BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 102, 30 April 1903, Page 3

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

REFERENDUM BILL PROMISED.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.

WELLI-nGTOX, Wednesday,

A deputation from the Bible-in-Schools Conference waited on the Premier to-night, to ask that after they had succeeded in drafting a scheme the Government should submit it to the electors of the colony, so that they 1 might have an opportunity of expressing their mind on the whole situation. The Bishop of Waiapu, on behalf of the majority of the Anglican communion, expressed hearty concurrence with the results of the conference. The Premier, in reply, said it must be 1 distinctly understood that .he was opposed to denominationalism. He would be very sorry to see the colony go back to the condition it was in prior to the national system of education coming into force. The question of Biblical instruction was, however, one of great importance. He had been watching the movement very carefully, and was surprised at the large majority the recent plebiscite showed. He noticed that there seemed to be no hesitation on the part of candidates for Parliament giving an affirmitive answer to the suggestion that the voice of the people should be taken. Therefore, to request him to give the people that opportunity was to ask him to do his bounden duty, but the legal machinery did not exist. It would be much better if some method were provided, and Parliament took the responsibility of arranging under what conditions public opinion could be taken on large questions as they arose. As far as the Government was concerned a Referendum Bill would be introduced next session of Parliament.