CLOSE DIVISION

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 92, 15 October 1932, Page 14

CLOSE DIVISION

NEW. DEVELOPMENTS

OPPONENTS1 CONFIDENCE

There are indications that the voting on the second reading1 of the Religious Instruction in Schools Enabling Bill in the-Legislative Council will be much closer than the promoters of tho measure originally contemplated. When the Bill was first introduced'in the Upper House its sponsors made no secret of their confidence, and the opinion was expressed that the majority in its favour would be at least three. However, developments do not seem to be running to schedule, and at least one member who iirst agreed to the provisions of the .measure has now stated that he has changed his mind owing to the consequences he considers the Bill trill have.

Several1 other members have signified their intention of taking part in the debate, and the division may not be reached until late next* week. At present the opponents of the Bill are distinctly more •confident than they were a few days ago, and the indications are that the voting will bo extremely close. Should the second reading be carried, it is practically certain that there will be a more to have the Bill sent to a Select Committee in or-

der thai'; evidence may be taken, but this suggestion will be vigorously opposed on the grounds that the question has been before Parliament on so many occasions that the final word has been said on both sides.