DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1923, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS.

[llY TEI/COltArn —l-EK PRESS ASSOCIATION.] UIBI.E-IN-SCHOOLS. A CLERIC’S VIEW. WELLINGTON, June 10 The Director of Education (Mr J. Caughlcy) received a letter from the Rev Robert Wood, of Karori, Wellington, stating that owing to the unwillingness or inability of the Presbyterian minister in whose parish the Karori Public School is, to give lessons under the so-called Nelson system, he had consented to give- lessons and had been doing so for the last two yeais. These lessons are given at 2.-15 p.m. in school hours. Ho asked Mr Canghley whether this was legal or illegal, and also said that Dr Gibb stated in a circular that Mr Massey had promised to carry through a measure in favour of the Rihle-in-Schools iliis session. Mr Wood asked for information as to the nature of the new legislation proposed . Mr Canghley replied, stating that the first point was distinctly illegal, since the lessons are taken in school hours, when all the teachers are officially oil duty. Regarding Dr Gibbs’s circular, he said he had no official knowledge of the arrangement. The information could he obtained only from the Prime Minister or from the Executive of the Council of Churches, which waited upon him. In connexion with this matter, Mr Wood further wrote to the effect that he and two other gentlemen who teach Bible lessons at the Karori School had considered Mr Caughle.v’s letter, and agreed to continue the work as thev were doing, and leave it to Parliament to take any action it saw fit with regard to “illegal or right entry,” on their part.

CROSSING ACCIDENTS. QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. WET.LNGTON. June 15 Questions to Ministers about dangerous level railway crossings are irequent, and to-day the matter v.is raised with a direct interest oil the part of legislators, Mr E. A. Railsome, member for Pahiatua, having to secure leave of absence owing to tho death of his daughter, who was killed in an accident on a level crossing near Dannevirke. Mr T. M. Milford asked the Minister of Railways to lake into immediate consideration the adoption of safety devices for level crossings in view of' the heavy toll of life being taken at these crossings. Mr Coates replied that the matter would have his careful consideration, in conjunction with his colleagues. Mr Massey, declaring that in times of personal trouble party differences disappeared from Parliament, expressed his great sympathy with -Mr Ransomo and his family in their bereavement. Mr Wilford spoke similarly, adding that on the Opposition side of the House that was the principle on which thev would always endeavour to work. He appreciated tlio prompt offer from the Reform whip of a pair for the member for Pahiatua. Mr Holland expressed the condolence of the Labour Party.