[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7360, 12 July 1889, Page 5

[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]

WELLINGTON, July 11. Two questions relating to educational matters were broached in the House this afternoon. In answer to Mr Perceval, tbe Government stated that they had very little to do with the fixing of the reading books to be read in schools; the matter rested with the Education Boards, but .they would have much pleasure in allowing Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs' " Southern Cross Readers" to be put on the list of books which could be read in schools. Replying to Mr Humphreys it was stated that the enforcement of the compulsory attendance clauses of the Education Act was a matter for the Education Boards, | but if they -moved in the matter simultaneously the Government would be glad to assist. At the instance of the Federated Seamen's Union of New Zealand, Mr Joyce has consented to introduce a Seamen's Representation Bill, a copy of which has. been sent to the Government, but owing to the block of private members' business, which will occupy the House for a month, it is doubtful whether the measure will be passed this session. Its object is to provide a special member for seamen in addition to the seventy members of the reduced; House. All sailors who have been two years at sea, and six months in a vessel owned or registered in New Zealand, are to be entitled to the franchise. The poll is to be kept open for twenty-five days, the several Custom-houses in the colony being polling-booths, and the returning officers and their assistants being Collectors. Mr Bruce, who has previously moved in this direction, gives to the measure hia hearty support.