BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1867, 29 September 1913, Page 5

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Sir, —Professor Mackenzie quite evades tlie point at issue between us, winch was: Was Canon Garland justififd in quoting Sir Michael Sadler as favouring a svstcm of religious instruction in State Schools? My quotations from Sir Michael Sadler's statements, and published works, showed that he was. Whether Sir Michael agrees with the programme of the leaguo does not matter; anyone rendinc my quotations would see that Sir Michael goes a lone way further than the Bible-in-Schools League in New Zealand. To repeat my former statement, it is beyond dispute that- C-inon Garland was justified in quoting Sir Michael Sadler as differing from certain teachers and University in New Zealand, whn deny, that religious Instruction ihould.

have any place in State schools, Tho other points nro side issues raised by l'rofossor Mackonzio, which I decline to discuss with him. —I am, otc., I THOS. Al. MILLIGAN. Soptembor 1!3, 1913, OLD-ACE PENSIONERS AND THE WELLINGTON CHARITABLE AID BOARD. Sir, —The old-age pension was originally intended to .enable the old people untitled thereto to purchaso some luxuries which otherwise* they would bo unabio to provide thomselvea with. This seems to bo generally recognised, inasmuch as at the various charitable institutions where old-age pensioners are compelled, through stress of circumstances, to sojourn) they are each allowed a small sura monthly from their pension, presumably so that the original intention of tho Act may bo carried out. It is not generally known, however, and as there has lately been Bomo discussion in the House relative to pensions, it may be opportune to note that there is an institution, and that in tho capital of the Dominion, where such allowance is not granted. Ohiro (the full name is a travesty on one of tho dearest words in our language) has the distinction, amongst others, of being the only "one of it's class from the North Cape to Stewart Island, where old-age pensioners aro deprived of the whole of their pension. Such a- state of alfairs, which has been going 011 for years, is not one on ,which the Wellington Charitable Aid Board are to bo congratulated. It will naturally be asked, Why have some of those concerned not taken steps before now to have their unfair treatment made public? Here is the answer: The rules and regulations of tho institution in question aro numerous, irksome, and drastic, .and any inmate who presumes to remonstrate regarding the manner in which they aro administered is liable to be placed forthwith under lock and key, and that without the trilling formality of an order from a Stipendiary Magistrate or Justice of tho Peace. When the time comes —as come it will—for a thorough, whole-hearted investigation to be made into this institution, it will then be made manifest that Bumbledom is as much in evidence now as in tho days of Charles Dickons, tho only difference being -that the modus operandi is altered ia deference to public opinion, a factor to be reckoned with in the twentieth ccntury. • Paint-, putty, and varnish certainly make for cleanliness of an aggressive character to impress the casual visitor, but leave comfort an unknown quantity. I trust that some one possessing influence —that indispensable condition—may bo induced to move in this matter, and by so doing perform an act of kindness, pure and disinterested, and at the same time confer a boon on a number of those who have in their day assfsted to make the country what it is, and who aro now awaiting quietly and patiently tho advent of "the poor man's dearest friend, the kindest and the best."—l am, etc., LUX.

September 12, 1913.