HON. L. M. ISITT ATTENDS COMMITTEE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 167, 5 October 1927, Page 13

HON. L. M. ISITT ATTENDS COMMITTEE

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS EVIDENCE Association. WELLINGTON, To-day. The Hon. L. M. Isitt’s presence was commented on when the Education Committee heard further evidence today on the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill. Evidence was given by the Rev. PI. O. Blamires, Mr. T. R. Fleming, late chief inspector of schools, the Rev. John Palliser, and a Presbyterian clergyman of Wanganui, the Rev. F. E. Harry, a Baptist representative, and Mr. W*. M. Holland, representing Congregationalists. “May I ask wliat is the standing of the Hon. L. M. Isitt at this committee,” said Mr. P. Fraser, M.P. During the hearing Mr. Isitt had asked a question about the order of witnesses. The chairman, Mr. R. P. Hudson, M.P., said that actually Mr. Isitt had no standing. He had approached him yesterday with regard to what witnesses were being called. Mr. Fraser: That is all right, but what standing has he? He is not a member of both Houses. It’s a most unusual position. Mr. H. Holland: Mr. Isitt is a witness. Mr. Fraser: If he is, then, let him take the witness's stand. Evidence was given yesterday before tlie Bible in Schools Committee on behalf of the Congregational Churches. It was stated that previously these churches were opposed to the Bill, but seeing the disadvantages of the secular system they were now in favour of it "to a man.”