BIBLE-READING IN SCHOOLS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12650, 30 April 1903, Page 7

BIBLE-READING IN SCHOOLS.

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER, (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 29. A deputation from the Bib'.e-reading in Schools Conference- waited on the Premier to-night to ask that after they had succeeded in drafting a scheme the Governmcmt should submit it to the electors of the colony; so that .they,might have an opportunity of cxprcesiug .their .miud on the whole situation. Tho Bishop of. Waiapii, on behalf of- a majority of. the..Anglican communion, expressed hearty concurrence with the results of tho conference.

Tho Premier, in reply, said it must be distinctly understood that he wjs opposed to donominationalistn. Hβ would be very sorry to see tho colony go back to the condition it vrae in prior to the national system of education earning into force. The question of Biblical instruction was, however, one of great importance. Hβ had been watching tho movement very carefully, and was surprised at the large majority the recent plebescites showed. Ho noticed that there seemed to be no hesitation on the part of candidates for Parliament giving an affirmative answer to the suggestion that the voice of the people should be taken, therefore to request him to,give the people that opportunity was to ask him to do his bounden duty. But the legal machinery did not esiet. ' It would he much better if some method was provided and Parliament took the responsibility of arranging under what conditions public opinion could be taken cm large questions as they arise. As far as the Government was concerned a Referendum Bill would be introduoed next session of Parliament.