BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 878, 30 April 1903, Page 2

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

IMPORTANT DECLARATION O PREMIER..

Per Press Association .WELLINGTON, last night.

A deputation from the Bible in Schools Conference waited on the Premier to-night, to ask that, after they iiad succeeded in drafting their scheme the Government should submit it Io llit? electors of the colony, so that they might, have tire opportunity of expressing then: mind on the whole situation.

Tlie Bishop ol' YVaiapu, on be! of the majority of the Anglican C(

mtinion, expressed hearty concurrence in the results of the Conference. The Premier, in reply, said J that it must he distinctly understood that he was opposed to denominationalism. lie would lie very sorry to sec the colony go hack to the condition it was in prior to the national system of education coming into force. The question of Bible instruction was however, one of great importance, lie had been watching the movement very carefully, and was surprised at I lie large majority the recent plebiscite showed, lie noticed that there seemed to lie no hesitation on the part, of candidates for Parliament in giving an affirmative answer to the suggestion that the voice of the people should be taken. Therefore, to request him to give the people that opportunity was to ask him to do his boundeu duty ; but the legal machinery did not exist. It would he much better if some method were provided, and Parliament took the responsibility of arranging under what conditions public opinion could be taken on large questions as they arose. As far as the Government was concerned, a Referendum Bill would he introduced during next session of Parliament