The Tuapeka Times. THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 1871. "Measures, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 186, 31 August 1871, Page 4

The Tuapeka Times. THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 1871. "Measures, not Men."

Provincial institutions having served their day, and done that service veiy indifferently, the inhabitants of Tuapeka are about to memorialise the General Assembly to replace Provincialism with some form of Government by which a more equitable share of the revenue contributed by the district will be expended in and by the district. We have not far to look to find a ejood substitute. "The County of Westland Act, 1868," of which we give a synopsis in another column, appeal's to us to supply the wants: of Otago. We feel confident tvt least that Tuapoka, with its settled population, is in every respect suited for *he County system. Local selfgovernment is what is wanted, and nothing else will satisfy the people on the goldfields, who have too longsubmitted to having their revenue expended in other parts of the country. Let every man in Tuapeka who has any desire to see the country prosper sign the memorial without delay, so that it may be presented and discussed this session of the Assembly.

A summary ot the Colonial Education Bill is now before the public. It embodies, as we previously hinted, an extension as nearly as possible of the Otago system of education, and we believe is likely to receive the support of a large majority of the members of the House of Representatives. The principle of compulsory education which it sets forth, is its chief feature, and the one above all others deserving of public support. Any system excluding that principle would be faulty ; and we are pleased to observe the Government have made provision for one of the greatest necessities in our educational system. The Bible is to be read in schools, but no comments on the same are to be allowed, or catechism taught. This is evidently a compromise, and meant to catch a few votes, which doubtless it will do. We would much have preferred to have seen the Bible altogether excluded, as the cause of religion, we are certain, is not advanced by the Scriptures being made a class book at our public schools. Still, we gladly accept the compromise, beliving the Bill to be a decided step in advance of the present system. The Bill provides for a thorough system of inspection and a general supervision by a Minister of Education. This is a matter of infinite importance. Under our present system the School Committees are entrusted with too much power;' and as for inspection, such a thing has latterly had no existence. Schools are left to manage themselves, and School Committees have become dictators.

In the House of Representatives, on the 17th inst., Mr. Haughton asked the Premier whether the attention of the Government had been directed to the large im migration of Chinese to the Province of Otago, and the probable results of such immigration upon the permanent settlement of the country ? Mr. Fox said he could answer by simple negative. The Government had leceived on official communication on the matter up to the present time. If they did receive any such communication they would take some action upon it,