LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 849, 8 June 1888, Page 23

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6. The Council met at 2.30. Mr Dignan presented a petition against the passing of the Codlia Moth Bill, from iruit-growers near Auckland. JSTEW BILL. The Christchurch Rifle Range Bill was read a first time, and the Bill was reffcrred to the Local Bills Committee. Mr Waterhouse moved, That, in the abseuce of positive information upon the subject, this Council is not prepared to sanction the proposed deviation in the South Island Midland Railway contract. He objected to the Alternative line as the grades would be very steep, aud tho work of locomotive power would be too expensive. The Attorney-General remarked that the deviation had been agreed to by the Government as the best way out of a difficulty which had arisen through an oversight in the Bill framed previously. It would be almost disastrous to the Colony if .word was sent Home that the Legislature to give consent to the construction of tho alternative line. Mr McLean, who moved the adjournment of the debate, subsequently withdrew his amendment at the instance of Sir G. Whitmore, who moved, as an amendment, that the matter be referred to a select committee, to report within ten days. Mr Watkkhouse withdrew his motion in favor of Sir G. Whitmore’s amendment, which was carried on a divisiou. Ayes, 19 ; noes, 4. Oh the motion of Mr Peter the names of tho Committee were selected by ballot, consisting of Messrs Waterhouse, Richmond, Pollen, McLean, Stevens, Miller, and the mover. THE EDUCATION QUESTION. Mr Baknicoat resumed the adjourned debate on Mr Oliver’3 motion to raise the school age to six years, and to abolish the boards. The hon gentleman spoke strongly against the latter part of the motion, and gave it as his opinion that no economy would be effected by raising the sohool age. Mr Swanson opposed the motion.

Mr Wilson moved as an amendment, that all the words in the motion after “ school age” be struck out, which meant the retention"of the Education Boards. The Council divided on the first part of the motion, to the effect that the school ago be raised to six years : —Ayes, 13 ; noeß, 7. The following is the division list : Aves, 13. —Colonel Brett, Messrs Dignan, Hart, Holmes, McLean, Miller, Peter, Pharazyn, Pollen, Stevens, Waterhouse, Sir F. Whitaker, Wilsou. Noes, 7.—Messrs Baillie, Johnson, Kenny, Richmond, Shepherd, Shrimski, Swanson.

A division was taken as to whether the Boards should be abolished. Ayes, 9 ; noes, H. Ayes, 9. Messrs Dignan, Hirt, Holmes, McLean, Miller, Pharazyn, Stevens, Waterhouse, Sir F. Whitaker. Noes, 11. Messrs Baillie, Brett, Johnson, Kenny, Peter, Pollen, Richmond, Shepherd, Shrimski, Swanson, Wilsou. Mr Wilson’s motion was thus carried. The Council adjourned at 5 o’clock to the next day.