MR G. J. SMITH'S SCRIPTURE TEXT BOOK IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS BILL.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9238, 16 October 1895, Page 3

MR G. J. SMITH'S SCRIPTURE TEXT BOOK IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS BILL.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE PRESS. Sir,—A singular misapprehension prevails among not a few as to the reception the first reading of the Scripture Text Book Bill met with in the House. So much so that a Committee of a local Association actually telegraphed the Government congratulating them on its rejection, the very reverse being the facta of the case, as reference to your Parliamentary report will show. It would have been strange had the House so summarily dealt with it, as all that Mr Smith'a Bill requests is that the questiou should be submitted to the popular vote. Beside it is a question of no party politics, the Premier aud several of his colleagues having voted for the list Bill introduced to the House for Bible reading in our schools. It appears that Mr Collins challenged the fixing of the second reading and divided the House. He was followed to the lobby by eight other gentlemen. Mr Smith's motion was carried by 36 to 9. The religious denominations, generally speaking, save the Roman Catholics, who may by no means oppose, have agreed on a common policy, namely, the introduction of the "Scripture Text Book" which is used in New South Wales with so much satisfaction. It is difficult to conceive any simpler solution of the question, which must create public agitation at elections and in Parliament till it is satisfactorily settled. By the unnecessary rejection of Scripture reading from our national educational system, a mortal injury was inflicted on religion. This is now being recognised by the leaders of religious thought amongst us. Practically therefore, the settlement of the question is _ contest between freethought and religion. May the be3t cause win ! The use of these books or similar ones will remove the great defect in our present educational system. Our answer to all objection is that tbey are a part of the system of New South Wales and therefore may be of ourv But Mr Smith's Bill simply provides that the people shall have the opportunity, which has never yet been afforded them, of voting directly on the question, and this, in common fairness, cannot be refused. — Yours, &c., H. Williams. St. Matthew's Vicarage, October 15th, 1895.