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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 61, 1 November 1887, Page 3

A Wellington telegram states that just before the House rose on Friday night Sir Julius Vogel referred to a cablegram published during the last two or three days to the effect that the English Government had agreed to cede to France the islaud of Raifl* tea, and said that as he was under the impression that an agreement was made some time ago for the cession of Raiatea, he was apprehensive that Raratonga was meant. If that were the case, it would be a misfortune for New Zealand,- and if the Government had no information on the subject, they might deem it of sufficient importance to make enquiries concerning it. The Premier replied that he had no information on the subject, and seeing the cost of a telegram he did not think it worth while telegraphing, as the cost would be considerable, and if England had made any agreement with France a protest from this colony would be quite useless. He agreed that it would be a matter for regret if either of the islands named had been given to France. Sir Julius Vogel suggested that the Victorian Government might be communicated with, and Major Atkinson promised to favorably consider the suggestion. There is a good deal of speculation respecting probable retrenchment in the Education Department, and there is reason to believe that a good deal of saving will be made. The Government have been urged to raise the minimum school age to seven years, and as there are 21,024 children at school under that age a saving of £85,000 would be mace in capitation, t is believed, however, that the minimum will be made six years, as a compromise. There are 2100 children over school age attending the schools, and it is improbable that these will be allowed to attend longer. It is an interesting fact that the average age of the First Standard is nine years, and that after this age one Standard is passed each year. It is expected that the capitatien will be reduced by 4s per head to £3 15s.—Exchange.