GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Grey River Argus, Volume XIII, Issue 1565, 11 August 1873, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[aNGJjO-ATJSTKALIAN PRESS TELEGRAPH AGENCY.] Wellington, Aug. 9. In the Legislative Council, to-day, a petition was presented from Hawke's Bay, praying that no new Lands Commission should be appointed, and that the ordinary Courts of law should deal with the Native Lands. The petition was not received. It accused Messrs Eussell and Sbeehan of inciting the Natives to resist the land purchase and repudiate engagements. Colonel Brett moved that the Speaker request Mr Russell to take his place in the Council and defend himself against these attacks. The motion was postponed till Tuesday. Mr Sewell spoke strongly against the Council being elected on the same basis as the House, and advocated its being elected by Provincial Councils. In the House of Representatives, the Otago Education Act and Borrowing Bill were read a first time. The debate on the Education Bill was resumed. MrM'Gillvray and Mr Webb supported the Bill. The latter gave his experience: of the working of a similar Act in Canterbury. Mr Bryce did not understand why one system of education should not be enforced throughout the Colony. He objected to its giving power to Provinces which they did not possess at present. He would give a Colonial Bill his support. Mr Buckland considered the question should be left to the Provincial Councils. Mr Shepherd said time would be saved by the withdrawal of the Bill, and by the addition of one line to the schedule of the Provincial Powera Bill, enabling rating to to be enforced.

Mr Macandrew said that not one Province would take an advantage of the Bill. He would support a measure for compulsory education. Mr White supported the Bill as a great benefit to Westland. Mr Bunriy moved that the Bill be read six months hence. Major Atkinson said he would support the Bill to confirm the principle. He hoped it would be withdrawn after the second reading. Mr Swanson said the Government were not in earnest. The Bill was read a second time. The Bank Holidays Bill was read a third time.