PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1097, 12 August 1873, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

• Resolutions reported from the Committee on the Telegraph Cable Subsidy Biil have been passed; aud the Telegraph Cable Ratification Bill recommitted, and passed. In the discussion Mr Vogel read the opinion Of the Attorney General, stating that if either line should fail or not be niaintain&d in good order, tho guarantee would close. The Government were willing to insert clauses to that effect; also providing that the line should be constructed with due diligence, and empowering either or all contracting Governments to purchase the cables. The Post-office Act Amendment Bill has been read a secOnd time. Mr Yogel, in explaining the provisions of the Education Bill; said it was permissive in character. The control of education matters in each district would be be regulated by school boards; elected by school committees. There were four kinds of rates —a uniform rate on capital, value of property, and annual value, and a rate on adults. Religious education was provided for; but only at the end or commencement of school hours, with at least four hours of secular education, and, in the hands of parents and guardians, the permissive system would ultimately develop into a general system for the Colony. The difference in the matters of education were not at present reconcileable. Correspondence relative to the San Francisco service, produced in the House has shown that the Post Office authorities of the United Kingdom surrendered to New Zealand a surplus of £1334 occurring in correspondence between England- and the Colonies, via tan Francisco. There was also a letter from the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales, stating that the Government would not require a subsidy from the other Colonies, but they would throw the service open to New Zealand and Australia for the postage only. A contract for a twelve knot per hour service between Sydney and San Francisco had been closed, and the Sydney Government entertained no doubt that the service will be carried out. The contractors represent large firms in Sydney, Melbourne, London, Liverpool, and New Zealand. New boats built for the service would commence running between Sydney and >San Francisco about the middle of next year. The Government were prepared to start an interim service, though not of equal speed, next January, should such service be required after the expiration of the present Suez contract. They Avere prepared to carry New Zealand letters for the postage, without asking a contribution towards the subsidy of £BB,OOO, New Zealand to provide a fast steamer between Kandavau and New Zealand.