MINISTERS QUESTIONED

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3974, 3 July 1913, Page 4

MINISTERS QUESTIONED

EDUCATION) AND BIBLE READIXG. \ [PSESS ASSOCIAXXOX TELEGRAM] WELLINGTON. July 2. . In reply to questions in the House to-dav Ministers stated that the Government was in favor of retaining the present national system of free secular and compulsory education. The Government did not intend to introduce any legislation this session enabling a referendum to be taken on Bible reading or Bible lessons in .State schools. THE CIVIL SERVICE. The question of amending the regulation which is intended to prevent members of the civil service from becoming members of certain local bodies must be the subject of a communication between the Ministers and the Public Service Commissioner, and the Government will confer with the Commissioner accordingly. GRADUATED LAND TAX. Owners of property affected by the—graduated land tax had no but. pay assessed tax for 1912-13 levied on their properties because such tax was payable according to ownership and value as at -31st March, 1912. After 31st- March, 1914, the first year’s effects of new scale will be ascertainable. Judging from sales made recently, however, it is apparent that the cutting up of the larger properties is being accelerated bv the increase of graduated tax of last session. i TRAMWAYS APPEAL BOARD/} The Government had not been, advised that the provisions of the Tramways Amendment Act, I $lO, relating to the Appeal Board were defective, inasmuch as no satisfactory provision is made to secure compliance with the determinations of the Board. The Government would prepare any amendments of the Act necessary to enable effect to be given to the decisions arirved .at by the Board.