POLITICAL.

Patea Mail, Volume XXXIX, 10 July 1914, Page 3

POLITICAL.

Bible In Schools.

Both the Prime Minister and the Lender of tbe Opposition have, on a former occasion voted for the principle of tbe referendum in regard to the Bible in schools question. The occasion was in 1895 when-Mr Bidey bad a Bill dealing with this subject before Parliament Both Sir Joseph Ward and Mr Massey voted for its second reading. Other members of tbe present Parliament who : voted with the ayes were—Messrs Buddo, Davey. Ell, W. Fraser, Hanan. Herdman, Berries, Lang, Buchanan, Mander, Reidi Rhodes, J. C. Thompson and Sidey; Amongst tbe noes were —Sir J Carroll, Hon. J. Miller, Hon. P. M. B. Fisher, and Messrs Wilford, Witty and Col»in. The second reading wes carried by 39 to 22, amajority of 17.^ Sit' Joseph Ward speaking on the , second reading of tbe Bill, said he would support in committee a straightout issue, whether the people were favourable to an , alteration of the present secular system of education with the object of ‘naving the Bible taught in the Stite schools or not. He added, ‘‘lf tbe majority of the people of the colony are of the opinion that the Bible should be taught in the State schoo’a of the colony, as the Bill propokes, t^heyhave a perfect light to express i that opinion, but at the same time tbe opinions of those who hold a different view, even though they are in a minority, should not overlooked in considering such a proposal as this.” Sir Joseph went on to advocate compelling the attendance of children of all denominations at Sunday school for the

purpose of receiving religious instruction, to be imparted to them by the clergy of particular denomination to which they belonged. This be thought would be a practical way of dealing with that matter,

A Dining Car Question:

The Minister for Railways states that under the existing arrangements the running of a dining car between Wanganui and New Plymouth is not justified . Should the circumstances alter to snob an extent as to make it. necessary to reviewthe question, be will have pleasure in doing so at a later data.

Patea Liberal League.

A meeting of members of the Patea Liberal League will be held on Monday night at 7.30 in the Druids’ Hall, when delegates will be appointed to represent j the League in the forthcoming conference *of delegates to be field in Patea on Monday, July 20. Intending members are cordially invited to be present;