PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1926, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

(BY TELEGRAPH —rER PRESS ASSOCIATION AVELLINGTON, Aug. 14. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tho Legislative Council met at 2.39 p.m. Mildred: Elaine Smytli Divorce Bill was put through the final stages and passed. Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill, Scenery Preservation Amendment Bill, Cook islands Amendment Bill, Cinematograph Censorship Amendment Bill and Cemeteries Amendment Bill were received from the House of Representatives and read a first time. A lengthy third reading debate took place on the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill. Hon Isitt in moving the third reading contended that no adequate reasons had been advanced in support of tho objections to the Bill. He circulated a list of questions for members of the Council to answer, asking whether the Bill introduced any new .practice into State Schools, why it was feared dissension, strife and bloodshed would be caused; what evidence opponents had that the public was overwhelmingly with them; and why Nelson system would cause less sectarian dissension than the provisions of the Bill.

Sir Robert Stout said the Bill would destroy the Education System, built up in past years. He asked why it was proposed to alter the present system. It could not be said that It was needed because of the moral delinquencies, for New Zealand* liad a good name in that respect. Moral training should ho based on the teaching of reverence for truth and mutual kindly feeling. Ho also declared it was not the iunetiou of tlie State to teach religion. The establishment of a State Church would not produce greater morality. Hon Newman said he had not met any woman who did not favour tho Bill.

Hon Barr said the Bill tended to the domination of the school by the Church. He also replied briefly to Hon Isitt’s questions.

The Native viewpoint was expressed in the evening by Hon 'Rikahana, who predicted trouble among the Maoris if the Bill passed, and said he felt sure the supporters of tho measure would not-help him to pacify them. Maoris preferred that the parents should instruct their children, rather than that they bo left to the mercies of school teachers. Ngapuhi (his tribe) were a troublous people and it would be difficult to pacify their objections if the Bill became.l&w.

Other lengthy speeches were delivered and the Council adjourned at f 0.55 p.m. until Tuesday.

THE HOUSE. The House met at 2.30 p.m. By Governor’s Message a Bill was brought down to create a scientific and industrial department. The Magistrate’s Court Amendment Bill was also brought down. This Bill increases the salaries of Magistrates. The remainder of the afternoon session was occupied by formal business. At the evening sitting, the Fisheries Amendment Bill, Guardianship of Infants Bill, and Peel Porests Bill were read a second time. Government Railways Bill, Industrial Societies Amendment and Hospital apd Charitable Amendment Bill were reported from the committee without amendment, read a third time and passed. Sir G. Hunter complained that the report of the proceedings of the Local. Bills Committee on Napier Harbour Loans and .Empowering Bill was a breach of privilege. The Prime Minister moved that tho publisher and editor of the “Dominion” lie asked to explain before the House dealt finally with the matter. The House rose at 11.20 p.m. till 2.J0 p.m. on Tuesday.