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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 15, Issue 764, 24 February 1870, Page 2

Government Assurance and Annuities. — A General Government Gazette, issued on the 14th instant, contains an Order in Council approving of rules drawn up under the Government Annuities Act of last session. The regulations contain all necessary information for persons desiring either to insure their lives or purchase an annuity, The various Money Order Offices throughout the Colony are to be the places of business. Napier Debating Club. The usual fortnightly meeting of this society took place as advertised on Tuesday evening last, the question for debate being,—"is the system of Compuh-ory Education rhe most desirable % " On the affirmative side it was urged that the importance of education was so great and so universally admitted that any inconvenience occasioned by a compulsory measure would be amply compensated for by the which would accrue to society from its adoption ; tliat the system had succeeded in those countries in which it had had a trial; that restriction on individual liberty was inseparable from any kind of legislation, and that no special objection could be ma 'e to compulsory education on this ground, whichcould not be brought to bear on many existing enactments, the working of which were by no means objectionable. On the other hand it was argued that the neglect of education was not sufficient in this country to require the passing of a compulsory measure; and that such an act would in fact be an insult to the majority of the community who educate their children, that it would be a gross outrage on the liberty of the subject, and though assented to by Parliament could never be en forced ; and, finally, that the financial condition of the country was not such as to support the extra expense of a compulsory sy stem. These were the chief points raked, the argument on both sides being based less on fact than on theory. The replies having been given, the majority was found to be with the affirmative.,