PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16850, 15 May 1918, Page 9

PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.

MEETING AT TOWN HALL.

A public meeting under the auspices of the Protestant Political Association was held in the Town Hall concert chamber -last night. There was a very large audience, and Mr. S. M. Moore-Jones presided. The chairman explained that • the objects of the meeting were to introduce - Mr. J. G. Ellis, the provincial organiser j of the association, and to make a special ; appeal to the public for funds to continue the efforts of the association.

Dr. J. S. Reekie outlined the aims and objects of the association, which, he said, was not in any sense religious. It was brought into existence to offset the influence the Roman Catholic Federation was exerting on the politics of the country, and had for its object the maintenance of equal rights for all. The speaker referred to the work already accomplished by the association, and stated that the recent school committee elections had resulted in the return of practically all Protestant committees. This meant that the nomination of members of the Education Board rested with the Protestants. Mr. G. Aldridge traced the history of the Protestant movement in Europe, and explained the manner in which Roman Catholics in England were granted political rights equal to those enjoyed by Protestants. The pledges given when those rights were granted had subsequently been disavowed by the Pope. He referred to the denial of the legality of civil marriages by the Roman Catholic Church, and declared that it was a wedge driven into the civil rights of the community that should be combated by all Protestants. Mr. J. G. Ellis, who was given a hearty reception, dealt with the organisation of the association, and outlined the methods to be adopted for carrying on the work.. Motions protesting against the practice of allowing Government grants in the shape of scholarship allowances to be paid to denominational schools, and the granting of extra railway privileges to pupils, of denominational schools as compared with the privileges extended to pupils attending public primary schools were passed unanimously. A resolution was also passed protesting against the action of the Hon. A. M. Myers, Minister for Customs, in prohibiting certain Protestant literature from access to the Dominion, and requesting that the books in question be released for delivery. It was decided that the resolutions should be forwarded to the ActingPrime Minister, Sir James Allen, and the Minister for Customs, the Hon. A. M. Myers.

MEETING AT INVERCARGILL. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] INVERCARGILL. Tuesday. A crowded meeting in the theatre was addressed by the Rev. Howard Ellio#, organiser for the Protestant Political Association, this evening. The building was packed to overflowing, some 500 people being seated on the stage, while the aisles and passageways were blocked, and a large crowd could not gain admission. The speaker received an excellent hearing. Great enthusiasm prevailed throughout, and a resolution in accordance with the sentiments expressed was carried.