Notes

New Zealand Tablet, 3 December 1914, Page 34

Notes

An Anglican Pastoral

A pastoral from the Anglican Bishops of New Zealand, appealing to congregations ‘ To make the religious interests of the country the first question, by voting only for members of Parliament who will pledge themselves to vote for the Religious Instruction Referendum Bill’was read in the various Anglican churches in Wellington diocese on Sunday night. It is understood that the document will be read in the Anglican churches throughout the Dunedin diocese on the coming Sunday.

To Correspondents

The usual Christinas congestion, arising chiefly from the receipt of school prize-lists, lists of musical successes, and reports of school break-up functions, is already with us, and will make itself felt until about the end of January. Correspondents, therefore, whose communications do not appear as early as the senders anticipated, will understand the reason why. With regard to school reports, these will be printed strictly in the order in which they reach this office.

How the League Works

The following has been sent to us by a subscriber to the N .Z. Tablet as a copy of a letter written by Canon Garland, Organising Secretary of the Bible in State Schools League. Our correspondent assures Us that he has the original in his possession. A copy of a similar -document has been printed in one of the Wellington papers, the,candidate selected in that particular case for commendation by the League being Mr. R. A. Wright, Government candidate for Wellington Suburbs. The communication will show Catholic voters how keenly the League is at work, and how great is the necessity to be alert and active. • ‘ November 25, 1914. ‘My dear Comrade, —Some time ago I had the satisfaction of receiving your “ Earnest” Card in which you promised to place Bible in schools before any political party issue. The time has now arrived to give effect to your pledge with Mr. David Jones, who is standing as candidate for Kaiapoi. I am quite satisfied that he will support the Bill introduced by Mr. Allen, and which has passed its first reading, providing for the referendum for which we ask. I want you* now to do all you can regardless of politics to help Mr. Jones’s return, and as one of our stalwarts in our front rank seek to influence all you can to put a principle of righteousness before any mere political question. Do not be content with intending to record your own vote, but influence as many as you possibly can in the same way. Particularly will you watch for those supporters of ours who are not yet on the electoral roll and take steps ’ to get them put upon the roll at once. It may occur to you to join , one of Mr. Jones’s committees, but you will decide that for yourself. I should like to hear from you about what has been done. Yours sincerely, * David J. Garland, ■ j . Organising Secretary.’