PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 453, 28 February 1919, Page 3

PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION.

MEETING AT ITKEKOHE. The public meeting held in the Premier Hall. Pukekohe, last Tuesday evening, under the auspices of the Protestan Political Association, was sparsely attended, only about 30 persons being present. .Mr E. Allen, of Bucklaud. presided, and after the National Anthem had been suug, he briefly introduced the Auckland Provincial secretary. Mr W. D. Moore. Mr Moore, at the outset of his remarks, outlined the aims and objects of the Association and said the Association was not raising a religious discussion in New Zealand, and was not in any shape or form trying to disturb the religion of "the Roman Catholics. He referred to the Catholic Federation in New Zealand and its methods, and said the Protestants have a perfect righ". to organise against them. This action, he stated, was termed as a manifestation of religious bigotry but in his opinion it was nc bigotry but a manifestation of ranraon sense. There was a distinct effort of the Catholic Federation to combine politically, and if they could do that why could not the Protestants do so? He added that the reason the Protestant Political Association was formed was because 'he Roman Catholic Church was receiving more, than its right share of expression in Dominion politics. He thought that the Government should not have prevented the importation of certain books, which lie alleged offended the susceptibilities of the Roman Catholic Church. He (the speaker) was a religious man and ho did not want any Government to defend religious .susceptibilities. He did not hink any denomination should seek Government protection ■hen its susceptibilities were offended. Referring to the teaching in denominational schools, Mr Moore said that .hen a Nun ''ravelled on a train to go eaching she was allowed to travel free, but a Protectant teacher had to pay his or her fare. That he did not •onsider right, and lie opined th.v °ach should be treated on an equitable '>asis. Mr Moore criticised lto>:naii •'atholic methods in regard to closed ••elu'ious i ouses, and thought they -h.'.u'd be open to Governmen' inspec'ion. T roughoiit hi.s address Mr Moore •i~ ■; tf'Tic.i t 0 attentivelv and at its • ■•■ 'i-'o'i 'e wis ; ccordc' ;■ vot •■ <)' t:- i •■-•.