the school or schools under its control.” Section 37—Line 2, for “ Superintendent” read “ Board.” Section 38—Lines 2 and 6, 7 and 9, for “ Superintendent” read “ Board.” Section 39 —Lines 1 and 6, for “ Superintendent” read “ Board.” Section 40—Line 1, at commencement, insert the words “ until and unless monies shall be provided out of funds to be raised by loan or from endowments; for “ Superintendent,” read “ Board.” Line 3, for “ onehalf ” read “ five-sixths.” Line 10, for “ Superintendent ” read “ Board.” Subsection I—Line 2, for “ Superintendent” read “ Board.” Sub-section 2—Lines 3 and 5, for “ Superintendent ” read “ Board.” Sub-section 4—Line 2, for “ one-half ” read "one-sixth.” Lines 7and 9, for “ Superintendent ” read “ Board.” Strike out first proviso from “ provided always ” to “as aforesaid.” In last proviso strike out words “ or one-half as the case may be.” Section 43—Strike out the whole. Section 44—Strike out the whole. Section 45—Strike out the wfrole,

Section 46—As originally printed, “ any child ” to “ Ordinance,” strike out the whole. Section 47—Line I, for “ Superintendent” rid “Board.” Line 3, strike out “or his order ” add “ to be by him paid to the credit o)' the school fund of the district.” Section 50—Line 1, for “ Superintendent’’ read “ Hoard.” Section 51—Lines 2 and 6, for “Superintendent” read “Board.” Section 52—Lines 2,4, and 7, for “ Superintendent” read “Board.” Section 53—Lines 1,2, and 3, for “ Superintendent” read “Board.” Section 54—Last line, for “ Superintendent ” read “ Board.” Section 55—Lines 1 and 8, for “ Superintendent” read “ Board.” Section 56—Lines 1 and 6, for u Superintendent ” read “ Board.” Section 57—Lines 2,3, and 5, for “ Superintendent ” read “ Board.” Section 60—Strike out the whole. Sir Cracropt Wilson moved that ’the Council go into committee at seven o’clock to consider the amendments sent down by the Superintendent. Mr Knight said that this was a most extraordinary proceeding. (Loud cries of “ Hear, hear.”) He should like to know where the Superintendent had been during the past two weeks. He certainly could not have been occupying his place as chairman of the Executive, because he would like to ask if this Bill had been considered by the Executive previously to the Bill being sent down. He desired to ask if the Superintendent had been absent from the province or whether he had been present while deliberating. The Provincial Secretary said that his Honor had not been absent from the country, and he might say that the Bill had the support of the majority of the Executive—of all four members now on the Government bench. Mr Montgomery said he thought the questions asked by the hon member for Lincoln (Mr Knight) should not have been put. [ Hear, hear.] By the Constitution Act the Superintendent was perfectly justified in doing what he had done. [Hear, hear.] Therefore he thought that they should treat the message and amendments sent down to the Council by him with all due courtesy and respect, and consider them with care and deliberation, involving as they did a very important question, This he considered they could not do then, as they had had no time to make themselves acquainted either with the tenor of his Honor’s message or of the amendments sent down with it. He hoped, therefore, the Government would see their way clear to consider the message and amendments on next sitting day. Mr Knight denied that he was wanting in respect to his Honor the Superi atendent in what he had said. [Mr Montgomery — No; I meant nothing of the kind.J His reason for asking the question he had was that after a carefuljconsideration of the Bill, over which the House had spent a great deal of time, it had passed without any material change. Now, however, his Honor sent down for their consideration a message not only changing the entire character of the Bill, but also shadowing forth the idea of free education, which had never been before mooted. Looking at this he had a perfect right .to ask the Government whether the Superintendent had taken part in the deliberations on this Bill. [Hear, hear.] Mr Turnbull said that the hon member for Heathcote had forgotten when he quoted the Constitution Act that representative Government was not thought of then. They had been now some two months in considering this Bill, and now, at the last moment, his Honor came down and proposed amendments which changed the whole of its features. He (Mr Turnbull) considered that his Honor was trampling upon the House, and he for one would be prepared to strike out every item on the Appropriation Act for education. Let his Honor come down and say at the time the Bill was introduced—“ Gentlemen, if you pass this Bill, I shall veto it.” Let him do this now ; but he called upon the members of the House to resist the monstrous attempt on the part of the Superintendent to force down their throats the very radical changes indicated in the message sent down by the Superintendent, He contended that the proper way would have been for the Superintendent to have said before, that he would veto the Bill. As proposed by the Superintendent, the Bill would become a mere electioneering machine, and he looked upon his Honor’s proposition to provide out of the consolidated revenue as a myth, as it was well-known that it was unstable, and likely to be swept away at once by the people when the pressure came. Therefore, he considered that the amendments were not worthy of a statesman, as they were feeble in the extreme, and shewed that he was not at all positive of his position. To think that they should vote a quarter of a million of monej to be expended by the Board, was absurd in the extreme, and not at all a proposition which should be considered. On the House resuming at seven o’clock, Mr W. B. Toeswill rose and was about to address the House, when The Speaker drew attention to the fact that it would be impracticable to carry out the resolution now, as it was already past seven o’clock. Sir Cracropt Wilson thereupon moved—- “ That the word ‘ now ’ be substituted for ‘ seven o’clock.’ ” The Speaker ruled that this could not be put. Some discussion on points of order ensued, and ultimately The Provincial Secretary moved—- “ That his Honor’s message, No 10, with the proposed amendments on the Education Ordinance, be considered in committee tomorrow at 2 p.m.” Mr Knight moved as an amendment—- “ That his Honor’s message, No 10, be the first business for consideration to-morrow.” The amendment was agreed to. The Provincial Secretary gave notice to move to-morrow—“ That the Council resolve itself into committee for the consideration of his Honor’s message, No 10.” supplementary estimates. The Provincial Secretary laid upon the table further supplementary estimates. TRUSTEES OP THE SCHOOL OP AGRICULTURE. The Council then resolved itself into committee to proceed to the election of the trustees for the School of Agriculture, in accordance with the provisions of a resolution passed on the 19th of December, 1872.” A ballot was taken, and resulted in the election of the following gentlemen as trustees :—Messrs Bluett, H. Gray, C. J. Harper, A. C. Knight, Hon W. E. Stafford, M. Studholme, W. B, Xosswill, and B, Wilkin.

The result of the election was reported to the House, and the report adopted. FENCING ORDINANCE, 1875. This Bill passed through committee, was reported, and ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. COMMITTEE OP SUPPLY. The Council then resolved itself into committee of supply on the further supplementary estimates. Class 9 —lndustrial School—Purchase of horses, plough, &c, £IOO. Agreed to. Class 12—Miscellaneous—Rakaia Bridge Commission (refunded by General Government), £2OO ; bonus wool manufactory, £2UOO ; Pigeon Bay mail service (for current year), £150; grant in aid to children late William Bagley (R), £130; total, £2480, Agreed to. Class 19—Subsidies to Ferries—Rangitata Ferry (outstanding liability), £6O Is 7d. Agreed to. Class 20—Buildings and works—Buildings : Casual ward, Akaroa (R), £300; police buildings, Ashburton, £I2OO ; police buildings, Lincoln, £770 ; Christchurch hospital (furniture and fittings No 2 ward), £600; Canterbury College (R), £7000; total, £9870. Agreed to. Bridges—Hororata bridge, Hartnell’s crossing (R), £400; German Bay; bridge (renewing) (R), £350; Orari bridge (liability), £1000; total, £1750. Agreed to. Roads—Sumner road, Lyttelton end, £100; Russell’s flat and Selwyn Valley road, South Malvern district, £250; total, £350, Agreed)'# Miscellaneous Fencing reserves (R), £250; geological survey (six months), £250; report and plans for drainage Christchurch and suburbs (R), £1600; telegraph line to pilot station, Lyttelton, £120; total, £2120. Agreed to. Grants in Aid—Drainage into LI and No 2 rivers, including removal clay bars (R), £400; protective works north and south banks of the Waimakariri within Kaiapoi Borough (R), £500; Alford Forest roads (R), £600; total, £1400: Agreed to. Class 23—Education—Minister for Education, £6OO ; secretary (increase of salary), £SO; maintenance of schools, £10,000; total, £10,650. Agreed to. Class 26 immigrants, £SOOO ; total, £SOOO. Agreed to. Class 27—Railways and Wharves—Grant Kaiapoi regatta, £25. Agreed to. Class 29 —Railway Works—Extension Oxford line towards Malvern, quarter cost (B), £2OOO ; ditto of Byreton line to Oxford line, four and a half miles, quarter-cost (B), £1250; reconnaissance survey for light railway, Ashburton to Mount Somers (B), £2OO ; reconnaissance survey for railway to White Bock quarries, including survey of road through Okuku gorge (R), £150; spring bells or bells on engines (R), £300; total, £3900. Agreed to. Miscellaneous—Establishment of a medical school, £3OO. Agreed to. Progress was reported, and leave given to sit again to-morrow. GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT. Mr Gray moved—“ That in view of the expenditure likely to follow the construction of public buildings, and the constant supervision required for the same, it is desirable that the services of a competent architect be permanently secured for the purposes of such construction and supervision.” The Secretary for Public Works said that the Government quite agreed with the resolution. The motion was agreed to, WHITECLIFF BRANCH RAILWAY. Mr W. White moved—“ That the General Government be requested to open the Whitecliff branch of the Malvern railway, as far as Surveyor’s Gully, as soon as possible, as the coal proprietors in that locality are anxiously waiting to send their coal to Christchurch.” Mr Bluett seconded the motion. The Secretary for Public Works said that the Government had no objection to bring the matter under the consideration of the General Government; but he would point out that it was inadvisable to take over these lines before they were completed. The motion was agreed to. OPENING OF THE MUSEUM ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND GOOD FRIDAY Mr Andrews moved—“ That in the opinion of this Council the general public of Canterbury would be materially consulted in an interesting and instructive manner, and at the same time the institution used for its legitimate purposes, by causing the Canterbury Museum to be open on Christmas Day and Good Friday.” Mr Jebson moved as an amendment to strike out all the words after the “manner” in order to insert the words “ and that the Museum be closed on Sundays throughout the year. The Speaker ruled that the amendment could not be put. Mr Jebson deprecated the motion, contending that the object was not to provide instruction, but amusement. Mr R. Turnbull opposed the motion and pointed out that although he wished to bind no man’s conscience, yet he thought this motion would have the effect of wounding the feelings of many members of the Christian Church. Mr Potts greatly regretted that the motion had been put on the paper, as it would be most offensive to many persons in Canterbury. Mr Higgins also opposed the resolution. Mr Harper had no objection to the Museum being open on Christmas Day, but would move that the words “ and on Good Friday” be struck out. Mr Webb would certainly vote against the whole of the resolution, as some consideration should be given to the opinions held by many in the province. The Secretary for Public Works had voted for opening the Museum on Sundays, and should vote for/his resolution. The amendment was negatived on the voices. Mr Pilliett supported the motion; Mr Andrews replied, and pointed out that the large numbers who attended the Museum on Sundays was a proof that the public gladly availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them. The House divided— Ayes 8 Noes 14 Majority against 6 Ayes B—Messrs Andrews, Pilliett, Gray, Dr Turnbull, Montgomery, J. O, Wilson, Peacock, and Dixon. Noes, 14—Messrs Bluett, Potts, Harper, Webb, Higgins/Jebson, W. White, R. Turnbull, Buchanan, Hay, Westenra, W. B. Tosswill, Knight, and Walker. Notices of motion having been given, the House adjourned until 2 p.m. this day,