CHRIST'S COLLEGE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16363, 7 November 1918, Page 6

CHRIST'S COLLEGE.

♦ AMENDING BILL DISCUSSED IN HOUSE. (SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.") WELLINGTON, November 6. In the House of Representatives Mr L. M, Isitt moved the second reading of tho Christ's College Ordinance Act Amendment Bill. Tho Minister of Education said that he had not had an opportunity of reading the Bill careiuliy, but he felt it right to state that no might have to taKe exception to some of the provisions of the Bill. Mr McCombs said the Bill should be explained to the House. Its provisions might be conferring powers upon' private persons! who were not responsible to the people. Most of the revenue of Christ's College was derived from provincial endowments, and the Bill might bo interfering with future legislation which would be in the direction of the co-ordination of the whole of the educational instruction of the country. „ Mr Ell said ho had formerly protested against the Standing Orders preventing the moving of amendments to private Bills. The position was that such a Bill was considered by a committee representing both sides. Tho House would deal with it only by way of instruction to this committee. Ho did not agree with the suggestion made by Mr McCombs that the House should practically seize a private trust. Mr McCombs: Public funds. Mr Ell: It is a private trust. It would be a most dangerous thing to deny to private persons the right to leave property to educational purposes by way of trust. He hoped there would be no interference, with such a school as Christ's College. The atmosphere of the school was an asset to the Dominion.. Hundreds of boys whose fathers were working men had passed through the College by means of scholarships., Tho school was doing splendid work and the House ought not to interfere with any of its private trusts in the smallest decree. Mr Isitt said the Bill ought to havo the support of every Labour member. Its purpose was sfniply to democratise the Board of Governors, which was at present on a basis of life appointment. He was surprised to find the Minister of Educaton suggesting that he had objections to the Bill. Tho Bill was read a second ;time and was referred to the Education Committee.