Deputations to the Premier.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5189, 20 December 1884, Page 3

Deputations to the Premier.

♦ [Per Press Association.] TECHNICAL EDUCATION. EMPLOYMENT OF CHINESE. FIRE INSUBANCE. DTHSTEDIN, Dec. 20. The Premier was fairly besieged with . deputations to-day. In reply to a Com- : mittee representing the schools, Mr Stout said he was opposed to the abolition of , cumulative voting, and would do his i utmost to oppose the idea, unless a sub- j atantial modification was made by which j the rights of minorities would be repre- | sented. He also opposed the proposal to bring Inspectors under an Inspector. He thoroughly agreed as to the urgent necessity of reducing the syllabus, and stated that he had given the department instructions in that respect. 11 c also approved of the proposal to amend the compulsory clause, and highly approved of the idea of giving technical instruction; but he feared the Legislature would not . stand an increase in the Education vote, even for that purpose. He hoped means would be available from the secondary endowments to give some technical education, the importance of which could not be over estimated. The Manufacturers' Association brought under Mr Stout's notice the unworkable nature of the tariff, and the desirability of Mr Federli's lectnring on fruit-growing in this district. They desired more'information re the Colonial Exhibition, and the ■ intention of the Government with regard to railway rolling stock tenders. Mr Stout, in reply, expressed the hope that when the ; tariff was being considered by the Government all suggested improvements would be forwarded to the Cabinet, wh*b would duly consider them. Specifications for locomotives, and other rolling stock, were being prepared. He pointed out with regard to the Exhibition, that it was necessary to -make some charge for space, otherwise manufacturers could not be suited. Goods would be carried freight free. The Trades and Labour Council brought under the Premier's notice the danger of Chinese being employed on coasting vessels . and -rna.il steamers. Mr Stout replied that foreign vessels could not be controlled in this matter, and that there was not the slightest probability of Chinese labour being employed on the mail steamers. The Caversham Borough Council urged that they should be allowed to carry on a fire insurance business within the limits of the Borough, as the fire Companies refused to contribute towards the support of the Brigade. Mr Stout replied that he did not like to pledge himself to any such proposal, for he saw great dangers in the way, even •, to the existence of the Municipality.