RELIGION IN SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 174, 25 July 1928, Page 8

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS.

PROSPECTS IW PARLIAMENT. VOTING WILL BE CLOSE. (By Telegraph—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The member for Christchurch North (Mr. H. Holland), who will move the second reading of the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill a week from to-day, is rather hopeful of its prospects, though it has not been possible to accurately take count of members in view of crosscurrents of amendments. He informed your correspondent that he is satisfied the bill on this occasion will be debated on its merits, which was not the case last session. "I think voting will be close, and it is impossible to say to-day whether we are in a majority or a minority. It is pleasing to me that last session eight Ministers of the Crown voted for the second reading, and when this question was put as a substantative motion seven Ministers supported it. Two were against. As all those who supported the Nelson system amendment are in favour of some religious teaching in schools, and supporters of my bill are also in the same category, it is fair to assume that a majority of the House wishes to see religious instruction of some kind." Of the Parliamentary delegation visiting Canada, Mr. Jordan is against the bill, and Messrs. Nosworthy and Rhodes in its favour. A small committee is being formed to organise matters in the House, and it is possible that pairs may be arranged.