Correspondence.

Otago Witness, Issue 1340, 4 August 1877, Page 17

Correspondence.

THE CONFEBENCE OF MINISTERS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir— l understand that a meeting was held to-day, described as a Conference of the Ministers of Dunedin, to discuss some of the pro visions of the- Government Education Bill. Will you kindly allow me to state that I received no summons to attend it, or the result would probably have been different, as my humblevcte would have been given in favour of religious education, and thus rendered the casting vote of the Chairman unnecessary. I aai not so ignorant of the feeling of the Assembly as to have much hope of that becoming the recognised principle of education in New Zealand, but my personal, preference would certainly be given to it. I only wish to say further that I am not making a complaint, as I have already been assured that the omission referred to was accidental. — I am, &c, W. F. Oldham. Roslyn, 30th July. TO THE EDITOR. Sir— To the motion proposed by the Eev. Mr Davis, that the so-called religious clauses of the Education Bill should be accepted as a comprc mise, an amendment was proposed by the JKev. Mr Lewis, to the effect that, in addition to the form provided for the opening and closing of schools, a specified time should be allowed for religious instruction to be given by the ministers of Dunedin, or persons authorised by them. This amendment was lost by the casting vote of the Chairman. What I have to observe is that, not only were no Roman Catholics invited, but that three clergymen connected with my own Church wer9 left out— one, the Rev. Mr Stanford, is, however, not in Dunedin. I can assert with confidence that had these been present the result of the vote would have been different I may add that many who voted against the amendment spoke in iis favour, but were kept back from practical support in consideration of the difficulties which would present themselves. — I am, &c, S. T. Dunedin.