PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1098, 15 August 1873, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

The Otago Education Act Borrowing Bill has been read a first time. The Bank Holidays Bill has been read a third time. Mr Ybgel has given notice of a Bill to constitute Westland a Province. In the Legislative Council, on the 9th, a petition was presented from Hawke's Bay, praying that no new Lands Commission should be appointed, and that the ordinary Courts of law should deal with the Native Lands. The petition was not received. It accused Messrs Russel and Shenhan of inciting the Natives to resist the land purchase and repudiate engagements. Colonel Brett moved that the Speaker request Mr Russell to take his place in the Council, and defend h.mself against these attacks. The motion was postponed. Mr Seweil spoke strongly against the Council being elected on the same basis as the House, and advocated its beinoelected by Provincial Councils. In the debate on the Education Bill Mr M'&illvray aud Mr Webb supported it. The latter gave his experience of the working of a similar Act in Canterbury Mr Bryce did not understand why one system of education should not be enforced throughout the Colony. He objected to its giving power to Provinces which they did not possess at present. He would give a Colonial Bill his support. Mr Buckland considered the question should be left to the Provincial Councils. Mr Shepherd said time saved by the {withdrawal of the Bill, and by the addition of ore line to the schedule of the Provincial Powers Bill, enabling rating to be enforced. Mr Macandrew said that not one Province would take advantage of the Bill. He would support a measure for compulsory education. Mr White supported the Bill as a great benefit to Westland. Mr Bunny moved that the Bill be read six months hence. Major Atkinson said he would support the Bill to confirm the principle. He hoped it would be withdrawn after the second reading. Mr Swanson said the Government were not in earnest. The Bill was read a second time.