THE BILL ATTACKED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 244, 15 October 1932, Page 8

THE BILL ATTACKED

UPPER HOUSE OPINIONS. [ Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. In the Legislative Council, continuing the debate on the Religious Instruction in Schools Enabling Bill, Hon. W. H. Mclntyre said it was indescreet for a private member to introduce a bill of such a controversial nature. Legislation of a national character and of a national policy should be introduced by the Government, which was composed of God-fearing men w 7 ho were just as anxious to protect the welfare of the children as anyone else. There was an onus on the promoters of the Bill to prove that the moral and intellectual standard of New Zealand children was inferior to those taught under other systems. Though they had inferred that, they had not proved it. Hon. C. J. Carrington said that for the child, undenominational teaching was a distinct clanger to Christianity. The real solution for a sound religious education in the State schools was the Nelson system and the Bible-in-Schools League would accomplish more than it could by the Bill if it put its energies behind the Nelson system. Tho only fair solution of tho education question should be State aid for private schools. H fi had decided to support the Bill until that morning, when ho had realised the great difficulties which had to be overcome. The passage of the measure would impose grave disabilities on the teacher and he intended to move in Hip committee stage to make provision for the right of appeal by teachers who considered they had Loen victimised. Even the amendment would not overcome the difficulties n;nl he intended to vote against the measure. Sir William Hall-. Tones said there was a necessity in the world for more obedience to the teachings of Christ. If Christ’s teachings had boon followed there would have been no war and the present troubles would not have followed. He did not olrioct to a more simplified system of religious instruction than was proposed in (he BilL Tho debate was adjourned till Wednesday on the motion of Colonel G. Smith.