EDUCATION QUESTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 79, 1 April 1908, Page 5

EDUCATION QUESTION.

THE PRIVATE MEASURE. GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE. (Received 7.55 a_a.). LONDON, March 31. The Bishop of St. Asaph, in the House of Lords, moved the second reading of his Education Bill—a private measure. He argued that it was calculated to secure safety, peace, uniformity and efficiency. The Archbishop of Canterbury stated that the bill had not been officially put forward by the Church, though it went a long way towards producing agreement. He favoured any settlement not involving a sacrifice of the Church's f_o___iental principles. The Earl of Crewe (Government Leader of the House) advised a second reading, stating that he believed it was an honest attempt at a settlement, though many grave questions must be met before the requirements of the country were secured. The Government thought their bill ought to be the basis for discussion. The Marquis of Lansdowne (Leader of the Opposition) thought the bill stopped far short of the compromise which "would satisfy Unionists. It not only contained ambiguities, but serious omissions. Lord Rosefcery considered the bill an enormous step forward. The debate was adjourned. [The Bishop of St. Asaph resubmitted on March 19, the Education Bill which he introduced in 1904, accepting the principles of public control and the abolition of tests and providing for simple Christian teaching at given school hours at the cost of the local education authority. Three times a week facilities were to be given enabling children, whose parents so wished, to receive distinctive religious instruction, but not at the cost of the local education authority. The Church of England would give up the appointment oi teachers and contracting out, and transfer its school buildings for secular instruction. " The Times " hinted oa the introduction of the measure that it was receiving some Ministerial encouragement.]