J. — l3b

1914. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE) ON THE PETITIONS FOR AND AGAINST THE RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN STATE SCHOOLS REFERENDUM BILL, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE AND APPENDICES. (Mr. G. M. THOMSON, Chairman.)

Reports brought up on the 30th day oj October, 1914, and, together with the Minutes of Evidence and Appendices, ordered to be printed. ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract front lh<- Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, this 10th Day oi July, 11)14. Ordered. " Thai a Committee be appointed, oonsistiao <>{ ten members, to consider all matters relating to schoolbeaohers, education, mid public instruction generally, public-school training of teachers, higher education, technical eduoation, manual instruction, and such other matters affecting education as may be referred to it; to have power to call for persons and papers; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Guthrie. Mr. Hanan, Mr. McCallum, Mr. Malcolm, Mr. Poland, Mr. Sidey, Mr. Statham. Mr. (!. M. Thomson, Mr. J. ('. Thomson, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Ali.BN.)

BP]POETS. No. 187. -Petition of Eeverend Professor William Hewitson, and 89 similar Petitions (as per Schedule, vide I. 13). OBJECTING to certain provisions embodied in the Religious Insti'uction in Schools Referendum Bill. I am directed to report that the Committee has heard evidence on the subject-matter of these petitions —much latitude being allowed witnesses in the desire to get all the facts—and is of opinion that the New Zealand State system of free, secular, and compulsory education (under which our children have received incalculable benefits, and under which, after thirty-seven years' experience, our people —the immense majority of whom have passed through our schools—compare most favourably morally, socially, and religiously with the people of any other part of the world) should be maintained. Further, that the Committee is fully alive to the value of biblical and religious instruction, and is of opinion that full opportunity should In , given lor the adoption of a voluntary system, such as that known as the Nelson system, in which the teaching is imparted outside the statutory .school hours, under which the State exercises no authority in religious matters, and under which there is nu compulsion or violation of rights of conscience. 30th October, 1914.

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