“IS IT JUST?”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 28, 26 April 1927, Page 13

“IS IT JUST?”

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TAXPAYERS HIT TWICE BISHOP’S STRENUOUS PROTEST “Catholic taxpayers in New Zealand pay for the education of Catholic children in Catholic schools. They pay again for the education of Catholic children in State Schools. All that is right and proper. But they also pay every year the sum of about £200,000 for the education of children not their own in State schools. Is that just?” The foregoing remarks were made by Dr. Liston, Co-adjutor Bishop of Auckland. at the opening of St. Patrick's School on Sunday. Would anyone argue, he asked, that the injustice could not be undone? A satisfactory remedy had been found, and a proper way of having religion taught in the Christian schools of England, Scotland, Canada and the Free State of Ireland. Why not in New Zealand? He was convinced that his fellow-countrymen were by instinct just and generous, and would, when they saw the wrong, find the remedy. It remained for them to bring their case more prominently before the people and they were determined to do so.

“I speak now advisedly of what I know,” said the bishop. If the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill should be passed by Parliament, we shall agitate might and main for our legitimate claims, and shall call upon all earnest friends of religious education in the school to support us.”