House of Representatives.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11976, 20 September 1906, Page 7

House of Representatives.

The House met at 2.30. FIRST READINGS.

Chrifitchurch Tramway District Bill, City of Christchurch Municipal Offices Bill, Borough of Port Chalmers, and Otago Dock Trust Exchange of Land Bill, Workers Dwellings Act Amendment Bill, Offensive Publications Bill.

RECIPROCITY TREATY

Mr Hanan moved for a week's extension to the Industries and Commerce Committee for its report on the treaty. Mr Massey objected, intimating that he though two minutes quite enough to deal with the treaty, according to its deeerte. The Premier pointed out that some fresh evidence had come in late aa to the effect of the treaty on fruits. - I'lie extension was granted. QUESTIONS.

The cliief answers to questions in matters of general interest are: — In In re Colonel Loveday's circulars — that the purpose of the circulars was to ascertain for the information of the Government how far the proposal would meet with acceptance. It has not received unanimous approval. There have been requests for a reduction of the cadets' contribution, and one influential School Committees Association has expressed disapproval of the scheme. The deposit of contributions will all be returned.

In re a close season — that it ie not proposed to gazette a general close season, for native or imported game next year (1907), but shooting will be prohibited in certain specified areas, and there will be a close Bea.Bon throughout the colony for native pigeon, pukeho, and kaka, as provided by section 4 of the Animals Protection Act, 1900.

In re the Exhibition— that the Union Company and the Huddart Parker Company have already intimated to the Government that they will undertake to have sufficient steamer accommodation provided during the period referred to, but the Government is not satisfied with the proposed fares, and hope to effect a further reduction.

Itt re school books, etc. — that changes in school books are necessary to keep pace with modern developments, and they are fairly considered by the Education Boards. Uniformity is as much out of the question as it was a year ago. That the antiquated system of pass examination as a means of testing progress will no| be reverted to. Progress examinations b/'the teacher are, however, necessary ac commonplace matfcere of school routine in regular recurrence. Such progress examinations, on the results of which in due course the promo, tion of the individual pupil is based, take place at various times throughout the year, and there seems no dominating reason why, if found expedient, it should not bo arranged that the annual series of auch examinations should not be completed, and the chief body of promotions mad© at the close of the calendar year. An obvious practical difficulty at present suggests itself in the requirements of certificates of competency and of proficiency in which are required the decision and pereonal judgment of the inspector. A married woman's property measure giving the wife a half share in the homestead site, is under consideration of the Cabinet.

The potato duty will cc considered when the whole tariff is reviewed. Regulations are being drawn up with a shorter quarantine for imported dogs. The new Education syllabus is not at all exacting, but some practices in same of th« schools (examinations, etc.) often are v^ry much so. ADJOURNMENT ON QUESTION DAY The Standin? Order was, after discussion, altered bo as to make five minute* the limit of time for all speeches during the discussion on the adjournment with ten minutes for Ministers NOTICES OF MOTION. Several motions were agreed to. The House adjourned at 5.30 for dinner. The House resumed at 7.30. The Juvenile Offenders Bill (Mr Baume) was discharged from the order paper. LAW PRACTITIONPiES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Mr Laurenson moved the second reading. Mr Bollard opposed. The Bill was read a second time by 32 to 20. J ELECTIVE EXECUTIVE. Sir W. Steward moved the second reading of this Bill. After a long discussion the Bill was lost by 32 to 22. The House granted the Industries and Commerce Committee a week's extension of time to bring down its report on the Reciprocal Treaty.