Mr W. Hutchinson's "Eight Hours' Bill " is to be allowed to proceed, but is shorn of many of its ridiculous clauses. Amongst the excisions is the provision that youths under 16 be allowed to work only five hours a day. In the debate on the Land Bill last week the Opposition's amendment to retain freehold tenure was lost by 39 to 21. All the other members, with the exception of Sir O. Grey, who did uot vote, paired.
Replying to a deputation in Welling ton recently, the Hon. Mr Seidon stated that in preparing the Public Works State ment he would endeavor to do justice to every part of the Colony.
It is contended by Mr Fisher that to coutinue the education of children who have passed Standard VI is a violation of the spirit of the Educition Act. He says it is for the benefit of the wealthy classes, and costs £IO,OOO a year. Carswell's store at Arrowtown was destroyed by fire last week. About £2O worth of the stock was saved. The building was insured for £2OO and the stock for £I,OOO in the Standard Office. The loss is estimated at £450 over the amount of the insurance.
