Religious Instruction.

Southland Times, Issue 19034, 30 April 1903, Page 3

Religious Instruction.

United P;

oss Association

WELLINGTON, April US)

The Biblc-in-schools conference this morning unanimously resolved that the Victorian scheme of lessons be accepted as the basis of a text book to be used in the State schools of the colony.

A deputation from the Bible-reading in Schools conference waited on the Premier to-niglii to ask Unit, after they had succeeded in drafting a scheme, the Covernment would submit it to Uie electors, so that they might have tin opportunity 'of expressing their mind on the whole situation. The Bishop of Waiapu. on hehalf of a majority of the Anglican Communion, expressed hearty concurrence with the results of the conforoncp. The Premier, in reply, ftid it must he distinctly understood that he was opposed to denominationalisin. lie would ho vpry sorry to see the colony go back to the condition it was in prior to the national system of education coining into force. The question of iUhlical instruction was, however, one of great importance. He had been watching the movement very carefully, nncl wns surprised at the large majority the recent plebiscite showed in its favour. Tie noticed that there seemed to be no hesitation on the part of candidates for Parliament giving an affirmative answer to the suggestion that the voice of the people should be taken. Therefore, to ask him to give people that opportunity was to ask him to do his bounden duty, but the legal 'machinery did not exist. It would he much bet tor if some 'iielhod were provided iind Parliament took the responsibility of arranging under what [con. lit inns fiililir , •pinion cmiiil be i.ikcn on \:\l'!Xi> ijllewliOMs. :is they arise As far as (.he Covenvmuut wns inucei lied, the Referendum Hill would be introduced next session.