PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 220, 16 September 1871, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, September 15. Mr. Fox replied on the Educational Bill. He would not accept Mr. Wakefield's amendment, to make the Minister of Education a non-political officer. He adhered to making boundaries of districts conterminous with provinces. Would prefer to make Education Boards consist of the Superintendent and Treasurer in each province, and from five to twelve members elected by Local Committees. He would leave it optional with each Board either to impose fees for attendance, or a capitation tax for all children, wtether attending or not. He adhered to aided schools, reading the Bible, and a conscience clause, but would leave the question of compulsory attendance to Boards to decide in each case. A*» it was not possible to make a property tax touch real property, he would make the rate a household one, at £1 per house. This would yield £65,159, as against £57,622 now raised by various modes, exclusive of fees, in the various provinces. He did no*: say he would not accept other amendments in committee, but wished the Bill to be passed in the shape indicated, if possible. It was not a Ministerial measure, but if it. .emerged from committee in a mutilated form, Government would consider whether to proceed with it, or abandon it until public opinion was better formed, and a really useful Bill would command the support of the majority. The committal of the Bill was ordered for Friday. A debate took place on Karaitama's motion for increased Maori representation. The Government stated their intention of calling some chiefs to the Legislative Conncil, and also expressed themselves favorably inclined towards adding a Maori member to the Executive with a seat in the Cabinet. They were opposed to increasing the number in the House of Representatives. The first part of the motion was carried, and the rest negatived. Mr. Stafford moved for the appointment of a Committee to enquire into the Management of the Telegraph Department. He alluded to the great public distrust of the secrecy of the department, and the consequent necessity that existed for a full investigation in order to restore confidence. - Mr. Fox said the Government would willingly assent to the appointment ot a Committee if Mr. Stafford would add words to his motion to prevent their calling for the contents of private message** to be divulged. Mr. Gisborne admitted having committed an indiscretion with regard to Mr. Stafford's Timaru speech, but denied having done so from any corrupt or dishonorable motives. He had never read any other message, and would hail the appointment of a Committee with joy, as he was painfully conscious of the feeling of distrust that had arisen through his indiscretion. Sir D. Monro hoped that the Committee would enquire into the manner in which Ministers had used the telegraph to influence the Motueka election, as he contended that they had stretched their privilege to an unwarrantable extent. Mr. Hall expressed his utter disbelief in the charges made against the department. Be blamed those who made them, and warmly eulogised the conduct of the affairs of the department. After some further debate, the motion was agreed to. *