CORRESPONDENCE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 April 1913, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

Our correspondents' opinions are tboir own; the responsibility of the editorial ones makes sufficient ballast for the Editor's T KACHERS' l>l SABTLI TIES. (To the Editor). Sir.— The opponents of the platform of the Bible in .State Schools League have made awl published statements far and wide that the teachers in New South Wales are subjected to disabilities in regard to religions and other action, and have attempted to draw the conclusion (hat these alleged disabilities were the consequence of religious instruction in State schools. I have before me the latest edition of the Public Instruction Act and regulations thereunder of New South Wales issued by the Government Printer, 1912. There is nothing whatever in the Act itself imposing any restriction upon the teachers. In the regulations the only reference <.)!' the kind is section 30, which icads:--"Teachers are to refrain from all action in public matters that will interfere with the welfare of the schools in their charge or with t li-eir usefulness as teachers." I refrain from comment upon the action of those who have sought to lead public opinion in this matter upon inadequate information. May I. however, draw attention to the fact that the regulation a« to alleged disabilities quoted by our opponents actually exists and has existed in Queensland for over 30 years; and that it originated and wan in existence when there was no religious instruction in State Schools. If our opponents had been anxious merely to arrive at the truth of the matter they would, in making references to New South Wales, have also mentioned the, fact that the regulation they quoted existed in Queensland, and could not be tho consequence of religious instruction, because it was there when there was no religious instruction. — Yours, etc. j DAVID J. GALLAND. Organising Secretary. Wellington. 16th April, 1913.