STORM AT EDUCATION BOARD MEETING.

Shannon News, 22 October 1926, Page 3

STORM AT EDUCATION BOARD MEETING.

CLERGYMAN ASKED FOR APOLOGY. ' REFUSAL CAUSES UPHEAVAL. WANGANUI, Last Night. An innocent “hear, hear” by Archdeacon Creed Meredith, Vicar of Christ Church, Wanganui, precipitated an extraordinary situation at the meeting of the Wanganui Education Board to-night. The Board was discussing the Bih-le-in-schools question, and the chairman (Mr. W. A, Collins) refused, after a heated discussion, to allow a deputation, consisting of Archdeacon Meredith, and Reverend E. T. Cox, as a deputation from the Ministers’ Association, to make submissions to the Board. The 'two ministers then seated themselves in the hall, listening to the debate, and Archdeacon Meredith murmured “hear, hear,” when Mr. J. Aitken was speaking: The chairman asked who made that remark.

Rev. Meredith: I did. The chairman: It should not have been made. You must apologise. Rev. Meredith: I have done nothing for which to apologise. The chairman: You must apologise or leave the room. Rev. Meredith: I refuse.

Mr. H. Mclntyre suggested calling in the police, hut • the other members scouted the suggestion. The chairman said he would adjourn the meeting if an apology were not forthcoming. Rev. Meredith: I have a right to be present as a member of ; the general public, and merely said “hear, •hear,” with .reference to the sentiment expressed. I consider no apology is .due. The chairman: 'lf you were a Ghristion gentleman, you would apologise. ' . Mr. A. ,1. Joblin (who is a member of the Education Board): Sir, I must leave the meeting. I wont sit here and allow anyone to he insulted like that. T ... The chairman: Sit down. I will not allow you to withdraw. Mr. Joblin said he would not think of stopping. , Rev. Meredith reiterated that he had 'done nothing deserving an apology. On the contrary, he and his colleague had been subjected to the insults of the Board. He would not apologise. _ ' The chairman: Very well, I Adjourn the meeting. Several members then left their seats, but returned When Rev Meredith at the suggestion of Mr. Xitken, said he would withdraw the original ‘hear, bear,” butwould not apologise. \ . The meeting proceeded, the chairman being strongly criticised for refusing to accept an -amendment to his own motion that Bible-readmg ■in school hours be not permitted. The Chairman's motion was then put arid carried on his casting vote.. It was as follows: “That a circular be forwarded to teachers in charge of schools and to school committees 'informing them that the Board‘does not approve of Bible lessons being given in schools during school hours and this practice must at once cease, hi schools in which it is in vogue. Further, that no alteration m The recognised times 'for ,o P c ® ul S n closing school be permitted without the Board’s consent”