THE EDUCATION ACT AMENDMENT BILL.

Manawatu Herald, 7 October 1893, Page 3

THE EDUCATION ACT AMENDMENT BILL.

TO TIIE EDITOR OF THE MANAWATU HERALD. Sib, — A vital principle of " The Education Act, 1877," is, that iii provides secular education only. The Roman Catholic Church and some members of the Anglican Church have for years past been endeavouring to secure an amendment of the Act so as to allow grants in aid of denominational schools. Hitherto, happily for the cause of State Education, the at tempts thus made have been successfully resisted, and Mr Pyke, who led the attack upon our education system, was not re-elected at the lasb general election. On Wednesday last the above Bill was being considered in committee, when Mr Fisher moved a new clause opening all scholarships to children attending public or private primary schools. From the discussion which followed, it is clear that the'object of the new clause was to benefit denominational sohools at the expense of the State — that it was, in fact, the thin edge of the wedge which would end in the endowment of denominational schools. One speaker said, and I believe said truly, that the clause was an insiduous attempt to destroy the education system. The clause was carried by 29 to 16. I trust the electors of this district will study the division list. Any candidate for the representation of this district, if he hopes to reach the head of the poll, must be sound upon the education question, and must be ready to resist all attempts to tamper with the vital principle of " The Education Act of 1877." I had hoped Mr J. G. Wilson was perfectly sound upon the education question, but I find he was one of those who voted in the majority, that is, for opening to demoninational schools scholarships provided by the State. If Mr Wil3on adheres to this position, I trust the true friends of the education system will refuse him their support at the coming « general election. The Hon. Mr Seddon, the Premier, whose general policy I do not approve, earned the thanks of the Colony for the action he took on the occasion. He was not in the House when the clause was passed, but on his return said, in effect, that the division was a catch division, " that members had not expected the education question to be raised, and l were not prepared for it. If he were to assist in carrying the clause, he would lay himself open to being accused of keeping back the Bill till members had gone away." On the Premier's advice the Bill was not further proceeded with on that occasion. It is to be hoped the Premier will object to the Bill becoming law 0D long as the new clause is in it. I am, &c, An Elector. Poxton, 7th Oct., 1898.