STATE AID TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27259, 9 December 1949, Page 9

STATE AID TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Sir, —Notwithstanding “ Soutout, etc.’s ” statement that he will keep the discussion to State aid to private schools his letter has nothing to do with that subject. but he has adopted the familiar tactic of slipping to another field when the original is uncomfortable, in this case “ religious education in State, schools.” Apparently we have finished the original discussion, and may now stand firm on the admissions of “ Ex-Protestant,” viz. (1) All groups desiring private schools should have equitable State treatment; (2) the result of such State aid would be ” the complete abolition of our present State organisation.” This is the conclusion inevitably reached. Note the word ” organisation.” By ” system ” Protestants do not mean curriculum, but the national organisation as an alternative to chaotic segregation. Not being a member of the Protestant Protection Association I got a card from a friend, which states the basis of membership and objects of the association, and I fail to find any mention whatever of education. “ Surtout ” must have had a nightmare. But my friend assures me that this association will defend the national " system," defined as ” organisation.”—l am, etc.. Scot.

Sir,—” Scot ” should prove his statements as to the low morals of Scottish pre-reformation churchmen. As to the legitimacy of the families of Cardinal Beaton and other bishops. I would like ” Scot ” to tell me where the list of these families was obtained from, and the name of the person or persons who compiled the list. “ Scot ” should read Catherine ■ Firth s “In the Days of the Tudors and the Stuarts ” if he does not believe what I have told him about the Scottish kirk in my two previous letters. If State aid is given to church schools, the criminal statistics will show a marked decline in crime, as the teaching of religion improves the pupils’ minds and helps to make them better citizens. Remember the word of Christ, ”If thou seekest Me, take up thy cross and follow Me.” This advice should be heeded by all school pupils as they will be better scholars if they become good Christians and act as such in school, at home, and on the playing field.—l am, etc., Ex-Protestant.