DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1927, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

BT TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

A NYELCOAIE 110 A lE. A 1 ASTER-TON, June 8.

NYairarapa’s victorious Kunfurly ■Shield te am arrived home this afternoon, and were accorded a rousing civic reception. The team were met at the station and enthusiastically greeted by a large concourse as they alighted to the strains of lively melodics by the Municipal Band. Further scenes ot enthusiasm were displayed at the Municipal Hall, where the Mayor tendered the team, tlie manager, and the coach a civic welcome home and congratulations for their notable achievement.

The captain, Jim Donald, in responding to the good wishes, paid a tribute to the team work of all the players, and to the benefits derived from the coaching of Ale 11. Irvine, father of the All Black Irvine. Air Donald said that the training which the team received in camp prior to the match was the deciding factor, and he hoped that the same privilege would he extended tlie team for future contests. a proposal which was heartily received by fhc large gathering.

EDUCATIONAL. WELLINGTON, June S. The- Minister of Education, in welcoming the Council of Education today, said that they were capable of giving good advice on many problems and it was their duty to advise upon educational matters. Tt; was for the Council to consider the matter of agricultural education, which was of great importance. The physical instruction of primary scholars was another. AVas the present, system of travelling instructors the best that could he devised, or should there he concentration nil training colleges. Secondary schools and hostels were another problem. The expenditure on education had increased from one and three-quarter million in 1910-17 to €3.903,0(19 in 1920-27. This increase of 140 per cent no one would grudge. The Government was trying to- conserve its funds without impairing efficiency so as to have more money to spend upon urgent reports. The buildings programme had increased to an enormous extent since the war. There had been a remarkable expansion of post-primary education, and the cost of building had greatly increased too, hut the Department was acquiring sites ahead of actual requirements. and in this way effecting a great saving.

HON. AR-LEOD RETURNS. WELLINGTON, Juno S. Hon. A. D. McLeod, who represented the New Zealand Government at the inauguration of the Federal capital at Canberra, returned by the Maraina to-day. The greater part of his time was occupied in obtaining firsthand information relative to the progress made by basic and manufacturing industres. Ho thinks it doubtful whether the licet sugar industry could he established .successfully in Now Zealand, where sugar of similar quality is procurable from ten to twelve pounds per ton less than in Australia. He enquired carefully into the agitation on tlie part of the Australian dairy farmers tor a duty of sixpence per pound on New Zealand butter, and concluded that if not the whole, at least some further protection will be granted, hut lie doubted the wisdom of the policy which would prevent New Zealand dairy farmers finding an occasional market for their produce in the Commonwealth. ITe suggested that, before action was definitely taken by the Australian Commonwealth, the Minister of Customs should visit the Dominion and discuss matters.