THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19391, 28 July 1926, Page 14

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

HON. L. M. ISITT'S BILL. DATE OF .SECOND READING. OPPOSITION TO UNDUE HASTE. ~[BY TELEG RATH.- SPECIAL REPORTER. ] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. There is evidence that strong opposition will be advanced against the Hon. L. M. Isitt-'s Religious Exercises in Schools Bill, which was read-a first time in the Legislative Council to-day. Mr. I.sitt sought to have the second reading set down for to-day, but there- was a strong protest against such haste and an amendment setting tile second reading down for Wednesday, August 4, was carried.

The Hon. J. Barr was the first 10 protest against t lie bill being hurried through and the Hon, M. Cohen asked if the measure had been circulated.

Mr. Isitt explained that in view of the indications that the session would finish early in September he had been compelled to take steps to have the hill pushed through speedily in order that it should receive due consideration in the House of Representatives. The Hon. A. S. Malcolm moved as an amendment that the second reading, of the hill be taken on Wednesday, August 4. j There was a large number who wished to give evidence before the committee, ho said.

"Mr. Isitt explained that as far as the evidence was concerned this could be given before the other House. Delay would mean the blocking of the bill.

The Hon. W. Earnshaw said Mr. Isitt had had several weeks in which to bring down the bill if he wanted it pushed through, and he should have taken advantage of the earlier part of the session.

The Hon. G. Witty said the present system of dealing with bills had prevailed for 50 years without strife and he could not agree to a bill being thrown upon the Council in this way, one that was almost sure to cause strife.

Mr. Cohen said he would like to see it referred to a select committee and have evidence taken.

Sir William Hall Jones said ho wished to expedite the work in the other House and would agree to the bill going through as requested. The Council was divided on the motion to have the second reading to-day and this was defeated, the second reading being set down for August 4.

ROSS SEA WHALING. EXTERMINATION FEARED. CANCELLING OF PERMITS URGED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. . Regulation and improvement of the Ross Sea. whaling industry is aimed at by a resolution passed by the Legislative Council to-day to the effect that the attention of the Government bo drawn to the wholesale destruction of whales in the Ross Sea, and asking that representations be made to the 1 Imperial Government suggesting that the permits at present granted to foreign companies to exploit the whales and other oil, producing animals be cancelled at the earliest possible opportunity. In moving to this effect the Hon. G. M. Thomson said he understood the Government had no power to cancel licenses which had been granted in some cases for services rendered in the Great War: As far as he could see the only policy whalers pursued was one of extermination. He understood that the ship James Clark Ross, together with a 7000-ton vessel ajid seven whale chasers, was making its headquarters at Stewart Island, presumably for the indiscriminate destruction of whales and seals, to commence operations in October or November of this year. He predicted that, unless some vigorous protest were made, the whales would be completely exterminated from the Boss Sea in a very few years, although by a careful study the industry could be improved and regulated. The motion was carried.

SELF-HELP SOCIETY. •." ; . '■ iMMiGRANT ORGANISATION. QUERY BY MR. H. E. HOLLAND. [ex telegraph.—special reporter. ] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. H. E. Holland, asked in the House to-day if the Minister in charge of immigration had any knowledge of a body called the New Zealand Self-help Society, the purpose of which appeared to be to keep new arrivals in the country instead of allowing them to drift back whence they came. He had received a request for a donation to the society and the matter which accompanied the request pointed out the objects of the body and stated that the subscription was 10s a year. The literature was signed by Ethel Stevens,

Mr. Nosworthy replied that he had no knowledge of the society and was unable to express any opinion about it. He had instituted inquiries.

UNEMPLOYED SEAMEN. EXTENT OF RELIEF GIVEN. THREE MEALS A DAY WANTED. [by telegraph.—special reporter.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Mentioning that there are 260 distressed seamen in Wellington and that while the Harbour Board was finding shelter for them and the Defence Department was lending them blankets, Mr. .R. McKeen (Wellington South) asked in the House to-day if the Government would see that the men were provided with three proper meals .1 day.

The Prime Minister replied that he understood about 15 seamen arid firemen were registered on the books of the Labour Department in Wellington. These men were being supplied with two meals a day.

Mr McKeen: They won't register at the Labour -Department. Mr. Coates: They have to. There has to be some centre, and there they have to go if they want attention. Mr. Coates added that married seamen would get pre'erence over others when employment was being fpund. He had been informed that about 90 married men had now been given employment in Wellington by the Public Works Department and local committees. That day 20 married men had been given employment by the Public Works Department, and 30 by the City Council and other local authorities.

Mr. McKeen repeated" his request for three meals a day for the seamen. Mr. Coates: The Hospital and Charitable Aid Board provides two meals. If there are special circumstances I will look info them.