DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER. Mattora Educational, Industrial, and Municipal.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 82, 27 December 1884, Page 3

DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER. Mattora Educational, Industrial, and Municipal.

Dunedin, Deo. 22. The Promier was fairly besieged by deputations on Saturday. In reply to School Committees, Mr Stout said he was opposed to the abolition of the cumulative vote, and would do his utmost to oppose it unless a substantial modification were made, by which the right minorities would be respected. Ho also opposes the proposal to bring inspections under one Inspector. He thoroughly agreed as to the urgent necessity for reducing tho syllabus, and had given tho Department instructions to that oilect. Ho also approved the proposal to enforce tho compulsory clauso, and highly approved the idea of giving technical instruction, but feared the Legislature would not stand an increase of the education vote even for that purpose. He hoped means would bo available from secondary endowments to give somo technical education, the importance of which could not be over-osthnated. The Manufacturers' Association brought under his notice tho unworkable nature of the railway tariff, the desirability of Mr Federli lecturing on fruit growing in this district, and the necessity for more information re Colonial Exhibition and the intentions of Government with regard to the railway rolling stock tendor?.. Mr Stout in roply expressed the hope that when tho tariff was being considered by Government, all suggested improvements would be forwarded to the Cabinet, who would duly consider them. The specifications for locomotives and other rolling stock were being prepared. Ho pointed out with regard to the Exhibition that it was necossary to make some charge for spaco, otherwise manufacturers could not bo suited. Goods would bo carried freight free. The Trades and Labour Council brought under his notice the danger of Chinese being employed on coa&ting vcssols and mail .steamers. Mr Stout replied that foreign vessels could not be controlled in this matter, and there was not the slightest probability of Chinese labour being employed on the mail steamers. Caversham Borough Council urged that they should be allowed to carry en tiro insuranco within the limits of the borough, as the fire companies refused to contribute to the support of the Brigade. Mr Stout replied that he did not like to pledge himself to any such proposal, for he saw groat dangers in tho way, evon to the existence of the municipality.