BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS BILL.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20280, 4 July 1931, Page 16

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS BILL.

- HINT OP OPPOSITION. [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.} WELLINGTON, July 3 An indication that if the Bible-in-Schools Enabling Bill readied the Upper House, he would oppose the measure on the ground that if" the | legislation was wanted by the people j it should have been introduced by the Government, was given by the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre in the .Legislative Council to-day, when speaking on the Address-in-Reply debate. ' Mr Mclntyre said he 'Was sorry the Bill had been introduced in the House. New Zealand was a sick country and ' this was 110 time to introduce such ;> subject into the politicla arena. They were going to alter the system that had been in .operation for fifty years, thait of i'reo, compulsory, and secular education. When people wished it, a Bill could be introduced because 110 Government could afford to disregard the wish of the people. "We hear that the churches have come to-an understanding," said Mr Mclntyre, "and that the Roman Catholic Churcll has remoVed its objections. But we want to know what that understanding is. There are other arrangements .that may be made." The Hon. L. M. Tsifct: No, there are no other arrangements.. Mr Mclntyre: We want to be satisbed that there' is 110 understanding that if this Bill is placed on the Statute Boob, the other churches will not oppose subsidies! to private schools. Tins / country will have to ,deal with that matter ...sooner or Inter, and we should decide once and for "all whether on principle we should subsidise denominational schools. I hope the Bill will never reach the Upper House. I