AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

Evening Star, Issue 19352, 11 September 1926, Page 5

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

GOVERNMENT’S BILL FUSSED A COMPROMISE ARRANGED SOUTHERN OFFER TO BE REVIVED [From Our Parliamentary Reporter] , WELLINGTON, September 10. After the Government had, in the early hours of Friday, moved to report progress on tho Agricultural College Bill, it came as a surprise to members when the measure was revived in committee at tho afternoon’s sitting; and the first question put_ came from the Leader of the Opposition, who wanted to know if the Government wished to put the Bill right through. “1. want to see it passed,” he explained, ‘ hut i do not want to see a discussion lasting two or three hours at this stage of tho session, only to find the Bill dropped. I know the volume of opposition there is to this Bill.” Mr Hawken (Minister of Agriculture! : It is tho intention of the Government to carry on with this Bill. Mr Armstrong: Till next session? There was no reply to this jocular interjection; therefore, realising that the Government was in earnest, Mr Sullivan (Avon) commenced a discussion, and indicated the principal line of objection in his amendment, which was to so alter, the first clause that the Bill would become one authorising the establishment of a New Zealand Agricultural College at Lincoln, Canterbury. He thought that would moot tho wishes of the majority of members. Mr Forbes, Leader of the National Party, remarked that, while ho did not desire to stop the establishment of an agricultural college, he was doubtful about Mr Sullivan’s amendment, which meant restricting all operations to Lincoln.

Mr Holland (Leader of the Opposition) said there had been a private suggestion that Lincoln College be made a South Island branch of the Agricultural College, while Palmerston North would be the North Island branch. Mr Jones. That was the suggestion of the Lincoln College governors. Mr Holland: That is wiser than the amendment which the member for Avon has moved.

Mr Hawkon announced that the Government bad considered the suggestion, but it would not get them out of the difficulty. “It is willing to put Lincoln College in a lar better position than it lias been before, but when it comes to dividing the work and making two colleges I cannot see how anyone can agree it would be advisable, if there is going to bo a close association between the colleges that can ho arranged by the board, but I. irankly state that it is not advisable to have two colleges with half a staff in’each.” The Minister added that tho issue represented a distinct cleavage between the North and South Islands, and ho' would remind the House that there ha dbeeii a good deal of disturbance in educational circles over the fact tjiafc the South Island had five special schools and the North Island only two. The proposal would give the South island six special schools, though a far greater proportion of tho population was situated in the North Island. The result would be that the North Island would make demands not only for agricultural colleges, but other things, and the whole position would got out of hand. “This driving of Lincoln College to the last length is not a fair tiling,” protested the Minister. “Members should consider this carefully, because I am sure if it were made the college to-morrow wo could not hold tho position.” PREMIER SUGGESTS DELAY, “May I suggest that wo report progress on this Bill,” interposed Air Coates. “There is a very good reason why, and we could come to a perfectly amicable understanding which will suit all parties.” Mr Lysnar: Stick to your Bill, and go on with it. You are doing no good with them. (Loud laughter.) Air Coates laughingly replied that it was quite possible to go ahead, but that was not the point. He wanted a delay to consult certain members, and he thought this would facilitate business. Progress was accordingly reported, ant about an hour later the Prime Minister made the following statement regarding the Bill:—"Parliament is now asked to pass the Bill, the Government undertaking that tho council created by the Bill will bo instructed in the meanwhile to proceed only with such arrangements as arc necessary for teaching and research in connection with the dairy industry, and matter? hearing direct iy upon it, including a Pasteur establishment and maintenance, and animal husbandry as affecting dairy cattle. The Government will fulfill its commitments, and purchase the land already selected at Palmerston Norl'i, and will provide grants of money sufficient to enable the council to proceed along the lines mentioned. During tho recess tho full nature of the offer of Dio Lincoln College_ Board will be investigated in its relationship to tho complete dominion scheme, and amending legislation will bo brought be f orc Parliament early next session in order that the House may bo afforded the opportunity of reviewing the whole question.”

THE ARRANGEMENT APPROVED. “ I think this is the best arrangement 1 hat could he made under existing circumstances,” was the opinion of'Mr Holland, the Opposition leader, who pointed out that it would go into Parliament's ollieial record lie suggested that, during the recess the Prime Minister should consult (lie different elements in the House, regardless of party, who had made the representations about Lincoln College, and_ ho would also strongly urge that legislation in accordance with his promise would be introduced early next session. He realised that the arrangement was a. compromise by both sides, and lie strongly recommended them to accept it. A FAIR ARRANGEMENT, Mr Sullivan (Avon) thought the arrangement was fairly made. However, if the arrangement was accepted the Government was in the position of having got its Bill through, and, whatever the result of its inquiry, and despite any representations that might he made, the Government could retort to any protest; “ AVc have the legislation on theStatnlc Book, and that is the end of it.’’ Mr Coates: The Bill is.passed subject only to the statement surely? Mr Sullivan said, under those circumstances, lie would be glad to withdraw his amendment,.. Ho hoped the arrangement would bo to the satisfaction of the other Canterbury- members. Mr Howard said the scheme brought down by the Prime Minister was the alternative scheme previously proposed. It was the right scheme in view of the commitments which had been made. It would he a great, pity to lose the offer of Lincoln College, and Mr Howard thoroughly approved the Prime Minister’s- arrangement. The Bill then had a quick despatch through committee, an amendment being made in accordance with the arrangement, deleting the phrase in Hie first clause, “ This Bill shall come into ©poratiou on January 1, 1927.”-