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Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1827, 13 June 1874, Page 2

In continuation of our summary of the discussion in the ... Westland Provincial Council on the Education Ordinance, we find it reported that on Clause 40, which provided that several schools might be established in one district, Mr Robinson objected to the proposition, as he considered it would lessen the efficiency of the teaching, and also that the clause if passed as read, would open up the bitterest sectarian animosity among the community. He also considered that with the ecclesiastical system of education the children were not so we'll taught. Under these circumstances, he would advocate that the clause should be expunged. Mr Cumin,* supported the clause, but Air Woolcock admitted his willingness to agree to it, although he was always in favor of the National system. Mr Lahman, although favorable to the national system, was quite willing to give aid to those; Bchools already existing, but was averse to allowing any more of them to be stttablished. He would move, " That

the sum of LIOO be inserted instead of L 25." Mr Robinson seconded the motion. His Honor said he had given the matter his most serious considsration, and in order to secure that unanimity which would ensure success, he had considered that this compromise should be. made. ;, The clause had been introduced to meet tho conscientious feelings of all parties, aud as a measure that all would have sympathy with.- -It was not right that ■ the conscientious feelings of a large, portion of the community should be ignored. Mr Seddon thought the passing of the clause as it was at present would prove a bone of contention in the various districts. He would support the amendment proposed by Mr Lahman. The Provincial Secretary said it had been proposed to expunge the clause, but, if it was done, the Bill would fall to the ground. In speaking to the amendment* he would point out that the Nelson Act of 1863 contained a similar clause, in which LSO had been considered a qualifying amount ; but in 1867, experience" had taught the Nelson people that that amount was too high, and it had been reduced to L2s.— Mr Wickes was for a middle course, but under peculiar circumstances.it wonki be right, to conciliate for the sake of unity.— Mr Dmigan supported the Bill, as he. believed that any system would be ag linst the feelings of the people at . large, and he hoped their conscientious convictions would be respected. —Mr Lahinan amended the amendment by LIOO to LSO, and this was ultimately carried. —The Provincial Solic tor moved an amendment, to strike out in the second and third lines, the words, "It shall be lawful for the Central Board," and, in the fourth line, the words, "as *o the Central Board shall seem expedient," and to insert at the end of the clause the words "in t c same m nner and proportion as jnch grants are given in other schools established under this Ordinance."— A long discussion ensued, his Honor aud Messrs .Woolcock and Seddon opposing the amendment, which was lost on the voices. — A verbal amendment was then carried on the motion of the Provincial Solicitor, and an amendment, moved by Mr Seddon, withdrawn.—Mr Hbulahan moved to add the foil-jiving words — -"That when any such school oholl Jiava an -attendance of thirtyfive children or more, it shall be lawful for the Committee of said school to send a representative to the Central Board, whose expenses shall be defrayed by the Committee wh > send him." — After an animated discussion, the amendment was lost on the voices. — The short title and preamble of the Bill were adopted, and the next sitting <«f the Council was fixed for the third reading of the Bill. — Some other business was transacted regarding a Trespass and Impounding Ordinance, but no decision was arrived at