THE EDUCATION BILL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13632, 29 June 1906, Page 5

THE EDUCATION BILL.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 27. (Received June 28, at 8.32 a.m.) Vehement speeches were made from the Irish benches on the inequality and injustice of the fourth clause with Mr Birrell's amendments. Mr J. E. Redmond described "the contracting out" as being "kicked out."

Sir H. Campbcll-Banncrman declared that the Roman Catholics might go further and fare worse. The altonative offered on tho Opposition side was Stateprovided, secular teaching with the right of entry to all denominations. If that were adopted, .what would become of the Catholic atmosphere? Mr Birrell's bill was undenominational. The Government meant that the common elements oE Christianity, together with a flavour of Protestantism, should be taught"- in the 6ohools. They bad not imagined that this would be distasteful to Anglicans. The Government intended to adhere to clause 4, which was meant to conciliate tho Roman Catholics. Mr Balfour retorted that the attempt to settle or delegate to the local authorities what were the common elements of Christianity was arrogant, absurd, and inconsistent with Liberal traditions regarding secular and theological rela'tious. The bill did not redress either the denominationalist or the passive resistors' grievances. An amendment to extend the benefit of the clause to rural areas where there are alternative schools was negatived by 344 to 158. Mr Balfour emphasised his opinion that the exclusion of proportionately a far greater number of Anglican than Catholic children was a deliberate blow at the Established Church. LONDON, June 28. (Received Juno 29, at 0.37 a.m.) After the Opposition's amendment had been rejected, clause 4 of the Education Bill, with Mr Birrell's amendments thereon, was adopted by 415 votes to 138. The fifth clause was also passed.