CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4912, 14 August 1877, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

SCRIPTURES WITHOUT COMMENT. TO THE EIJITOIt. Sir, —Only u few lines. With all of us .prejudice will quickly create difficulties. J3?lik objection to opening public schools with reading a portion of tiie Scriptures named by your correspondent, Denis O'Donnginie, viz. : "That a Roman Catholic teacher could not consistently read the .Scriptures, and would thereby bs i.hut out from holding oflioe in the schools," is altogether unreal, and will never exist, for the simple reason, that any or all teachers may according to their own personal taste either read the sacred book themselves or depute it to cider scholur.-i, as is very frequently—and wisely too —practised in many private schools. Then concerning the children whose parents may object ; the details of the clause in tho Government Bill meets perfectly the case of these, —first by appointing the Scriptures only at the opening of schools—and second, that a written notice to the teacher is to bo give" by each child not answering to the regular school summons. And a further accommodation could easily be added, which is, that in the yvent of a school containing a majority of children of llomau Catholic parentß, then the Douay version of the Bible could be read, and following the same plan as under the authorised version. If Jewish scholars were numerous in a school, the Old Testament might he adopted. Thus, there can be perfect liberty to all—teachers, scholars, and parents, ami compulsion to no one. —I am, &c, S. lion. August 11th, 1877. SWINGING SHIPS. TO THE KDITOK. Sir, —-It has been said that in the multitude of councillors there is \i isdom ; but I think that Dr. Campbell in his late address to the Chamber of Commerce, clearly sets forth that it could nol refer to Harbour Boards, and I think was fully exemplified at its last sitting, when it was suggested by the Harbour Master " that a place should be iixed on, and facilities given for swinging .ships to as to enable them to adjust their compasses before proceeding to sea." On which, Captain Daldy rises and proposes that the idea be not entertained by the Harbour Board, as it would only benefit a few. Ido not believe that the Harbour Hoard could do anything that would bo more useful, and cost so'little, than comply with the suggestions of the Harbour-master. 1 am, &c, THE WAIKATO RAILWAY. TO THE EDITOR. Sn:,--Mr. Lamb's letter is immensely to the point. Auckland people generally have no conception of what is being done by railways in the South. It is enough to sicken anyone to sec how slowly the Government are piitig on with railways here. The formations to Uhaupo were complete months ago, and now we are told the permanent way will not b<! down for another year. Did Auckland but know what a glorious country lies north and south of the Puiiui they would have awakened to their interests —real interests —long ago and insisted on its" pletion.—Yours, &u., Tk Awamutu".