THE EDUCATION BILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14379, 24 November 1908, Page 5

THE EDUCATION BILL

AN UNPOPULAR CIRCULAR. l'rcsa Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. THE GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALS. LONDON, November 23. (Received Nov. 23, at 11.55 p.m.) Mr Runeiman's Education Bill was formally rend a first time, and is now published. It is hailed with some hope. The Times remarks that since it is impossible to induce the negotiating parties each to make an ultimate concession, the Government proposes a via media on its own authority. Whatever may be the fate or merit of the bill, there is a consensus of opinion that this is a masterly policy. It has enhanced Mr Runciman's political reputation, and snatched the possibility of eucoecS from the brink of failure. Tlie 'bill makes the county council type of school general. It abolishes tests, and offers the denominations the right of entry to all schools. Assistant leaders are allowed to volunteer to give denominational teaching twice a. week. Head teac-liens in the transferred schools will also be allowed this privilege, but only for the next five years .may they similarly volunteer. The local authorities' permission' can only be withheld if the services required affect the general conduct and discipline of the school. Contracting out, except in single school areas, is permitted on the basis of nelin(luishiiijj the rate and receiving a largely increased State grant, Mr Balfour was not consulted. LONDON, November 22. Many additional bishops have protested against the Dean of Canterbury, Lord Hugh Cecil, and Lord Halifax's circular, on the ground that it was intended to week the Primate's negotiations, and was an irregularity.