EDUCATION BILL

Grey River Argus, 17 October 1914, Page 7

EDUCATION BILL

PASSAGE THROUGH COMMUTE*

YESTERDAY'S SITTING. (Per United- Press* Association.) . ■ , WELLINGTON, Oct. 16. The House of Representatives went into Committee on the Education Bill. The Minister accepted an amendment from Mr. T. K. Sidey (Dunedin South) giving representation to the boards of secondary and technical schools on- the District Councils, and then the contest as to whether these councils should be set up was renewed, the Opposition dividing the House against the inclusion", jn ...the' Bill of Clause it. The Clause was retained by 29 to 28. » ■ ' On Clause 12 the Minister, in reply to Mr. G. W. Russell (Avon) stated that in future inspectors would be appointed by the Public Service Commissioners. In Clause 13, the Minister moved the amendment promised last sitting, setting up a commission to allocate no less than seven or not more than nine education districts. Sir Joseph Ward objected to the. minimum limit, and urged that the commfssion be given a free hand in that direction. The maximum number should be fixed at ten. • The Minister said that he could not accept the suggestion. Mr. D. H. Guthr ; ie (Oroua) supported the Ministers proposed members. Messrs. J. A. Hannan, J. Colvin, and H. J. N; Okey urged the Minister to let the House fix the number of districts once and for all, and' not refer that question to a commission. It would be: better to settle It nbw. Sir Joseph Ward moved that there be not less than ten education districts. ' ' The -amendment, was lost by 33 *° ; 25- ". " -.. - " The House divided on the Minister's amendment, ,w.hich was carried by 44 to 14. Mr. A. H. Hindmarsh (Wellington South) moved an amendment to .Clause 14 to elect members of education boards be by popular election. The Minister said it would cost .£IB,OOO for the rolls. alone, and he could not accept the amendment. On a division the amendment was negatived', by 31 to 27. On the motion" r 6f Mr. G. Witty (Riccarton) sub-Clause 5, of Clause 15, struck out by the Education Committee providing for the election of members of suburban school districts on. the municipal franchise, was statedThe House rose at 5.30 P-m-