THE THIN END OF THE WEDGE.

Evening Star, Issue 13091, 26 October 1908, Page 6

THE THIN END OF THE WEDGE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In at least two of the City schools on one morning of each week the scholars are compeUed to devote the first half-hour of the day in receiving what is termed “religious instruction,” and, of course, according to law this should be devoted to education, “ free, secular, and compulsory.” I have been under the impression for years that the existing Syllabus was more than sufficient to occupy the undivided attention of each scholar for not only the recognised school hours, but for a considerable portion* of each evening in the sjjape of homo lessons. Yet these committees allow a whole half-hour to be entrenched upon by the opponents of tho national system of education, and they have taken an early opportunity of extending their operations, ns my child, on returning home, stated that he had to discover and read three verses of Scripture. This is the thin end of the wedge—three will'become six, and this latter become a chapter. I am advised that this is a direct evasion of the law. Can you, sir, say whether there is any remedy to be had by a parent whose children regularly attend Sunday school, and whose anxiety is that, our present excellent system of education should be maintained in its integrity.—l am, etc., Consistency. October 24.

[The School Committee have authorised in each case the curtailment of tho school working hours, which must be five daily. If you are any other parent feels aggrieved, the matter should be brought before the Education Board, who will be obliged to see' that tho law is strictly carried out. The decision of Mr Justice Cooper in the Wanganui case has settled this vexed question beyond the shadow of doubt.—-Ed E.S.]