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Otago Daily Times, Issue 18515, 28 March 1922, Page 2

DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Your report of the annual meeting of the Otago Rugby Union calls for especial notice from the fact, that here again sectarian bigotry predominates the Rugby sanction. For a more brazen piece of effrontery commend footballers to Mr Geo. Macdonald. In one breath he assured delegates that in the primary schools the question of religion had never been brought up, but in reply to Mr Dunne he allowed his fpelings to outweigh his alleged assurance. Compare the actions of the Otago Union with those of Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury. In the northerin provinces every sect is encouraged in the Rugby code. Hero in dour Dunedin religious bigotry is rampant. May I suggest to the followers of Mr Macdo'nald to ask Parliament to place an- Act on the Statute Book prohibiting Catholics from living in Dunedin? 'Die time has arrived when every true follower of Rugby should unite in one common effort—namely, '' Play the game for the game's sake." Mr Dunne may be prevailed upon to call a meeting with a view to united action. -I am, etc.. Dunedin, Mm-ch 27. T. H. Cahill. PRIMARY SCHOOL FOOTBAJiL. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—lf children do not attend the State primary schools, why should they be allowed to play in the primary school football competitions? The School Sports Association savs that it is prepared to control the State school competitions, but that it is not going to give its time to looking after the games of outside pupils. The Attitude of the association appears to me perfectly fair and logical. Moreover, the association does not interfere with the outside pupils making arrangements to play amongst themselves. The State schools are open io all. and if a parent likes to put a bar on his children by refusing to send them there, he certainly should not complain if the State schoolmasters leave his children to follow their own devices. Further, New Zealand is a loyal part of the British Empire, and the children who attend the State schools require no teaching to make them love and honour the flag. 1 think it would be in the general interests of Xew Zealand if the leaders of the Christian Brothers' schools were to let us know where they stand so far as the sentiments they teach theii* children regarding New Zealand and the Empire are concerned. We want no spirit of venom and hate treated in the dominion.— I am, etc., Looker On.