A public dinner was given last night to Mr A. J. Burns, promoter of the Mosgiel Woollen Factory, who is going homey owing to ill health. The Superintendent was in the chair, and a large number of leading citizens were present.
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.
Saxttbday, 16th Mat. The Bpeakee took the chair at two o'clock

EDUCATION AOT AMENDMENT BIED.
Mr 0. PHARAZYN moved, That this Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole Council presently.
Mr BUNNY said the Government would not oppose the motion, provided that discus*; sion on the Sill was to be confined to the question of school fees. The whole subjoot, however, should be reconsidered by the Qio vernment, and a new Bill would be intro duced next sossion.
After some discussion the motion was agreed to, and the House went into Com* mittee.
Clauses 6 and 7 were struck out. On clause 8, " capitation fees abolished/ being proposed,

Mr HUTCHISON moved that it be omitted. He thought it was absurd to col lect a school rate, and at the same time charge school fees. While the rate was oollectedj education ought to be free.
The clause was agreed to.
Clauses 9 and 10 wire agreed to with verbal amendments. ,-;*._ The remaining clauses were omitted without discussion, and the Chairman reported pro gress and obtained leave to sit again.
On his resuming the chair, clauses 1 to 6 were adopted without debate.
Mr HUTCHISON moved the addition of certain words to clause 7, which was agreed, to.
The Chairman left the chair, and reported the Bijl with amendments.
THOENDOy BATHS BILL.
Mr BRANDON moved the second read ing of this Bill. Mr BUNNY said th& Government had no objection to the Bill.
