Lawrence

New Zealand Tablet, 26 November 1914, Page 41

Lawrence

(From an occasional correspondent.)

November 20.

Political addresses were delivered here during tho week by the Hon. James Allen, sitting Member, and Mr. C. R. Smith, who contests the Bruce seat in the Liberal interest. Each addressed good houses, the Town Hall being filled on both occasions, and each received votes of thanks and confidence from their respective supporters. The Hon. James Allen’s reply to a question on the Bible-in-schools referendum was that he favored the referendum and the introduction of the Bible into the State schools, with the right of entry. Replying to a further question, as to whether he would give to all non-State schools the privileges enjoyed by pupils attending the State schools in regard to free medical inspection, 'free instruction in swimming and physical culture classes, free instruction in agriculture, and the free use of the School Journal, Mr. Allen’s reply was an emphatic ‘No.’ Mr. J. J. O’Connor, in asking for a reply to these questions, expressed his regret at the necessity for asking them, but it had been forced upon him by the knowledge of the Bible-in-Schools party’s methods. Mr. C. R. Smith, in reply to a non-Catholic questioner, said he was in favor of the referendum, with the issue placed fairly before the electors divided into two ques-tions—Bible-reading in schools and the right of entry, with a conscience clause provided' for the teacher and the pupil. Your correspondent asked Mr. Smith to reply to the question of medical inspection, School Journal, etc. His reply was a decided ‘ Yes,’ saying he saw no obstacles in the way, and the work entailed could be done without any extra expense to the Department. Mr. Smith is a staunch Presbyterian, being an elder of that Church. He is a |ood speaker, and will prove a formidable opponent to the Hon. Mr. Allen.