BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17352, 17 May 1924, Page 2

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

CHRISTCHURCH MAN’S PROJECT. Pex Fkkss Association. WELLINGTON, May 17. Referring to the Press Association telegram from Wellington dated May i 9 regarding the taking of a vote of school teachers on the Bible-in-schools question by a private individual, Mr J. C. Prudhoe, of Christchurch, who says he is the person referred to, has written to the Educational Institute explaining his reasons for the action. He claims that his action is justified by the fact that in July, 1923. the executive was asked by the Wanganui branch to take immedate steps to have

a vote by all teachers, and that as far j as he is aware r.o vote has been taken, j There was therefore no possible chance ] of the executive granting a similar request from himself and, even if granted, he could not assume that the vote would be in the form desired —the form that especially would elicit the opinions of teachers on the question of repealing the secular pro\-iso. Mr Prudhoe says that no organisation has anything to do with the taking of the vote, he being solely responsible for it. The voting papers are to be treated as confidential and will be kept in a safe until they are to be dealt with. He proposes to ask the President and Secretary of the Justices of Peace Association to act with him ixs opening and counting the papers. If the executive withdraws its advice to members to refrain from voting, he will accept its nomination of any two other Canterbury Justices as scrutineers.