The Premier in the South.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7845, 10 June 1905, Page 2

The Premier in the South.

CHRISTCHOJRCH DEPUTATIONS. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHUHCH, June 0. : The Premier spent a v «ry busy day here, starting with a visit to the Waltham School, and afterwards receiving several deputations. Regarding too overcrowding at the Waltham School, it was stated that allowing twelve square feet fori each child, the capacity was 308, whereas the present roll number Was 668. The Premier, replying to a deputation, said that Mr Hoghcn, Inspec-tor-General of Schools, had reconir mended the addition of two rooms. Looking to the entire rrtyiirements, ho would recommend Cabinet to have three rooms added. A deputation, which consisted of Messrs T. J. Smail and P. render, brought under Mi" Seddon's notice a resolution passed at the recent conference on social Questions. The Premier said the questions would bo referred to the Minister for Justice. Referring to the iniquity case made public by Mr T. E. Taylor. M.H.R., Mr Seddon said there was even' reason to believe it was not on isolated one, and it was the duty of the Government to make the law effeotve in regard to such cases. He considered, a place should be established for young tirst offenders, where they would bo more strictly treated than, at industrial schools, but not the same as at gaols. The inmates should be given industrial instruction to enable them to earn an honest living. Discretionary power should be given to magistrates and judges to clear the Court of portions under twenty-one during the hearing of certain oases. A deputation waited on Mr Seddon regarding the site und buildings for the technical classes. The Premier stated that the Government grant of £3QOO was stjll available, and if the site wag provided b,v the Education Hoard the grant would be paid. He thought tho Act might be extended so as to vest tho authority in the City Council, which would bring- the law into line with that of England. He declared he preferred central to local control, but criticised the careless expenditure of money by some Education Hoards, as Wellington and Auckland for example. A deputation from the Tailoresses' •Union, introduced by Mr Ell, M.H.R'., brought up the question of the alleged importation of contract girls' labour from Australia by the Kaiapoi Woollen Company. The Premier reserved his opinion till the company's side of the question was before him.'