PARLIAMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3619, 4 November 1920, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. \ ; EDUCATION ACT AMENDMENT. WELLINGTON, Nov. 3. Hon. Parr, in moving the second reading of the Education Amendment Bill, said it made only small amendments. It was not a pretentious Bill, but he hoped it would produce improvements in educational methods and administration, and mark the beginning of a forward policy. He hoped to setf more done in the matter of raising the school age and providing for compulsory continuation instruction. Seventyfive par cent, of the teachers wanted grading, as shown by the recent poll, when out of 3800 teachers 2971 voted, the result being: For the Bill, 2200; against, 771. They must do nothing that might weaken the national school system. The Bill proposed to classify secondary school teachers.

Mr. Sidey said the Bill did not come up to his' expectations, but he hoped it would prove the forerunner of further reforms. Mr. Malcolm claimed that the Bill contained several reforms which he had advocated in years past. Mr. Masters said that to say he was disappointed with the Bill was to express himself mildly, after the statements which the Minister had made from time to time in various places. Mr. Nash supported the Bill, and hoped that the Minister would stick to his guns.

Mr. McNicol said it was evident that the control of education was rapidly passing out of the hands of the people. Mr. Holland moved as an amendment that the Bill be referred back to the Education Committee in order that it may consider the question of deleting the present scholarship clauses and substituting proposals whereby all scholarships would be abolished and education in national institutions would be wholly free, and under which there would be no bar to a child's progress' other than his own ability to pass examinations. .... This was seconded by. Mr- Bartrara. Discussion was continuing when the telegraph office closed. WELLINGTON, This Day.

After, the telegraph office closed the debate on the Education Bill was con-., tinued by Mr. Eraser, who supported Mr. Holland's amendment. Mr. Mitchell said he believed in the principles of • the amendment, but he asked what effect it would have if carried. The Minister said it would kill the Bill. Mr. Holland: "Not unless the Government wants to kill the Bill." On a division the amendment was lost by .42 to 23. The House then went into committee on the Native "Washing Up" Bill, which was passed without amendment. The Education Amendment Bill was then taken in committee. On clause 10, Mr. Holland moved an amendment increasing the school age to sixteen years, which was lost on the voices. At clause 23, Mr. Wilford moved an amendment providing that on and after March 31, 1922, provision for payment of salaries and enrolment of teachers shall be made by statute, and not by regulation. After discussion the amendment was lost by 38 to 25. The Bill was then reported from committee.' read a third time, and passed The Native "Washing Up" Bill was also read a third time and passed. Hon. Anderson gave notice of intention to introduce the Births and Deaths Registration Bill. The House rose at. 4.15 a.m. till noon to-day.