LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 239, 25 July 1877, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[pEU PRESS AGENCY.] parlia m en t a r y. ■ o HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON. July 24. The House met to-day at 2.30 p.m. A number of petitions were presented and notices of motion given—among- them one by Mr Fox to ask leave to introduce a Bill amending the Licensing Laws. The speaker announced that the sergeant at arms had resigned and Major Paul was appointed to the place. Air Travers was sworn in. It was notified that the Registration of Electors Act would be amended so as to

throw the onus of proof on the objector. A General Harbour Board Bill is to bo introduced. The House will to-morrow consider tlie granting of supply. The important business of the sitting was the introduction of the Education Bill by Mr Bowen who made long and eloquent speech explaining principle of the Bill. Second reading appointed lor next Tuesday. The House adjourned at 4.45 till tomorrow.

T All PO. July 24. A dreadful event occurred last night at Ohinemntii. Over twenty natives were poisoned through eating out oL a pot in which there was verdogris. Throe died, four have recovered and a number arc still ill. They attribute the illness to witchcraft. Drs. Walker and Campbell left during the night for the scone of the accident. Several sharp shocks earthquake were felt here last night. The lirst at 4. p.m. was particularly severe and prolonged. The direction of the earth wave was northeast. There has been a heavy fall of snow on the mountains and reaching for the lirst time this season to Tauhau. AUCKLAND. July 24. A cablegram from London notilics that a patent has been granted by the Grand Lodge to Brother G. S. Graham as District Grand Master E. C. for the Auckland provincial district. WELLINGTON. July 24. The principal points of the new Education Bill are as follow — No distinction of sex in the franchise (male or female) both vote. The Bill comes into operation on Ist January, and Repeals all previous Educational Acts. There will be a Minister of Education, and a Board for each District, the Colony being divided into twelve. Boards to appoint or remove teachers, establish scholarships, schools and libraries. School committees for each school district will manage all educational matters: they will levy a capitation tax on each in family up to four beyond which there will be no capitation tax. Tbe committee will have tiie expending of capitation revenue, but must account to the Board. To induce attendance any child not being absent once in twelve mouths shall bo exempt from capitation for one year; if not absent more tiian five times in the year will get remission for six months. The committee may remit capitation in cases of exlreme poverty. Xo child need learn history if the parent objects. School to be opened every morning by Lord's prayer and reading of Bible without comment, but no child required to attend whose parents object. Compulsory attendance requiied of every child above seven and under thirteen years of age: exemptions in eases of sickness, ellhdeut instruction, or impassable nature of road to school, I’roceedings may bo taken to enforce attendance. Five per cent, of Waste Lands iu North Island to be set apart for education.