N.Z. NATIONAL SCHOOLS' DEFENCE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2175, 13 June 1914, Page 19

N.Z. NATIONAL SCHOOLS' DEFENCE LEAGUE

■. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE.

A meeting of the executive of tlio National Schools' Dolenee League was held last night. Mill W- Foster, M.A., occupied tho chair. The committee of the executive reported that it was becoming apparent that both teachers and clergymen throughout. the Dominion were beginning to realise the difficulties and dangers incident to the introduction of Biblical instruction ill our Stato schools. Tho report also inado to Bomo recont remarks bv Bishop Julius, of Christ-church, to a discussion at tho annual meeting of tho Otago Educational Institute, and to tho Scottishschool system.

Tho report was adopted. Members of tho executive stated that absolutely false commumcalions Voro recently circulated throughout tlm Dominion, purporting to lie statements by the Hon. Digby penham. Premier of Queensland, and _bv the Hon. Vv. Holnian, Premier of New South Wales. Premier Denhani was represented as stating tliat he had voted against tho introduction of tho Bible, into the State schools of Queensland (when it was carried into tlio schools by 2G nor cent, of tho voters on the roll!), but was now a convert. Tlio truth is that Premier Denham voted "for the introduction" in every division. .Mr. Holman has repudiated tho statements attributed to him as to. tlio frietionle.-s working of tlio Now South W.ales system. It was decided to convey tho thanks of tho executive to the City Council for granting tlio use of tho Basin Reserve for the afternoon of Sunday, June 28, for a demonstration in defence of our National schools. The following resolution was unanimously carried That in view of tho statement, published in the Press that the Government was rroing to introduce a Bill to give a referendum oil the issue of tlio Bilile-iu-schools, tlio secretary be instructed to bring tho matter under the notice of the Prime ?,limster, together with tho statement mado by tho Primo Minister (to tho 'lenutntion on Aiuinst 10, 1013): "T-Te thought lie had good reason for saying that as long as his Government was in power nothing would be done by Cabinet, which would not ho consistent with tho prineiplo of tlie free, secular and coninulsorv education system of tho Dominion."