EDUCATION BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 October 1936, Page 5

EDUCATION BILL

CHIEF FEATURES. COMPENSATION FOR WORKERS. .. h ' (Per Press Association.—Copyright).; WELLINGTON, October 22. The Education Amendment Bill was introduced in the House yesterday. It was read the second time, pro forma, and referred to Education Committee.

The Minister, the Hon P. Fraser, explained the principal provisions. wepe redefining the school age to five years, and the abolition of the proficiency examination atfer September 30 next. As from February 1, 1938, the standard of qualification will be laid down by regulation, Children who have ataiued tKe age of thirteen and have completed their work in accordance with this standard may then leave the primary school, and the use of the proficiency certificate for s *! entry to a secondary school will be replaced by a a provision that the child must be qualified in..accordance with regulations. ,

W effect .the .bill : provides for ' a straight out granting of free places for secondary and technical education, find-there ;is. also artfingement by which children who have" not qualified for admission to secondary., school can be .Admitted to-Mie lower- -department. JEsrqyl£isn';!s "alsolhfpde for special clasbte 'Vor infirm children in their own homes.- , - - .

The second 'reading if of the Geneva Convention Bill, which prevented the general use of the red cross emblem, was moved by the''Hon 'F."Jones, and supported by several speakers. The second reading was carried. The Hon H. T. Armstrong moved the second reading -of the Workers’ Compensation Amendment Bill. He said the measure was not as far reaching as he wished it to ..he, but it was not thought advisable to proceed with a more comprehensive, measure at thq present stage. ; He believed a' was made in the* part in 'allowing 'pH-*’ vate. insurance companies-rtq; ■;> pome into the case. .He thought it should have been state monopoly. !’

The Hon A. Hamilton said the Minister had not to]d the House-what increase would have to be made in the premiums. He predicted the increase would he about ten per cent extra: The cost of benefits. under ' the bill would be some £40,009. which industry would have to carry/- He argued that compensation should be based on the worter’s earnings, not on hi s needs. Mr F. f W. Schramm. said the aim should be to cover everybody who was injured, or who contracted disease at his work.

Mr C. A. Wilkinson thought provision should be made that a farmer * should insure not only the share-milk-. er but share-milker workers. He thought the Minister should tell the House exactly what thq increased premium would he. The debate was adjourned.