BRITISH EDUCATION BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8113, 18 May 1906, Page 3

BRITISH EDUCATION BILL.

• STRONG STATEMENTS. THE NATION'S VOICE. GREAT MEETING OP CHURCHMEN. Received 18, 12.41 a.m. London, May 17.

The Earl of Portsmouth, speaking at Dover, said that unquestionably the two main principles m Mr Birrell's Bill was affirmed at the general elections by an unprccedently decisive expression of opinion. If the Liberals, with a majority of over twe hundred, allowed the Tory Episcopal party in the House of Lords to re mdiatu the nation's deliberately expressed voice it would stand. convicted of political sterility. If an extreme policy of uncompromising hostility still continued, the Government was prepared to accept the challenge. The certain issue of the general election, however, was fought over the Education Bill and the hostility shown would only tend to strengthen the cause of disestablishment. He added that while following the mam principles of the Bill the Government \yould approach any reasonable amendment with an open mind.

Lord Hobhouse presided at a conference of sixty Ministerialist churchmen. It was resolved that while maintaining the leading principles, to support such reasonable concessions in matters of detail as would promote the safe passage and smooth working of the Bill.

A great meeting of city churchmen [ was held to-day. Mr Balfour was the chief speaker. A motion protesting against the Bill was carried, there being only five dissentients.