Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/293

 Hon. Sir J, p. Boucaut ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 267 the majority of the community." It substituted for a Central Board of Education, a Council, jirovided for a responsible Minister, demanded that education should be compulsory in districts proclaimed by the Governor, and made education free to all unable to pay fees. This measure, when finally adopted by Parliament, ushered in the excellfMit and advanced educational system which at present obtains in South Australia. The part of the Premier's policy which attracted the most attention in this and the other colonies was expounded on September 28, 1875. To the astonishment of the people. Sir James proposed to borrow ;/;"3, 000,000 sterling for public works construction, accompanied by direct taxation to meet the resultant expenditure. Of this immense aniount the sum of ^2,290,000 was to be "appropriated to the construction of 550 miles of railway, intended to open up the F"ar North, tap the Murray River at the North-West Bend ; form the first section in a line connecting Adelaide and Sydney by way of the mineral country beyond the Burra and the pastoral land of the Barrier Ranges ; complete the means of communication with the seaboard required by residents in the rich agricultural areas under cultivation in the North ; and furnish the people of Mount Gambler, in the South-Eastern district, with proper facilities for reaching a port available in all weathers "—(Hodder). The remainder of the loan was for harbors, jetties, school-houses, and other necessary works. Probably never in the history of Australia u|) to this time had such a daringly progressive policy been proposed by any Government. Sir James knew that all these suggested railway lines were required, and would greatly tend to the general prosperity ; but he was not foolish enough to saddle the Province with so heavy a debt without seeking to provide for the payment of interest by directly calling for the help of the community. A Stamp Duties Bill had previously passed the Assembly to secure the means to pay the interest on the proposed loan, and to meet an expected deficiency in the finances ; but, on the very same day that this great public works scheme was announced, the Legislative Council threw out the measure. Parliament was prorogued, and during a short recess the people indicated by resolutions and memorials that they approved of Sir James' programme. Parliament re-assembled on November 10, and two days later the Government again introduced into the Assembly the Stamp Duties Bill, as well as three measures referring to railways and other public works. The Taxation Bill passed the Lower House almost without a division, but was again defeated in the Council, on this occasion by a majority of only one vote. Public indignation against that Chamber was aroused, and suggestions for its amendment were made. But it was already so late in the year that the Government abandoned its Railways and Public Works Bills, and Parliament was prorogued after such measures as an Intercolonial Free Trade Bill, a Forests Bill, and a Rabbit Bill had been carried. In the 1876 session the Government introduced a new Public Works Bill, but as the Cabinet had been weakened by the elevation of the Attorney-General, Mr. S. J. Way, to the office of Chief Justice, and by the retirement of other members, a vote of no confidence was carried by Sir John Colton on June i. This defeat was said to be caused by political log-rolling, and by the Premier's refusal to borrow money without making provision to i)ay the interest. Had Sir James been permitted to have his way the progress of South Australia would have been greatly facilitated. The country proposed to be traversed by his lines now has railway connection S2