THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12592, 7 September 1906, Page 9

THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

Surprise was manifested among members on its becoming know that at tho first meeting of the Education Committee Mr J. A. Hanan, the member for Invercargill, had been elected chairman of tho Committee, thus superseding Mr F. E. Baumo, of Auckland, who held that position during the three sessions of tho hat Parliament. Mr Baumos keen interest in educational matters, and the industry that he has brought to bear in the discharge of the duties of chairman of the Education Committee are generally recognised by members on both sides of tho House. On the other hand, Mr Hanan has not boon generally credited with any special knowledge of educational matters. Mr Ha nan's nomination to the chair was moved by the Minister for lvducation (Mr Fowlds), and tho incident, coupled with tho substitution of Mr Tanner for Mr Arnold as chairman of the Labour Bills Committee (which was ako carried on tho motion of a Minister), has given rise to an impression that this is one of the means chosen to mark the Government's disapproval of outbursts of independence on the part of thoir supporters. It has been stated that the Government have decided that these positions should be rolling ones, but this principle has not been adopted in regard to all this session's committees. Jn one case—that of tho Local Bills Committee —the previous chairman, Mr Graham, was reappointed on the nomination of a Minister, despite the fact

that the member for Nelson expressed a desiro to bo relieved of the duties. Other chairmen of certain committees have also been reappointed. THE MINES COMMITTEE. There seems to have been some little difficult in the selection of a suitable chairman for the u-ew Mines Committee. Eventually tho Government decided that Mr Poland, the member for Ohinemnri, should be honoured with the position. Mr 11. MoKenzio would, no doubt, in the ordinary course of evente, have been appointed chairman, but his elevation to the chairmanship of committees put that out of the question. Mr Colvin having been appointed Whip, he could not be chosen, and r.cere of the fotl.vx . Government meai on the committee could be said to have the n-revssary qualifications. There are only two Opposition members on the committee, Messrs Herriee and W. Fra«r, either of whom aro eminently qualified to fill the position, from their knowledge of the work of the committee, their knowledge of tho Stand.'.-;? Ordem, a,nd their acquaintance with matters connected with the miming industry. Rather than, appoint on aof these, Mr Poland, jv new member of the. House, was selected.