Education and the Churches.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5167, 28 January 1895, Page 2

Education and the Churches.

TO THI EDITOR. Sib,— Your remarks in Saturday's issue in reference to our present State system of education read like a sermon, and I wonld atrongly advise every parent to carefnlly read them. Beligions instruction is forced upon children in some schools here, I believe, and can it be shown such as attend these schools are healthier or any better behaved, or even when grown up do such turn out better citizens? Of course there will always be the cry for the introduction of denominationalism if only to strengthen the hands of and enrich the clerical element. The Bishop of Salisbury has already expressed his opinions about too muoh ease and comfort being one of the besetting sinß, and for a small population, as in our centres, it is noticeable the large number of clergy of nearly all creeds know how to take care of themselves and, under the trying circumstances, look remarkably healthy, I forget the exact words made use of by the late John Bright, in a speeoh some years ago in the House of Commons, but I read it, to the effect that " too muoh priestly influence would tend to demoralise a nation." The State has. a duty to perform as well as the clergy, and I am of opinion it would be better for each denomination to mind its own business without showing (to use plain langnage) any 'suoh unchristian or unnatural spirit aB greed for power and wealth.— l am, &c, < K.

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