DISFRANCHISEMENT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2328, 9 December 1914, Page 6

DISFRANCHISEMENT

An appeal was made a few days ago on behalf of the Bible-in-Schools League to electors to disfranchise themselves rather than to vote for candidates opposed to, the League's objective. That appeal was prompted by the desire to forward a cause in which, it has been plainly' demonstrated a very large proportion of the population is. deeply interested. We have made it quite clear that so far as the demand for a Referendum on the Bible-in-schools question . is concerned the movement of the Biblej-in-Schools League has our sympathy and support, but under existing conditions we cannot endorse the attitude of those who would ask a large proportion of the electors to disfranchise themselves. Nor can we believe that to-day, with the happenings of the past few days to guide them, the leaders of the Bible-in-schools' movement would now go the lengths they have suggested to their followers._ The issue they are fighting for is a great one, and even those, who differ from them must respect the purpose they have in view, but the obligations 'of citizenship cannot be laid aside without gravely weighing the consequences. What supporters of the Bible-in-schools movement have tq consider is whether at _ a ■ critical* time in our national life; when in our domestic politics . also we are threatened . with . the forces of disorder, citizen's can, honourably , refrain from performing their duty to assist in maintaining law and order, and in the promotion of good government. If that : fluential section of the electors associated with the Bible-in-schools movement is prepared to disfranchise itself at the present juncture, then it must face the fact that by so doing it is strengthening the. hands of the worst elements in ,the community—the wild and reckless people who would overthrow law and order and threaten the stability of our social life. We cannot believe that such an attitude would strengthen the position of the Bible-in-schools movement in New Zealand, nor can we believe that in view of recent happenings the' leaders of that movement would press the matter with their, followers. Dr. Gibb very wisely left the -matter with the members of mis-Church to decide as their consciences might dictate. Each individual. must decide fhe matter for|himsdlf or herself._ That is a reasonable enough point ,of view; but we would urge upon all electors that'they are not likely to further the caiisj of Bible lessons'in State schools by abstaining from voting,- while on the other hand they are certainly liable to do great injury to thomsolves and to the whole community by neglecting what _on reflection must be clear to thorn is a very obvious duty.