GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1522, 22 June 1886, Page 1

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House last Friday, The Municipal Corporations Bill wae read a third time and passed. On the motion for reading the Jaaticea of the Peace Act Amendment Bill a third time, a long discussion ensued, Mr Peacock moved that the Bill bo recommitted for consideration of ctaufce 3 relating to Chairmen of Road Boards being Justices of the Peace. Thb amendment was lost by 37 to S 3, and the Bill was read a third time and passed. In Committee of Supply an Impreat Supply Bill, for £250,000, was pained through all its stages.

The Parcels Post Bill was read a third time and passed. The Gold Export Doty Abolition Bill was reported with verbal amendments, and ordered to be considered on Monday. Sir Julius Yogel moved the second reading of ihe East and West Coast and Nelson Railway and Railways Construe* tion Act Amendment Bill.

Mr Richardson expressed his belief that there was only jnat enough lind available for the company's blocks, and none'for the Government. Mr Sutter and Mr Rblleston brought forward certain objection! they had to the Bill, and the debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. Mr Montgomery then resumed the debate on the New Hebrides question. He urged that they should pass s resolution to the effect that Great Britain should strenuously object to the occupation of the islands by France. ' Messrs Ormond, Steward and Wakefield having spoken, Sir Julius Togel said it was quite impossible to form Any resolution expressive of the'opinion of the people of the colony. The House waf not in a position to deal with the quest inn in its present threatening aspect. He would move the adjournment of the debate till to-morrow, and from day to day till it seemed desirable; to procecl with it.

Major Atkinson seconded tbe motion, which was agreed to.

Mr Tress resumed the debate ou-the second reading of the Land for Settlement Bill, which he supported on ihe ground that it would enable small farmers to earn their living more cheaply. Mr J. 0. Buckland moved that it be read that day six months. Mr Joyce advocated a progressive tax as a solution of tbe land question, and Mr Harper thought the compulsory sale of land must lead to jobbery, but he was in favor of a system of voluntary purchase. Messrs Duncan and Moss supported and Mr O’Connor opposed the Bill. At 3 a.m. Mr Thomson moved the adjournment of the debate, and tbe House rose. THE EDUCATION STATEMENT. On the House resuming after the 5.30 adjournment last Friday, the Premier made his education statement, which occupied an hour in delivery. Ha said that the Department was more economically conducted than before, but the increase in scholars by 5169 had necessitated an increase in the general vote. There was now 103,407 children on the rolls, and the average attendance was about 80,000. The new standards and insistance on drawing as compulsory subjects had been well received. The main part of tire statement was devoted to expounding certain re® - forms which he believed to be necessary. The main fault of the University was fh‘t it regarded examinations as all important and neglected teaching. It was out of “ truck” with the affiliated college*, and no provision existed for making it thw home of research. His own ,idea w«i that there should be a college in each of the four large towns, and each college should have a speciality. Auckland was well suited for maritime teaching, astronomy, marine engineering, stc. ; Wellington for jurisprudence,' political economy, and history; Chrittbhurch for agriculture, geology, etc.;; and] Dunedin for medicine. The setondary schools also required looking. After, and a statute would have to be devised to make them more uniform in character than they were now. Our primary, schools war* improving. Secondary schools and university colleges must? be carefully nurtured. Tbe need of technical education was becoming ■ slowly but surely recognised. ■lf each County Council wore empowered to start a small model farm, it might be made selfsupporting. The State might assist by paying part of the salary of teachers. He hoped soon to see reading books prepared in the colony for thA use of our children. After reviewing the state of some of the colonial schools, be aaid (hat while asking the House to" vote tbe earn on the estimates, it would jbA'aS Government proposed te take power, in,an Appropriation Bill to reduce the vwte'by £4OOO if the Committee of Supply .report that the Civil Service are tobe fri&iced. He was sorry to make such a prbpoeition, but Government must keep faith with the House regarding the promise of retrenchment.