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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 168, 15 July 1880, Page 2

Wellington, Wednesday night. The House met at 230 p.m. Mr Murray gave notice to move — (1) That, subject to the approval of Parliament, the Government should invite offers for the purohase of half tho interest in the railways. (2) The purchasers to work the railways, and have all profits up to £o per cent of the purchase price ; thereafter the profits, up to £7 per cent to be yearly divided with the Oovorjsment. (3) The Govornmeut to have the right to regulate freights and faros, and inspect and audit accounts. (4) Tbe Government lo have the right to re-purchase, at a valuation, any time within thirty years. (5) That from the monies to received the 01-overnment to advance to Corporations or individuals half the expenditure for .constructing and completing such railways as may b» authorised by Parliament up to tho terms stated in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 5. (6) The Corporations constructing railways under paragraph 5 through Crown and Native lands should have special privileges for purposes of settlement. Dr Wallis gnve notice that he would move for the amendment of the Electoral Act so as to extend the franchise to leaseholders. Sir W. Fox presented a petition praying for religious teaching in the schools. Replying to questions, it was statod that an Inspector of coal mines had been appointod, but the Government would not, in tho present- financial of the Colony, make a similar appointment for goldfielda. Sir W. Fox moved, " That, in the opinion of this House, the Education Act should be so amended as to provide for permissivo power being granted to Education Boards to iaticduce the reading of tbe Bible in schools, subjocfc to a time table and conscience clause." Ho contended that a house to house cauvas would prove that a largo proportion of parents were in favor of the motion, and argued that while professionally a Christian community, the Bible was the only book oxpreesly excluded from their sohool toachings. Dr Wallia seconded tho motion. Mr Rolleston opposed. Tb« difficulties of tho question had been intensified by tho ecclesiastical feeling imported into the subject. One-eighth of the population was Roman Catholic, bo that the aseertbu that a large proportion of parents were in fnvor of the resolution could not hold good. The introduction of the Bible would riot tend to foster but rather to destroy tbe national system of education at which the Colony aimed. The motion was therefore inopportune. They did not desire to return to denominationaliem, nor did they wish to see the system wholly in the hands of a class professing a contempt for all religious instruction. Public opinion was in favor of their system of teaching being ' religious bo far aa the difference of opinion prevailing in religious matters would permit. Mr Stewart supported the motion, and Mr Saunders and Mr Ireland opposed. Tho dobato was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. Thursday. On the House resuming, Mr Hall proposed that Mr Hurst act as Chairman of Committees for the evening. Mr Shrimski proposed Mr Thompson. A long and personal debate ensued. The Opposition members declared tbe nomination of Mr Hurst as an insult to them ; and that he had neither the respect nor confidence of the House. Mr Thompson said he had been proposed without his consent, and bo could not think of taking the chair. A number of members appealed to Mr Hurst to follow this example. Mr Hall said after what had taken place it v; aa impossible for the Government to withdraw their candidate. Mr Thompson's name was withdrawn, and on the question that Mr Hurst's name stand part of the question, the House divided. Ayes, 37 ; Noes, 33. Mr Stewart then moved the " previous question," and was then attacked by Mr McLean for being worse than the man he had the audacity to condemn. Mr Stewart retorted, and a further personal debate .ensued. The w previous question " was put and negatived by 41 to 37. Mr Reeves then moved that the House adjourn, when Mr Hurst rose and complained of the bitter animosity shown him because, in fulfilling what he deemed his public duty, be bad last session to change sides. Had he consulted his own feelings, he would have retired ou this occasiou as soon as an objection was raised, but he felt bound not to do so till a vote was taken. He now asked to be allowed to decline the Chairmanship, Mr Hall concurred in this, and Mr Seymour consented to act for the remainder of the evening, which was spent chiefly iv Committee on the Municipal Corporations Bill, and Payment of Members Bill, in both of which progress was reported. The Dentists' Bill was passed. The House rose at 12.30