HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Inangahua Times, Volume IV, Issue 70, 19 September 1877, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Welin&ton', September 18. Education Bill clause 85, Elementary Science subsfci'uted for mechanics the proposal to add social economics was aegatived. The principle of domestic economy added to distinction for girls. Provision for making history non^computsory was. retained by 54 to 4. To the motion of Mr "Wood the words " nnd the teaching shall be entirely of a secular character" were added to sub-section 2 on a d'visonof39 1o 19. On the sub-section 3. a division of 35 to 19, refused an amendment by Mr Uu'-tis to leave Bible reading and the Lords Prayer optional with comm Itot's. Mr Macandrew wished Catholic children in a separate class to read the Douay version of the Bible, but the whole sub-section was si ruck out on the voices. The I'roviso that a playground of at least a quarter of an acre should be attached to each school when practicable, was added to clause 86. After a long discussion, clause 91 was altered to allow exemption to all children attending regularly some private srhool or educational establishment not under the Board. Progress was reported, and the House rose at 12.30. House met at 2.30. 1 Replying to questions, Ministers said , (1) they were considering how the best way to utilise telegraph poles for advertising purposes; (2) that enquiries were be ; ng made regarding alleged altercations between Bench and Bar in the Timarn R. M. Court ;• (3) Government did" intend to continue the office of Agent-General, and knew nothing of Voxel's resignation; (4) Government had not permitted F. 4 . Whitaker to- acquire Hanie blocks 1 to 4 evfnding to several thousand acres on Waito river ; (s)' Government had* not contracted for coals with Bronner or any | other coal company at Gfeymouth ? (6) County Councils are not authorised to pay members either salary or travelling expenses. Mr Eees moved for a committee to report whether >Mr M. Kennedy had for* i feited his seat by being a- contractor with the Government. He said the facts as told to him were that the Government hadi entered into a contract with Kennedy's- brother-in-law and clerk, who, 'however, had no interest- in the matter, it being' entirety for Kennedy's benefit. He desired also the committee to report on clause t of the disqualification Act by which it seemed- that a- member once in the House- could enter into contracts without forfeiting his seat. He also desired to- see the committee enquire whether Whitaker had not forfeited his seat.. He would give notice of thw. Mr Ormond said the Government knew nothing of Kennedy in any contract. In Committee on Education Bill clausesup to 99) wore agreed to.