Education in Britain.

Manawatu Herald, 29 March 1902, Page 2

Education in Britain.

A REFORM BILL INTRODUCED. Mr A. J. Balfour, First Lord of the Treasury, has introduced a Bill applicable to England and Wales, making county and borough councils the rating authority for the purposes of technical, secondary, and primary education, with authority over all secular instruction by means of committees containing a majority appointed by the councils and a minority of members nominated by bodies experienced in education. It is to be optional upon the councils to adopt the elementary clauses. Denorainationalists are to be entitled to provide schools wherever the necessity is shown. The conditions of London being exceptional, the Government will deal therewith in 1903. Several members condemned the permissive clause. The Bill met with a favourable reception, and its first reading was agreed to by 176 votes to 23. Mr Balfour declared that parental liberty and educational efficiency were the great principles of the Government Bill. The bulk of Unionist members consider the scheme the most comprehensive yet submitted to Parliament. Sir Henry Campboll-Bannermau, leader of the Liberal party, hoped that popular control of voluntary schools would not prove illusory. Professor Oswald Dykes, of the English Presbyterian Church, says the people will be staring mad if they reject the measure. Archbishop Vaughan says it is a good fair Bill, which respects the liberty of the subject. Dr Clifford (Baptist) declares that the None nformists will fight the Bill tooth and nail, as the denominational difficulty is not removed, voluntary schools are to be rateaided in proportion to secular work done, while religious training is to be free from municipal control.