NEW EDUCATION BILL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13748, 10 September 1908, Page 7

NEW EDUCATION BILL.

DISCUSSION OF DETAILS.

COMMITTEES TO SELECT

TEACHERS.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 9. Consideration of the Education Amendment Bill was resumed in committee of the House to-night. TRAINING PROBATIONERS. Clause 6 (appointment of probationers) — Mr Fowlds, in reply to questions, said head teachers must to some extent be responsible for the training of probationers, who would never be in sole charge of a class, though they might give lessons to a class. Tho term of probation was limited to two years, after which the probationer would go to a training college. — The clause passed. ATTENDANCE AND SALARIES. Clause 7 of teachers in public schools). — Mr James Allen moved to omit the words in* sub-section 2: "So long as he remains in the same position." This would preclude the possibility of a teacher suffering sL reduction in salary, except for inefficiency. Mr Malcolm wished to strike* out the words at the end of the sub-section: "To whicH he would have been entitled," in order to insert the words: "Which he is receiving at present." Mr Malcolm's amendment was negatived by 41 votes to 15. SELECTION OF TEACHERS. Clause 12 (Selection of teachers) — Mr Fowlds moved certain amendments enabling- school committees to select a teacher from four names submitted by the Board. Mr Malcolm moved an amendment in the direction of giving Boards pbwer to make transfers without consulting school committees. A general discussion on the lines of the second reading debate took place on the value of the functions of school committees.

AN INTERLUDE. At this stage the Premier drew attention to the fact that no Hansard reporters were present, and asked on whose authority the new departure Mas made. t The Chairman of Committees stated that the Chief of Hansard had informed him it was on the instruction of the Speaker. v , 3 Progress was reported in order that the Speaker's explanation might be received. V The Speaker, on taking the chair, said that formerly Hansard was not required to report 'debates in committee, except in., comibfttee of supply. ( The pnry report they took was the same f as that taken by the Clerk of the House. The only true ofiicial record of the proceedings was that contained in -the Journals of the House. He did not see the necessity for duplicating reports, and had therefore informed the Chief of Hansard that his reporters need noc be coming in and out of the House ©very few«mimtte« to tie* "noijningt* * .with the decision of the Speaker, while admitting that he had acted for the best, as he considered it. Ultimately the Speaker agreed to the Hansard reporters being present. Mr Malcolm's amendment was defeated by 50 votes to 2. TRANSFERS OF TEACHERS. Mr T. MacKenzie moved an amendment to ensure >% better .system- of transfers between > city and * country schools. The amendment was lost by 41 votes to 16.

OTHER AMENDMENTS.

On the motion of Mr Fowlds a provision was inserted to the effect that no first assistants should be promoted to the headmasterships in same school. The Minister's amendments were agreed to and Clause 12 was passed. Some minor" amendments- were made, and a new clause was added providing for holding elections in accordance with regulations which will obviate the signing of ballot papersMr Wilford moved a new clause in favour of uniform school books. Mr Fowlds refused . to accept the clause. Progress was reported.