PARLIAMENTARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 174, 29 June 1883, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

irHURSDIY'S

(BY TELEGRAPH.) (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, This Day. GAOL LABOUR. ; 1 The debate was resumed on Mr Hutchison's moti>n against teachintrades m gaols. The House divided, and the motion was lost by 45 to 7, and Mr feeddon's amendment for certain' returns ou the subject carried on the voices. The House resumed at 7.30. BIBLE BEADING IN SCHOOLS BILL, Mr M. W. Green moved the second re&ding of the Moral Training m Schools Bill, intimating his intention of altering the name to the Bible Reading m Schools Bill. He spoke at considerable length m favour of the Bill, contending that it was m accordance with public opinion; throughout the colony. He deuied that it would introduce sectarianism, or break up our educational system, to read the Bible without comment. If such a Bill were not passed he believed that the national system would soon be overturned m favour ot the denominational system. He felt it a great honour to introduce the Bills The debate continued throughout the nigot'i sitting. After 11 o'clock, Mr Bathgate continued the debate, warmly supporting the Bill, and avowing his readiness to recognise the. claims of Catholics. He held that the whole basis of morality rested on the Bible, and that to proscribe it m our schools was to encourage infidelity and lay the seeds of revolution.;- - --- ■■;-••■■. -.■--•.■.•:-• ■: ■ . ■■ Mr Levastam opposed the Bill, and thought a good example would have more force m teachiag morality than any Bible reading. Mr Huoro suggested that a text book of Biblical history might be prepared to meet all denominations. i Messrs Daniel and Connolly opposed, and Mr Sutter supported the Bill. Mr Tomoana opposed it, as it would cause trouble and disseasibn m the schools, as religious differences did m the world. Mr Ivess would support the Bill, if made permissive instead of compulsory. Mr Feldwick supported, and Messrs Petrie and O'Callaghan opposed the Bill. -Mr Dick supported it, although it was not quite' in the form he would like. The question was an open one with the Government;. Mr Shrimski opposed the Bill. Mr Green, m reply, expressed his willingness to make Bible reading optional with committees. Mr Seddon's motion for adjournment was put and lost on a division of 54 to 14. Mr J. Buchanan moved the previous question, but this was negatived on the voices, and the House divided on second reading of the Bill. Ayes, 16 ; .Noes, 52. The Bill wa9 thrown out, and the House rose at 1.20«