GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2005, 28 July 1880, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, July 27In the Legislative Council, The Treasury Bills Bill was read a first time. The Bluff Harbor Foreshore Leasing Bill was passed through committee, with amendments. Replying to the Hon. Mr Menzies, The Hon. F. Whitaker said that there would be no possibility of passing the Bill to consolidate the law relating to Native offences this session, but in the recess Government would consider the matter. The Hon. N. Wilson asked what the Government intended to do relative to the Hon. Mr Taiaroa’s disqualification. He thought it the duty of the Government to take up- the subject, otherwise he would bring in a Bill himself. The Hon. F. Whitaker said a Bill would be brought in to relieve him from his penalties. They would not pass a Bill to reappointMr Taiaroa as a member. That was the prerogative of the Governor. Government had not considered the matter at all. The Hon. Captain Fraser and Colonel Whitmohb hoped that the Government would take steps to relieve Mr Taiaroa from the consequences of his disqualification as soon as possible. The Hon. N. Wilson gave notice for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the matter. The adjourned debate on the cost of education was resumed by The Hon. F. Whitakbb, who read tables of figures to show that the cost here was less than in the Australian colonies, and compared favorably even with England, being £3 19s a year per child here and £2 Is at home. The total cost of education lost year was not £467,000, as had been said, for from that sum must be deducted £172,000 for new buildings, and also refunds of money spent on libraries, &0., which reduced the cost to £239,000. Still that was a very large sum, which it was desirable to reduce if possible. The Hon. Colonel Whiimobb said that the question was not now our cost compared with the coat in Australia, but could wo afford what we have spent. The Boards were extremely extravagant, and always would bo while they hod only the spending of the money, not the raising of it. The Hon. Mr Miller said that while the tj stem lasted of giving Boards whatever they asked for, they would find a way to spend it somehow or another. He thought that Boards might bo abolished. They were spending nearly a quarter of the ordinary revenue on education, and the system could no longer continue.' The debate was again adjourned, and the Council rose at S p.m.