THE EDUCATION QUESTION:

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 6, 13 November 1891, Page 15

THE EDUCATION QUESTION:

TO THE EDITOR N.Z. TABLET.

Sib,— Aa one who has carefully watched tha progress of the State system of education in this Colony, and also noted the effects of the numerous appeals made by Catholics to the various parties in power from time to time, I have long since concluded that it ia quite useless for us Catholics to expect any change for the better, so long as we can be divided as we were at the last General Election, as you have written, ranging ourselves on party sides, and disregarding unity on the education question. I am thoroughly convinced if Catholics would aot as you adviae regarding unity of action on this most important matter of education, acting like men who were not any longer to be deceived on this question, justice would have to be done to us before very long. The present system seems to satisfy all except Catholics, who have proved by their action ia the past in erecting and supporting schools of their own, that their objection ti these State schools for their children is very strong, and not to be overcome even by unjust taxation. And it cannot be called other than unjust to tax a man for a thing he cannot make use of, no matter how plausible the argument to the contrary. The action of our Labour Members of Parliament is disappointing on this question of justice to Catholic schools. They, before all others, should be expected to give attention to this matter, if we are to judge by their pretentious regard for the workers. Are not the Catholics of the country workers, and is it not a matter worthy of attention that these workers are labouring under a grievous injustice in being doubly taxed for the education of their children 1 I do not know bow the Labour Members reconcile their action in this matter with the claims made by their party. I entirely agree with you that Catholics should vote against all parties opposed to aiding Catholic schools, and who are cot prepared to make this matter a Cabinet quee« tion. And I hope that every Catholic in New Zealand will also agree and act accordingly when the time comes for action.— l am, etc., Duncan street, Dunedin. D. W. Woods.