MR. ATKINSON (for Mr. GERALD BALFOUR): I have been informed that some negotiations have taken place with a view to the reinstatement of Mrs. O'Sullivan in the position she hitherto occupied, and I would ask the honourable

performing the stipulated service once | Education in Ireland, managers have in four weeks in winter, have been in the this power of dismissing teachers without habit of affording a service once in three any right of appeal; if so, whether he weeks in summer. The expense involved proposes to make any change in the is very large as compared with the system for the protection of teachers amount of correspondence conveyed, and against the exercise of that power? further heavy expenditure has been authorised with the view of improving the communication between this country and Canada; but even when such improvement may be effected the western route could only be advantageous to the northern parts of China, while to Hongkong the time occupied in transit through Canada would actually be longer than that taken by the Suez Canal route. As an alternative route, that through Canada is of course very valuable; but the Postmaster General does not think that the large additional outlay which would undoubtedly attend the institution of a weekly service by that route would be warranted.

THE LEISLIP SCHOOLMISTRESS.

Member to repeat his Question on Thur day, when the Chief Secretary will probably be in a position to give a fuller reply.

ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS AT BRIGHTON.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis): I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the electric tramway from the Aquarium to Preston Place Groyne, Brighton, was constructed without an Act of Parliament or sanction of the Board of Trade along the frontage to the seashore; by whose authority the Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Elec tric Company have, in contravention of their Act of Parliament (56 and 57 Vic.. cap. 158, called the Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric Tramroad Act, 1893), erected works more than four inches above the surface, prohibited by section 32, sub-section (6), of that Act, and have constructed overhead wires prohibited by the same section 32, sub-section (6); and whether the Board of Trade will take steps to protect the public and boatmen of Brighton from accidents in the enjoyment of their right to the use of the seashore?

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN: I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the suit of O'Sullivan v. Hunt, tried before the Lord Chief Baron and a special jury at Dublin on the 20th instant, in which the plaintiff, who was head mistress of the Leislip National School for 28 years, got a verdict of £221 10s. for wrongful dismissal and slander against the Very Reverend Canon Hunt, P.P., manager of the said school; is he aware that Mrs. O'Sullivan was dismissed at a moment's notice without any justifiable complaint against her as a teacher, and thus deprived of her means of living and the opportunity of completing the three years' time qualifica- TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE, Croydon): tion to entitle her to the maximum Tho electrio railway from the Aquarium retiring pension; whether, in view of the to Preston Place Groyne at Brighton was, very high certificates as a teacher which I understand, constructed on land be Mrs. O'Sullivan holds, and all the circum-longing to the Corporation of Brighton stances of the case, he will see that the Board of National Education will allow her the full pension to which, but for this illegal dismissal, she would have become entitled in a few years; whether, under the rules of the Board of National Mr. Hanbury.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD 07

without any Act of Parliament. As the railway was above high water mark, the sanction of the Board of Trade was not necessary, and the Board have no juris diction over the railway. As regards the Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Elec

CANDIA.

MR. BRYNMOR JONES: I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, about the 12th May, the Turkish commander at Candia occupied three positions in advance of those previously held by the Turks on the Christian border; whether one of these positions directly menaces the village of Kani Kasteli, the defence of which has been one of the principal objects of the Cretan insurgents; and whether Sir H. Chermside knew of and acquiesced in these movements of Turkish troops?

tric Tramroad, the provisions of the Act referred to by the honourable Member are made binding on the tramroad company, unless otherwise agreed between the company and the corporation of Brighton, who are the owners of the foreshore on which the tramroad is constructed; the consent of the Board of Trade was given to the construction of the works below high water mark, including the poles for the overhead wires, plans of which had been agreed upon between the company and the corporation. I am not aware that the public and boatmen are exposed to any danger. If my honourable Friend will specify more particularly to what he alludes, I will inquire into the matter, but I do not think the Board of Trade have any power in connection with it.

MR. CURZON: An extension of the cordon outside Candia has recently taken place by common agreement between Sir Herbert Chermside, the Turkish authorities, and the Christian leaders, with the sanction of the admirals. Under this agreement the whole of the Turkish irregulara who had been the cause of the

ARREST AT CANDIA OF SERVANT OF friction on the cordon were withdrawn

BRITISH SUBJECT.

MR. BRYNMOR JONES (Swansea Dis trict): I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether onc Herakles, the servant and muleteer of a British subject, was, on or about the 10th May, arrested by the Turkish authorities at Candia on the ground that he had no pass or permit, though Sir Herbert Chermside had permitted the Herakles to enter Candia, and told him to report himself to the police, and to say that he (Sir Herbert Chermside) had

said

within the town, and five new outposts were occupied, three by British and two the latter dominate the village of Kani by Turkish regular troops. Neither of Kasteli. Indeed, there is a distance of nearly two miles between the extreme Turkish position and the nearest Christian village. Not only did Sir Herbert Chermside know of and acquiesce in these movements, but they originated with him, and he further explained them in the presence of Her Majesty's Consul and the British naval commander to the Chrissent him; whether the said Herakles tian chiefs at Archanes, by whom they was kept in a noisome den foul from were accepted. There was subsequently ordure for some 36 hours; whether a some misrepresentation of what had oc telegram addressed to the British sub curred, but according to the latest report, ject in question, on behalf of his servant, and the Christians round Candia are perdated May 27th, this has been removed, to the French commandant at Sitia, was suppressed; and, if so, by whom, and fectly satisfied with the new arrangeunder what authority; what is Sir Herment and do not wish it altered. bert Chermside's position in regard to MR. BRYNMOR JONES: Can the the Turkish authorities at Candia; and right honourable Gentleman inform the whether he will state the terms of the House what instructions were given to instructions given to that officer? Sir Herbert Chermside?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. CURZON, Lancashire, Southport): Her Majesty's Consul in Crete telegraphed on the 27th ultimo that he was forwarding by post a Report containing satisfactory explanations on the incident referred to in this question, but the dispatch has not yet arrived.

MR. CURZON: With reference to what, Sir?

MR. BRYNMOR JONES: With reference to both topics suggested by the Question

MR. CURZON: I am not aware that, any particular instructions were given with regard to either.

MR. BRYNMOR JONES: What is the disallow it. The syndicate have agreed position of Sir Herbert Chermside?

MR. SPEAKER: Order, order!

to my conditions, and if and when I receive the amended Ordinance it will be my duty to submit it for Her Majesty's pleasure as promised. It is for the Government of Queensland, not for me, to consult the Governments of the other contributing Colonies on matters affect ing the administration of British New Guinea.

MR. TOMLINSON (Preston): I should like to ask whether this reply will be reported in full in the newspapers, because we have not heard a word?

BRITISH ENTERPRISE IN NEW GUINEA MR. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid.): I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received an application from a British syndicate for the concession of a large tract of terriTHE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE tory in New Guinea; whether he can state COLONIES: Yes, Sir. But it is a very the actual area applied for and the pur-long one. poses for which it is sought; and whether he has arrived at a final decision in the matter; and, if not, whether he will consult the Australian Governments that provide the funds for the administration of British New Guinea, and ascertain their views on the proposal?

STEAM TRAWLERS AND THE RULES
OF NAVIGATION.

MR. DOUGHTY (Great Grimsby): I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed at a conference of representatives of the sea fishing industry on the 31st March, held at Fishmongers' Hall, urging that steam fishing vessels with their gears down should not be regarded as free to act and manoeuvre in the samə manner as vessels under steam and without encumbrance; and whether, having regard to the loss of

among fishermen and others whilst conducting fishing operations in the North Sea, and elsewhere, and to the fact of the impossibility of navigating a trawler under such circumstances with the same facility as ocean-going steamers or vessels running free, he will undertake to pro vide for the exemption of such steamers from having to give way to other vessels?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN, Birmingham, W.): An application for a concession in British New Guinea was made to me last year on behalf of a British syndicate, and the promoters were re ferred by me to Sir Hugh Nelson, the Prime Minister of Queensland, who was then in this country, as the Government of that Colony is primarily responsible lives and property annually occurring for the administration of New Guinea. Two gentlemen deputed by the syndicate proceeded with him on his return to Queensland to discuss the matter with the Government of that Colony and the Lieutenant Governor of British New Guinea. An agreement giving the syndicate an option to purchase suitable lands to the extent of 250,000 acres for the purpose of cultivation of rubber and other products, or for mining, was concluded after full discussion at Brisbane, and on its being submitted to me with the draft of an Ordinance of the Legis-received lature of New Guinea to give effect to it, I intimated to the promoters and to the Government of Queensland that, subject to certain modifications required to protect the Government of British New Guinea, I should be prepared, on receiving an Ordinance passed by the local legislature, with the Amendments required, to advise Her Majesty not to

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE: Yes, Sir. The resolution to which the honourable Member refers was

and acknowledged by the Board of Trade in April last. The subject referred to has for some time been under consideration by a Committee, of which the honourable and learned Member for the Holborn Division was Chairman. This Committee has now sent in its Report, which will be presented to Parliament, and which will receive my careful consideration.

THE BEHRING SEA ARBITRATION. SIR G. BADEN-POWELL: I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information as to the Bill introduced into Congress of the United States of America for the appropriation of the moneys necessary to pay to the Canadian sealers the damages awarded by the Joint Commission appointed under

the terms of the Paris Arbitration?

MR. CURZON: We have received no further information as to the progress of the Bill now before Congress, but have no reason to suppose that there will be any unnecessary delay in the matter.

UNITED STATES WAR REVENUE BILL

SIR GEORGE BADEN-POWELL: I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information as to the abandonment of the clause in the War Revenue Bill before the Congress of the United States which imposes extra and heavy tonnage dues on vessels visiting American ports?

MR. CURZON: No further informa

tion as to the abandonment of the clause in question has been received beyond that which I communicated to the House at its last sitting. The clause has, as I then stated, been expunged in the Bill as presented by the Senate Committee.

SECONDARY EDUCATION.

LONDON WATER COMPANIES.
SIR FREDERICK DIXON-HARTLAND

(Middlesex, Uxbridge): I beg to ask the
President of the Local Government Board
whether he is aware that where the
London water companies make new reser-
voirs by the permission of this House
they claim the right to have the land
they have taken for such purpose rated
at one-fourth of the ordinary assessment,
on the ground that it is land covered
by water, and therefore the parishes in
which such reservoirs are situated are in

MR. LEWIS (Flint Boroughs): I beg reality deprived of three-quarters of their to ask the Secretary to the Treasury rates; and whether he would insist that whether he can now state whether a Billa clause should in future be inserted in for the organisation of secondary educa- any other Bill preserving the rights of tion will be introduced in the course of the local authorities? the present Session?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.): I understand that my noble Friend the Lord President of the Council will, in conformity with the words of the Queen's Speech, introduce a Bill on this subject in another place.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. CHAPLIN, Lincolnshire, Sleaford): Land covered with water is, under the Public Health Act, 1875, in the case of a general district rate in an urban district and a rate for special expenses in a rural district, only liable to be assessed in the

proportion of one-fourth of the rateablej BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE (GOVERNvalue. If a reservoir of a water company

is land covered with water within the

MENT BUSINESS).

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

in my name

-6

meaning of the Act referred to, and I (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.): understand this question is to be the I beg to move the Motion which stands subject of an appeal to the Court of Appeal, the partial exemption is not the effect of any special provision in the Acts of water companies, but of the general law. If an alteration of the law is to be made, it should, I think, be by general legislation, and I cannot undertake to interpose with regard to the Bills of the companies as suggested.

SIR F. DIXON-HARTLAND: I beg to give notice that in any future Bill the water companies introduce I shall seek to introduce a clause to ensure that there shall be no diminution of the rights of local authorities.

ORDER OF PUBLIC BUSINESS.

SIR. W. HARCOURT (Monmouth, W.): I would ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he can inform the House generally as to what the business will be this week; and especially will he fix Friday next for the Foreign Office Vote?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREA

I

That for the remainder of the Session Government business do have precedence on Tuesday and Wednesday (except on Wednesdays, the 8th and 15th of June), and that the provisions of Standing Order 56 be extended to all the days of the week."

In moving this it will be observed by the House that the Motion excludes the two following Wednesdays; that is in order that those private Members who have been successful in making progress with their own Bills shall have a chance of getting them through this House, and possibly of passing them into law. But as regards Tuesdays I think that the House will possibly feel that it is for the general convenience that Tuesdays shal be assigned for the discussion of Government Measures. I am not in a position to make, and I do not suppose I shall be expected to make, any forecast of the Government work which still has to be got through before the Session terminates; but this assurance I may give to the House: that no Bill not yet introduced which seems likely to deal with grave or serious controversial matters will be

SURY: I will answer the general ques-pressed upon it. There are Bills to he tion put by the right honourable Gentleintroduced which I hope will be passed, man as completely as I can, and as far such as the Measure which has been as I am in a position to do so. I hope debated on both sides of the House-I that we shall make some progress mean the Teachers' Superannuation Bill to-night with the Bills on the Paper, but cther Measures which we may but I do not propose to take the Benefices think it desirable to introduce, and to Bill. To-morrow will be devoted to the bring before the attention of the House Indian Loans Bill of my noble Friend in a competent shape, will not be prothe Secretary of State for India. Wednes- ceeded with if it should appear likely day, if the Motion which it will be my that they will be the cause of provoking duty to propose is carried, will be any embittered Parliamentary con reserved for Private Members' Bills. troversy. I hope that this general statecannot say for certain what the business ment will be sufficient to reassure the for Thursday will be, but I will give a Members of the House as to the length of positive As for time that they will be kept sitting. If Friday, I shall be happy to meet the we are to rise at a date not later than the wishes expressed by the right honourable date at which we rose last year I think Gentleman, and to arrange that the it will be for the general convenience and Supply taken shall be the Foreign Office advantage that Tuesdays and Wednes Vote. It will perhaps be undesirable to days should be taken for the purposes of make a forecast as to the course of business for next week, but I shall be prepared to do so either to-morrow or Thursday.

answer to-morrow.

President of Local Government Board.

Government discussion.

MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs): The right honourable Gentleman h