BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 29, 3 August 1927, Page 11

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

REFORM PARTY'S ATTITUDE

Exactly what what will bo the fate of the Beligious .Exercises in Schools Bill in the House of Bepresentatives is still a matter of some speculation. Although facilities for the discus,sion of private members' Bills will expile soon, it seems likely that a day will be set apart for consideration of the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill unless opponents of the measure can contrive by "stonewalling" methods and close and detailed examination of other Bills to delay its appearance in the hope that pressure of other business will militate against its being gone on with this year. Despite the fact that the platform of the Beforni Party stands for the maintenance of the system of free, secular, and compulsory education, it is stated that a majority of members of the party are in favour of the Bill, having given pledges to support it. This has given rise to the question as to whether or not the Reform Party should meet in caucus to decide what attitude is to be taken to the Bill.

From inquiries which have been made it would appear that the holding of a caucus on the Bill is unlikely, for although the Party stands for the maintenance of the present system of secular education, the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill comes within the category of non-party measures, and is thus open to the free vote of members.