EDUCATION CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 18, 30 August 1873, Page 8

EDUCATION CORRESPONDENCE.

Wb hare received a copy of tome of the correspondence that took place between Bishop Moran and his priests on the one side, and the Government Board of Education on the oMier. The subject of this correspondence was the alleged interference of the Government school officials with the religion of Rom»n Catholic children.

We feel surprised at its being stated that " Father Colera&n's letters are in the hands of Mr Maitlund, R.M." (vide page 2), whereas we know that Mr Stout asked to have the correspondense laid on the table of the Provincial Council, and that accordingly, it was ordered to be laid on the table. Moreover, we have been informed, on good authority, that Mr Maitland has stated that all the papers he had on the subject were handed by him into the Government. How, then, can the Government come forward and make such a statement as appears in these printed papers? *We know that a Provincial Secretary, not now in office, stated in the last Session of the Council that the subject of these letters was not entered into, because the genfclemau who reported the matter asked to have the inquiry deferred for six ■weeks ; but we are also aware that wheii the sis weeks expired, that gentleman wiote to Mr Muitland, telling him hs was ready to aid him iv the investigation, provided it was to be on sworn testimony; and that at the time the Provincial Secretary made the statement referred to, not only six weeks, but over four months had passed. Besides, we are well aware that the Government officials stated that again and again they hud telegraphed and written to the General Government at Wellington for power to hold a aworn inquiry, but they could get noreply. If the Government wUhed to deal fairly and honestly with, all concerned, they would at least have published the telegrams, and all the letters between them (the Government), Mr Maitland, and Father Coleman on the subject, instead of a. portion of the correspondence, and would not be making an effort to hoodwink the public by say'ina that the correspondence is in Mr Maitland's hands, when that gentle°man has stated it is in possession of the Government. Whether the charge could be established or not, it is not for us to say ; but over seven months have passed without any move being made by the Education Board. It is certain that in the Government Schools, the religion of Roiaan Catholics is tampered with, and when the Rev Father Coleman complained to the Government that it was reported to him that a Roman Catholic boy was beaten for not attending Protestant instruction, we consider it was the duty of the Education Board to order an inquiry. At the same time, we are fully persuaded that the rev gentleman -was justified in refusing to have anything to do with the inquiry, unleßd it was made on Bworn evidence. By any other course the truth might not bo so effectually elicited, and efforts might be made to escape having the charge substantiated, if anyone were in fault. Whether the charge were groundless or well founded, it was the duty ot" those concerned to inquire. At any rate, if the Education Board did not find themselves in a position to go on with the inquiry, they should have admitted the fact, and not made what •we take to be a strong effort to show that the blame rested on Father Coleman. Let all letters and telegrams be published, and then the public can judge for themselves. This case, and others brought under the notice of the Otago Government, without the slightest redress being made, clearly prove that Roman Catholics need not expect fair play and justice from the Otago Government!