RELIGION IN SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 122, 25 May 1922, Page 4

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS.

PROTEST BY HEADMASTER. TEST CASE FOR ROTORUA. / (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star. ,- ! ROTORUA, this day. This morning Archdeacon Chatturtori and the Rev. Randerson attended the Rotorua public school, where they were •met by Mr. Levvine, the headmaster, who formally presented the following protest:—"l herewith protest against the interruption of work of this school during hours set apart by the time-table for secular instruction." In the discussion that followed Mr. Lewins emphatically denied a current rumour that he had been in any way approached or influenced by the Board. He had had no communication from them on the subject, nor had he made any attempt to influence their decision. He detailed the instructions given to his teachers, which were, that, after a protest against the intrusion of any member of the committee, they should permit him to proceed with a Bible lesson. This was to enable a clear test case of tlie legality of the proceedings to be set up for decision 'by the Supreme Court. Archdeacon Oliatterton, he said, without discourtesy, was an outsider, and his position was different, he not being a member of the School Committee. The Archdeacon submitted that this was untenable, as he held a direct mandate from the committee to give Bible instruction, and it wa 3 not essential to be a member of the committee. ■ Mr. Lewins said he adhered fo the opinion that the act of the committee was illegal, but he had no desire to make any undue disturbance. Archdeacon Chatterton stated, and this statement was endorsed by Mr. Rnnderson, that they had no desire to interfere with the discipline of the school or to weaken authority, but that they held direct legal authority for their acts as well as ia mandate from the parents. The Archdeacon then consulted ivif.h his colleague, and withdrew. The Rev. Randerson entered Standard IV. room and gave religious instructions.