LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1499, 7 August 1880, Page 12

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thursday, 29th July, cost of education, The debate on cost of education was resumed by The Hon. Capt. FRASER, who said the expense to the Slate might be lessened a third if children were kept away from school until their seventh or eighth year, as was advocated by medical men and leading writers on education. Fees should also be imposed. The debate was adjourned.

Friday, 30th July, cost op education. The debate on the cost of education was continued. The Hon. Mr CHAMBERLAIN eaid the education burden was out of all proportion to the strength of the country, and thought we were getting a huge army of teachers who would, in conjunction with the army of the Civil Service, be ultimately stronger than their masters. He advocated the reimpoßition of fees, and the keeping of children away from school until seven years old. The Hon. Mr L AHMANN thought the educational expense most extravagant, though he did not wiih the system to be impaired. . He saw no necessity for the Central Board, The Hon. Dr MENZIES also supported the reimpoßition of fees. The Hon. Mr WILLIAMSON said it waa high time we out our coat according to our cloth, and began an economy and reform that had long been wanted. The Hon. Mr WATERHOUSE said we spent 25 per cent, of our revenue on education, while in England it was not 4 per cent. He hoped the long discussion which his motion had evoked would cause the Government to consider the question with a view to economy and reform during the recess, as next session a Parliamentary inquiry into the subject would be imperative. This ended the discussion, and the Council rose at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, 3hd August. oama.bu habboub bill. An adverse Committee report was brought up on the Oamaru Harbour Bill. POET MOLYNEDX BE9ERVES. The Port Molyneux Reservesj Leasing Act was read a second time.