INTERVIEW WITH PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14984, 3 June 1914, Page 4

INTERVIEW WITH PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND.

(srE-___ to "titb mwis.") AUCKLAND, June *2

A warm commendation of the QueensI land system of Bible reading in State I schools was expressed by the Hon. j Digby Denham., Premier of Queensland, who was interviewed in Auckland on his arrival from America by the Niagara. "Personally, I voted against tho introduction of Bible reading in State schools," declared Mr Denham. 1 am a Free Churchman, and inherently have an objection to what is called •'State aid.'. It seemed to mo that this was an incipient form of State aid, and on this account I opposed it when the referendum was taken. I was a member of the Administration that passed tho Bill giving effect to the decision ol tho people. Now, as a result of all 1 nave seen, and of enquiries I have made, I am prepared to say that if the opportunity came to mc again I should vote for tho introduction of Bible reading, instead of opposing it as I did on a former occasion." Discussm-*- a suggestion that the entrance of Ministers into schools would be productive of friction, Mr Denham -.aid that in Queensland Ministers 60 arranged in their districts that overJappiuc. and confusion were avoided. The vifits of clergymen were welcomed by the teachers, and the system was in i every respect working smoothly.