Mr. Speaker . .. Session Queries and Asides

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 786, 5 October 1929, Page 1

Mr. Speaker . .. Session Queries and Asides

TUB SUN’S Parliamentary Reporter)

WELLINGTON*. Friday. If the amount of time spent in discussing the Education EsUmates_ in the House today—from 10.30 to 5.10 p m .—rnav be taken as any criterion, we are. verily an enlightened cotnmunity and truth and wisdom abide with us. It is melancholy to record, however, that much of the eloquence of members was wasted on the desert air. It had not even the virtue of a flower, which, though like the eloquence, it serves no useful purrose, yet beautifies; and pleases the sight and smell. Needless Amendment First of all there was an amendment moved by Mr. J. A. Nash I Palmerston), presumably on behalf of the Opposition, in connection with the salaries of headmasters of primary schools. He moved that the education vote be reduced by £lO as an indication that no provision had been made for an increase in the salaries of headmasters. The Hquse went on discussing the various items of the estimates, and at 4.45 p.m., when it seemed likely that the vote would not get through, the Leader of the House, the Minister of Lands, the Hon. G. YV. Forbes, made an appeal to members to get the estimates through by 5.30. The House accelerated, and at 5.10 the amendment was put and lost on the voices. There was no division. * * * Science and Industry Inspired by the passing of the Edu cation vote, the House spent a mere 20 minutes in discussing the estimates of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, amounting t«* £63,760. At the end. the Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, protested against the sending of the Rev. D. C. Bates, late Dominion Meteorologist, to the World Meteorological Conference :n London. The Minister in charge of the department, the Hon. H. Atmore, suggested that discussion on this point be taken when the annual report of the department was considered. Ponies for School Children Quite the most original and ingenuous note of the whole day was struck by Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Riccarton), who suggested to the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore, that he should seriously consider the subsidising of ponies for children in country districts to ride to school, instead of paying money out on motor-cars. The proposal met with the warm approval of Mr. A. Hamilton (Wallace), who likes to see children riding to school on ponies. Mr. Clyde Carr (Timaru) also thought it a bright idea. It certainly opens up possibilities and a new department in the education world. Shakespearian Plays Late in the afternoon, through the medium of Mr. P. Fraser (Wellington Central), the House strayed into the realms of Shakespeare. Mr. Fraser warmly approved the idea of subsidising the Allan Wilkie Company so that it could tour country districts and open the casements giving out on the field of literature to the children of country schools. He said that Shakespearian presentations were a great educational influence, and had the, endorsement of authorities In New Zealand. He wanted the country children to be given the same chance as the town ones. Monday Sittings In accordance with notice given by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, the motion that the House sit on Mondays in future till the end of the session was put and carried. The House will meet on Monday next at 7.30 p.m. * * • Free School Books Answering a question, the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore, said today that Cabinet at present was considering the question of granting free books to secondary school pupils who could not afford them. An announcement as to the Government’s decision would be made soon. * » * Irritating Prompter Even Labour members cannot stand tea much friendly assistance from their brethren. Mr. R. McKeen (Wellington South) was speaking to good purpose in the Education Estimates discussion, with Mr. F. Langstone (Waimarino) evidently acting in the role of guide, philosopher, friend and promoter from the next bench. It wore Mr. McKeen’s patience to a thread. He turned round and said emphatically, “I wish the member for Waimarino would shut up! ” Of course, he was called to order by the Chairman of Committees, Mr. S. G. Smith. Mr. McKeen explained saying that when a member was trying to select his words it was irritating to have another member who apparently had no interest in (he subject continually interrupting. “Certainly I feel very touchy about itr,” he said.