DEBATE IN UPPER HOUSE

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1929, Page 14

DEBATE IN UPPER HOUSE

DOMINION “EDUCATION MAD"

CRITICISM OF EXPENDITURE.

STUDY OF EARTHQUAKES URGED.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Associate' 1 Churches of Christchurch Property Bill was introduced and read a first time in the Legislative Council to-day. The Hon. C. J. Carrington was granted four days’ leave of absence on account of illness. Continuing the Address-in-Reply debate, the Hon. G. M. Thomson referred to the manner in which the Royal Family had entrenched itself in the affections of the people of the Empire as more remarkable in view of the changes in the system which were taking plac® in other countries. Dealing with the earthquake, Mr. Thomson advocated the establishment of a yolcanological observatory in New Zealand and the continuance of geological survey work to enable future shakes to be predicted and human lives thus saved. He went on to stress the. value of powdered coal as an alternative to oil fuel, and showed that by this means the enormous annual oil bill could be largely reduced. Carbonisation of coal at °low temperatures had further big possibilities. While agreeing with the value of hydro-electric schemes, he expressed the view that expenditure on the stations had been so large that the power charges must remain high foe many years. Mr. Thomson thought there should, bs a clear line of definition between high schools and trade schools, and. that thia was a consideration more important than junior high, schools. Sir Thomas Mackenzie said New Zealand had run “education mad,” and ha deprecated attempts to deprive education boards of their powers. He regarded the attitude of Labour at Home towards safeguarding as most serious, for so much had already been done by that principle to successfully counter the big industries in other countries; notably the motor industry. If New Zealand could increase its exports of raw materials and foodstuffs to England to tha exclusion of the introduction of those products from other countries it would be sound policy. He attributed unemployment to the excessive expenditure of the'people’s earnings and the education system which caused a drift to tha towns.

With the country’s finances in ao serious a position, Sir Thomas regretted that the Reform and United 'parties in the House of Representatives were not disposed to come together so as to form a strong governing body. The Hon. L. M. Isitt made a plea for a fairer deal for the working man in respect to the premiums charged for'accident insurance. He suggested the Government should establish a reform in this connection. He challenged Mr. McIntyre’s arguments in regard to the prohibition cause and denied that the prohibition party was not anxious to see reforms effected. They would support' any reasonable reform measures. He regretted Mr. Mclntyre’s remarks in respect to the Samoan administration and suggested they would be seized upon by the Mau for their own purposes. The Council adjourned at 4.50 until 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.